Tra Su Forest Tour 2025: A Day Trip from Chau Doc or Can Tho

So, you are thinking about a trip to the Mekong Delta, right? Well, it is this huge area, and you might be wondering where to even start. As a matter of fact, I was in your shoes, scrolling through pictures of floating markets and rice paddies. And then, you know, I saw these pictures of a forest that was literally floating on water, which was kind of amazing. That place, it turns out, is the Tra Su Cajuput Forest, and basically, you can take a one-day tour there. This specific review covers the 2025 tour with a pickup option from either Chau Doc or Can Tho, which, I mean, makes things a lot simpler. To be honest, I wanted to see if this tour was really as peaceful and beautiful as everyone said, and what the whole day actually felt like from start to finish.

The Morning Pickup: Starting Your Day from Chau Doc or Can Tho

Okay, so the day pretty much begins with someone picking you up. You can start from either Chau Doc or Can Tho, which is a really handy option, actually. Chau Doc is obviously a lot closer, so your travel time in the car is much shorter, maybe just about 30 to 45 minutes, tops. If you are starting from Can Tho, you’re looking at a bit of a longer drive, maybe around two hours, so you just have to be prepared for that. Honestly, the van or car provided for the tour was quite comfortable and had air conditioning, which, you know, is a big deal in the delta’s humidity. The driver, I mean, was friendly and on time, which is always a good start to any day trip. Anyway, the drive itself is a bit of an experience; you get to see the countryside wake up, with people on motorbikes heading to work and local markets setting up along the road.

That ride, you know, gives you a peek into daily life that you just don’t get from a hotel window. We passed through small villages and saw so many rice fields stretching out, which was incredibly scenic. As a matter of fact, the guide often shares some information about the area during the drive, like what crops are growing or a little bit about the local culture, which is sort of nice. It’s more or less a good way to use that travel time, instead of just sitting there. You should probably have a little breakfast before they pick you up, or at least have a snack and some water with you. For instance, being prepared for the ride, especially from Can Tho, just makes the whole morning go more smoothly, I think.

First Look: Stepping into a Different World

Seriously, the moment you arrive is pretty special. You get out of the van and the air just feels different—it’s a little cooler and smells like green things and damp earth. Basically, the first thing you will probably notice is the water, which is completely covered by this thick, green carpet of duckweed. It is so dense that it almost looks like you could walk on it, which is obviously not the case. The entrance leads you to a dock where these larger motorboats are waiting. At the end of the day, these boats are your first ride into the heart of the forest. I mean, the contrast between the dusty road and this sudden, quiet, green world is pretty stark.

The motorboat ride is your introduction to the forest’s main channels, and it’s actually faster than I expected. You move through these wider canals, and the tall, skinny cajuput trees line the banks like silent guards. The sound of the engine is there, of course, but it’s still pretty peaceful, in a way. This part of the tour allows you to cover a lot of ground and get deep into the protected area. You’ll see birds flying overhead, and the sheer scale of the forest starts to become clear. You know, it’s just a little taste of what’s coming next, which is the really, really quiet part of the experience. It sort of builds the anticipation for the sampan ride perfectly.

The Sampan Ride: Silently Drifting Through Green Corridors

Alright, so after the motorboat drops you at a small dock deep inside the forest, you get to the best part. I mean, this is what everyone comes for, right? You will be transferred into a smaller, wooden boat called a sampan, which is paddled by hand, usually by a local woman wearing a conical hat. Seriously, this is where the magic actually happens. The motor is gone, and the only sounds you hear are the gentle dip of the paddle into the water and the rustling of leaves. You are moving slowly through these tiny, narrow canals where the motorboat could never fit. It’s like being in a green tunnel, with the cajuput trees forming a canopy overhead.

The silence is what’s so powerful here. It’s not an empty silence, but one that is absolutely filled with the small sounds of nature. You start to notice things you missed before—the buzz of a dragonfly, the call of a hidden bird, the plop of something in the water. To be honest, it is incredibly meditative.

The person paddling the boat often points out interesting things, like certain bird species or plants, but they do it quietly. They part the duckweed with their paddle, creating a dark, watery path ahead of you. It’s honestly a very surreal experience, feeling like you are gliding over a green carpet. You are so close to the water, you could just reach out and touch the duckweed. This part of the tour, I mean, is a photographer’s dream, but you might find yourself just wanting to put the camera down and soak it all in. This is definitely the core memory you will take away from the whole day.

Beyond the Waterways: Views from Above and Local Flavors

Now, the tour isn’t just about the boat rides. Once you are done with the peaceful sampan part, there is usually more to see. At the end of the day, a key feature is the observation tower located in the middle of the forest. You will have to climb a bunch of stairs, but believe me, it is so worth it. From the top, you get this amazing panoramic view of the entire cajuput forest, and you can truly appreciate its vastness. You can literally see the green carpet stretching out to the horizon in every direction. If you are there during the bird-watching season, which is typically from about September to November, the view is even more spectacular with thousands of storks and other birds.

Most tours, like this one, also include a stop at a small restaurant or food area within the forest complex. Frankly, this is a great chance to try some local Mekong Delta specialties. You might find dishes like grilled snakehead fish, hotpot with local vegetables, or crispy pancakes. I mean, even just sitting down with a cold drink and looking out at the scenery is a nice way to relax after your time on the water. This part of the tour helps you understand that the forest is not just a nature preserve; it’s also a place that supports a local community and has its own distinct culture and cuisine, you know. It sort of rounds out the experience, making it about more than just the scenery.

Is the 2025 Tra Su Forest Tour a Good Fit For You?

So, the big question is whether this one-day tour is the right choice for your trip. Basically, if you are someone who loves nature, photography, or just wants a break from the noise of the cities, then absolutely, you will likely love this trip. It’s probably one of the most serene and visually unique places in the entire Mekong Delta. Families with kids who can appreciate a quiet boat ride would probably enjoy it, too. As a matter of fact, the calm atmosphere makes it a really good counterpoint to the more chaotic floating markets.

On the other hand, if you are looking for high-octane adventure or get bored easily with quiet activities, this might not be your thing, you know. The day is really about slow-paced observation and soaking in the peace. It’s not an action-packed day, and that is sort of the whole point. Here are a few things to keep in mind for your trip:

• What to Wear: You should probably wear lightweight clothing and a hat. The sun can be quite strong, even when it feels cool under the trees.
• What to Bring: Definitely bring sunscreen, insect repellent, and your camera. A pair of binoculars is also a great idea for spotting birds from the observation tower.
• Best Time to Go: The high water season, from around September to March, is generally considered the best time to visit, as the water levels are up and the greenery is at its peak. This also coincides with the main birding season, which is a huge plus.

At the end of the day, this tour is a beautifully organized way to see a truly special ecosystem without having to worry about the logistics. The convenience of a pickup from Chau Doc or Can Tho makes a huge difference and allows you to just sit back and enjoy the remarkable green world of the Tra Su forest.

Read our full review: 1 day-Tra Su cajuput forest tour Full Review and Details
See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Tra Su Forest Tour from Chau Doc/Can Tho)