Ru Cha, which is the last remaining primeval mangrove forest in Tam Giang - Cau Hai, the largest lagoon system in Southeast Asia, is now in its most picturesque season.

Located in Thua Thien-Hue Province, central Vietnam, the forest is currently displaying its stunning foliage.

The keyword 'Ru Cha' has recently been trending on social media, highlighting tourism in Hue City, the capital of Thua Thien-Hue, and inviting visitors to experience the stunning beauty of the forest.

Covering approximately five hectares and located about 14 kilometers east of Hue’s center, the forest plays a crucial role in preventing saline intrusion and protecting aquatic ecosystems.

This mangrove forest is predominantly composed of Excoecaria agallocha, a wild-growing mangrove species.

Each late autumn, the excoecaria agallocha trees undergo a stunning transformation, turning from green to vibrant yellow and creating a picturesque landscape.

Visitors can capture breathtaking aerial views of the forest as the green patches shift to vibrant yellow.

Walking along the winding concrete paths surrounded by uniquely shaped excoecaria agallocha roots offers an engaging experience, especially during this season.

Beneath the forest canopy, a rich ecosystem thrives, with bright red-clawed three-striped crabs basking in the sun before darting into their caves.

Lucky visitors might even spot giant mudskippers, a unique fish inhabiting the depths of Ru Cha.

Nguyen Hoang Anh, who traveled nearly 100 kilometers from her residence in Da Nang City to Hue City, described Ru Cha as a forest straight out of a fairy tale.

Anh rented an áo dài (Vietnam's traditional long gown) and a boat to explore the mangrove and take photos.

“You can stop anywhere in the forest to take pictures, especially for traditional portraits,” Anh said. 

“Don’t forget to visit the ranger tower and rent a boat to explore the heart of the forest – both are excellent spots for photos."

As Ru Cha attracts tourists, local residents grasp the opportunity to make a side income by offering boat tours or photography services.

Binh, a boatman, noted a significant increase in tourists over the past two weeks, accommodating hundreds of visitors. 

“Every time I take guests on a boat tour, I earn about VND200,000-300,000 [US$8.14-12.21] per trip, depending on their requests,” Binh said.

“Some days, I make a few million dong thanks to this side job.” (VND1 million = $41)

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