Buzz
Step onto the self-made trail through the cajuput forest, promoted as the 'longest in Vietnam,' amidst the fresh air. It is one of the many exciting experiences when you visit Tan Lap cajuput forest in Long An.
A journey of over two hours from Ho Chi Minh City via National Highway 1A to Tan An (Long An), turning right onto National Highway 62 and heading straight to Moc Hoa about 60km further, brings you to the Tan Lap floating village to enter the cajuput forest.
From a distance, the tourism area is easily recognizable with its prominently designed entrance gate. A five-minute boat ride takes you to the forest. Cruising on the river, enjoying the cool breeze, and admiring the peaceful countryside will make you feel truly relaxed.
During the flood season around late August to early September, you may also witness the blooming pink lotuses floating on the water.
Tan Lap cajuput forest is approximately 100km away from the center of Ho Chi Minh City. This region, originally a pristine flooded land in Moc Hoa district, Long An, near the Cambodia border, is interconnected with the Dong Thap Muoi area, forming a vast green landscape with meandering channels and the Vam Co Tay River flowing through.
The nature here stands out with ancient mangrove forests, lotus ponds, marshes, and hundreds of bird and amphibian species, creating a diverse and rich ecosystem.
A towering 38m observation tower serves as a fire prevention and forest direction guide. The tower offers a panoramic view of the expansive 135ha mangrove forest and a 500ha buffer zone.
Against the lush green backdrop beneath the hazy sky, herons gracefully search for food, while other watchtowers rise above the forest canopy in the distance.
From the observation tower, visitors can spot the 5km-long, narrow 1m-wide trail traversing the mangrove forest. With winding and branching sections, exploring this trail unveils many fascinating discoveries.
Lined with towering mangrove trees and vines, the path immerses travelers in a mysterious green world. Sunlight filtering through the thick foliage adds an enchanting and dreamy quality to the journey.
Encounter various insects, wooden bridges, or hanging monkey bridges, and immerse yourself in the scent of moss-covered mud. It feels like stepping into an adventurous yet delightful world, where the bustling sounds of the city give way to the songs of birds, croaks of frogs, and the hum of boat engines.
In the dry season, the bamboo leaves carpet the paths, adding the rhythmic crunch of footsteps on the dry leaves to the serene melody of the quiet forest. This romantic touch has earned it the nickname the 'love trail' of Tan Lap floating village.
A leisurely stroll amidst the lush, cool greenery of nature brings a sense of tranquility and ease to everyone. Don't worry too much about navigation; the intersecting paths are designed to loop back to the starting point.
After exploring, indulge in grilled snakehead fish with lotus leaf or other local specialties at the floating village's restaurant to savor the unique flavors of the riverine region. You can also purchase souvenirs, especially the pure honey from the bamboo forest, as gifts.
With its raw and pristine beauty, the Tan Lap bamboo forest increasingly attracts wandering feet. Recently, it has become a primary setting for a music video, adding to its allure.
The untouched allure of the bamboo forest becomes even more enchanting and ethereal when captured on camera, making it an ideal photography spot that draws many young visitors for the perfect 'check-in' moment.
In the near future, the rejuvenation of Tan Lap bamboo forest will be reinforced with projects introducing sports and entertainment areas, a Dong Thap Muoi nature reserve, a wild animal sanctuary, fishing areas, and camping grounds.
This will be a highlight in Long An tourism, offering captivating experiences for travelers.
Immerse yourself in the lush greenery of Tan Lap bamboo forest, embracing the positive energy generously bestowed by Mother Nature. Visitors feel rejuvenated, ready to dive back into the fast-paced wheel of life in the bustling urban areas.
Source: Youth
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Reference: Travel guide Mytour
MytourSeptember 1, 2016
