Tra Su Melaleuca Forest Travel Guide: How to Reach An Giang’s Eco-Gem from Chau Doc

A Biodiversity Oasis in the Mekong Delta

Tra Su Melaleuca Forest, nestled in Van Giao commune, An Giang Province, is a pristine 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reserve, offers a rich ecosystem of cajuput trees, lotus-filled waterways, and diverse wildlife, far surpassing its outdated image as a simple nature spot. 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) enhances its lush scenery, making it ideal for eco-friendly boat tours, birdwatching, and cultural experiences costing $5–$40 (125,000–1,000,000 VND). Its proximity to Chau Doc and the region’s Cham, Khmer, Kinh, and Hoa communities add cultural depth.

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, following Vietnam’s two-level administrative system update.

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.

From Chau Doc (30 km, 45–60 minutes)

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

• Transport Options:

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

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

  • Electric Shuttle: $5–$10 (125,000–250,000 VND), offered by local operators for sustainable travel.

  • Bicycle: $2–$6/day (50,000–150,000 VND), perfect for scenic, low-carbon travel along flat roads.

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

• Eco-Friendly Note: Opt for bicycles or electric shuttles for minimal environmental impact; book through Legend Travel Group for seamless arrangements.

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

• Route: From Long Xuyen city center, take National Highway 91 toward Chau Doc. At Nha Bang town, turn left onto Provincial Road 948, then follow Tra Su Canal for 3 km to the forest entrance.

• Transport Options:

  • Bus: $3–$8 (75,000–200,000 VND) from Long Xuyen Bus Station to Nha Bang, then a short taxi or motorbike ride to Tra Su.

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

  • Motorbike: $3–$7/day (75,000–175,000 VND), offering flexibility for the scenic route.

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

• Eco-Friendly Note: Choose electric taxis or buses; book through Legend Travel Group for sustainable transport options.

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 above.

• Transport Options:

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

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

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

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

• Eco-Friendly Note: Combine flights with electric taxis or buses for sustainability.

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 to Tra Su.

  • 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 flights paired with electric taxis; book through Legend Travel Group for coordinated transport.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

• Culinary Experiences: Savor grilled snakehead fish or chicken with cajuput honey ($3–$8 or 75,000–200,000 VND) in leaf huts.

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

• 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).

• November–April (Dry Season, 24–32°C or 75.2–89.6°F): Ideal for cycling, walking, and photography with clear skies and 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. 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): Pair with Tra Su visits for boat races at Bung Binh Thien, 2,000+ visitors. Book 2–4 weeks ahead.

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

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

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

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, easily accessible from Chau Doc and Long Xuyen, offering a rich blend of biodiversity and cultural experiences. Its lush waterways, iconic bamboo bridge, and vibrant wildlife make it a must-visit in the Mekong Delta. 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 sustainable An Giang Travel. Book your tour today to explore this natural wonder!
Ready to journey to Tra Su Melaleuca Forest? Reserve your eco-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: By Tony Bùi at Legend Travel Group