Every weekend, hundreds of people flock to U Minh Thuong National Park in the southern province of Kien Giang to go fishing for different kinds of fish far beyond their wildest dreams.
Most of anglers from Saigon travel by car down to the Mekong Delta area. The approximately 300 km trip from Saigon to the forest takes them around seven to eight hours drive crossing most of the delta provinces such as Vinh Long, Can Tho, Dong Thap.
The route is quite lengthy, across two river ferries (Vam Cong & Tac Cau Ferry) but it is worth for tourists to see the landscapes on the way as well as people daily lives on the way. Especially for many people, fishing in this remote area is a unique way to escape from the bustle of city life and enjoy the primitive cajuput forest, where they are greeted by birdsong and chirping insects.
Declared as a National Park in September 2000, U Minh Thuong covers 21,100 hectares. The core 8,000 hectares are strictly protected, while locals live in the remaining 13,000ha growing rice and fruit and vegetables and exploiting government owned cajuput forests.
U Minh Thuong is home to more than 250 species of plants and 500 species animals, with nine species of birds that are listed in the Red Book as endangered. At least eight species of economically valuable fish have been found at the park.
One of the last significant peat forests remaining in Viet Nam, the park has also been recognized as one of the three highest priority sites for wetland conservation in the Mekong Delta.
In order to preserve and maintain the natural environment, tourists are only allowed to travel within a 500 hectare area of the park's central zone.
Most of the tourists like to fish under humble cajuput-wooden tents by Hoa Mai Lake which is the only place that offers food and other basic services.
While the boats glide through the water, visitors may see thousands of bats hanging on tree branches. If they are lucky, they may even spot some monkeys quickly fleeing deep into the jungle after catching sight of humans.
Many tourists look forward having a meal prepared with fresh fish and other indigenous vegetables right on the spot, and then lying in a hammock to enjoy the forest's tranquility.
Those who are not interested in fishing can climb to one of the several watchtowers and enjoy a panoramic view of the reserve. An immense green zone stretches as far as the eye can see, and the harmonious melody of the wind blowing and birds singing will purify and refresh anyone’s spirit.
For more information about U Minh Thuong National Park, please visit
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