On our journey to discover the beauty of the flood season in the West, we had the opportunity to visit Tra Su cajuput forest (Tinh Bien, An Giang) - a flooded area known as the "green paradise" of the Long Xuyen Quadrangle. This season, the richness of fertile alluvium deposited by the tides has nurtured the rapidly growing water fern carpets that stretch across the water surface. Also here, with the care of the local people, the forest has been woven with a beautiful green color.
Ms. Tran Kim Ngoc - who has many years of experience rowing a boat to transport passengers - gently took us to explore the natural world. As we walked, she told us that everything here retains its wild beauty and the space is quiet. The locals consider the forest a precious gem that needs to be preserved. When taking guests under the forest canopy, the women in the team will introduce as much as they know to help them understand more about the land.
"At first, I worked here because I wanted to earn an income, but the more I worked, the more beautiful the scenery was, and the more tourists enjoyed the job, the more I loved it. Sometimes my arms got tired from swimming or I got sick, but I always encouraged myself to get well soon to serve tourists," said Ms. Ngoc.
Also at this time, the management board increased the number of staff who are local people, knowledgeable about each type of plant, bird and animal, to regularly take care of and beautify the landscape of the routes for visitors.
"During the flood season, Tra Su cajuput forest seems to be wearing a smooth, deep green coat. Every day, we clean the swimming lanes, creating shelters for birds and storks. More than just doing our job, we want to add more green to Tra Su cajuput forest" - Mr. Mai Van Hoan said.
According to Mr. Hoan, this job is hard, but in return it is fun. Over time, the number of customers who leave trash in the wrong place has gradually decreased. These will be small sparks that help spread awareness of environmental protection among each citizen.
Visiting and immersing herself in the beauty of the forest, Ms. Truong Thi Van, a tourist from Ho Chi Minh City, said: "The most impressive thing when entering the forest is the peaceful atmosphere, the wild scenery, like returning to the period when the South had not yet been reclaimed, which I only saw in books. I am very satisfied with this trip, especially when the locals introduced the beautiful scenery, inspiring me."
Ms. Solene, a French tourist, said: "I have never been to a place with such intact green. If I have the chance, I will come back here."
Tra Su cajuput forest covers an area of 845 hectares, mainly belonging to Vinh Trung and Van Giao communes of Tinh Bien town and part of O Long Vy commune of Chau Phu district (An Giang province). This is the navel of the Long Xuyen Quadrangle, including An Giang, Kien Giang and part of Can Tho. The 4 vertices of this quadrangle correspond to 4 cities, including: Long Xuyen, Chau Doc (An Giang), Rach Gia, Ha Tien (Kien Giang).
Many domestic and foreign experts have affirmed that this place is a treasure trove of diverse and rich wetland ecosystems, worthy of being considered an ideal destination for foresters, environmentalists - ecologists, tourists... to explore and research.
