Tra Su Cajuput Forest is a protected wetland in An Giang Province, about 23 km west of Chau Doc. Cajuput trees grow partly submerged here, with silvery, papery bark, and boats move through the channels between them. A typical trip combines a motorboat section with a rowboat trip through duckweed and water lilies. Storks, herons, cormorants and bat colonies live in the forest, and birds are most active early morning or late afternoon.
From plantation to reserve
The forest was a cajuput plantation that was left to run wild and became a reserve in the 1980s. It covers about 850 hectares and is known for its cajuput trees, a myrtle-like species with silvery, papery bark.
The reserve is now a haven for water birds, colonies of bats and other animals. Among the birds is the painted stork, a threatened species.
How the boat trip works
A visit usually starts with a motorboat that leaves from a pier inside the forest. It goes through the cajuput trees, past lotus and water lilies, and gives a wide view of the scenery.
Visitors then change to a small wooden rowboat. It moves slowly through green duckweed, deeper into the forest, where the channels are narrow and the trees come close to the water.
Birds, towers and bridges
The forest is home to storks, herons and cormorants. Sunrise and late afternoon are the best times to see them, when they are most active and the forest floods, which happens between September and November.
The observation tower looks out over the forest below. Bamboo bridges cross the water near the paths, and friendly pigeons gather around visitors. Dried seeds for feeding them are sold on site for 10,000 VND.
Visiting with care
Much of the wetland is closed to visitors so that bird breeding grounds are not disturbed. Stay on the routes that are open and keep voices low near the trees, where birds may be nesting.
The entrance, the restroom and the parking lot are wheelchair accessible.
FAQ
Where is Tra Su Cajuput Forest?
It is in An Giang Province, about 23 km west of Chau Doc town.
When is the best time to see birds?
Between September and November, early morning or late afternoon, when the birds are most active and the forest floods.
Do I need to book tickets in advance?
Booking tickets in advance is recommended.
What kind of boats are used?
A motorboat takes visitors through the wider channels, and a small wooden rowboat takes them closer to the trees and birds.
Is the site accessible for wheelchair users?
The entrance, the restroom and the parking lot are wheelchair accessible.
