Restoring U Minh forest village, delighting tourists

In the middle of the U Minh Ha cajuput forest, the model of “Vo Doi Forest Village” has just been put into operation by Ca Mau Eco Ecotourism Site. Not only does it bring a unique experience, this project also recalls a heroic period of the nation’s history.

Tourists experience picking wild vegetables to cook like their ancestors did during the war - Photo: THANH HUYEN

Recreating memories of the war zone in the cajuput forest

The thatched stilt houses are about 20 square meters wide, built from cajuput trees and arranged in small clusters, appearing in the middle of the vast forest canopy. Surrounded by spike traps, the wooden path winds through the cajuput forest, creating a vivid "people's war situation". That is the space recreating "Vo Doi Forest Village" - the first forest village model restored in Ca Mau .

In each stilt house, a puppet modeled after a revolutionary soldier reminds visitors of the difficult but steadfast days. Visitors can not only visit but also clearly imagine the life of their ancestors during the resistance war against the US.

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

Ms. Ngo Huynh Trang - Director of Ca Mau Eco Tourism Site - said that to rebuild the model, she met many historical witnesses, received comments and valuable artifacts.

"In addition to the sincere comments from the uncles and aunts who participated in the war, many also donated artifacts. Those hearts help us recreate a lively space to serve tourists," Ms. Trang shared.

The ancient forest village was not only a shelter but also a place for studying and community activities. In the middle of the forest, classes for popular education were opened to improve people's knowledge and train revolutionary forces. The restoration today therefore carries a profound meaning of gratitude and traditional education .

Tourists are proud of their ancestors.

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

These models are like a vivid classroom for the young generation, to know the context and love their homeland more, and appreciate today's independence and freedom."

Tourists enjoy cooking utensils in the forest village areas - Photo: THANH HUYEN

Ms. Nguyen Ngoc Huyen (Ca Mau) also had tears in her eyes: "My father once fought in the resistance war, often telling stories about living in the forest. Looking at the model, I felt like I saw those memories again. Feelings of gratitude welled up, pride for the sacrifices of previous generations so that we could have peace today."

According to Ms. Ngo Huynh Trang, since it was put into operation, Vo Doi Forest Village has welcomed many visitors, especially students.

"I hope to receive more support from the community, schools, authorities, etc. to spread historical values. The important thing is to inspire the next generation to understand and appreciate the sacrifices of our ancestors," she said.

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

Pham Nguyen Trang (Ca Mau) also shared his pride: "The forest protected our ancestors during the resistance war, and today continues to feed people. Through the forest village, we see how difficult it was for our ancestors to win. I am grateful and respectful when Ca Mau Eco restores this story for everyone, especially the young generation."

During the two resistance wars, the mangrove and cajuput forests of Ca Mau were important bases for the entire Southwest region. In particular, during the period 1958 - 1960, many villages were formed right in the forest, creating a unique "forest village" model.

Vo Doi forest village (Vo Doi hamlet, Tran Hoi commune, old Tran Van Thoi) used to be an important base, ranked as a national monument by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism in 2018.

Ms. Trang often organizes amateur music performances on small canals in the forest to serve tourists - Photo: Ca Mau ECO

Amidst the lush green U Minh Ha, the image of a thatched-roof stilt house, a winding wooden road and the figure of a revolutionary soldier appear again.

"The forest covers the soldiers, the forest surrounds the enemy", the old saying is recreated in a vivid space, becoming a vivid book for the young generation about the tradition of patriotism and the spirit of national solidarity.

THANH HUYEN

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