When visiting Ca Mau, visitors can join a tour to explore U Minh Ha National Park and enjoy a variety of activities. U Minh Ha Forest is an ideal ecotourism destination for those who love exploring nature, are adventurous, and want to learn about the wetland ecosystem.
Overview of U Minh Ha National Park
U Minh Ha National Park, with an area of 8,527.8 ha, was established on January 20, 2006, under the administrative boundary of 4 communes of 2 districts of Tran Van Thoi and U Minh, Ca Mau province. Located in the west of Ca Mau province, about 25km from the center (a 30-minute drive), visitors will reach U Minh Ha National Park.
The outstanding feature is the Melaleuca forest ecosystem formed in flooding conditions, on peatland, a typical tree of the Mekong Delta. On May 26, 2009, U Minh Ha National Park was recognized by UNESCO as one of the three zones of the Ca Mau World Biosphere Reserve.
The flora and fauna here are extremely rich and diverse: there are nearly 250 species of plants, 250 plant species, 182 bird species, 20 species of reptiles and amphibians, 40 species of mammals, and many other insects. There are many species listed in the Red Book of the International Union for Conservation of Nature.
With a stable, suitable ecological environment, birds and storks gather here in large numbers to breed, live, and thrive. These are species such as the Grey-headed swamphen, the black-crowned night heron, the Oriental darter, the lesser whistling duck, the black-necked crane… and many species of storks such as striated heron, scarlet ibis, black bittern, pteropus… including dozens of species of rare birds and animals recorded in the Red Book of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
U Minh Ha forest also has abundant aquatic resources, including many typical fish species in the Mekong Delta, such as snakeheads, pangasius, bronze featherback, and broadhead catfish, which not only have biological value but also high economic value.
The re-emergence of many wildlife species, such as wild boar, mustelids, plagiopholis styani, monitor lizards, and crocodiles, along with hundreds of existing animal species, enriches the dynamic system of objects in this forest.
What’s the best time to visit U Minh Ha, National Park?
The weather in U Minh Ha is divided into two distinct seasons: dry season and rainy season. The dry season runs from May to October; the rainy season lasts from November to April of the following year. According to U Minh Ha travel experiences, visitors can explore this National Park at any time of the year.
The rainy season is when water levels are high, making it easier to travel by boat through the mangrove forests. On the contrary, the dry season will be more favorable for sightseeing because it is sunny and there is no rain. If you want to come here to explore the ecosystem or take check-in photos, the dry season is a better time.
Things to do in U Minh Ha National Park
U Minh Ha is a large-scale National Park; coming here, you will experience many interesting activities, such as
Observatory tower
From Vo Doi hamlet, Da Bac Commune, a smooth, clean asphalt road leads visitors to the observatory, which is up to 24 meters high. Climbing to the top, can see a cloudy sky, an immense river, and water on all four sides, far off in the distance.
From the forest gate (located in Vo Doi hamlet), going along the main not far away, you will see an observatory tower. From here, visitors can see the vast forest from above. The river landscape, with its immense canals, forests, and fields, is worth the trip to this place.
Take a boat to visit the mangrove forest
An active boat tour of the national park offers visitors a true mangrove tourism experience. However, this service is only available seasonally; if the weather is too bad, it won’t be offered. To be sure, you should contact the management before leaving.
Sailing on the Ca Mau River, you will see extremely diverse and rich flora and fauna, including species listed in the Red Book.
Fishing or taking honey in the forest
You can rent a boat to go deep into the forest to fish. There are many native fish species here because they are well protected; tourists can fish and cook right in the forest and participate in activities with local fishermen. You can also join local people to catch eels, set fish traps… pick Ormocarpum cochinchinense, lotuses, and Nymphaea…
In addition, when traveling to U Minh Ha forest, you can go with local people to collect wild honey. It would be an interesting experience, with a great chance to explore nature and enjoy the honey.
What specialties does U Minh Ha have?
After the trip through the forest, sitting on a stilt house under the shade of the trees, and enjoying food will bring visitors to fully feel the wild but idyllic flavor of a river countryside.
Do not miss the Ca Mau-style dishes such as grilled snakehead fish, hot pot sauce, braised eel, green bean porridge… or special dishes like fried rat… The dishes here are prepared in a rustic way that would make you feel like you’re missing out.
Some notes when coming to visit U Minh Ha National Park
- If you go during the rainy season, remember to wear long clothes or bring insect repellent, as there are many insects here, especially mosquitoes.
- Bring hats and umbrellas.
- Should call in advance if you want to experience the feeling of sailing to explore the forest.
- Regarding sleeping overnight in U Minh Ha forest, there are no camping sites or accommodation services here, so everyone comes to play and then moves back to U Minh town or Ca Mau city to rest.
- Absolutely no fishing, killing rare animals in the forest, or cutting trees, which destroys the flora in U Minh Ha forest.
Contact of U Minh Ha National Park
– Address: Vo Doi Hamlet, Da Bac Commune, Ca Mau Province
– Website: vuonqgumh.camau.gov.vn
Phone: 0290 3 910 020 or 0290 3 910 07
Hire a boat to travel: 150,000 VND / person / h
Source: collected by An
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