Saigon can be overwhelming, with its incessant motorbike honking, clouds of exhaust fumes, the tantalizing aromas wafting from sidewalk food stalls, and the perpetual flow of traffic. Yet, all these fades away in the tranquility of a cajuput mangrove forest less than 100 km from the bustling city and just 15 km from the Cambodian border. #floatingcajaputforest
Although the Tan Lap floating village is only 100 km from Saigon, getting there requires navigating through the industrial Long An zone before transitioning into the more rural, agricultural landscapes of Southern Vietnam.
The Tân Lập Floating Village was once inhabited but has since been transformed into a tourism eco-park. Today, only the floating cajuput forest and expansive lotus fields thrive in the heart of this vast 697,000-hectare swamp. The Vàm Cỏ Tây (West River) meanders through the cajuput forest from Cambodia, converging with the Vàm Cỏ Đông (East River) before joining the Soài River and eventually draining into the South China Sea.
We left Saigon around 6:30 a.m., thinking we could beat the morning traffic to the Tân Lập Floating Forest, but we were proven wrong. To avoid both the traffic and the heat, you’d need to set off by 5 a.m. Along the way, we paused for a hearty bowl of Bánh Canh Cua (crab noodle soup) at Thủy Tây before continuing our journey to the eco-park.
Ticket Prices to the Forest
We opted for the combo ticket that included the entrance fee, motor boat and row boat ride. There was also an option to have buffet lunch at the park's restaurant. Extra activities such as fishing, bird watching (bird taming island), cycling can be added on accordingly.
Best season to visit: When the water level is high, September, October, November.
Navigating the park
From the entrance, it’s a short 200-meter walk to the motorboat pier. The boat ride to the heart of the park was brief but mesmerizing, navigating through dense vegetation of water hyacinths, snowflake lilies, and water cabbage. Along the riverbank, moments of stillness were interrupted as flocks of colorful and exotic birds suddenly burst into flight, startled by the hum of the boat engine. These birds, vibrant and unique, were busy hunting for food in the thriving swamp ecosystem.
The forest ranger explained that at dusk, white storks and black cormorants return to the forest in flocks after a day of hunting. Unfortunately, we weren’t staying overnight to witness this spectacle. There were two options available, staying in the 8-story hotel or basic camping.
We arrived at the pier nestled within the forest with a unique tree. It was a short walk to the dinghy dock where we would board the rowboat, and the hotel located on the opposite side. As the day grew hotter, we decided to explore the floating forest on foot first before taking the boat ride.
In some areas, a canopy of cajuput trees cast dappled shade, creating a natural sepia effect, while other sections were exposed to the blazing sun. Don’t forget your hat—it’s an essential for the trek, bring an umbrella too!
The 4km walkway
The walkway meandered like a labyrinth through the cajuput forest, with some parts running surprisingly close to the highway, while in others parts, the only sound was the distant calls of gibbons echoing through the cajaput trees. #cajaputtrees #melaleucaforest
Along the way, I encountered many empty shells, skinks (slithery lizards), various birds, and the occasional splash of a fish tail breaking the surface of the swamp. This area was blissfully devoid of crowds, tourist and people to my surprise. Just when you think you got lost, the walkway leads back to the same common area. They also pass you a map at the entrance counter. Honestly, there is a lack of signs in the forest.
After completing the loop walk, we returned to the main boat pier, where the astonishing tree stood as a centerpiece. Feeling hot and lethargic, we desperately needed to rehydrate. Luckily, there was a kiosk by the pier selling light snacks, drinks, and even ice cream—a perfect treat to cool down! #waterlily
We boarded the wobbly dinghy, and our boatwoman, with her teak wood oar, propelled us through the canal on the other side of the forest. The depth of the swamp, we were told, was approximately 2 meters. It seemed unbelievable at first, but when I dipped my oar into the water, it quickly became clear—my oar was completely submerged.
The journey on the rowboat lasted approximately 30 minutes through the cajuput forest, where we were provided with conical hats (non la). These hats were surprisingly effective at shielding us from the intense sun while allowing us to enjoy the breeze as we glided along the canal.
All along the canal, lotus flowers and seed pods floated alongside water lilies. Dragonflies in all colours darted around, their wings shimmering in the sunlight, while exotic swamp birds occasionally burst out of the calmness, adding a lively contrast to the tranquility of the scene.
Getting here
Depends where you are coming from, you could take
Bus, Download BusMap app or web version information on local bus routes in Ho Chi Minh City. The ticket prices might me cheap, but it will take around 4 hours to get here by bus.
Hire Grab, download Grab
Definately will need to arrange for the Grab driver to wait otherwise it would be too close to impossible to get a driver back. Do not take the motorbike as the journey takes around 2 hours.
Private hire with driver around 2,000,000 ( $80USD)
Note: The earlier you start the journey, the better, as the heat can become oppressive later in the day.
Reflections
This was a fantastic escape from Saigon’s soot and pollution, offering a glimpse into the rural life of the Mekong Delta. Tucked away from the usual Mekong package tours, this hidden gem was refreshingly calm—a peaceful respite from the bustling city streets and tourist crowds. I would highly recommend it to anyone spending about a week in Saigon.
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