Have you ever dreamt of wandering into a lush green mangrove forest, where boats glide gently on tranquil waters and birdsong echoes through the air? Come to Tan Lap Floating Village, a unique ecotourism destination nestled in the Dong Thap Muoi wetlands, to experience an exciting and memorable journey of natural discovery. This place is not only an ideal destination for those who love pristine beauty, but also an opportunity to learn about the special ecosystem and the simple life of the Mekong Delta people.
Where is Tan Lap Floating Village and What Makes it Special?
Tan Lap Floating Village ecotourism area is located in Moc Hoa district, Long An province, about 100km west of Ho Chi Minh City center. Covering an area of nearly 135ha, it is covered by a vast primeval Melaleuca forest, creating a green and fresh space. The most special thing about Tan Lap Floating Village is the harmonious combination of wild natural beauty and unique architectural works, built on the water or in the middle of the Melaleuca forest.
Coming to Tan Lap Floating Village, you will have the opportunity to immerse yourself in nature with many exciting activities:
- Boat trip through the Melaleuca forest: This is an unmissable experience when visiting Tan Lap Floating Village. Sitting on a small boat, weaving through the winding canals under the green canopy of Melaleuca trees, you will feel the tranquility and mysterious beauty of the wetland forest.
A boat trip through the Melaleuca forest canals of Tan Lap Floating Village
- Walking on the concrete path through the forest: One of the highlights of Tan Lap Floating Village is the 5km long concrete path winding through the Melaleuca forest. Walking on this path, you will admire the panoramic view of the lush green Melaleuca forest, breathe in the fresh air, and listen to the cheerful birdsong. This is also an ideal place for you to take unique “check-in” photos.
- Climbing the observation tower: The 38m high observation tower is a prominent architectural work in Tan Lap Floating Village. From the top of the tower, you can cast your eyes over the entire ecotourism area, admiring the majestic beauty of the Melaleuca forest and the immense rice fields. Especially during the flood season, you will admire the scenery of Tan Lap Floating Village like a green oasis in the vast sea of water.
- Visiting the bird garden: Tan Lap Floating Village is also home to many different species of birds. Coming to the bird garden, you will have the opportunity to observe rare birds in their natural environment, learn about their habits, and feel the biodiversity of the Melaleuca forest.
- Exploring local cuisine: After hours of exploring nature, you can enjoy the specialties of Dong Thap Muoi region at the restaurants in the tourist area. The dishes are made from fresh ingredients, imbued with the rustic flavor of the riverine countryside.
Detailed Travel Guide to Tan Lap Floating Village
To have a complete and memorable trip to Tan Lap Floating Village, please refer to the following useful tips:
Best Time to Visit Tan Lap Floating Village
The best time to visit Tan Lap Floating Village is during the dry season, from December to April of the following year. At this time, the weather is dry, cool, and less rainy, which is very favorable for outdoor sightseeing and exploration activities.
In addition, you can also come to Tan Lap Floating Village during the flood season (July to November lunar calendar). The flood season brings a different beauty to Tan Lap Floating Village. Water floods the Melaleuca forest, creating a romantic and unique scene. However, during this season, you need to prepare appropriate clothing and supplies to cope with wet weather and insects.
How to Get to Tan Lap Floating Village
There are many ways to get to Tan Lap Floating Village from Ho Chi Minh City:
- Bus: You can take a bus to Moc Hoa at the Western Bus Station. Travel time is about 2-3 hours. When you arrive in Moc Hoa, you can take a taxi or motorbike taxi to Tan Lap Floating Village.
- Motorbike or private car: If you want to be proactive about time and schedule, you can drive your motorbike or private car to Tan Lap Floating Village following the directions on Google Maps. The road is quite easy and convenient.
- Tour: To save time and effort, you can book a package tour to Tan Lap Floating Village from reputable travel companies. Tours usually include transportation, meals, entrance tickets, and tour guides.
Entrance Fee and Travel Costs to Tan Lap Floating Village
The current entrance fee to Tan Lap Floating Village is about VND 60,000/adult and VND 30,000/child. The ticket price includes the cost of a boat trip to visit the Melaleuca forest.
In addition, you need to budget for meals, transportation, and other incidental expenses. The cost for a day trip to Tan Lap Floating Village is about VND 500,000 – 1,000,000/person, depending on your needs and choices.
Accommodation in Tan Lap Floating Village
Currently, Tan Lap Floating Village does not have overnight accommodation services. However, you can choose motels and hotels in Moc Hoa town or nearby areas to rest.
If you want to experience being closer to nature, you can choose overnight camping in the tourist area. However, you need to contact the management board in advance for guidance and to prepare all necessary items.
Dining in Tan Lap Floating Village
Tan Lap Floating Village has restaurants serving specialties of the Dong Thap Muoi region such as grilled snakehead fish, fermented fish hotpot, clay-baked chicken, grilled snails with green pepper, grilled eel, etc. The dishes are made from fresh ingredients, imbued with the rustic flavor of the riverine countryside.
You can also bring snacks and drinks to enjoy while visiting and exploring the tourist area.
Other Notes When Traveling to Tan Lap Floating Village
- Prepare appropriate clothing: You should wear comfortable, sweat-absorbent, and easy-to-move clothes. Bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen to protect your skin from the sun. If you go in the rainy season or flood season, you should bring a raincoat, boots, or wading sandals.
- Bring insect repellent: The Melaleuca forest is a habitat for many types of insects, especially mosquitoes. You should bring insect repellent to protect your health.
- Maintain general hygiene: Do not litter indiscriminately in the tourist area.
- Respect local culture and customs: Tan Lap Floating Village is home to local communities. You should respect the culture and customs of the local people.
Conclusion
Tan Lap Floating Village is a unique and attractive ecotourism destination in the Mekong Delta region. With its pristine beauty, fresh air, and many exciting experiences, this place promises to bring you unforgettable memories. Come to Tan Lap Floating Village to discover the green gem in the heart of Dong Thap Muoi and enjoy wonderful relaxing moments by nature. Don’t forget to share your experiences at Tan Lap Floating Village with Du lịch khắp thế gian!