To think of Chau Doc is to think of a river landscape teeming with life and at the heart of this picture, the Tra Su cajeput forest. To explore Tra Su is to immerse yourself in the most beautiful flooded forest in Vietnam, where luxuriant greenery rubs shoulders with exceptionally rich flora and fauna. Each rainy season is an invitation to discover an aquatic world where man blends into the landscape.
This comprehensive guide reveals all the secrets of the Tra Su forest in Chau Doc, An Giang province how to get there, what to do and everything you need to know for a successful visit.
Tra Su Biodiversity Sanctuary
The result of an ambitious reforestation project launched in 1983, the Tra Su cajepu forest covers 845 hectares in the Tinh Bien district. What was once a degraded marshland has become a flourishing ecosystem, just 20 km from Chau Doc. Tra Su plays a vital role in regulating the climate and preserving the region’s biodiversity.
This haven of greenery is home to a multitude of rare plant and animal species. It is home to 70 species of birds, two of which are on Vietnam’s Red List of Threatened Species: the mycteria leucocephal and the anhinga melanogaster. The ecosystem is teeming with life, with 22 species of reptiles, 11 species of mammals and 23 species of fish, including two types of pangasius of great scientific importance that are critically endangered. In addition to its wealth of wildlife, Tra Su forest is a veritable botanical garden, home to 140 plant species, including almost 80 species with medicinal properties.
Things to do in Tra Su cajeput forest
1. Scenic boat trip
Leave the landing stage to your heart’s content: the purr of an engine for a dynamic escapade, or the lapping of a boat for a serene stroll. The winding canals are full of surprises. Observe the teeming life that enlivens this unique ecosystem, with exotic birds, multicoloured fish and dense vegetation. You’ll marvel at the vast expanses of duckweed, the endless forests of cajepu trees and the lotus flowers that bloom on the water’s surface. You may also be lucky enough to witness a honey harvest, a richly flavoured local tradition.
For a more authentic experience, opt for a traditional boat trip and let your boatman guide you through more than two kilometres of meandering swamp forest. Away from the noise of the engines, glide serenely along the narrow canals, under the branches of the cajepu trees that almost brush against your head. On a sunny day, Tra Su reveals all its beauty: the sunlight illuminates the vegetation, creating a vivid tableau of shimmering colours.
2. Panoramic view of the Tra Su forest and surrounding area
After the riverside walk to the heart of the forest, a short walk of around 500 metres will take you to the restaurant area and the observation tower. This 5-storey tower is around 23 metres high. Using binoculars with a range of 25 km, visitors can admire the forest as a whole and the surrounding area. In the distance, you can see a Khmer village and Mount Sam on the horizon.
3. Walk across a unique bamboo bridge
Escape on the longest bamboo bridge in Vietnam! Stroll at your own pace on this unique 10 km bridge that winds through the Tra Su cajeput forest. Enjoy a moment of relaxation in the middle of nature, lulled by birdsong. Contemplative kiosks invite you to take in the sights, while piers offer a variety of activities. Picturesque footbridges, an orchid and jasmine garden and breathtaking vantage points provide plenty of opportunities for unforgettable photos.
There’s no shortage of activities for visitors to enjoy in Tra Su, from strolling on a boat, to exploring the trails on foot, to cycling through the heart of nature. However, as is the case throughout the Mekong Delta, it is by navigating the canals that you can fully appreciate the magic of the aquatic labyrinth.
4. Enjoy the culinary delights of Chau Doc
As well as the enchanting walk through the heart of the Tra Su cajeput forest, this excursion is an ideal opportunity for the most discerning palates to discover the authentic flavours of Chau Doc city and An Giang province. Succulent grilled catfish, Vietnamese fondue with catfish and sesban flowers (a speciality of the rainy season), Vietnamese crepes, rice cakes with palm sap and, of course, fresh palm sap, a refreshingly sweet drink, are just some of the typical Chau Doc dishes to try without hesitation. You’ll also find a host of palm sap-based pastries to satisfy all your sweet cravings.
Best time to visit Tra Su
The ideal time to discover the secrets of Tra Su is undoubtedly during the rainy season, from September to November. This is when the forest puts on its most beautiful coat of green, an explosion of life that seems to concentrate all the beauty of nature in one place. A living tableau in which every element contributes to perfect harmony. Rainy weather usually makes this river paradise even more beautiful, with its water lilies and golden sesban flowers. Remember to take a mackintosh or umbrella with you on a trip to Tra Su and Chau Doc during this season.
Nature lovers will not want to miss the opportunity to watch the incredible aerial ballets that occur at first light or at dusk. Between 3pm and 6pm, the birds gather! From the heights of the observation tower, you’ll have an unbeatable view of the flocks of birds returning to their nests.
How do you get there?
From Ho Chi Minh City or Can Tho, it’s easy to catch a bus to Long Xuyen or Chau Doc, two towns in An Giang province, and then set off to discover the Tra Su cajeput forest.
● Departure from Ho Chi Minh City: Numerous buses leave daily from the Mien Tay bus station in the direction of Chau Doc (250 km, approximately 5h30 to 6h drive).
● Departure from Can Tho: Around 4 buses run daily from Can Tho to Long Xuyen or Chau Doc Chau Doc (117 km, approx. 3h drive).
Once in An Giang, you can hire a motorbike, taxi or private car with driver to continue your journey to the Tra Su forest (about 30 km from Chau Doc and 64 km from Long Xuyen).
Our notes
- The ticket: VND100,000 or USD4/person. An entrance ticket gives access to the entire Tra Su forest and includes a visit to the longest bamboo bridge in Vietnam. Free for children under 1m
- Immerse yourself in the wild beauty of the Tra Su forest by spending a whole day there. Taste the authentic flavours of Chau Doc and the Mekong Delta over a typical lunch.
- If you feel like it, continue your exploration by discovering the cultural treasures of Chau Doc: the floating fishing village, the Cham communities and the sacred temples perched on Mount Sam. For a peaceful stay, choose accommodation in Chau Doc and set off to conquer the Tra Su forest at your own pace.
Tra Su forest tours, Chau Doc
Tra Su Forest is an absolutely recommended stop to embellish a few days’ adventure in the Mekong Delta. Our travellers are unanimous: Tra Su is a must for those wishing to discover the best of this exciting region. Ready to be tempted? Come and explore the riches on the banks of the Mekong with us by taking a look at these tours designed just for you.
