TRA SU FOREST: AN IDYLLIC PLACE IN THE MEKONG DELTA
The Tra Su Cajuput forest is a natural wonder in the Mekong delta in Vietnam. It is one of those places where you can unplug and get into a natural meditative state just due to the presence of stunning nature.
The place seems like taken out of a fairy tale book. As you arrive and see the lotus flowers plants floating on the green water lettuce carpet over the water and hear the birds chirping, you will be transported to other dimension where the bustling streets, fast motorbikes and crowded roads of most areas of the Mekong Delta will fade away like they never existed.
From my five days trip around the Mekong the delta my favorite place was without a doubt the Tra su forest.
In this guide I am sharing with you all you need to know to make the best of your visit to this unmissable attraction in Vietnam. I will also share some photos and a short video of my visit to this magical place.
TRA SU FOREST VIDEO
Find here a short video that I recorded while I was crossing the forest on a boat. You will see the lotus flowers carpet and the cajuput trees and hear the soothing sounds of the forest.
ABOUT THE TRA SU CAJUPUT FOREST
The Tra Su Cajuput Forest is a hidden gem in Vietnam. Its serene beauty and diverse ecosystem make this forest my favorite place in the Mekong delta. The forest consists of 845 Hectares of Cajuput trees and the abundant wildlife in the area.
So… what does make this place so special? The place is a beautiful example of a mangrove ecosystem where lotus flowers and cajuput trees coexists. As your boat advances through a green carpet on the surface of the water, and in between the cajuput trees, you will also be able to spot a great diversity of birds.
One of the most attractive moments to visit the Tra Su forest is its floating season, typically from September to November. The water levels rise and the forest looks like it is floating on the surface of the water. It is a stunning show as the trees and flowers reflect on the water creating a picturesque canvas.
The forest is home to various species of birds, fishes, and plants.
The serene atmosphere and the chance to feel nature make the Tra Su forest a popular eco-tourism destination.
It is perhaps the most peaceful place I have visited in Asia.
MY EXPERIENCE VISITING THE TRA SU CAJUPUT FOREST
I visited this magical forest when I was checking all the things to do in Chau Doc while traveling Vietnam for a month. I took a taxi to reach the area as at that moment I was healing from an arm injury and taking the motorbike was not possible but if I had been I would have taken the motorbike as it is an easy and lovely ride to get there and it did not feel right that the taxi driver was telling me to hurry up when finishing my visit.
The place is so peaceful that I did not want to leave. If I had had an extra day in Chau Doc I could have come back.
First I went on a motor boat through the wider channels permeated with Lotus plants and different type of birds. The water is so densely filled with flora that seems as you are floating on a meadow.
After something like 20 minutes the boat stops. The driver tells me to walk a few meters to pick up a canoe, so that I can navigate through a narrower forest.
My rower is a woman called Vui, who very nicely offers me to take some pictures, what I am very thankful for,l as I have nobody with me to help me with the photos. She is very happy and friendly and keeps on smiling and pointing out to the different birds.
If you like wildlife photography do not forget your zoom lenses when visiting the Tra su forest as you will have plenty of opportunities here.
Photography tip: Keep your camera on and on bursting mode while spotting birds as they usually move very quick. And do not forget your zoom lenses.
The place is a paradise for nature lovers and wildlife photographers as there are plenty of opportunities to photograph the birds walking on the Lotus flowers leaves floating on the water among others. There are 140 different types of flora, around 72 different species of birds and several types of animals and reptiles
WHERE IS THE TRA SU CAJUPUT FOREST
The Tra Su forest is located around 20 Km from Chau Doc in the An Giang province in the Mekong delta. Find here a pin with the location:
HOW TO GET TO THE TRA SU FOREST
You can to the Tra Su forest from Chau Doc by bike, motorbike or taxi.
You can book a taxi from your hotel reception and the taxi will wait for you there.
However I felt quite annoyed to be rushed by my taxi driver that had agreed to wait for me for that price. I recommend better taking a tour so that your guide will take you to every corner of the forest and you will share costs and the experience with other travelers.
BEST TIME TO VISIT THE TRA CAJUPUT FOREST
The forest is stunning throughout the year, but the best time to visit depends on how you like to experience it better. The dry season, from December to April, is often recommended as the best time. During this period, the water levels are lower, making it easier to navigate the forest on boats, observe wildlife, and appreciate the overall scenery.
However, the wet season, from May to November, offers a different experience. The forest is lush and vibrant due to the higher water levels, offering a picturesque landscape. I visited the forest in August as you can see in the video I have shared above and the place looks simply breathtaking.
The only risk if you are going to Chau Doc during the rainy season is that heavy rain might hinder your visit to the place, but there are usually dry periods during the day in rainy season.
I did not experience any rain during my visit to Chau Doc in August, I was lucky.
Of course the forest looks in its splendor during the rainy season but it is much easier to explore during the dry months.
WHAT TO DO IN THE TRA SU CAJUPUT FOREST
TAKE A BOAT RIDE
While walking through the forest is possible the best way to visit the forest is by boat. You can take the boat at the entrance and with one ticket you will change three different boats to visit the whole forest area.
You can either do the boat trip on your own or share with a group.
Prices vary depending on the season or if the boat is shared. If you book a tour the boat ride will be included with the tour.
WALK THE LONGEST BAMBOO BRIDGE IN THE WORLD
This bamboo bridge, also called “Bamboo bridge of the ten thousand steps” has a length of 10 Km and it is the longest bamboo bridge in the world.
The bridge has become an attraction mostly for foreign tourists and a very relaxed way to enjoy this natural wonder.
Come with time to explore this unique bridge and enjoy the setting in the relaxed and meditative manner that the area deserves.
TRA SU BIRD SANCTUARY
The Tra Su brid sanctuary is the area where the restaurants and the watchtower are located. You can access the “Tra Su” bird sanctuary by boat or by foot. It is an approximately 7 km trek through the forest from the office where you buy the tickets, so you might consider doing that if you would like to do some exercise and have some extra opportunities for wildlife photography.
Due to its profound silence and the energy of nature the place is perfect for meditation. If you take the trek to the “Tra su” sanctuary, which I did not, but I will when I come back, you will probably have some good opportunities to sit down and meditate while your ears are being massaged by the birds melodies.
I really loved this place and I will definitely come back. If you are a nature y lover and love quiet off the beaten path places you will definitely love this place.
EAT SOME LOCAL FOOD
The central dining are in the heart of the Tra Su forest offers a delicious menu of local delicacies.
You can get the Linh fish and sesban flower hotpot, deep-fried Linh fish, tangy catfish hotpot, succulent honey-grilled chicken, and the flavorful grilled snakehead fish.
It is really a wonderful experience to savor this traditional dishes in the middle of the splendor of this magical setting and prices are very affordable. So if your schedule allows it I recommend you to eat here. I did it myself.
CLIMB THE WATCH TOWER
Although you can do bird watching just walking around, the best place to observe the birds and take some pictures is the top of the watchtower.
It is not only about the birds but you will get a privileged view of the surrounding area.
WRAP-UP
I loved the Tra Su forest and I am sure you will love it to. Be prepare to get really relaxed and savor the closeness with nature that this visit will give you.
This is was one of my favorite forests in Asia and in the entire word.
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