Lost in nature

      Binh Chau – Phuoc Buu Nature Reserve, located 35 kilometers northwest of Vung Tau Town, covers an area of 11,293 hectares with high mountains to the west, flat land and freshwater swamps that are opened for tourism.
The reserve area has been under protection since 1984.
Four types of forests are present in the vicinity, including a dry thin forest, thick deciduous forest and seaside indigo forest.
Flora in the area includes 732 species, many of which are listed as rare and endangered.
The nature reserve also boasts 205 kinds of fauna, including 106 types of birds, 49 types of mammals, 38 types of reptiles and 12 types of amphibians.
Many of them are listed in the Vietnam Red Book, including the panther, Malayan bear and pig-tailed monkey.
The walking trails through the forest are moderate with little inclinations.
A beautiful part of the unique indigo forest is very close to the reserve’s center.
From Vung Tau, travel the stunning coastal highway connecting Vung Tau with Phan Thiet, just opened for public use in 2005, to Xuyen Moc Town, and then follow the signboard to Phuoc Buu, continuing 15 kilometers on the local road.
One may want to make a stop at Cua Lap Bridge, the second bridge connecting Vung Tau with the mainland after Co May Bridge.
Phuoc Tinh Village located at the end of the bridge is one of the richest villages in Vietnam thanks to its fishing industry.
In the vicinity, one will also find Minh Dam Mountains, the revolutionary base for the period from 1946 – 1975, and Loc An Seaport, the last port of the Ho Chi Minh Trails by the sea.
The end of January to the beginning of February when cherry blossoms bloom is definitely the most beautiful time to travel this road.
However, if one wants to combine a forest trek with hot spring relaxation at Binh Chau, arrange a trip around Christmas when the climate is fairly dry and cool.
Tours can be booked with OSC Vung Tau, located at 2 Le Loi Street, tel: 064.852 603.