1. Ru Cha Mangrove Forest
Ru Cha Mangrove Forest belongs to Thuan Hoa Village, Huong Phong Commune, Huong Tra District, Thua Thien Hue Province. About 15 km and 30 minutes from Hue City.
Ru Cha is the local name of a forest (Ru) planted with Cha trees, a type of mangrove tree that lives in brackish water. The forest has an area of more than 5 hectares, where there are thousands of ancient scrub trees that have existed for more than 100 years. Forests have the function of preventing salinity and protecting aquatic and terrestrial resources.
Ru Cha Mangrove Forest was discovered by local people a long time ago but has only recently become known to tourists when this place has become a familiar destination for photography enthusiasts, nature lovers, and researchers.
2. How to get to Ru Cha Mangrove Forest
One of the best ways to explore the Ru Cha Mangrove Forest is to join the Tam Giang Lagoon Tour, which will take you to the most beautiful and authentic places in the lagoon area, including Ru Cha. You can choose from different options, such as a full-day tour, half-day tour, or sunset tour. You will have the opportunity to experience the local life, culture and cuisine of the fishing villages along the lagoon, as well as enjoy the beautiful views of the water, sky and forest.
3. What’s interesting about the Ru Cha mangrove forest?
3.1. The walking path holds the fore
One of the highlights of the Ru Cha mangrove forest is the small concrete path that runs through the forest, allowing you to walk among the roots and branches of the Cha trees. You can feel the rustic and peaceful beauty of the forest, as well as the resilience and vitality of the Cha trees.
3.2. Enjoy the beautiful scenery while boating on the river
Another way to admire the forest is to take a boat ride on the river that flows through the forest. You can rent a boat from the locals or join a tour that includes a boat trip. You will be able to see the forest from a different perspective and observe the diverse ecosystem of the mangrove habitat. You can also learn about the fishing activities and the aquatic products of the lagoon, such as fish, shrimp, crab, and oyster.
3.3. Fully explore the beautiful scenery on the observatory at Ru Cha forest
If you want to have a panoramic view of the forest and the lagoon, you can go to the top of the observatory tower that was built in the middle of the forest. The tower is a solid concrete structure that serves as a place to observe and manage the forest, as well as an ideal place for photography enthusiasts. From the top of the tower, you can see the whole area of Tam Giang’s water, the Cha trees, and the surrounding villages. You can also enjoy the breeze and the fresh air of the forest.
3.4. Visit the shrine of Duc Ba Thanh Mau inside the forest
In the Ru Cha mangrove forest, there is also an ancient shrine dedicated to Duc Ba Thanh Mau, or the Holy Mother. According to the legend, once upon a time during a great flood, the altar of the Holy Mother at Hon Chen temple drifted here. The villagers saw it and built a temple to worship her. The temple is a sacred place, where people often come to pray, burn incense, and make offerings. The villagers also celebrate the death anniversary of the Holy Mother on the 3rd of the 3rd lunar month every year.
4. Tips for visiting Ru Cha Mangrove Forest
4.1. When should you go to Ru Cha Mangrove Forest?
The best time to visit Ru Cha mangrove forest is from April to September, when the weather is dry, sunny, and the forest is lush green. You can also visit the forest during the rainy season, from October to March, but you should be prepared for wet and muddy conditions. The forest is open all year round.
4.2. Ticket prices and opening times
There is no entrance fee to visit the Ru Cha mangrove forest, but you may have to pay a small fee to rent a boat or a bicycle to explore the forest. You can also buy some souvenirs or snacks from the local vendors near the entrance.
The forest is open all day.
4.3. How to dress
You should dress comfortably and casually when you visit the Ru Cha mangrove forest, as you may have to walk, bike, or boat around the forest.
You can also bring a change of clothes if you want to take some photos with different outfits
