Tra Su Melaleuca Forest Travel Guide: Explore An Giang’s Eco-Wonder in Vietnam’s Mekong Delta

A Biodiversity Haven in the Mekong Delta

Tra Su Melaleuca Forest, located in Van Giao commune, An Giang Province, is a vibrant eco-tourism gem in Vietnam’s Mekong Delta, attracting 15,000 visitors annually. Spanning 845 hectares, this submerged forest, far beyond its outdated image as a simple nature spot, offers a rich ecosystem of cajuput trees, waterways, and wildlife, recognized as part of An Giang’s UNESCO biosphere reserve. The forest’s lush greenery, 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), creates a serene setting for eco-friendly activities like boat tours, birdwatching, and culinary experiences, costing $5–$40 (125,000–1,000,000 VND). Its proximity to Chau Doc and the region’s diverse Cham, Khmer, Kinh, and Hoa communities make it a cultural and natural must-visit.

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 beauty 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 easily accessible via Provincial Road 948 from Nha Bang town. The merger of Kien Giang into An Giang Province enhances connectivity for Mekong Delta travelers.

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.

A Natural and Cultural Marvel

Tra Su Melaleuca Forest is a pristine ecosystem, home to 140 plant species, 70 bird species, 11 mammals, 25 reptiles, and 10 fish species, including rare storks and herons. Its iconic “ten thousand steps” bamboo bridge, the longest in Vietnam at over 10 km, winds through towering cajuput trees, offering stunning views. The forest, restored after Vietnam War damage, is a model for conservation, with sustainable practices like cajuput honey harvesting and eco-tourism initiatives. Boat tours on traditional “tắc ráng” canoes ($8–$20 or 200,000–500,000 VND) navigate serene waterways, while cycling paths ($2–$6/day or 50,000–150,000 VND) offer a low-carbon way to explore.

The forest’s proximity to Chau Doc (30 km) allows visitors to combine trips with cultural sites like Ba Chua Xu Temple or Chau Doc Floating Market. Local cuisine, such as grilled snakehead fish with cajuput honey ($3–$8 or 75,000–200,000 VND), enhances the experience, served in airy leaf huts amidst poetic scenery.

Cultural and Historical Significance

Tra Su is more than a natural reserve; it’s a cultural hub tied to An Giang’s Cham and Khmer communities. Its restoration, initiated post-war by the An Giang government, reflects a commitment to environmental preservation. The forest’s role in the UNESCO biosphere reserve underscores its ecological importance, supporting sustainable livelihoods through honey harvesting and craft production. Nearby Cham villages offer weaving workshops ($10–$25 or 250,000–625,000 VND), while festivals like Chol Chnam Thmay (mid-April) feature traditional music and dance, drawing 1,000+ visitors. Tra Su’s serene waterways and wildlife make it a filming location, notably for the movie Southern Forest Land.

Top Experiences at Tra Su Melaleuca Forest

Tra Su offers immersive eco-friendly activities for all travelers:

• Tắc Ráng Boat Tours: Glide through lotus-filled waterways on traditional canoes ($8–$20 or 200,000–500,000 VND), spotting birds and cajuput trees.

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

• Birdwatching: Observe over 70 bird species, including painted storks, using telescopes ($0.25 or 5,000 VND) at dawn or dusk for optimal sightings.

• Culinary Experiences: Savor Mekong Delta dishes like grilled field mice or chicken with cajuput honey ($3–$8 or 75,000–200,000 VND) in leaf huts.

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

• Nearby Attractions: Visit Ba Chua Xu Temple (30 km, free entry), Chau Doc Floating Market (30 km, $12–$25 or 300,000–625,000 VND), or Cam Mountain (40 km, $5–$15 or 125,000–375,000 VND for hiking tours).

• November–April (Dry Season, 24–32°C or 75.2–89.6°F): Ideal for cycling, walking the bamboo bridge, and clear-sky photography with moderate crowds (100–300 daily visitors). Book tours 1–2 weeks ahead.

• May–October (Rainy Season, 26–36°C or 78.8–96.8°F): Lush waterways and vibrant flora during the flood season (August–November), perfect for boat tours and birdwatching. Fewer crowds (50–200 daily visitors). Bring rain gear ($3–$6 or 75,000–150,000 VND). Last-minute bookings often available.

• Festival Seasons:

  • Floating Water Festival (Early September): Combines Tra Su visits with boat races at Bung Binh Thien, 2,000+ visitors. Book 2–4 weeks ahead.

  • Ba Chua Xu Festival (April/May): Draws 10,000+ visitors, ideal for combining with Tra Su tours. Book 2–4 weeks ahead.

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

• Timing Tip: Visit at dawn (5:30–7:00 AM) for birdwatching and cooler temperatures; afternoons for boat tours; evenings (5:00–8:00 PM) for dining.

• From Chau Doc (30 km, 45–60 minutes): Follow Tan Lo Kieu Luong Road to National Highway 91, then Provincial Road 948 from Nha Bang town to Tra Su canal. Use motorbike ($3–$7/day or 75,000–175,000 VND), Xanh SM electric taxi ($10–$15 or 250,000–375,000 VND), or electric shuttle ($5–$10 or 125,000–250,000 VND).

• From Long Xuyen City (64 km, 1.5–2 hours): Bus ($3–$8 or 75,000–200,000 VND); Xanh SM electric taxi ($20–$30 or 500,000–750,000 VND).

• From Ho Chi Minh City (280 km, 5–6 hours): Bus ($10–$20 or 250,000–500,000 VND) from Mien Tay Bus Station; Xanh SM electric taxi ($120–$180 or 3,000,000–4,500,000 VND); flight to Can Tho ($40–$80 or 1,000,000–2,000,000 VND) + bus ($5–$10 or 125,000–250,000 VND).

• From Hanoi (1,600 km, 5–6 hours): Flight to Can Tho ($80–$150 or 2,000,000–3,750,000 VND) + bus ($5–$10 or 125,000–250,000 VND); flight to Rach Gia (Kien Giang ward, $90–$160 or 2,250,000–4,000,000 VND) + taxi ($15–$25 or 375,000–625,000 VND).

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

• Eco-Friendly Note: Opt for bicycles or electric shuttles; book through Legend Travel Group for sustainable transport.

• Walking: Free, ideal for the 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 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.

• 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).

• 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 in An Giang Province is a breathtaking eco-tourism destination, offering a rich blend of biodiversity, serene waterways, and cultural experiences. From boat tours through cajuput trees to birdwatching and Cham workshops, it transcends its rustic origins to captivate nature lovers and cultural enthusiasts. Legend Travel Group’s An Giang Tours ensure a responsible, immersive adventure that supports local communities and preserves An Giang’s environment, blending eco-friendly practices with Mekong Delta’s natural wonders. Don’t miss out—browse our featured tours and book your eco-tour today to explore this Mekong Delta gem!
Ready to discover the natural splendor of Tra Su Melaleuca Forest? Reserve your eco-tour with Legend Travel Group and immerse yourself in An Giang’s An Giang Travel adventure!

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

Sources: By Tony Bùi at Legend Travel Group