Trem river divides U Minh forest into two parts which are U Minh Thuong (Upper U Minh) and U Minh Ha (Lower U Minh). It covers an area of about 2,000 km2, close to the Gulf of Thailand, in the provinces of Kien Giang and Ca Mau. U Minh forest is considered to be the biosphere with the highest biomass value compared to other forest types with about 250 species of plants, over 180 species of birds, and more than 20 reptiles.
U Minh Thuong (Upper U Minh)
Located in Kien Giang province. U Minh Thuong harbors a diversity of flora, including many rare and endemic species such as oriental darter, spot-billed pelican, painted stork, lesser adjutant, black-headed ibis, glossy ibis, greater spotted eagle, grey-headed fish eagle, and Asian golden weaver. There are 226 species of non-cultivated vascular plants have been recorded. Come to U Minh Thuong, you can find duckweed and Lemna tenera, which is rare throughout its range in South-East Asia. Visit U Minh Thuong National Park to experience the wildlife of this land.
U Minh Ha (Lower U Minh)
Situated in Ca Mau province, U Minh Ha is well-known for the stunning beauty of rivers like Trem, Cai Tau and Doc river as well as mangrove shades and an immense field of reeds. Nowadays, thanks to the largely intact natural characteristic, U Minh Ha become a popular tourist destination. Visit U Minh Ha Natural Park you will be mesmerized by its rich fauna and flora. This park is home to various wildlife species, including deer, wild boars, monkeys, weasels, snakes, turtles, and pangolins, many of which were listed in the Red Book. Stand on the forest observation deck, visitors will get a breathtaking view of the endless forest and vast waterways.
Visit U Minh Ha, you will have an opportunity to listen to the locals telling the anecdotes and legends of uncle Ba Phi who was famous for his storytelling. You also can enjoy the melodies of Don Ca Tai Tu – the traditional musical art form of the south. U Minh Ha guarantees you an interesting trip with a lot of memorable experience like discovering mangrove forest or catching voles. You also can enjoy the melodies of Don Ca Tai Tu – the traditional musical art form of the south.
U Minh Ha guarantees you an interesting trip with a lot of memorable experience like discovering mangrove forest or catching voles. In addition, visitors can lean back in cane chairs in houses on stilts to enjoy the lyrical melodies of Don Ca Tai Tu. The forest plays an important role in the life of the locals. It not only protects but also helps the locals create revenues to feed their families. For them, it is the source of living.
Spending Vietnam vacation packages including Mekong Delta day trips visiting U Minh Forest will completely leave you undimmed memories.
U Minh Forest spreads over an area from the Ong Doc River (in Ca Mau province) to the Cai Lon River (in Kien Giang). The prevailing species of tree is the cajuput (10-20 meters high).
The peaty soil reaches a thickness of 2-5 meters. The forest was a resistance base against the French, later against the Americans, and was subject to intense chemical spraying. It still contains numerous wildlife, especially birds and fish.