Exploring Ru Cha – Dam Chuon: Attractive Ecotourism in Hue

Located opposite Thai Duong Ha fishing village, Thuy Thanh commune, Huong Thuy town, about 15 km southeast of Hue city center. Ru Cha is the only remaining primary mangrove forest in the Tam Giang Lagoon area, covering an area of about 5 hectares with a history of over 100 years. This is a true "green lung", where mangrove flora such as Rhizophora, Bruguiera, and Kandelia grow densely, creating a natural shield against storms, floods, and saline intrusion.

When exploring Ru Cha, you will follow a trail through shrimp ponds, venturing deep into the vast, wild space. Highlight activities include gentle trekking through the forest, watching migratory birds (especially from April to July), or kayaking through gnarled roots. This is an ideal check-in point for photo enthusiasts, with lush green forest scenery reflected on the brackish water surface. In 2025, new eco-tours at Ru Cha have been expanded, combining environmental education to help visitors better understand the role of mangrove forests in combating climate change.

Not far from Tam Giang Lagoon, Dam Chuon is a smaller but equally charming part of the lagoon system, famous for its vibrant fishing village life. This area belongs to Phu Vang district, featuring floating houses on the water and busy floating markets every afternoon. Dam Chuon is particularly attractive during the fishing season from April to July, when boats return to shore carrying fresh catches of seafood.

A unique cultural aspect is the Chuon Village Ancestor Festival, taking place annually from the 15th to the 17th of the 7th lunar month, featuring rituals, boat racing, and folk performances that draw visitors to experience the local identity. At the nearby Thai Duong Ha fishing village, you can visit the floating market, buy directly from fishermen, and even ask them to prepare dishes right on the boat for an authentic community tourism experience.

To fully appreciate the beauty of Ru Cha and Dam Chuon, you should choose a time suitable for your sightseeing and experience goals.

• Afternoon (16:00 – 18:00): The ideal time to watch the sunset, when the sunlight covers the water surface and the cha forest in gold, creating a romantic scene.

• Early morning: Fresh air, suitable for watching the sunrise and observing the daily life of fishermen on the lagoon.

• Autumn (October – November): Ru Cha forest enters the season of yellowing leaves, creating a unique landscape that attracts many tourists and photographers.

• Dry season (February – August): Stable weather with little rain, favorable for sightseeing, boating, and photography activities.

On the contrary, you should limit visiting during the rainy and stormy season (late September to December) due to unpredictable weather, rising water levels, and possible disruption of some lagoon activities. Choosing the right time will help make your journey to explore Ru Cha – Dam Chuon safer and more complete.

The journey to explore Ru Cha and Dam Chuon offers a wide range of rich experiences, alternating between three destinations, suitable for all ages:

• Exploring by boat: Rent a sampan or kayak to weave through waterways and immerse yourself in the vast scenery of the lagoon. Join fishermen in casting nets to better understand traditional fishing (boat rental price: 150,000-300,000 VND/hour).
• Trekking and bird watching at Ru Cha: Stroll along the trails through the mangrove forest, especially during the migratory bird season (April-July). Visitors can bring binoculars to spot spoonbills, gray herons, or paddle kayaks to explore unique mangrove roots.
• Watching sunrise/sunset at Dam Chuon: Admire the sunlight reflecting on the water, creating a magical picture. The floating houses here also organize dining right on the boat combined with sightseeing.
• Participating in festivals and floating markets at Dam Chuon: In the 7th lunar month, join the Chuon Village Ancestor Festival with boat racing and folk performances. In addition, Thai Duong Ha floating market (near Dam Chuon) is an ideal place to buy fresh seafood and experience fishing village culture.
• Checking in at Tam Giang Bridge and community tours: Stand on Tam Giang Bridge – the longest bridge in Southeast Asia – to enjoy panoramic views of the lagoon system. Combine with a 2-3 day community tour, including homestays in fishing villages, trekking in Ru Cha, and planting mangroves to contribute to environmental protection.

These activities are not only entertaining but also help visitors gain a deeper understanding of the cultural and ecological values of this land.

It is impossible to talk about Hue ecotourism without mentioning its cuisine. The lagoon region is a rich seafood "treasure", offering rustic yet flavorful dishes:

• Rabbitfish sizzling pancake (Banh xeo ca kinh): Crispy pancake crust, fresh spinefoot fish filling, served with fresh herbs and sweet and sour dipping sauce. This is a famous specialty when coming to Dam Chuon, especially delicious at floating restaurants on the water.
• Grilled rabbitfish (Ca dia nuong trui): Fresh rabbitfish caught on the spot, grilled whole with chili salt, preserving its full natural sweet flavor. This dish is commonly found at Thai Duong Ha floating market.
• Fresh seafood: Clams, mussels, and snails steamed with lemongrass and chili or grilled with scallion oil. The best experience is at the fishing village floating houses.
• Hue tapioca dumplings (Banh loc Hue): Clear tapioca dumplings filled with savory shrimp and pork, dipped in flavorful fermented fish sauce made right from the lagoon. You can easily find them at eateries along the lagoon.

Prices are very affordable, starting from only 100,000 – 300,000 VND/dish, and the special thing is that you can enjoy them right on floating houses – an experience that is both delicious and unique when visiting Ru Cha – Dam Chuon.

From central Hue, you can easily travel by:

• Motorbike: Rent a bike for 120,000-150,000 VND/day, following the Le Loi - Nguyen Sinh Cung - Highway 49B route, taking about 30-45 minutes. This route passes through ancient villages and rice fields, which is very scenic.
• Car/Taxi: Self-drive car rental (400,000-600,000 VND/day) or taxi (250,000-300,000 VND/one way), suitable for family groups.
• Bus: Bus route No. 5 from Hue Southern Bus Station to Cau Hai, costing only 10,000-15,000 VND, but requires a short extra walk.

If coming from Da Nang, follow Highway 1A over Hai Van Pass and then turn towards Hue, taking a total of about 2-3 hours.

To make your trip smoother and more responsible:

• Ideal time: April to July (fishing season, migratory birds). Avoid the rainy and stormy season (October to December).
• Environmental protection: Do not litter, participate in certified sustainable tours, and respect local fishermen.
• Preparation: Bring sunscreen, mosquito repellent, and cash as electronic payments are not yet widely available in some areas. If traveling in a group, you can refer to the Tam Giang Lagoon tours by Sovaba Travel.

The journey to explore Ru Cha – Dam Chuon not only allows visitors to immerse themselves in the pristine natural scenery of Hue, but also brings deep experiences, from the vast watery landscapes to the rustic flavors of lagoon cuisine. This is an ideal destination for those seeking peace, slowing down, and listening to the rhythm of nature. If you are looking for a unique trip that is close to nature and rich in local culture, then Hue ecotourism with Ru Cha – Dam Chuon will certainly leave an unforgettable mark.