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Tra Su Melaleuca Forest
The Southwestern region of Vietnam boasts many beautiful melaleuca forests, but Tra Su consistently ranks number one for its pristine and peaceful beauty. This forest is located in Van Gao commune, Tinh Bien district, about 60 km from the center of Long Xuyen city.
The total area of Tra Su Melaleuca Forest is 845 hectares. This flooded forest is a vast ecosystem, serving as a "common home" for many rare animal species, including birds, egrets, and various fish species. In addition, the vegetation, including melaleuca trees and various types of water hyacinth, contributes to the wild and poetic natural landscape of Tra Su.
Every year during the flood season, the forest welcomes a large number of visitors from near and far. At that time, the entire melaleuca forest is covered in a lush green of water hyacinths and duckweed. The scenery becomes even more poetic and romantic with man-made structures such as the bamboo bridge holding the record for the longest in Vietnam, the beautiful bird's nest pier, and impressive wooden miniature bridges and rock formations.
Here, visitors have the opportunity to explore the mangrove forest by riding in a small boat. Even more romantic is the experience of riding in a traditional sampan boat through canals covered in green water hyacinths. In particular, visitors can also enjoy many specialties of the Mekong Delta such as sour soup and braised fish in a clay pot…
Tan Lap Melaleuca Forest
Tan Lap Melaleuca Forest is located in Tan Lap commune, Moc Hoa district, about 100 km from the center of Saigon. You can travel by bus or motorbike to explore more of the beautiful scenery of the Mekong Delta.
The forest covers an area of 135 hectares in the core zone and 500 hectares in the buffer zone. The highlight of Tra Su is the 5-kilometer-long forest road, which possesses a mystical and mysterious beauty. However, the scenery is also very fresh and expansive.
As one of the largest melaleuca forests in the Western region, Tan Lap Melaleuca Forest plays a crucial role as a biodiversity conservation area. It boasts lush, ancient melaleuca trees, lotus ponds, and water lily lakes. It is also home to hundreds of species of birds and fish, creating a diverse ecosystem.
No matter what time of year you explore Tan Lap, you'll get to ride in a traditional sampan boat, navigating through the intricate network of small canals. On either side are dense mangrove forests, filled with the melodious chirping of birds and the enchanting beauty of vines. Especially, you can also walk along the forest path to experience the cool, fresh air of the area.
Xeo Quyt Melaleuca Forest
Xeo Quyt Ecotourism Area is located in My Hiep and My Long communes, Cao Lanh district, Dong Thap province. Previously, Xeo Quyt served as a revolutionary base during the resistance war against the US. The entire Xeo Quyt area covers approximately 50 hectares, including about 20 hectares of lush, pristine melaleuca forest. Today, Xeo Quyt is a place that preserves a long-standing melaleuca forest ecosystem with many rare plants and animals.
Exploring the mangrove forest, visitors can also enjoy riding in small boats or sampans along the canals, immersing themselves in the cool, fresh, and green surroundings. Especially if visiting during the lotus blooming season, visitors can admire the romantic and sweet countryside scenery of the Mekong Delta with vibrant pink lotus flowers on the canals.
Gáo Giồng Melaleuca Forest
The Gáo Giồng eco-tourism area is located in Văn Gáo commune, Gáo Giồng district. With its lush green spaces and well-planned layout, this eco-tourism area attracts many visitors when traveling to Đồng Tháp province.
The Gáo Giồng ecological zone covers a total area of 36 hectares, divided into four large areas. It boasts a dense, ancient melaleuca forest. Like many other melaleuca forests in the Mekong Delta, Gáo Giồng is home to numerous water birds, egrets, and various fish species. All coexist peacefully, creating a tranquil and serene rural landscape. The vast, lush green forests, the winding canals, and the flocks of egrets soaring in the sky create a truly gentle and simple rhythm of life. It's not bustling and lively, but rather melancholic, a unique, subtle sadness characteristic of the Mekong Delta.
When visiting the Gáo Giồng ecological area, you can stand on an 18-meter-high observation tower and enjoy a panoramic view of the vast natural landscape of the entire tourist area. In addition, experiencing a ride in a traditional motorboat, a ride in a sampan boat, or enjoying Western Vietnamese cuisine are also well worth trying.
U Minh Ha Melaleuca Forest
The U Minh forest system includes U Minh Ha, located downstream of the Trem Trem, Doc, and Cai Tau rivers. There is also U Minh Thuong, located in Kien Giang province. However, if you want to explore a melaleuca forest, you should visit U Minh Ha.
U Minh Ha is recognized as a national park and a large biosphere reserve in the Mekong Delta. With a total area of 8,000 hectares, the U Minh forest is home to 176 plant species, 23 mammal species, 36 reptile species, 41 bird species, 37 fish species, 11 amphibian species, and many other rare species. It can be said that U Minh is one of the largest melaleuca forests in the Mekong Delta, both in terms of area and ecological diversity.
The U Minh Forest boasts incredibly impressive scenery. Viewed from above, the entire forest is a vast, endless expanse of verdant green. And if you take a boat ride through the forest, you'll breathe in the fresh air, mingled with the characteristic earthy scent of the Mekong Delta's waterways. From canals and rivers to the dense forests, everything is present in a rustic, unspoiled way. Therefore, it's an ideal destination for those who enjoy exploring and experiencing the simple, rural life.
When visiting U Minh Ha, remember to enjoy local specialties such as bee pupa salad, fish sauce hotpot, and water spinach... which have a rustic, simple flavor, reflecting the peaceful and genuine lifestyle of the people in the Mekong Delta.
