U Minh Thuong National Park

The stunning Hoa Mai Lake as seen from above. Photo: THUY TIEN

U Minh Thuong National Park boasts a tropical wetland ecosystem that is extremely rare in the world . With an area of nearly 3,000 hectares, U Minh Thuong National Park is of great importance to the habitat of many rare, unique, and endangered wildlife species.

Thanks to its unique ecosystem, the flora and fauna of U Minh Thuong National Park are very diverse and abundant, with over 30 species of mammals, over 180 species of birds, 39 species of reptiles and amphibians, over 30 species of fish... including many rare animal species listed in the Red Book of Vietnam and the world such as the hairy-nosed otter, fishing cat, Java stork... In terms of plants, besides the native Melaleuca trees, there are over 250 species of higher plants, including many tall, large woody trees such as Dipterocarpus, Eugenia, and Melaleuca...

Ms. Truong Be Diem, a tour guide at U Minh Thuong National Park, said: “Not only is it a place with a diverse and unique ecosystem, U Minh Thuong National Park is also a famous destination attracting domestic and international tourists to visit, learn, and conduct scientific research...”. The highlight of exploring U Minh Thuong National Park is the refreshing and pleasant feeling of the clean air, interspersed with the peaceful natural surroundings and the chirping of birds.

For a truly enjoyable day experience, visitors should set off early in the morning. Upon arrival, visitors can freely explore the Hoa Mai Lake area, the first point of entry into U Minh Thuong National Park, enjoying the beautiful, unspoiled natural scenery.

From Hoa Mai Lake, taking a small boat along the central canal into the core of the national park, visitors can admire the scenery on both banks, covered in tall, white reeds reaching above head height. Deeper inside, visitors will see lush green mangrove forests, dense patches of water hyacinth floating on the water, and flocks of birds soaring in the sky. Occasionally, a startled snake-necked bird flaps its wings against the deep blue sky. Then there's the bat cave, where thousands of bats chirp and occasionally swarm out, spreading their wings wide in mid-air. The rustling wind through the flooded mangrove forests, the splashing of fish near and far, the birds singing – all blend together into a joyful symphony that captivates the visitor's soul.

Fishing is also a fun experience in the national park. Visitors have the chance to become real anglers, cruising down the river in a boat. What could be better than fishing in a peaceful setting, surrounded by the cheerful chirping of birds? “From Ca Mau, it’s a leisurely 70km to U Minh Thuong National Park, about an hour away, but I still feel close because it’s so attractive. Every few weeks, my friends and I come here to relax and fish. We catch many kinds of fish like snakehead, catfish, and tilapia… it’s so much fun!” shared Mr. Nguyen Tan Dat, a resident of Ca Mau province.

During their exploration of U Minh Thuong National Park, visitors can climb the Lam Dai observation tower to admire the panoramic view of the world biosphere reserve from above. Visitors can also visit the wildlife rescue and care center. This is where injured or illegally hunted animals are rescued, cared for, and nurtured before being released back into the wild. It's also a fascinating place for students to visit, learn about, and explore wildlife.

U Minh Thuong National Park is an ideal destination for those who love exploring wild nature, experiencing unique tourist activities, and learning about the culture and history of this region.

THUY THAN

Source: https://baoangiang.com.vn/nguyen-so-vuon-quoc-gia-u-minh-thuong-a474555.html