The reconstruction of the U Minh forest village has delighted tourists.

Nestled in the U Minh Ha melaleuca forest, the "Vo Doi Forest Village" model has recently been launched by the Ca Mau Eco ecotourism destination. Not only does it offer a unique experience, but this project also evokes a glorious period in the nation's history.

Tourists experience picking wild vegetables to cook, just like their ancestors did during wartime - Photo: THANH HUYEN

Recreating memories of the war zone amidst the mangrove forest.

The thatched-roof stilt houses, each about 20 square meters, are built from melaleuca wood and arranged in small clusters amidst the vast forest canopy. Surrounded by spike traps and winding wooden paths snaking through the melaleuca forest, they create a vivid "people's war" scenario. This is the recreated space of "Vồ Dơi Forest Village" - the first forest village model restored in Cà Mau .

In each stilt house, mannequins depicting revolutionary soldiers evoke memories of those difficult but steadfast days. Visitors not only get to see the houses but also gain a vivid understanding of the lives of their ancestors during the resistance against the American invasion.

Tourists check in at the U Minh forest village - Photo: THANH HUYEN

Ms. Ngo Huynh Trang, Director of Ca Mau Eco eco- tourism site, said that to recreate the model, she met with many historical witnesses, received feedback, and valuable artifacts.

"Besides the very sincere suggestions from the veterans who participated in the fighting, many of them also donated artifacts. These acts of kindness helped us recreate a vibrant living space to serve tourists," Ms. Trang shared.

The ancient forest villages were not only shelters but also centers of learning and community life. In the heart of the forest, literacy classes were once held to raise the intellectual level of the people and cultivate revolutionary forces. Therefore, the restoration of these villages today carries profound significance in terms of gratitude and traditional education .

Tourists feel nostalgic and proud of their ancestors.

Mr. Duong Pham Vu Tuan, a tourist from Ca Mau, was moved when he saw the model firsthand: "My ancestors used to live in a forest village. Looking back now, I can see a part of their arduous life, from cooking, setting traps and snares to making weapons and erecting spikes..."

These models serve as a vibrant classroom for the younger generation, helping them understand the context and fostering a deeper love for their homeland, cherishing the independence and freedom they enjoy today."

Tourists are fascinated by the cooking utensils found in the forest village areas - Photo: THANH HUYEN

Ms. Nguyen Ngoc Huyen (Ca Mau) was also moved to tears: "My father was a resistance fighter and often told stories about life in the jungle. Looking at the model, I feel like I'm reliving those memories. A feeling of gratitude wells up inside me, and I'm proud of the sacrifices of the previous generation so that we could have peace today."

According to Ms. Ngo Huynh Trang, since its opening, Vo Doi Forest Village has welcomed many visitors, especially students.

"I hope to receive more support from the community, schools, and authorities to spread historical values. The important thing is to inspire future generations to understand and appreciate the sacrifices made by our ancestors," she said.

Many young people learn valuable lessons from the thatched huts that recreate the model of old forest villages - Photo: THANH HUYEN

Mr. Pham Nguyen Trang (Ca Mau) also shared his pride: "The forest sheltered our ancestors during the resistance war, and today it continues to sustain people. Through the forest villages, we see how difficult it was for our forefathers to achieve victory. I am grateful and appreciative that Ca Mau Eco has recreated this story for everyone, especially the younger generation."

During the two wars of resistance, the mangrove and melaleuca forests of Ca Mau served as important bases for the entire Southwestern region of Vietnam. Particularly during the period of 1958-1960, many villages were formed right within the forests, creating a unique "forest village" model.

The Vo Doi forest village (Vo Doi hamlet, Tran Hoi commune, former Tran Van Thoi district) was once an important base and was classified as a national historical site by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism in 2018.

Ms. Trang often organizes traditional Vietnamese folk music performances on small canals winding through the forest to entertain tourists - Photo: Ca Mau ECO

Amidst the lush greenery of U Minh Ha, the image of a thatched-roof stilt house, a winding wooden path, and the figure of a revolutionary soldier reappear.

"The forest shelters our soldiers, the forest surrounds the enemy," this old saying is recreated in a vivid setting, becoming a living book for the younger generation about patriotic traditions and national unity.

THANH HUYEN

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/phuc-dung-lang-rung-u-minh-nuc-long-du-khach-20250918191240071.htm