Tra Su Cajuput Forest

Welcome to the Mekong Delta, where endless options might capture your attention. There’s no shortage of opportunities to better understand the delta’s nature, history, and culture without breaking the bank. Let’s get started with Tra Su Cajuput Forest in An Giang Province for exploration. Hope this guide helps you immerse in this destination, plan your trip wisely, and make the most of your time and resources.

Location

Nestled in the three communes of Van Giao, Van Trung, and O Long Vi in Chau Phu District, An Giang Province, Tra Su Cajuput Forest covers around 850 hectares of lush greenery. Just 60 kilometers from Long Xuyen City and 30 kilometers from Chau Doc City, its strategic location goes the extra mile as a natural shield against environmental challenges while appealing as a tourist magnet for tourists around the world.

Whether you spend just a few hours or all day long immersing in it, you will fall in love with Tra Su Cajuput Forest. There’s so much to see and do that tourists can expect, which explains why the forest embodies the blessings of this region. As you step into the forest, you’ll feel an immediate sense of serenity. One way or another, its secrets dawn on you: pristine waterways, dancing cajuput leaves as the wind passes through, vibrant wildlife, and the purest air and gentle whispers of nature. No matter the time of year, this masterpiece of nature invites you to slow down, breathe deeply, and immerse yourself in its beauty.

History

It's hard to believe that the forest, once so wild and polluted, is incapable of nurturing crops or other types of flora. In 1983, the local government launched a pilot program to plant cajuput trees, in order to rehabilitate the land and shield the area from upstream floods. This marked the beginning of the forest's remarkable revival.

By 2003, the rapid recovery and growth of the area demonstrated its untapped potential. The government then transformed this region into a nature reserve, balancing both the conservation of flora and fauna and its development as a local tourist destination.

Currently, Tra Su Cajuput Forest is a must-visit on the bucket list of any tourist in An Giang. The story of resilience and renewal even makes the forest captivating than ever.

Tourist attractions

Rich flora and fauna ecosystem.

The rich flora and fauna of Tra Su Cajuput Forest form a vibrant, thriving ecosystem. As you step into this lush paradise, the rustling leaves and the melodies of birds and animals greet you, leaving you feeling as if you've entered another world. It’s a place where nature speaks in its most enchanting language. When the first rays of sunlight break through the clouds, touch the dew on the leaves, it's as if the forest itself awakens.

Home to over 70 species of birds and storks, many of which are listed in the "Vietnam Red Book", the forest is a haven for wildlife. You’ll also encounter 22 species of reptiles, 11 species of mammals, 23 species of aquatic animals, and more than 140 types of plants, including various medicinal herbs.

With a bit of luck, you might catch a glimpse of a flock of storks returning from their foraging adventures, a moment that will surely stay with you.

A Tourist Destination with Vietnam Records

The Tra Su Cajuput Forest Bamboo Bridge holds the prestigious title of the longest bamboo bridge in Vietnam, recognized by the Vietnam Record Organization. Spanning a total length of 10 kilometers, the bridge offers visitors a journey through emotions, each step more taking-a-breath than the last. As you venture deeper, the scenery unfolds on both sides of the bridge. It’s a truly unforgettable experience that brings you closer to nature.

Never Lacking Unique Experiences

You may wonder if it’s possible to fully explore the Tra Su Cajuput Forest in just one day, but with the Lookout Tower, you can! From this vantage point, binoculars allow you to see up to 25 kilometers away. From the unparalleled view of the forest and the lively wildlife as if you're right there.

Tra Su Cajuput Forest might well earn the nickname "Pigeon City," as it is home to more than 400 pigeons. These birds often come remarkably close to humans, their wings unfurling in graceful flight.

While you won’t be able to walk through the entire forest, various transportation methods suited to the terrain such as sampans, canoes, and motorboats. These take you across the canals and deep into the heart of the forest. The experience becomes even more unforgettable when you see locals harvesting cajuput honey firsthand.

Tra Su Cajuput Forest offers far more than you might expect. Put your experience into the indoors with local specialties like palm sugar, cajuput honey, cajuput oil, and handcrafted goods. Don’t miss out on the area's delicious dishes, such as grilled snakehead fish, henicorhynchus and sesbania sesban flower hotpot (lau ca linh bong dien dien), hotpot with fermented fish (lau mam), Vietnamese coconut blade salad (goi co hu dua), and crispy Vietnamese pancake (banh xeo), for a true taste of the region.

The best time to visit

It pays to consider what the weather will be like before planning the trip to Tra Su Cajuput Forest. The nice and warm temperatures of September to November win thousands of people over for a reason. While the days are sunny, the nights can get cool and refreshing, prepare yourself to pack the appropriate outfits.

How to get there, some important tips

Tra Su Cajuput Forest is much larger than it seems. To truly immerse yourself in the beauty of this natural wonder, it's best to dedicate a full day to exploring it. It’s recommended to stay in Chau Doc City the night before, as it's easily accessible about 30 km away by car or motorbike.

The entrance fee is between 100,000 - 150,000 VND per person (excluding boat rides, rowboats, and tour services).

Since you’ll be spending the day exploring, wear comfortable clothing suitable for sightseeing. Essential items like hats, sunglasses, sunscreen, and sports sneakers will help you make the most of your visit. It’s also a good idea to bring snacks and drinks, although they are available for purchase at the shops on-site.

These measures help preserve the delicate ecosystem of the forest. It's important to remember the purpose behind the creation of this sanctuary and approach your visit with mindfulness and respect for nature.

Conclusion

Tra Su Cajuput Forest lives up to all the hype it has received. It will soon win over your hearts and become one of your top travel destinations just like many others have experienced.