CHAU DOC TOUR: EXPERIENCE TRA SU CAJUPUT FOREST ONE DAY

Chau Doc attracts travelers with its serene charm, spiritual places, and vibrant culture. I will introduce you to Tra Su Cajuput Forest, which offers an immersive experience into the heart of the Mekong Delta’s natural beauty. If you’re planning a trip to this enchanting destination, here’s everything you need to know to make your journey unforgettable.

1. Overview of Tra Su Cajuput Forest

Tra Su Cajuput Forest is 30 kilometers from Chau Doc. This 850-hectare forest is a renowned nature reserve, home to hundreds of endemic flora and fauna species of the wetland region. When visiting Tra Su Cajuput Forest, you’ll discover that it is not merely a forest filled with lush green cajuput trees but an entire rich ecosystem.

Tra Su Cajuput Forest

This forest is home to over 70 species of birds, including many rare ones like the painted stork, the oriental darter, and the Asian openbill. Additionally, the forest boasts more than 140 plant species, with the cajuput tree standing out as its most iconic feature. Small meandering waterways wind through the forest, their surfaces covered with duckweed and water lilies, creating a magical and unparalleled atmosphere. 

Tra Su Cajuput Forest is a breathtaking natural painting, blanketed in the lush greenery of plants and trees, evoking a sense of tranquility, comfort, and uniqueness. Complemented by the renowned culinary flavors of the Mekong Delta, it has been chosen as the main setting for various television programs and game shows in Vietnam.

Notably, visitors can witness firsthand the actual filming locations of the movie “Đất Rừng Phương Nam” (The Southern Land). Regardless of debates surrounding the historical accuracy and visual value of the southern countryside portrayed by director Nguyễn Quang Dũng, the imagery has undeniably drawn tourists from all over to visit and explore. 

Unforgettable experience at Tra Su.

Tourists can move to the gentle rhythm of rowboats steered by local women in traditional “áo bà ba” attire, navigating through narrow paths that wind through the cajuput forest. Along the way, they can admire the expansive green stretches of duckweed floating on the water’s surface. 

Additionally, visitors can discover three uniquely designed bridges: Kiều Bridge, Tre Vạn Bước (Bamboo Thousand Steps) Bridge, and Cầu Tình Yêu (Love Bridge), each offering its own charm and distinctive architecture. 

Part of the bamboo bridge of the cajuput forest seen from above.

If you’re searching for a destination to immerse yourself in nature and escape the hustle and bustle of city life during the Lunar New Year, a trip to Tra Su Cajuput Forest is a must-consider experience. It’s not just a sightseeing journey but also a rejuvenating springtime adventure that fills you with positive energy to start a new year.

Tra Su Cajuput Forest is the green lung of the Tinh Bien biosphere system and is the most attractive tourist destination.

Address: Van Giao Commune, Tinh Bien District, An Giang Province, 30 kilometers from Chau Doc.

Opening Hours: 6:30 AM – 5:30 PM daily.

2. The ideal time to visit

To fully admire the beauty of Tra Su, plan your visit during the flooding season, from September to November each year. At this time, the forest dons a verdant emerald-green cloak, with its waters blanketed by lush duckweed, offering a poetic and romantic scene. 

Tra Su Cajuput Forest is one of the top attractions in Vietnam.

Not only vibrant during the flooding season, Tra Su Forest also showcases a distinctive charm in spring. During the Lunar New Year season, the forest becomes more lively and refreshed than ever. 

The best times of the day to explore Tra Su Cajuput Forest are early morning or sunset. Between 3:00 PM and 5:00 PM, flocks of birds and storks gather in the forest, creating a picturesque natural spectacle. 

3. Unique experience at Tra Su Cajuput Forest

3.1. Rowing a small boat to explore Tra Su Forest

One of the most unique experiences at Tra Su Cajuput Forest is riding in a small boat “xuồng ba lá”, gliding through narrow canals. The sensation of dipping your hands into the cool water, watching birds soaring in the blue sky, and enjoying the faint fragrance of cajuput is truly unforgettable.

You can also capture hundreds of photos from every angle in this picturesque setting. 

3.2. Taking a motorboat to admire the beauty of Tra Su Forest

Besides the small boat, you can opt for a motorboat to explore larger areas of the forest. From the boat, you’ll see stretches of green duckweed interspersed with flocks of pristine white birds spreading their wings. 

3.3. Checking in at the bamboo bridge through the forest – A Highlight of Tra Su

The longest bamboo bridge in Vietnam, located in Tra Su Forest, is an unmissable check-in spot. Designed to wind through the lush cajuput trees, the bamboo bridge not only offers a perfect backdrop for stunning photos but also lets you immerse yourself in the tranquility of the forest. 

Check in with the bamboo bridge with 10 km length.

3.4. Watching the Sunset from the Observation Tower – The Most Unique Experience in Tra Su

From the 25-meter-high observation tower, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the vast green forest. The sunset at Tra Su is especially captivating, as the golden light of the setting sun bathes the entire forest in a warm glow. 

4. The ticket price of Tra Su Cajuput Forest               

– General Admission: Includes access to the entire Cajuput Forest and the experience of walking on the longest bamboo bridge in Vietnam: 100,000 VND per person (4 USD). This ticket is mandatory for entry. Children under 1.3 meters tall and individuals over 70 years old are admitted for free.

– Motorboat Service: 50,000 VND per person (2 USD).

– Rowboat Service (3-4 people per boat): 50,000 VND per person (2 USD).

5. Visit souvenir counter

In Tra Su Cajuput Forest, there are 12 souvenir stalls offering local specialties such as palm sugar, cajuput flower honey, dried fish varieties, refreshing beverages, cajuput oil, woven brocade scarves, wide-brimmed hats, straw hats, and handcrafted wooden products.

6. What to eat?

Trà Sư Restaurant features two main dining areas: one along the forest’s entrance near the boat dock, and another in floating huts on the water inside the forest (adjacent to the observation tower).

At these dining spots, visitors can savor Mekong Delta specialties such as grilled snakehead fish, linh fish hotpot with sesban flowers (a seasonal dish during the flooding season), fermented fish hotpot, coconut palm heart salad, and bánh xèo (Vietnamese savory pancakes).

Cool, spacious and typical western space.

You must try grilled fish at Tra Su restaurant.

Note:

– The flooding season is also the rainy season, so visitors should bring a raincoat or umbrella to prepare for sudden showers.

– Use sunscreen, insect repellent, water, and light snacks when exploring the forest.

– Follow the rules and regulations to ensure safety while riding boats during the tour.

Admire Tra Su cajuput forest, the setting in the movie “Đất Rừng Phương Nam”.

Especially after being chosen as the setting for the recreation of a floating market in the film “The Southern Land” (Đất Rừng Phương Nam), Tra Su Cajuput Forest has become more popular than ever, attracting numerous visitors. This destination is not only a tourist hotspot but also an inspiration for many artists, writers, and photographers.

Through cinematic lenses, Tra Su is adorned with nostalgic hues, with the cajuput forest proudly “playing the role” of a bridge connecting history and the present. It transforms the literary imagery from novels into captivating cinematic scenes that leave a deep impression on audiences.