Ben Cat

Ben Cat is a town in northern Binh Duong province, about 20 km north of Thu Dau Mot. Historically it was a rubber-plantation centre during the French colonial period, and rubber cultivation still shapes the landscape — vast, orderly rows of rubber trees stretch across the surrounding countryside. In recent years Ben Cat has developed its own industrial parks, but it retains a quieter, more provincial feel than the industrial belt in southern Binh Duong.

The town is also known for Phu An Bamboo Village, a unique ecological research centre and botanical garden showcasing dozens of bamboo species from across Vietnam and Southeast Asia. The climate is tropical monsoon — hot year-round with a wet season from May to October and a dry season from November to April. The dry months are the best time to visit.

By Plane

Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) in Ho Chi Minh City is the nearest airport, approximately 45 km south. A taxi or GrabCar takes 50–70 minutes and costs 350,000–500,000 VND.

By Train

By Car / Road

Ben Cat is about 45 minutes by road from Ho Chi Minh City via National Highway 13 north through Thu Dau Mot. A direct bus from Mien Dong Bus Station in HCMC to Ben Cat takes about 1.5 hours (40,000–60,000 VND). Provincial buses and minibuses also connect Ben Cat with other Binh Duong towns. Taxis from Thu Dau Mot cost around 150,000–250,000 VND.

The town centre is compact and walkable. For exploring the surrounding rubber plantations and Phu An Bamboo Village, renting a motorbike (150,000–200,000 VND/day) is the best option. GrabBike is available but with limited coverage compared to the cities. Local xe om (motorbike taxis) can be flagged down on main roads.

• Phu An Bamboo Village — A botanical garden and research centre dedicated to bamboo, with over 200 species displayed in themed groves. Also has a museum about bamboo uses and an elevated walkway through the canopy. Entry 30,000 VND.

• Rubber Plantations — The endless rows of rubber trees are a defining Ben Cat landscape. Many plantations are open to the public, and you can watch farmers tapping latex in the early morning.

• Ben Cat Market (Cho Ben Cat) — A lively local market selling fresh produce, rubber products, and daily goods.

• Phu An Temple — A small Buddhist temple near the bamboo village with a serene pond and garden setting.

• Visit the bamboo village — A half-day spent exploring the bamboo collections, museum, and canopy walkway is the main attraction in the area.

• Morning rubber-tapping tour — Wake up early to see farmers collecting latex from rubber trees; some local guides offer informal tours.

• Cycling through plantations — The quiet roads between rubber groves are excellent for cycling.

• Picnic at Phu An — The bamboo village grounds have picnic tables and shaded areas.

• Banh mi (Vietnamese sandwich) — Ben Cat's bakeries serve excellent banh mi with local cold cuts and pickled vegetables (15,000–25,000 VND).
• Bun bo Hue (spicy beef noodle soup) — Available at several soup stalls near the market (30,000–45,000 VND).
• Goi cuon (fresh spring rolls) — Served at roadside eateries, wrapped in rice paper with shrimp, pork, herbs, and vermicelli (10,000–20,000 VND each).
• Com ga (chicken rice) — A simple, satisfying dish of shredded chicken over turmeric rice, available at food stalls in the market area (25,000–35,000 VND).

Coffee is the drink of choice. Ben Cat has several rustic outdoor cafés overlooking the rubber plantations. Tra da (iced tea) is complementary at most eateries. Fresh coconut water is sold along the main road.

• Budget: Mini-hotels along National Highway 13 (150,000–250,000 VND/night) — basic rooms for travellers passing through.
• Mid-range: Ben Cat Hotel (300,000–450,000 VND) — central location with air-conditioning and basic amenities.
• Upscale: No upscale options in Ben Cat; visitors seeking comfort stay in Thu Dau Mot.

Ben Cat Market sells rubber sandals, rubber mats, and latex pillows — authentic local products (50,000–200,000 VND). Bamboo crafts (baskets, kitchenware, decorations) are available at the Phu An Bamboo Village gift shop. Fresh tropical fruits are sold at roadside stalls.

• Thu Dau Mot (20 km south, 30 min) — Capital of Binh Duong with lacquerware villages and the provincial museum.
• Dau Tieng Lake (30 km northwest, 40 min) — Scenic reservoir ideal for a day trip and picnic.
• Phu Giao (25 km east, 35 min) — Rural district with traditional craft villages.
• Ho Chi Minh City (45 km south, 50 min) — Vietnam's largest city with endless attractions.