The Mekong Delta’s flood season, especially in An Giang, always possesses an irresistible allure. As the Mekong River’s waters surge, the entire region seems to don a new coat, vibrant with life and brimming with unique experiences. Amidst this natural scenery, the Tra Su cajuput forest emerges like a jade gem, sparkling amidst the immense water, promising a journey to discover unspoiled beauty and feel the wonderful harmony between humans and nature.
Tra Su Cajuput Forest in Flood Season: A Moment of Natural Wonder
Tra Su cajuput forest, spanning nearly 850 hectares, is one of the largest mangrove forests in Vietnam, nestled deep within the Bay Nui area of An Giang. Every flood season (roughly from September to November in the lunar calendar), this place becomes an unmissable destination for those who love wild natural beauty and seek unique ecotourism experiences.
Stepping into the cajuput forest during the flood season, you’ll be amazed by a completely different world. The water surface is covered by a lush green layer of water hyacinth, creating a giant carpet of vegetation, weaving between the towering cajuput trees. The silence is broken only by the sound of paddles stroking the water, birds singing melodiously, and the wind rustling through the leaves. All blend together to create a peaceful symphony of nature, washing away all the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
To fully explore the beauty of Tra Su cajuput forest during the flood season, visitors cannot miss the experience of riding a composite boat or motorboat deeper into the forest. Sitting on the boat, slowly gliding on the blue water, you will admire up close the diverse and rich ecosystem of the cajuput forest. On both banks, rows of green cajuput trees reflect in the water, flocks of white storks and herons flutter their wings, water lilies and sesbania sesban flowers show off their bright colors… All create a vivid watercolor painting, colorful and captivating.
Majestic view of Ba Chua Xu Temple on Sam Mountain in Chau Doc, a must-visit spiritual destination in An Giang, Vietnam
Not only does it have stunning natural scenery, Tra Su cajuput forest is also home to hundreds of rare species of flora and fauna. According to statistics, there are more than 70 species of birds, storks, herons…, many of which are listed in the Vietnam Red Book. The flood season is also the breeding season for birds, so if you are lucky, you can witness firsthand flocks of young birds learning to fly, or nests built on tall cajuput branches.
In addition, Tra Su cajuput forest is also home to many species of fish, shrimp, frogs, and toads…, creating an extremely diverse flooded ecosystem. Visitors can participate in activities such as recreational fishing, or enjoy local specialties made from fresh products of the cajuput forest.
Chau Doc: Spiritual Pilgrimage and Cultural Exploration
The journey to explore Tra Su cajuput forest during the flood season will be even more complete when you combine it with a visit to Chau Doc, a border city imbued with cultural and spiritual imprints. Chau Doc is famous for Ba Chua Xu Temple on Sam Mountain, one of the most sacred temples in the Mekong Delta, attracting millions of pilgrims each year.
The solemn Thoai Ngoc Hau Tomb, a historical site marking the contribution to the reclamation of An Giang land, Vietnam
Coming to Ba Chua Xu Temple, visitors not only have the opportunity to pray for peace and fortune but also admire the unique architecture of the temple and learn about the mysterious stories surrounding it. Besides Ba Chua Xu Temple, Chau Doc also has Tay An Pagoda, an ancient pagoda with architecture blending Vietnamese, Chinese, and Indian styles, and Thoai Ngoc Hau Tomb, the resting place of the talented general who contributed to opening up An Giang land.
Chau Doc is not only attractive for its spiritual and historical destinations but also for its rich and diverse cuisine. When you come here, you cannot miss the opportunity to enjoy specialties such as Chau Doc fish noodle soup, fermented fish hotpot, jaggery cake, Thai fermented fish sauce… and especially the famous Chau Doc fermented fish sauces, prepared according to traditional recipes, bearing the characteristic flavor of the border region.
Can Tho: The Capital of the Mekong Delta
From Chau Doc, visitors can easily move to Can Tho, the capital of the Mekong Delta, a dynamic and modern city that still retains the charm of the river region. Can Tho is famous for Cai Rang Floating Market, one of the largest floating markets in the Mekong Delta, where you can experience a unique form of trading on the water and explore the unique culture of the Mekong Delta people.
Bustling Cai Rang Floating Market, a unique water culture symbol of Can Tho and the Mekong Delta, Vietnam
Cai Rang Floating Market usually opens early in the morning, when the dawn is just breaking. Hundreds of boats of all sizes are crowded, docked, selling all kinds of goods, from fruits, vegetables, to clothes, household goods and even delicious breakfast dishes. Visitors can rent a boat to visit the floating market, enjoy breakfast on the river and buy unique souvenirs.
Besides Cai Rang Floating Market, Can Tho also has My Khanh Tourist Village, an attractive destination with green, peaceful space and many fun and entertaining activities. Coming to My Khanh Tourist Village, you can visit ancient Southern houses, explore traditional craft villages, enjoy orchard fruits and participate in folk games such as monkey bridge walking, pig racing, and fishing…
Lush greenery of Tra Su cajuput forest during the flood season, where visitors can experience boating and immerse themselves in nature, An Giang, Vietnam
In the evening in Can Tho, visitors can stroll along Ninh Kieu Wharf, admire Can Tho Bridge sparkling at night, enjoy street food at Ninh Kieu night market and feel the vibrant rhythm of life in the city by the Hau River.
Tips for traveling to Tra Su cajuput forest during the flood season
To have a truly memorable experience in Tra Su cajuput forest during the flood season, you should note a few small tips:
- Ideal time: The flood season usually starts from September and lasts until November of the lunar calendar. This is the most beautiful time of the cajuput forest, the water is immense, water hyacinth covers the water surface and many birds come here to live.
- Clothing: You should choose comfortable, neat, and sweat-absorbent clothes. Bring a thin jacket, hat, and cap to shade from the sun. If you go in the early morning or late afternoon, you should bring a light jacket because the weather can be chilly.
- Shoes: You should choose low, flat, non-slip shoes for easy movement in the cajuput forest and on the boat.
- Personal items: Bring sunscreen, insect repellent, camera, and phone to record beautiful moments. If you have children with you, you should prepare more snacks and drinks for them.
- Transportation: To get to Tra Su cajuput forest, you can go by motorbike, car or bus from Ho Chi Minh City or neighboring provinces. If you go on a tour, you will be picked up and dropped off by a tourist car.
- Accommodation: In Chau Doc and Can Tho, there are many hotels and guesthouses with different price ranges. You should book a room in advance, especially during peak tourist season.
- Cuisine: Don’t forget to enjoy the specialties of An Giang and Can Tho such as fish noodle soup, fermented fish hotpot, banh xeo, grilled spring rolls, Thai fermented fish sauce… and fresh orchard fruits.
Conclusion: Immerse Yourself in the Beauty of the Mekong Delta’s Flood Season
Experiencing Tra Su cajuput forest during the flood season is a journey to discover the miraculous nature and unique culture of the Mekong Delta. From the unspoiled, peaceful beauty of the cajuput forest to the sacredness of Ba Chua Xu Temple, the bustle of Cai Rang floating market and the hospitality of the Mekong Delta people, all will create unforgettable memories in the hearts of visitors. Come to Tra Su cajuput forest during the flood season to feel and explore the wonderful beauty of An Giang and the Mekong Delta region.