Tra Su Cajuput Forest - A Mekong Delta Tour

Tra Su Cajuput Forest, lying in Vietnam's An Giang Province, is a pleasing spot to take in views and an immersive experience deep into the heart of the extraordinary Mekong Delta ecosystem. Lying across 850 hectares of land, this flooded forest is known for its insanely green cajuput trees (yep it's very green indeed!) incredible bird varieties, and waterways.

If you are someone who is a ‘traveler’ rather than a ‘tourist’, then this is among the best places to visit in Vietnam while avoiding well known tourist traps of Hanoi and Nha trang!

Tra Su Cajuput Forest: Exploring

Tra Su is better explored by boat. For this, one can travel by motorized boats down the larger channels and transfer onto traditional rowing sampans for the smaller, more secluded areas. One is promised a trip, by crossing super-green duckweed carpets via a series of towering cajuput trees, toward the inner sanctum of the forest's quiet and biodiversity.

Biodiversity and Wildlife

Nature lovers will find Tra Su a paradise, with a rich web of flora and fauna. Over 140 plant species have been found in the forest, and over 70 kinds of birds, including storks, herons, and cormorants, have turned it into a homing ground. Because of its diverse plant life and host avian population living in harmony with each other, it is an ultimate point for birdwatching and ecological studies.

Best Time to Visit

Tra Su is best seen during the flooding time, during the months of September to November. The water level will rise during the flood season, and the landscape gets beautiful with floating vegetation, making it exciting to see more birds. Visits during the early morning, about 7:00-9:00 am, and late afternoon, about 5:00-6:00 pm, will make your visits spectacular, as it is the peak time for birds' movement and the sun has shone softly, casting gold on the forest.

Activities and Attractions

• Boat Cruises: Take guided cruises down the waterways to see the flora and fauna of the forest.
  

• Bamboo Bridge: Go on the "Bamboo Bridge of Ten Thousand Steps," a 10-kilometer-long structure, amidst the shades to experience forest serenity.
  

• Observation Tower: A 23 m high observation tower fitted with observation telescopes offers striking panoramic scenes of the forest and allows one to get very close to birds.
  

• Delicate Local Fare: Regional delicacies include snakehead fish dishes, roasted chicken with cajuput flower honey, and sesbania flower sour hotpot, all served in rustic thatched huts in a natural setting.

Getting There

Tra Su Cajuput Forest: is some 30 kilometers from the city of Chau Doc. It takes about 30-40 minutes to get there by car or motorbike. It takes 270 kilometers from Ho Chi Minh City to the forest. Some bus firms have trips to Chau Doc with ticket prices ranging from 180.000 VND to 300.000 VND. Google maps link for Tra Su Cajuput forest.

Traveler's Tips

• Duration: Spend at least 3 hours in the forest, taking time for cruising by boat, and visiting the observation points. 

• Clothing: Dress casually for comfort. And if it is a visit during the rainy months, do not forget to carry an insect repellent along.

• Taking Photos: It is Tra Su Cajuput Forest that is suited for photos because of various wild animals and beautiful scenes. You are gonna be instagram famous, we bet! If you have a DSLR then this is the spot to bring in all your lenses.
  

Summary

Tra Su Cajuput Forest contributes much to the beautiful landscape of the Mekong Delta and represents its ecological value. This place is considered a real contribution to Vietnam's biodiversity and culture-worth seeing for any visitor who would like to encounter the very essence of this country's nature.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. When is the best time to visit Tra Su Cajuput Forest?
   The best time is during the flooding season, starting in September and ending in November. In that case, the ideal moments will be either in the morning or later in the afternoon.

2. How do you get to Tra Su Cajuput Forest from Ho Chi Minh City?
   It is about 270 kilometers from Ho Chi Minh City. You'll take the bus up to Chau Doc City, from where you continue your journey on your car or motorbike to Tra Su Cajuput.

3. What species will I see while in the forest?
   It is home to over 70 species of birds that include storks, herons, and cormorants, among several plant species.

4. Are there guided tours around the forest?
   Well, even though almost everything has stopped operating, there are still boats for rent with guides aboard that enable you to tour the forest well.

5. Do I pay to enter Tra Su Cajuput Forest?
   Entry costs 100,000 VND per head, while other services, such as taking a boat and using a telescope, will cost an added amount. It's quite cheap for what they offer if you ask us!

6. What local dishes must I eat when I visit?
   And especially do not miss the grilled snakehead fish, cajuput flower honey roasted chicken, and sesbania flower sour hot pot. There are some vegan and vegetarian options too but they are few and you have to ask your tour guide or someone who is quite good in english as sometimes they get confused and might still serve you meat if asked for vegan food, so be careful!

Get ready for your trip to the Tra Su Cajuput Forest to experience this unknown gem in the Mekong Delta region of Vietnam. Afterall, how many people told you about it when you were planning your Vietnam tour?

Enjoy this less touristy spot of Vietnam while others are busy checking out the crowded markets of Ho chi minh!