Tra Su is a cajuput forest and eco-tourism site established in 1983 as a forestation project, covering nearly 850 hectares in Van Giao commune, Tinh Bien district. This submerged forest is home to many rare species of flora and fauna. Upon visiting, you'll find yourself immersed in nature, not only drawn by the greenery but also getting close to a variety of birds and rare wildlife. Locals will use boats to take visitors deep into the cajuput forest. While sitting on the boat, you can spot birds perched on tree trunks and colorful flowers. If you wish, you can ask the boatman to stop so you can fully experience the tranquility and capture moments of nature.

From its humble beginnings, Tra Su has blossomed into a thriving sanctuary for countless species of flora and fauna, earning its reputation as one of the most captivating ecotourism sites in the region. Join me as we explore the wonders of Tra Su Cajuput Forest and bird sanctuary—a must-visit destination in An Giang for nature lovers and adventurers alike.

Things to See and Do in Tra Su Cajuput Forest

Take a Boat Ride in Tra Su Cajuput Forest

To begin your journey here, you need to rent a "tắc ráng," a boat-like vehicle, to venture deep into the forest. From the dock, you will embark on a unique journey, navigating through the canals straight into the heart of the Tra Su cajuput forest. Along the way, you will have the chance to observe locals harvesting cajuput flower honey from beehives placed in the forest. This is a rare opportunity to relax, enjoy the scenery, and experience the local way of life.

Upon reaching the cajuput forest, you will be overwhelmed by the vibrant, lush green scenery. As you travel along the path into the forest, you will feel like you are wandering into a maze with pathways lined by towering cajuput trees, casting refreshing green shadows. 

In the core of the cajuput forest, as you sit on a small boat gently drifting along the water, passing under the cajuput branches that hang down at head height, you can see a layer of green duckweed covering the water's surface, dotted with yellow sesbania flowers.

Tra Su Bird Sanctuary

Admiring the birds living in their natural habitat at Tra Su Cajuput Forest is a wonderful experience. Upon reaching the core of the forest, visitors will witness a variety of rare bird species residing among the trees and canals. The fresh air, filled with the sounds of birds singing everywhere, creates a peaceful world away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

If you want a closer look at the birds in Tra Su Bird Sanctuary, you can visit the observation tower and use the telescopes available. With a range of up to 25 kilometers, you can view the entire cajuput forest, watching the birds flying or nesting in the treetops.

Cross the Longest Bamboo Bridge in Vietnam

Winding through the tranquil forest is the “Bamboo Bridge of Ten Thousand Steps,” stretching 10 kilometers, which has become an attractive highlight of Tra Su Cajuput Forest. The bridge is also the longest bamboo bridge in Vietnam. Walking leisurely on this beautiful bamboo bridge, you will experience a sense of immersion in nature, where time seems to stand still. 

Free from dust, noise, and concrete, Tra Su Cajuput Forest is an ideal destination for slowing down. The bamboo bridge is divided into five zones, each featuring a resting hut. As you venture deeper, the scenery on both sides of the bridge becomes increasingly beautiful. The bridge leads to the motorboat dock, where visitors can embark or disembark.

Get a Panoramic View from the Watch Tower

After finishing your boat tour exploring the forest, be sure to visit the observation tower, which is equipped with a telescope offering a 25-kilometer view so you can admire the vast expanse of the cajuput forest and get a closer look at the birds. From here, you can even see the villages where the Khmer community lives.

The observation tower, standing 23 meters high, is divided into three floors, each with a balcony for easy sightseeing. The first floor houses a ticket booth and a small café, the second floor displays information about Tra Su Cajuput Forest, and the third floor offers panoramic views for visitors.

Enjoy Local Specialties

An Giang is renowned for its diverse specialties. You can enjoy delicious meals in spacious, airy thatched huts amidst the forest, including hot pots, grilled fish, grilled eel, grilled frog, and two famous local specialties: grilled snakehead fish and cajuput flower honey roasted chicken. 

Particularly, if you visit Tra Su Cajuput Forest during the flooding season, don’t miss out on sesbania flowers sour hotpot. If you want to buy gifts for your loved ones, you can visit the villages around the forest to purchase honey and cajuput oil, Tra Su specialties.

Ticket Prices for Visiting Tra Su Cajuput Forest

Entrance fee: 100,000 VND/person.

Boat ride into the cajuput forest: 50,000 VND/person.

Observing with a telescope: 50,000 VND/person.

Best Time to Visit Tra Su Cajuput Forest

The best time to visit Tra Su Cajuput Forest is during the flooding season, from September to November. You should visit Tra Su Cajuput Forest in the morning from 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM or at sunset from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM. These are the times when you can see flocks of birds returning to their nests and the vibrant colors below the water’s surface.

How to Get to Tra Su Cajuput Forest

Tra Su Cajuput Forest is not too far from Ho Chi Minh City, just 270 kilometers away, making it convenient for travel. To reach the forest, visitors departing from Saigon have two popular options: traveling by personal vehicle or by bus. Tra Su Cajuput Forest is about 30 kilometers from Chau Doc city, with a travel time of 30 to 40 minutes by car or motorbike.

Currently, there are many bus operators running the Saigon-Chau Doc route, with ticket prices ranging from 180,000 VND to 300,000 VND. For convenient travel, visitors should stay overnight in Chau Doc city, depart for the cajuput forest in the morning, and stay until the afternoon.

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