Ho Chi Minh City nature reserve offers pristine escape amid ancient trees, blue waters

Amid the fast pace of modern life, the nature reserve offers a tranquil green retreat where visitors can immerse themselves in a rare coastal forest ecosystem and enjoy a refreshing escape surrounded by pristine landscapes.

Diverse ecosystem

Covering more than 11,000 hectares, the Binh Chau–Phuoc Buu Nature Reserve is one of the few remaining coastal primeval forests in Vietnam that has retained much of its pristine character.

Established in 1984 and opened to visitors in 2002, the nature reserve features relatively flat terrain.

A harmonious combination of sandy coastal hills, vast stretches of primeval forest, dipterocarp vegetation, and natural rivers and lakes creates a captivating landscape.

The reserve is home to a diverse ecosystem and valuable national biological resources, with rich vegetation classified as a distinctive tropical moist semi-deciduous forest type.

The vast green expanse along the coast is home to more than 750 plant species belonging to 123 families.

Visitors entering the reserve can easily be impressed by the clearly defined layers of vegetation.

The emergent and canopy layers are dominated by towering ancient trees with straight trunks that provide ample shade.

Beneath them, shade-tolerant trees grow densely alongside an understory of grasses, shrubs and tangled vines.

A defining feature of the area's ecosystem is the vigorous growth of dipterocarp species, which form the structural framework of the forest and provide habitats for wildlife.

The forest has 732 officially identified plant species, which are under strict conservation.

Following leaf-covered trails, visitors can discover valuable timber species of high economic and ecological importance, such as Dalbergia bariensis, Afzelia xylocarpa, Sindora siamensis and Pterocarpus macrocarpus.

Hopea odorata, Vitex ajugaeflora and Ficus sumatrana also add to the diversity of the forest.

In natural wetlands such as Bau Nham and a chain of freshwater lakes including Linh Lake and Coc Lake, visitors can admire dense melaleuca forests with an enchanting, almost mystical beauty.

In contrast to the quiet wetlands, the coastal sand dunes feature vegetation adapted to harsh conditions. Salt- and drought-tolerant plants grow across the sandy slopes, creating a refreshing green landscape while helping stabilize the dunes.

The constantly changing scenery adds to the appeal of the area.

Destination for diverse outdoor experiences

Beyond its scenic beauty, the coastal nature reserve is also regarded as a vast natural treasure trove of medicinal plants in southern Vietnam.

According to forestry surveys, the area preserves 745 plant species with medicinal value, including more than 35 extremely rare herbaceous species.

To protect valuable plant genetic resources from human impacts, the management board has established a 50-hectare botanical collection garden.

The site serves as a miniature model for scientific research while also providing an educational attraction for young people interested in nature.

Taking advantage of its natural assets, the reserve offers a wide range of outdoor activities.

Visitors can do more than simply admire the scenery. They can embark on challenging adventures, including trekking through dense forests, mountain biking and weekend camping.

One of the most prominent attractions is the trek to the summit of Tam Bo, known as the "roof of Coc Lake."

Although the mountain is not particularly high, the trail leading to the summit features impressive giant rock formations.

From the peak, visitors can take in panoramic views of vast primeval forests and the emerald-blue sea.

For those new to trekking, the approximately three-kilometer short trail is an ideal choice.

The management board has installed signs and marked the trail. The route is particularly suitable for families with young children.

For experienced trekkers seeking a greater challenge, the 10-kilometer route through the core zone offers an unforgettable experience.

Visitors can walk beneath the canopy of trees more than 200 years old and pass through stands of ancient ferns. Due to the route's wild and rugged nature, trekkers are required to be accompanied by a guide for safety.

For those seeking a more romantic and relaxing experience, the Bau Nham–Linh Lake ecological trail offers another option.

The route takes visitors through tranquil melaleuca forests and wetlands, where they can leisurely stroll and observe wild birds foraging around clear ponds.

In addition, the cycling route along the coastal edge between Loc An and Binh Chau is equally appealing.

Stretching from five to eight kilometers, the route is considered one of the area's most attractive coastal cycling paths, with waves gently breaking against sandy shores on one side and lush dipterocarp trees on the other.

The perfect combination of pristine ancient forests and the windswept blue sea has turned Binh Chau–Phuoc Buu into a precious natural treasure.

It is not only an ideal weekend escape from the heat but also a place where visitors can deepen their appreciation for nature.