Discovering Ru Cha Forest in Hue City: A Mysterious Tourist Destination

"Rú" in the Hue dialect means "forest," and "Chá" is the scientific name of the tree species Excoecaria Agallocha, which accounts for 90% of the area, creating a rustic yet mysterious name, Ru Cha Forest.

Ru Cha in Hue City is the only remaining primeval mangrove forest in the Tam Giang Lagoon system—the largest lagoon in Southeast Asia, which is not only a well-known destination but also a multi-sensory experience.

The forest boasts a majestic and unique natural scenery that blends seamlessly with the peaceful and magical space, attracting all tourists who love to explore and seek tranquility. In particular, in the leaf-changing season, Ru Cha wears a new and stunningly beautiful coat.

1. Ru Cha in the Leaf-changing Season: A Fascinating Golden Picture

When the weather changes, Ru Cha also puts on a completely different, charming, and poetic beauty.

1.1 A golden picture from above:

From a high angle, Ru Cha appears like a giant oasis of yellow, orange, and a hint of purple, standing out against the vast waters of the Tam Giang Lagoon. No longer the familiar green color, most of the Chá foliage has transformed, creating a brilliant and romantic carpet of colors.

The remaining green patches add diversity and liveliness to the natural picture. The incredible feeling when looking at this scene is one of being overwhelmed by the breathtaking beauty and harmony between heaven and earth, where human beings and nature seem to blend into one.

We can see the soft and winding waterways and small constructions, such as observation towers with red-tiled roofs, standing out against the yellow color, all painting a strangely peaceful scene.

1.2 The song of silence in the heart of the forest:

When going deeper into the forest, Ru Chá becomes even more charming. Narrow waterways open up, leading to a quiet space, with only the rustling sound of the wind and the gentle sound of oars splashing water.

A small wooden boat, with the silhouette of a person standing and rowing, glides lightly on the calm water surface. All around, the mangrove trees with yellow foliage reflect on the water's surface, creating a beautiful mirror effect that turns the water into a vivid ink painting.

The clear water also reveals part of the tree roots at the bottom, adding to the sense of authenticity and liveliness. Here, time seems to slow down, bringing a sense of peace and tranquility that is entirely separate from the noise of everyday life. It invites visitors to immerse themselves in nature, savoring every moment that passes slowly.

1.3 Hidden diversity and potential vitality:

Even in the season of changing leaves, Ru Cha is not arid but still retains a strong vitality. Next to these mangrove trees, which are changing color, we can still see groups of dark green water coconut trees and other trees. This contrast shows the richness of the mangrove ecosystem in Hue City.

Besides, tiny channels meander between the trees, creating natural, soft lines that resemble blood vessels nourishing the entire forest. The Ru Cha forest is not only beautiful but also evokes a sense of the liveliness and surprise of nature.

2. Discovering Ru Cha: Diverse Experiences and Endless Inspiration

Ru Cha is not only a destination to admire but also a place to experience and find endless inspiration.

2.1 Walk into the green tunnel and magical space:

Walking along the concrete road through the forest, you will feel as though they are lost in a cool, green tunnel (or a bright, yellow tunnel if it is the season of changing leaves). On both sides of the path, old mangrove trees with skinny branches and tangled roots stretch out to form a natural dome.

Sunlight filters through the leaves, creating sparkling streaks of light on the road and painting a magical, poetic picture. A strangely quiet atmosphere prevails, mixed with a hint of goosebumps due to the wild, mysterious space, making many people feel as though they are lost in a specific part of Switzerland.

2.2 Climb up the observation tower to enjoy a panoramic view:

The 5-storey tower, over 20m high, features spiral architecture and a red-tiled roof and light-blue wall, standing out among the trees and making it a highlight not to be missed. From this watchtower, you can have a panoramic view of the vast mangrove forest and the poetic Tam Giang Lagoon.

This place is also ideal for watching the sunset over the Tam Giang Lagoon, where you can catch an incredibly romantic scene. The observation tower is considered a symbol of expectation and discovery, one that inspires admiration and respect for the wild beauty of the Chá forest.

2.3 Experience the freedom and unique photos:

Besides walking and sightseeing from the tower, you can also rent boats from local fishermen to explore deeper into the forest, weaving through small channels. This activity is a great way to feel the peace and closeness to nature fully.

For those who love art, the romantic and magical beauty of Ru Cha has turned this place into an endless source of inspiration for photographers. You can even rent ao dai or traditional costumes to take photos with your unique mark, immersing yourself in this fairy-tale space.

Also, take a walk with your loved ones on the tree-lined path. As the golden rays of sunlight shine through the leaves at sunset or dawn, you'll experience a sense of freedom in nature, along with the small joy of discovering and enjoying the space.

A peaceful moment in the cool green space. This is a gentle invitation to those who love peace and wish to reconnect with nature.

3. Green Lung and Pride of Hue

Not only possessing charming beauty, Rú Chá also plays a vital role:

3.1 Unique and meaningful primeval mangrove forest:

As one of the rare primeval mangrove forests, Rú Chá is home to thousands of ancient Chá trees and a diverse ecosystem, including many aquatic species and birds.

3.2 Wind-blocking screen from the ocean:

In particular, this forest also serves as a natural barrier to shield the mainland at the Thuan An estuary, helping to minimize the impact of storms and floods and protecting the lives of local people in Hue City.
With great significance, the local government is attempting to protect and expand the Chá forest along the coast.

4. Location and Itinerary Suggestions to Visit This Site

Ru Cha is not only attractive for its own beauty but also for its convenience in movement due to the good roads leading to it. This condition helps visitors easily incorporate this place into their journey to explore the dreamy Hue City.

4.1 Easy to access and inexpensive:

Located only about 15km from the center of Hue City, Ru Cha is an ideal destination for those who want to "change the wind" from the hustle and bustle of the city. The road to the forest is highly convenient, allowing you to travel by motorbike or car easily. Another significant advantage is that there is no entrance fee, making Ru Cha an attractive option for all visitors.

4.2 Suggested trip to combine with this forest:

To fully experience the beauty of Thuan An estuary, you can combine a visit to Ru Cha with a trip to Thuan An beach. After breathing in the fresh sea breeze and admiring the vast ocean, you move a short distance to reach this mysterious mangrove forest.

With about 1 hour at Ru Cha, you will feel and love this natural place - from the familiar smell of muddy countryside to the charming and mysterious forest scene.

Or, take a city tour in Hue to explore its famous historical sites, then head to the Ru Cha Forest at sunset to immerse yourself in the romantic scenery.

Ru Cha in Hue City, whether in the incredible green season or the brilliant yellow season, is always a special destination. It is not only a mangrove forest but also a story of nature, a symphony of colors and emotions, where you can find peace, explore the wild beauty, and experience a unique corner of the dreamy ancient capital.