How to get to Tra su cajuput forest from Chau Doc?

28/08/2026

Getting from Chau Doc to Tra Su Cajuput Forest? Here's the real distance, transport options with actual costs, and what to expect once you're there.

If you search for the distance from Chau Doc to Tra Su Cajuput Forest, you may come across figures ranging from 17 km to more than 30 km. The difference usually comes down to where you start in Chau Doc and which part of the forest you measure to. This guide breaks down the actual route, travel options, costs, and what to expect along the way, so you can plan your trip to Tra Su with fewer surprises.

How far is Tra Su Cajuput Forest from Chau Doc?

The distance from central Chau Doc to Tra Su Cajuput Forest is about 20-30 km, depending on your starting point and the specific destination point selected on the map. Most travelers can reach the forest by road in around 30-45 minutes.

The distance from central Chau Doc to Tra Su Cajuput Forest is about 20-30 km (Source: cafef.vn)

Tra Su Forest is located in An Cu Commune, An Giang Province, in the area formerly known as Tinh Bien. Before Vietnam's 2025 administrative reorganization, the forest was listed under Van Giao Commune, Tinh Bien Town. Van Giao, An Cu, and Vinh Trung were subsequently merged to form the new An Cu Commune (Source: Bao Tuoi Tre). This administrative change does not affect how you get there, as Google Maps can easily guide you to the forest using its current name.

The route is generally straightforward, but road conditions can vary, especially during the rainy season. Before leaving Chau Doc, check Google Maps for the latest route and travel time, and ask your hotel, driver, or local residents about any rough sections, ongoing roadworks, or temporary changes. If the route is unclear or conditions are difficult, a local driver or guide can help you choose the most suitable way to reach the forest.

How many ways are there to get from Chau Doc to Tra Su?

There are three main ways to get from Chau Doc to Tra Su Forest: by motorbike, taxi, or private car. The route is largely the same whichever option you choose, while the main differences are cost, flexibility, comfort, and how you arrange the return trip.

Ways to Travel from Chau Doc to Tra Su Cajuput Forest

By Motorbike

Travel time is around 30-40 minutes each way on a fairly flat, well-paved road. Most hotels and guesthouses in Chau Doc rent motorbikes directly, typically for 75,000-175,000 VND per day.

The main advantage is flexibility and cost: you can set your own pace and stop wherever the rice fields catch your eye. The trade-off is exposure to midday heat, sudden rain showers during the wet season, and the narrower canal-side road near the entrance, where a little extra caution is worthwhile.

Ways to Travel from Chau Doc to Tra Su Cajuput Forest (Source: Vietnam tourism)

By Taxi

A taxi or ride-hailing app such as Grab or Xanh SM is convenient for couples or small groups who want door-to-door transport without driving themselves. A one-way trip generally costs around 250,000-375,000 VND, depending on the operator.

The main thing to plan is the return journey. Tra Su is rural enough that simply finding a taxi at the entrance may not be reliable. Agree on a pickup time and price with your driver before entering the forest, or ask your hotel to pre-book a return car.

By Private Car

For families or small groups, especially in hot or rainy weather, a private car with a driver is the most comfortable option. It also allows you to combine Tra Su with nearby attractions such as Sam Mountain or Chau Doc's floating villages without having to arrange separate transportation.

Sinh Cafe Travel offers private transport and combined itinerary options from Chau Doc, which can remove the uncertainty of arranging a ride back after your visit.

Which Option Is Best for You?

Option	Best for	Trade-off
Motorbike	Budget travelers who want flexibility	Sun, rain, and self-navigation
Taxi	Couples or small groups wanting convenience	Return trip needs to be arranged
Private car	Families, groups, or combining multiple stops	Higher cost, but least logistical stress

Route Details and Tips for a Smooth Journey

The drive follows a fairly consistent route regardless of your vehicle: Central Chau Doc → Tan Lo Kieu Luong Street → National Highway 91 → Nha Bang → Provincial Road 948 → Tra Su Canal → Tra Su Cajuput Forest

The drive follows a fairly consistent route regardless of your vehicle (Source: Bao Xay Dung)

The road loops past the base of Sam Mountain, which is worth knowing if you want to stop for a quick photo without adding a separate stop to your itinerary. Surface quality is generally good and well maintained along the highway stretch. The last few kilometers beside the canal narrow into a quieter country road, which can be occasionally uneven but is rarely difficult to navigate.

Before setting off, check Google Maps for the latest route and road conditions. If the turn at Nha Bang feels unclear, asking a local shop owner or xe om driver for “Tra Su” can be quicker than second-guessing the map. A hotel host or local driver can also advise you about temporary roadworks or rough sections that may not be obvious on Google Maps.

One detail worth knowing before you set off: there is an entrance fee when you arrive. The current fee is around 120,000 VND per person, with children under 1.3 m entering free (Source: MIA.vn). Bring cash rather than assuming card payment will be available at the rural ticket booth.

Is Tra Su Cajuput Forest worth visiting from Chau Doc?

Yes, and the 845-hectare reserve, home to over 140 wildlife species and more than 150 wetland plant species (Source: Bao Dan Tri), delivers an experience genuinely different from anywhere else in the Mekong Delta. What makes the trip worth the drive isn't one single attraction, it's the combination: boats, Tra Su bird sanctuary, a record-setting bamboo bridge, and a canopy-level view all inside one reserve.

Take a boat through the Cajuput Forest

The motorboat (locally called "tac rang") is where most visits begin, weaving through narrow waterways lined with cajuput trees whose roots stand knee-deep in green water. What catches most first-time visitors off guard is the duckweed, an unbroken emerald carpet floating across the water's surface so dense it looks almost solid, parting only where the boat's hull cuts through it.

Take a boat through the Cajuput Forest (Source: VNAT)

One traveler who visited during the December dry-season window described flooded channels under clear blue skies as the highlight of an entire ten-day Mekong Delta road trip - a reminder that this isn't just a stopover site, it's the kind of place people build whole itineraries around.

Explore the forest by rowing boat

After taking a motorboat through the main waterways, many visitors switch to a smaller rowing boat to weave through the narrow channels that larger boats cannot reach. The slower journey brings you closer to the cajuput trees and duckweed-covered water, where birdsong echoes through the canopy and the forest feels undisturbed without the noise of an engine.

It is worth asking before boarding whether the boat is private or shared, as the experience can feel very different when several people are talking or moving around. If you want to enjoy the forest in peace and take your time with photos, a private boat is the better choice.

Walk across the Bamboo Bridge

Tra Su Cajuput Forest is home to one of Vietnam's longest bamboo bridges, stretching for more than 10 km through the wetland and built from over 500,000 bamboo poles across two construction phases in 2020 (Source: Bao Tuoi Tre). Walking along the bridge gives you a different perspective from the boat, bringing you closer to the water lilies, duckweed, and surrounding cajuput trees. It is also a great spot to slow down, enjoy the peaceful scenery, and take photos from above the waterways.

Walk across the Bamboo Bridge (Source: tuoitre.vn)

Birdwatching at Tra Su Bird Sanctuary

The sanctuary is officially recorded as home to 70 bird species across 13 orders and 31 families, including two species listed in Vietnam’s Red Data Book: the little egret and the Oriental darter (Source: Wikipedia). Early morning and late afternoon are the best times for birdwatching at Tra Su bird sanctuary, when birds are most active around the canopy and waterways, so plan your visit around sunrise or sunset for the best chance of spotting them.

Birdwatching at Tra Su Bird Sanctuary (Source: Bao Dan Viet)

Climb the observation tower

The forest's observation tower rises about 23-25 meters above the ground and is roughly a 500-meter walk into the reserve. Climbing to the top gives you a wide view over the green cajuput canopy, surrounding rice fields, and, on a clear day, Sam Mountain and the Seven Mountains in the distance.

The climb itself is not particularly difficult, but the stairs can feel more tiring in the midday heat, so it is more comfortable to go in the morning or later in the afternoon. From a visitor's perspective, the tower is worth the short climb, especially if you want to see how extensive the wetland is rather than experiencing it only from the waterways. Bring your phone or camera, and take a few minutes at the top,the elevated view gives you a completely different perspective of Tra Su.

What to Remember When Visiting Tra Su Cajuput Forest

Budget: Allow around 500,000-700,000 VND per person for entrance, boat rides, and food, or 700,000-1,200,000 VND for a private boat and extras. Transport from Chau Doc is not included.
Opening hours: The forest is open from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Arrive early for calmer waterways, softer light, and more active birds at tra su bird sanctuary.
Use insect repellent: The wetland’s waterways and dense vegetation attract mosquitoes and other insects, so apply repellent before exploring.
Plan your return transportation: Arrange your pickup before entering the forest. Taxis and ride-hailing cars are harder to find at Tra Su than in central Chau Doc, so do not rely on finding one after your visit.
Be prepared for rainy-season conditions: From around May to October, higher water levels can make the waterways more impressive and boats can reach further into the forest. However, expect 26-36°C heat, humidity, and sudden downpours. Check the forecast before leaving, especially by motorbike, as smaller roads can become wet or slippery. Keep a light raincoat or poncho handy and allow extra travel time.

If you prefer a more convenient way to get there, Sinh Cafe can help arrange transportation from Chau Doc to Tra Su Cajuput Forest. With local travel experience and transport services for visitors, it can take care of the journey so you can spend more time enjoying the forest instead of worrying about directions or finding a ride back.

Sinh Cafe Tour can arrange your trip from Chau Doc to Tra Su Cajuput Forest, so you can focus on enjoying the journey

FAQs

How long does it take to get from Chau Doc to Tra Su?

→ Roughly 30-40 minutes by motorbike or car under normal road conditions.

What is the best time to visit Tra Su Cajuput Forest?

→ Early morning or late afternoon, both for cooler temperatures and the best chance of active birdwatching.

Can I visit Tra Su Forest during the rainy season?

→ Yes, flooded channels between May and October are considered by many visitors to be the most visually striking time to go, though heat and sudden showers are more likely.

How long should I spend at Tra Su Cajuput Forest?

→ Most visitors spend 3-4 hours covering the boat rides, bamboo bridge, and observation tower comfortably in one visit.

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