Tra Su Cajuput Forest: A Jewel of the Mekong Delta Wetlands
Tra Su Cajuput Forest is a special-use forest that spans nearly 850 hectares in An Giang Province, acting as a pristine ecological gem in the Mekong Delta region. This flooded cajuput forest, or rừng tràm, showcases the unique ecosystem of the Tứ Giác Long Xuyên (Long Xuyên Quadrangle) area. The area functions crucially in water regulation and is home to a rich variety of flora and fauna, making it a key conservation site within Vietnam’s protected forest system.
The Immersive Experience: What to Expect
Visiting Tra Su involves a multi-stage boat journey that brings you deep into the heart of the wetland. This slow, deliberate journey offers a tranquil escape and unparalleled photographic opportunities.
Motorboat Cruise: Your journey starts at the main pier with a motorboat (tắc ráng). This boat takes you quickly through the main canals, allowing you to admire the towering cajuput trees that line the waterways.
Rowing Sampan Ride: The main attraction is the transition to a small, hand-rowed sampan (xuồng ba lá). Local guides gently navigate the smaller, moss-covered channels, where the water surface is often completely covered with a blanket of bright green duckweed (bèo). This quiet ride provides the most intimate view of the forest, allowing you to truly immerse yourself in the natural silence.
Bird Watching: Tra Su is an official bird sanctuary, home to over 70 species of birds and storks, including the rare Indian spot-billed duck and Anhinga (điêng điểng). Visit during the early morning (7:00 AM – 9:00 AM) or late afternoon (3:00 PM – 5:00 PM) to see the birds gather and fly.
Highlights and Activities
Vietnam’s Longest Bamboo Bridge: The forest features a remarkable bamboo walking bridge that stretches for kilometers through the forest. Walking on this bridge gives a unique perspective of the canopy and the water below, offering a great place for photos.
Observation Tower: Climb the central observation tower. This viewpoint provides a panoramic sight of the vast green expanse, allowing you to appreciate the scale and beauty of the flooded forest.
Best Time to Visit
The prime time to visit Tra Su Cajuput Forest is during the Floating Season (mùa nước nổi), which runs annually from September to November. During this period, the Mekong River’s floodwaters completely inundate the forest, creating the lush, green scenes of duckweed on the water that photographers adore.
Practical Visitor Information
Address: H3M5+WH8, Ấp Văn Trà, Văn Giáo, Tịnh Biên, An Giang 884000, Vietnam. It is located approximately 30 kilometers southwest of Châu Đốc City.
Opening Hours: The forest generally operates daily from 7:00 AM to 5:15 PM.
Ticket Prices (Approximate, Subject to Change):
Entrance Fee (Required): Approximately 100,000 VND per person.
Motorboat Service (Roundtrip): Approximately 50,000 – 60,000 VND per person.
Rowing Sampan Service (Required for the inner core): Approximately 50,000 – 70,000 VND per person.
Essential Tips: Wear comfortable, long-sleeved clothing and bring insect repellent, as this is a wetland area that is naturally home to many insects. Respect the quiet of the forest to avoid disturbing the local birdlife.
