The Mekong Delta's monsoon river ride

Tra Su Forest - An Giang Province

Photo by Ha Lam

Situated 30 kilometers from Chau Doc, the provincial capital of An Giang, melaleuca forest offer year-round greenery and calm shade. Paddle-powered tourists skiffs take visitors through the 850-hectare forest for a mere VND45,000 ($2).

The melaleuca forest at National Park Tram Chim - Dong Thap Province

Photo by Tuong Y

Dong Thap Province's Tram Chim National Parkhas long drawn tourists eager to get a glimpse of its rare indigenous birds. Numerous busses leave Ho Chi Minh City daily for the park. Once inside, those determined to paddle their own way can rent a boat for around VND500,000 ($22.5).

Tan Lap Melaleuca Forest - Long An Province

Photo by Tuan Quyen

The melaleuca forests in Long An Province belong to the Tan Lap Floating Village, an eco-tourism area over 100km from Saigon, not far from theCambodian border. The Vam Co Tay River cuts through the trees as well as a concrete boardwalk accessible only by boat.

Xeo Quyt Melaleuca Forest - Dong Thap Province

Photo by Tonbi ko/CC-BY-SA 4.0

Thirty kilometers from Cao Lanh City, the 20-hectare Xeo Quyt Forest in Dong Thap Province offers a sight to behold. A wall of ancient branches embraced by vines spiraling toward the sky once concealed a critical military rally point for Vietnam's revolutionary soldiers. A ticket to the preserve costs just VND5,000 ($0.3) and a boat ticket costs just VND15,000 ($0.7).

U Minh Ha Melaleuca Forest - Ca Mau Province

U Minh Ha National Park is dry for half the year and flooded for the rest. Swathes of white reeds separate green stands ofmelaleucaforrest where locals collect distinctive wild honey.

Source: VnE