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Every December, the rubber plantations in the Southeast and Central Highlands regions of Vietnam transform, creating a vibrant landscape. You don't need to travel far from Ho Chi Minh City; in the Dau Tieng district of Binh Duong province, you can easily find such roads. While the rubber forests in Dinh Hiep commune are known as historical sites witnessing the unwavering resilience of the Vietnamese people and army during the French colonial period, the rubber forests in Thanh An commune are beloved for their captivating scenery. Getting there is extremely convenient, requiring only a two-hour motorbike ride along National Highway 13 from the center of Ho Chi Minh City.
Rubber is an industrial crop widely grown in several provinces of the Southeast and Central Highlands regions of Vietnam. Latex (rubber latex) is the raw material for the production of natural rubber. The lush forests create picturesque roads during the end of the year.
According to Vien Dieu Phat, an experienced photographer who explores new places around Ho Chi Minh City, the Dau Tieng rubber plantation will shed its leaves from December of the previous year until March of the following year. However, the best time to admire this scenery is in December (lunar calendar), when most of the tree canopy has changed color. The towering trees seem to be draped in a vibrant new coat, stretching endlessly into the distance. The fallen leaves, whether intentionally or unintentionally, are neatly arranged in patterns, creating a scene that is both wild and yet appears to have been meticulously cleaned by human hands.
The rubber forests in Dau Tieng seem to change their "coats" every week, as the leaves don't change color uniformly across the entire forest but rather in distinct plots. This week, the forest might have scattered dark yellow leaves against a backdrop of green, but after just one week, the yellow and green leaves will be roughly equal in color, turning red the following week. Then, the shades of red and yellow gradually intensify before falling, creating a surprising effect for anyone who visits.
Sunrise and sunset are the best times to admire the rubber forests glowing in the sunlight.
Visitors can explore the area all day, but the best times are from 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM or 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM. Each time of day, the Dau Tieng rubber forest offers a unique beauty. In the morning, a light mist descends upon the forest like a hazy veil. In the afternoon, the bright sunlight illuminates the natural colors of the leaves.
Wandering along the paths through the rubber forest, you'll feel like you've stepped into a scene from a movie.
After arriving here, visitors can combine their trip with visits to other famous local attractions such as Suoi Truc (Bamboo Stream) and Dau Tieng Lake. Larger groups can go on picnics and camp overnight. However, please note that it is not recommended to spend the night in the rubber forest as this area is quite remote and dangerous, especially for small groups.
