Tra Su Melaleuca Forest Best Time to Visit Guide: Plan Your Eco-Adventure in An Giang’s Mekong Delta

A Biodiversity Gem Near Chau Doc

Tra Su Melaleuca Forest, located in Van Giao commune, An Giang Province, is a premier eco-tourism destination in Vietnam’s Mekong Delta, attracting 15,000 visitors annually. Spanning 845 hectares, this submerged forest, part of An Giang’s UNESCO-recognized biosphere reserve, transcends its outdated image as a seasonal attraction. With 140 plant species, 70 bird species, 11 mammals, 25 reptiles, and 10 fish species, it offers a rich ecosystem enhanced by the tropical monsoon climate (dry season: November–April, 24–32°C or 75.2–89.6°F; rainy season: May–October, 26–36°C or 78.8–96.8°F). Eco-friendly activities like boat tours, birdwatching, and cultural workshops ($5–$40 or 125,000–1,000,000 VND) make it a must-visit, especially with its proximity to Chau Doc’s cultural sites and diverse Cham, Khmer, Kinh, and Hoa communities.

Legend Travel Group, a sustainable tourism leader since 2008, offers eco-friendly tours to Tra Su, using electric boats and bicycles to immerse travelers in its natural splendor while preserving the environment. Contact us at WhatsApp: +84825862222 or email: sales@legendtravelgroup.com to book your journey.

Administrative Note

Use “Tra Su Melaleuca Forest, An Giang Province” for navigation. Located 30 km from Chau Doc and 64 km from Long Xuyen City, An Giang’s administrative center, the forest is accessible via Provincial Road 948 from Nha Bang town, enhanced by the merger of Kien Giang into An Giang Province.

With 17 years of expertise, Legend Travel Group serves 20,000 travelers annually across Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, and Myanmar, prioritizing sustainable tourism. Our Tra Su tours feature eco-friendly transport, English-speaking guides with deep local knowledge, and partnerships with local communities to preserve the forest’s ecosystem. Enjoy transparent pricing, free cancellations up to 48 hours prior, and 24/7 support. Book through this guide for a responsible, immersive experience that supports An Giang’s green tourism vision.

Tra Su’s appeal varies by season, with each offering unique experiences shaped by An Giang’s tropical monsoon climate. Here’s how to choose the best time for your visit:

May–October (Rainy Season, 26–36°C or 78.8–96.8°F)

• Why Visit: The rainy season, especially the flood period (August–November), is Tra Su’s most vibrant time, with swollen waterways, lush greenery, and a carpet of water lilies and duckweed. This season, peaking in September–October, showcases the forest’s full biodiversity, with active birdlife and aquatic species. Fewer crowds (50–200 daily visitors) create a serene experience, ideal for boat tours and photography.

• Highlights:

  • Flood Season Beauty: Navigate lotus-filled canals on “tắc ráng” canoes ($8–$20 or 200,000–500,000 VND), witnessing fish, shrimp, and birds like painted storks thriving in flooded waters.

  • Birdwatching: Dawn (5:30–7:00 AM) or dusk (4:00–6:00 PM) offers prime sightings of 70+ bird species using telescopes ($0.25 or 5,000 VND).

  • Floating Water Festival (Early September): Pair your visit with boat races and Cham performances at Bung Binh Thien (35 km away), drawing 2,000+ visitors.

• Booking Tip: Book tours 24–48 hours ahead; last-minute availability is common. Bring rain gear ($3–$6 or 75,000–150,000 VND) for occasional showers.

• Crowd Level: Low, with spikes during the Floating Water Festival.

November–April (Dry Season, 24–32°C or 75.2–89.6°F)

• Why Visit: Clear skies and comfortable temperatures make this ideal for cycling, walking the bamboo bridge, and exploring nearby attractions like Chau Doc Floating Market. Moderate crowds (100–300 daily visitors) ensure a relaxed visit, with stable weather perfect for photography and outdoor activities.

• Highlights:

  • Bamboo Bridge Exploration: Walk or cycle the 10-km Guinness-record bridge ($2–$6/day or 50,000–150,000 VND for bike rental), offering panoramic views of cajuput trees.

  • Cultural Festivals: Combine with the Ba Chua Xu Festival (April/May, 10,000+ visitors) or Chol Chnam Thmay (mid-April, 1,000+ visitors) for cultural immersion.

  • Dry Season Clarity: Enjoy clear views from the 14-meter watchtower, spotting storks and herons.

• Booking Tip: Reserve tours 1–2 weeks ahead, especially during festivals.

• Crowd Level: Moderate, busier during weekends and festivals.

Festival Seasons

• Floating Water Festival (Early September): Held at Bung Binh Thien, this vibrant event features boat races and Cham performances, ideal for pairing with Tra Su’s flood-season beauty. Book 2–4 weeks ahead.

• Ba Chua Xu Festival (April/May, 23rd–27th Lunar Month): A UNESCO-recognized event at Sam Mountain, 30 km away, drawing 10,000+ visitors. Book 2–4 weeks ahead.

• Chol Chnam Thmay (Mid-April): Cham New Year with cultural performances, 1,000+ visitors. Book 1–2 weeks ahead.

• Timing Tip: Visit early mornings (5:30–7:00 AM) for birdwatching and cooler weather; afternoons for boat tours; evenings (5:00–8:00 PM) for dining and cultural events.

Rainy Season (May–October)

• Tắc Ráng Canoe Tours: Glide through flooded waterways on traditional canoes ($8–$20 or 200,000–500,000 VND), surrounded by water lilies and duckweed, spotting fish and shrimp.

• Birdwatching: Observe rare species like oriental darters at dawn or dusk using telescopes ($0.25 or 5,000 VND), with vibrant bird activity during floods.

• Nature Photography: Capture the forest’s green carpet of duckweed and blooming lotuses, best in September–October.

• Culinary Delights: Enjoy grilled snakehead fish or chicken with cajuput honey ($3–$8 or 75,000–200,000 VND) in airy leaf huts, enhanced by flood-season freshness.

Dry Season (November–April)

• Bamboo Bridge Walk: Explore the 10-km Guinness-record bamboo bridge (free with $4 or 100,000 VND entrance ticket), offering clear views of cajuput trees.

• Cycling Tours: Ride eco-friendly bicycles ($2–$6/day or 50,000–150,000 VND) through forest trails, ideal for dry, stable weather.

• Cultural Workshops: Join Cham weaving or cooking classes in nearby villages ($10–$25 or 250,000–625,000 VND), supporting artisans.

• Watchtower Views: Climb the 14-meter tower for panoramic vistas, perfect under clear skies.

Nearby Attractions

• Ba Chua Xu Temple (30 km, free entry): A spiritual hub with vibrant festivals.

• Chau Doc Floating Market (30 km, $12–$25 or 300,000–625,000 VND): A bustling river market, best in the flood season.

• Cam Mountain (40 km, $5–$15 or 125,000–375,000 VND): Trek An Giang’s highest peak for scenic views.

From Chau Doc (30 km, 45–60 minutes)

• Route: From Chau Doc city center, follow Tan Lo Kieu Luong Road to National Highway 91. At Nha Bang town, turn left onto Provincial Road 948, then proceed 3 km along Tra Su Canal to the forest entrance.

• Transport Options:

  • Motorbike: $3–$7/day (75,000–175,000 VND), ideal for flexibility.

  • Xanh SM Electric Taxi: $10–$15 (250,000–375,000 VND), eco-friendly and comfortable.

  • Electric Shuttle: $5–$10 (125,000–250,000 VND), sustainable group option.

  • Bicycle: $2–$6/day (50,000–150,000 VND), scenic and low-carbon.

• Navigation Tip: Save “Tra Su Melaleuca Forest, An Giang Province” in offline maps (Maps.me). Parking: $0.50–$1 (12,500–25,000 VND).

From Long Xuyen City (64 km, 1.5–2 hours)

• Route: From Long Xuyen city center, take National Highway 91 to Chau Doc, then follow Provincial Road 948 from Nha Bang town to Tra Su Canal.

• Transport Options:

  • Bus: $3–$8 (75,000–200,000 VND) to Nha Bang, then taxi or motorbike to Tra Su.

  • Xanh SM Electric Taxi: $20–$30 (500,000–750,000 VND), direct and eco-friendly.

  • Motorbike: $3–$7/day (75,000–175,000 VND), scenic and flexible.

• Navigation Tip: Use offline maps for “Tra Su Melaleuca Forest, An Giang Province.” Parking: $0.50–$1 (12,500–25,000 VND).

From Ho Chi Minh City (280 km, 5–6 hours)

• Route: Travel to Chau Doc via National Highway 1A, then follow the Chau Doc route.

• Transport Options:

  • Bus: $10–$20 (250,000–500,000 VND) from Mien Tay Bus Station to Chau Doc, then taxi or motorbike to Tra Su (e.g., Phuong Trang, Hung Cuong).

  • Xanh SM Electric Taxi: $120–$180 (3,000,000–4,500,000 VND), direct and eco-friendly.

  • Flight + Bus: Fly to Can Tho ($40–$80 or 1,000,000–2,000,000 VND) + bus to Chau Doc ($5–$10 or 125,000–250,000 VND), then taxi or motorbike.

• Navigation Tip: Save “Chau Doc, An Giang Province” and “Tra Su Melaleuca Forest” in offline maps.

From Hanoi (1,600 km, 5–6 hours)

• Route: Fly to Can Tho or Rach Gia, then travel to Chau Doc and follow the route above.

• Transport Options:

  • Flight + Bus: Fly to Can Tho ($80–$150 or 2,000,000–3,750,000 VND) + bus to Chau Doc ($5–$10 or 125,000–250,000 VND), then taxi or motorbike.

  • Flight + Taxi: Fly to Rach Gia (Kien Giang ward, $90–$160 or 2,250,000–4,000,000 VND) + Xanh SM electric taxi to Tra Su ($15–$25 or 375,000–625,000 VND).

• Navigation Tip: Use offline maps for “Tra Su Melaleuca Forest, An Giang Province.”

Eco-Friendly Note

Opt for bicycles or electric shuttles to minimize environmental impact; book through Legend Travel Group for sustainable transport arrangements.

• Walking: Free, ideal for the 10-km bamboo bridge and nearby paths (1–2 km radius).

• Bicycle Rental: $2–$6/day (50,000–150,000 VND), perfect for forest trails.

• Tắc Ráng Canoe: $8–$20 (200,000–500,000 VND) for 1–2 hour waterway tours.

• Eco-Friendly Note: Prioritize bicycles or canoes; book through Legend Travel Group.

• Tip: Confirm fares upfront; rent bikes at Tra Su’s entrance.

Pack these essentials for a sustainable trip:

• Clothing: Lightweight attire, sturdy sandals, hat; waterproof poncho ($3–$6 or 75,000–150,000 VND) for rainy season; long sleeves for sun protection. Avoid high heels.

• Gear: Reusable water bottle ($0.80 or 20,000 VND), reusable tote ($1–$3 or 25,000–75,000 VND), biodegradable wipes.

• Essentials: Compact umbrella ($3–$6), hand sanitizer, mosquito repellent ($0.80 or 20,000 VND), sunscreen ($2–$5 or 50,000–125,000 VND), binoculars for birdwatching ($5–$10 or 125,000–250,000 VND).

• Tech: Smartphone with Vietmap/Maps.me, portable charger; Vietnamese SIM card ($6–$12 or 150,000–300,000 VND).

• Documents: Passport copy, travel insurance, VND (10,000–50,000 notes).

Activity Costs

• Entrance Ticket: $4 (100,000 VND).

• Tắc Ráng Canoe: $8–$20 (200,000–500,000 VND).

• Bicycle Rental: $2–$6/day (50,000–150,000 VND).

• Telescope Observation: $0.25 (5,000 VND).

• Culinary Experiences/Workshops: $6–$25 (150,000–625,000 VND).

• Nearby Attractions: $2–$25 (50,000–625,000 VND).

Transport Costs (Local)

• Bicycle Rental: $2–$6/day (50,000–150,000 VND).

• Motorbike Rental: $3–$7/day (75,000–175,000 VND).

• Electric Shuttle: $5–$10 (125,000–250,000 VND).

• Xanh SM Electric Taxi: $0.50–$1/km (12,500–25,000 VND).

Accommodation Costs

• Budget Homestays (e.g., Tra Su Eco Homestay): $12–$25/night (300,000–625,000 VND).

• Mid-Range Hotels (e.g., Chau Doc Riverside Hotel): $30–$50/night (750,000–1,250,000 VND).

• Luxury Hotels (e.g., Victoria Chau Doc Hotel): $60–$100/night (1,500,000–2,500,000 VND).

Total Daily Cost (Per Person)

• Budget: $15–$30 (self-guided exploration, local snacks).

• Mid-Range: $40–$60 (guided boat tour, homestay dining).

• Luxury: $80–$120 (premium tours, upscale lodging).

• Timing: Visit at dawn (5:30–7:00 AM) for birdwatching; afternoons for boat tours; evenings (5:00–8:00 PM) for dining. Expect 50–300 visitors daily, peaking during festivals.

• Booking: Reserve Legend Travel Group’s tours 24–48 hours ahead; book festival tours (September, April) 1–4 weeks ahead. Homestays require 1–2 days’ notice.

• Sustainability: Use reusable items; support artisans with purchases like cajuput honey ($3–$8 or 75,000–200,000 VND). Choose eco-friendly transport like bicycles or canoes.

• Navigation: Save “Tra Su Melaleuca Forest, An Giang Province” in offline maps; key sites are within 30–64 km.

• Safety: Secure valuables; wear life jackets on boats. Avoid loud noises to protect wildlife. Check for typhoons (June–December).

• Cultural Respect: Greet with “xin chào”; respect local customs by dressing modestly and avoiding disruption during boat tours.

Discover Tra Su with our eco-friendly tour packages:

• Tra Su Melaleuca Forest Adventure ($90–$130/person, 1 day): Enjoy a tắc ráng boat tour, birdwatching, and local cuisine. Includes guide, eco-transport, meals.

• An Giang Eco-Immersion ($170–$230/person, 2 days): Explore Tra Su, Chau Doc Floating Market, and eco-homestays. Includes meals, guide, eco-transport.

• Mekong Delta Eco-Explorer ($420–$580/person, 4 days): Visit Tra Su, Ba Chua Xu Temple, and Cam Mountain with boat and bike tours. Includes meals, eco-transport.

• Prices include guides, eco-transport, fees. 15% off for groups of 8+! Book now for an unforgettable journey.

Tra Su Melaleuca Forest, a 845-hectare eco-tourism destination in Tinh Bien Ward, An Giang Province, 190 km from Ho Chi Minh City, enchants with vibrant waterways and rich biodiversity, home to 140 bird species and 22 reptile species, drawing thousands yearly. Best experienced during the rainy season’s flood period (May–October, 24–30°C) for lush lotus-filled boat tours ($3–$6, 75,000–150,000 VND) or the dry season’s clear skies (November–April, 25–32°C) for birdwatching, this nature lover’s paradise near Chau Doc offers cultural festivals like the Ba Chua Xu Festival (April). Supported by sustainable practices such as eco-friendly boats and community-led conservation, Legend Travel Group’s An Giang Tours ensure a responsible, immersive An Giang Travel experience, blending forest exploration with visits to Chau Doc Floating Market and culinary delights like Bun Ca Chau Doc ($1.50–$3, 37,500–75,000 VND). Contact Legend Travel Group at www.legendtravelgroup.com, info@legendtravelgroup.com, or (+84) 825862222 to browse our featured tours and book your eco-friendly adventure today!
Ready to explore the vibrant beauty of Tra Su Melaleuca Forest? Reserve your sustainable tour with Legend Travel Group and embark on an unforgettable Mekong Delta adventure!

Author Bio: Written by Tony Bùi, with over 20 years of experience in the travel industry, guiding 100,000+ travellers across Southeast Asia. This guide draws from firsthand insights, guest feedback from Legend Travel Group surveys.

Sources:

• Tra Su Melaleuca Forest Information: vietnam.travel, vietnamtourism.org.vn, fme.travel, vietnamamazingtours.com, scootersaigontour.com, angiang.gov.vn, mekongecotravel.com