Tan Lap Floating Village

Tan Lap sits in the Dong Thap Muoi, the Plain of Reeds, and what it offers is a way into a flooded melaleuca forest without a boat: a narrow concrete walkway of about five hundred metres runs through the trees just above the water, so the trunks close on both sides and the canopy meets overhead. There is also a lotus pond, a viewing tower and boats through the wider channels. It is a managed site rather than a wild one - the name floating village is largely marketing, as there is no village - and it works best at high water from about September to November.

Highlights

• A walkway through flooded forest - about five hundred metres of it.
• Melaleuca trunks either side - closing overhead.
• A viewing tower and boats - for the wider channels.
• A managed site, not a village - the name is marketing.

When to go

September to November, when the water is highest. Half a day.

Good to know

There is no floating village despite the name. In the dry season the water drops and the effect is much reduced. Mosquitoes are heavy. Facilities are basic and the site is busy at weekends.

Nearby

Moc Hoa is north; Tram Chim national park is west in Dong Thap.