Bien Hoa protection and landscape forest stretches across Trang Dai, Ho Nai and Long Binh wards, helping regulate temperatures, improve air quality and reduce dust for nearly two million residents.
Planted and maintained for more than 30 years, much of the forest has retained its natural character. From above, it forms a striking green canopy amid the surrounding urban landscape.
Since 2005, Dong Nai authorities have planned to develop the protected forest into an ecotourism destination while ensuring its long-term conservation
The forest has become increasingly important as Dong Nai City continues to urbanise
Bien Hoa Forest is home to valuable timber species such as sao, ironwood, dipterocarp and crape myrtle, including many mature trees with trunks too large for one person to encircle.
Covering more than 200 hectares, including over 150 hectares of mature timber trees, the forest is criss-crossed by footpaths used by local residents
The forest also contains a memorial stele for fallen soldiers of Commando Unit 113 on Hill 61, marking an important historical site in the area.
Watchtowers have been built to help forest rangers patrol the area and prevent fires. Hoang Van Bon Road runs through the forest, linking northern Dong Nai City with National Highway 1.
Dong Nai City's agricultural services centre and forest rangers have installed warning signs at forest entrances to deter fires, illegal logging and wildlife hunting
After more than 30 years of growth, the Bien Hoa protection and landscape forest has developed a rich, multi-layered ecosystem that provides habitat for birds and wildlife, including squirrels, civets, snakes and junglefowl.
A steel fence has been built around the forest to strengthen its protection. Habitat restoration, nurseries and the planting of valuable timber trees are also under way to support its long-term conservation.
The forest helps to improve air quality, replenish groundwater and reduce flooding, according to Dong Nai City's Department of Agriculture and Environment.
