(TITC) – Nestled deep within the melaleuca forests of U Minh Ha, Muoi Ngot Community-Based Ecotourism Area stands as one of the most distinctive agricultural–ecotourism destinations in the Mekong Delta. More than a scenic retreat, Muoi Ngot offers travelers the chance to immerse themselves in the lifestyle, traditions, and natural rhythms of the local people.
Located in Hamlet 4 of Da Bac Commune, Ca Mau Province, Muoi Ngot began welcoming visitors in late 2015. Since then, its unique activities and authentic approach to community-led tourism have turned it into a signature attraction – helping place Ca Mau firmly on Vietnam’s ecological tourism map.
Visitors are greeted by an untouched landscape of canals, shimmering water, and towering melaleuca trees. A journey begins aboard a small motorized boat or traditional wooden canoe, weaving through narrow waterways beneath the forest canopy. Here, the symphony of nature comes alive – the soft buzz of mosquitoes, the sound of fish breaking the water’s surface, and the occasional sight of white egrets landing gently on swaying treetops.
What makes Muoi Ngot special is its warm, family-run model. Everyone – from the manager and boat drivers to cooks, guides, and attendants – is part of the same household. Their hospitality is heartfelt and genuine, creating an atmosphere that makes visitors feel as though they are returning to a long-lost countryside home.
Scattered across the garden are simple leaf-roof lodges built on raised ground, surrounded by canals, banana groves, and fruit trees. These rustic houses serve as resting spots and overnight stays for guests who wish to linger. Upon arrival, visitors are welcomed with herbal drinks and fresh fruits grown right in the garden.
Behind the homestead lies more than 60 hectares of melaleuca forest, intensively cultivated and developed into an exploration route. Here, guests can experience the daily activities of forest farmers in U Minh Ha. One of the most exciting moments is venturing into the wetlands to search for freshwater species that live beneath the forest canopy. The tranquil ponds and marshes are home to a wide variety of native fish.
Traditional fishing activities – such as net casting, fish trapping, and setting bamboo cylinders – allow visitors to relive the centuries-old methods of local fishermen. The thrill of pulling up a net and finding a lively snakehead or climbing perch inside is an unforgettable highlight for many travelers.
For those seeking a more daring adventure, honey harvesting offers a unique challenge. The craft of gathering wild melaleuca honey has existed in U Minh for generations, producing fragrant, pure honey that is highly prized. Following skilled honey hunters, visitors don protective nets and use smoking torches made from coconut fiber to gently move bees away from their hives. Thousands of bee racks placed throughout the forest form miniature kingdoms where colonies gather nectar and create golden honey.
The treasures collected from the forest soon become ingredients for mouthwatering countryside dishes. Signature specialties such as grilled snakehead fish, roasted catfish, eel hotpot, fermented fish hotpot, and young honeybee salad deliver the true flavors of the Mekong’s wetland culture. The smooth, amber-colored forest honey – blended with the scent of melaleuca flowers – is a precious gift from nature.
Adding to the charm, visitors can enjoy đờn ca tài tử, the traditional folk music of Southern Vietnam, creating an intimate and unforgettable dining experience.
Before leaving, guests often bring home local specialties such as forest honey, honey wine, fermented honey products, beeswax, dried snakehead fish, or dried gourami – perfect souvenirs from an authentic Mekong journey.
Just an hour’s drive from Ca Mau City, Muoi Ngot Community-Based Ecotourism Area is an ideal destination for group outings, family trips, or weekend getaways – offering nature, culture, and heartfelt hospitality all in one place.
Tourism Information Technology Center
