Sang Le Forest during the season when the trees change their leaves.

Located approximately 140 km from Vinh City (along National Highway 7A, in Quang Thinh village, Tam Dinh commune, Tuong Duong district), the Sang Le forest, part of the Western Nghe An Province Biosphere Reserve, covers an area of ​​over 70 hectares with towering Sang Le trees that blanket the entire area in lush greenery.

The Lagerstroemia indica tree, belonging to the Lagerstroemia family (scientific name Lagerstroemia tomentsa Presl), has a trunk height of 30-40 m, equivalent to a diameter of 40-80 cm. In this forest, many tree trunks have very large diameters, requiring two to three people to encircle them. Lagerstroemia indica wood is often used for boat building, house construction, or household items such as tables, chairs, beds, and cabinets.

The Săng lẻ tree is widely distributed in Tương Dương district and many other areas of Nghệ An province, but it has now been almost completely exploited, with only a few remaining in the Tam Đình forest. Săng lẻ grows slowly, and the trees in this primeval forest have existed for hundreds of years.

In 2014, the People's Committee of Nghe An province included the Sang Le Tam Dinh forest in the list of areas requiring strict protection. Environmentalists assessed the forest as "retaining a complete and unique tropical rainforest ecosystem of western Nghe An, with a valuable genetic resource facing the risk of depletion." Therefore, the existence of this special forest not only creates a highlight for the tourism industry of Nghe An province, but also reflects the awareness and determination of the local people to preserve the forest, considering it a "treasure."

Each season of the year, the Săng Lẻ forest has its own unique characteristics. Sometimes the entire forest is immersed in the endless green of the leaves, other times it is dotted with the pale gray of the tree trunks. At other times, the foliage turns a warm yellow in the sunlight, then a reddish-yellow during the winter months.

No matter the season, the forest always possesses its own unique beauty that attracts tourists. However, perhaps the Sang Le forest is at its most beautiful around April each year, when the leaves change color. From above, the entire forest of leaves appears majestic and ethereal.

Deep within the ancient primeval forest, travelers can not only immerse themselves in the fresh and clean atmosphere of a pristine natural environment, listening to the sound of the wind and the babbling streams, but also discover a rich and diverse flora.

One fascinating experience you shouldn't miss when visiting Sang Le Forest is meeting and interacting with the Thai ethnic people. Although the lives of the people here are still difficult, they have a rich cultural and spiritual life, and are very warm-hearted and hospitable.

With its pristine, vast, and peaceful atmosphere, Sang Le Forest is an ideal place to recharge your "natural energy" after long days at home fighting the pandemic. You can even experience an overnight stay in the village, learn about the local people's activities, and enjoy local specialties.

Huyen Chau - Photo: Nghe An Newspaper, Internet