(TITC) – Surrounded by pristine nature and carrying a rich historical legacy, U Minh Thuong National Park has become an ideal destination for travelers seeking tranquility, fresh air, and the impressive green expanse of melaleuca forests. This special wetland ecosystem offers visitors a wide range of captivating ecotourism experiences.
Covering 21,107 hectares, including 8,038 hectares of strictly protected core area, U Minh Thuong National Park was upgraded from the former U Minh Thuong Nature Reserve in Kien Giang Province. Along with U Minh Ha, it forms the unique and iconic U Minh forest system in the Mekong Delta.
The park is a vital conservation area for the biodiversity of peat swamp wetlands. Visitors can easily encounter melaleuca trees and climbing plants growing atop layers of peat soil, alongside more than 180 bird species and 30 mammal species. This remarkable diversity has helped U Minh Thuong become a highly appealing destination for nature enthusiasts.
Over the years, the park has received multiple international recognitions. In 2006, it was identified as one of the three core zones of the Kien Giang Coastal and Marine Biosphere Reserve. In 2012, it became the first ASEAN Heritage Park in Southeast Asia to be located on peatland and the fifth national park of Vietnam. By 2015, U Minh Thuong was designated as the 2,228th Ramsar site of the world and Vietnam’s 8th Ramsar site.
The park is at its most beautiful during the flooding season from August to November, when the melaleuca forest stretches endlessly in lush green, dotted with floating mats of aquatic plants. During this time, the landscape transforms into a serene and picturesque wetland environment.
One of the most rewarding experiences for visitors is taking a motorboat or “vo lai” canoe through the park’s winding waterways. The cool breeze, expansive greenery, and peaceful atmosphere allow travelers to fully appreciate the untouched beauty of this natural wonder. The water channels, tinged with a rare reddish-brown color typical of peat swamp forests, blend harmoniously with the vibrant greens on both banks and clusters of water hyacinths drifting along the surface.
At the heart of the park lies Hoa Mai Lake, a swamp shaped like a five-petal flower. The lake’s surface resembles a green carpet covered in delicate ferns. Here, visitors can enjoy pedaling swan boats, renting a rowing boat to glide through lily-filled channels, or even trying their hand at fishing like a local resident.
Deeper within the forest is Trang Chim, home to tens of thousands of birds of various species and colors. A 100-meter bamboo bridge leads visitors through the melaleuca forest to an observation tower, providing a close-up view of flocks of birds soaring across the sky or resting on ancient tree canopies.
Another remarkable site is Trang Doi, where travelers can observe rare giant fruit bats – known for their impressive wingspan of up to one meter – hanging in clusters from tall treetops.
Beyond natural values, U Minh Thuong also preserves significant cultural and historical heritage, including 15 recognized historical relics. Among them are two National Historical Sites: the U Minh Thuong Revolutionary Base and the An Ninh Khu IX Historical Site, both associated with Vietnam’s resistance wars.
After immersing themselves in nature, visitors can savor local specialties such as grilled snakehead fish, grilled yellow catfish with ginger fish sauce, steamed snakehead fish with fermented seasoning, stir-fried “bon bon” greens, or braised “ca ro bien.” Many travelers also bring home pure forest honey harvested by local residents.
With its pristine beauty and harmonious blend of nature and history, U Minh Thuong National Park continues to attract visitors seeking peaceful, memorable experiences. Anyone traveling to An Giang is encouraged to explore this unique ecological treasure.
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