Travel

The Ultimate Travel Guide: Uncover the Top 3 U Minh Thuong (Kien Giang) Destinations

U Minh Thuong is a renowned tourist destination in Kien Giang Province. Join us as we uncover the allure of three captivating and renowned tourist spots in this enchanting locale.

Administrator

3 August, 2024

U Minh Thuong is an ideal destination for those who love nature and eco-tourism in the forest. Let’s explore the top 3 U Minh Thuong tourist attractions with Bach Hoa XANH!

1 Overview of U Minh Thuong

U Minh Thuong is a district located in the southwest of Kien Giang province. U Minh Thuong is famous for its eco-tourism due to its geographical conditions with a complex system of rivers and canals, as well as its flooded forests. This place is also a cultural exchange hub, home to the Kinh, Hoa, and Khmer ethnic groups.

So, if you’re looking to immerse yourself in nature and discover new experiences after tiring working days, U Minh Thuong is the place to be. It will surely not disappoint you!

Overview of U Minh Thuong

2 3 Must-Visit U Minh Thuong Tourist Attractions

U Minh Thuong National Park

Quality Rating: 4.3/5 (Rated by Google)

Address: National Highway 63, Rach Gia, Kien Giang

Price: Approximately 10,000 VND

Opening Hours: To be updated

Phone Number: 0947274789

Facebook: None

Pros: Pristine flooded forest, spacious and cool.

Cons: Lack of entertainment activities.

When it comes to U Minh Thuong, most of us will immediately think of the U Minh Thuong National Park. This place boasts a pristine and majestic beauty with a fresh atmosphere and over 200 species of plants.

Visiting the U Minh Thuong forest, you’ll be immersed in nature with lush green vegetation, the melodious chirping of birds, and the chance to observe endangered wildlife such as the black squirrel, as well as red book species like the fishing cat, hairy-nosed otter, and grey-footed pelican.

You also have the opportunity to enjoy local delicacies and experience fishing at Hoa Mai Lake at a reasonable cost. Additionally, the U Minh Thuong National Park contributes to the preservation of the historical relic site of the U Minh Thuong revolutionary base during the anti-French and anti-American wars.

Xeo Can Pagoda Historical Relic

Quality Rating: 4.3/5

Address: Thanh Yen, U Minh Thuong, Kien Giang

Price: Free entry

Opening Hours: 05:30 – 22:00

Phone Number: 0367820462

Facebook: Chua Sirivansa Xeo Can

Pros: Solemn, historical site.

Cons: To be updated

Xeo Can Pagoda, also known as Sirivansa Pagoda, was established in 1962. It serves as a significant cultural and spiritual center for Khmer Buddhists in Kien Giang and the entire Mekong Delta region. The pagoda features a distinctive Khmer architectural style with a striking golden color.

Initially, this place was developed by Khmer elders and Buddhists who cleared the land and constructed the pagoda using trees and leaves according to the wishes of the local monks and Buddhists, as well as the requirements of the Southwest Liberation Front.

During the anti-American resistance war, the pagoda served as a hiding place for many revolutionary soldiers. The monks and Buddhists also actively participated in the revolution by engaging in propaganda work, acting as liaisons, and contributing money and resources to support the war effort.

In 1964, the pagoda suffered severe damage from enemy aircraft attacks. The following year, in 1965, Xeo Can Pagoda sheltered numerous civilians from enemy sweeps. In 1969, the enemy occupied the pagoda’s land to build a field artillery position targeting the U Minh base, resulting in the blood of a monk and two children staining the pagoda’s courtyard.

To ensure safety, the Buddhists and monks evacuated to another location, returning at the end of 1969. Since then, the pagoda has been renovated and now stands strong and beautiful as it did in the past.

An Ninh Khu 9 Historical Relic

Quality Rating: 4.3/5 (Rated by Google)

Address: An Minh Bac, U Minh Thuong, Kien Giang

Price: Free entry

Opening Hours: To be updated

Phone Number: 02973526363

Facebook: None

Pros: Quiet, historical site.

Cons: Somewhat dilapidated and deserted.

The An Ninh Khu 9 Historical Relic is situated on a 22-hectare land area, featuring the “For National Security” statue, the CAND Museum, and the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, among other structures.

This complex was constructed to honor the heroic sacrifices of revolutionary soldiers and to educate the current CAND force about the traditions of the Vietnamese revolution.

3 U Minh Thuong Specialties

Grilled snakehead fish with clay

When visiting U Minh Thuong, the first delicacy you should try is grilled snakehead fish with clay.

Fresh snakehead fish is carefully wrapped in a layer of clay from the field or mud from the ditch. It is then placed on a grill and roasted until the clay cracks, revealing tender white fish meat that is incredibly flavorful, especially when dipped in “mam ruoc”.

There’s nothing quite like enjoying this hot and delicious dish in the midst of the lush and pristine forest of U Minh Thuong. Don’t miss out on this unique culinary experience!

Grilled snakehead fish with clay

Fried snakehead murrel with chili and lemongrass

Due to the ecological characteristics and complex river system of U Minh Thuong, fish is a precious natural gift of this region. Another signature dish of this area is fried snakehead murrel with chili and lemongrass. The golden-fried fish is coated in a spicy and fragrant layer of chili and lemongrass, creating an irresistible flavor.

Fried snakehead murrel with chili and lemongrass

Fermented tongue fish sauce

U Minh Thuong boasts a variety of fish sauces, including those made from snakehead fish, catfish, tilapia, and more. However, the most unique and famous one is the fermented tongue fish sauce.

In the past, tongue fish was not considered valuable by the locals. But over time, they discovered that fermenting and aging this fish for several months produced a delicious and distinctive fish sauce that became renowned in U Minh Thuong.

The robust flavor of this fish sauce can be used to create countless dishes, such as steamed fish sauce with pork belly, fried fish sauce, fish sauce with vegetables, steamed fish sauce with eggs, and more. It can also be used as a dipping sauce for various dishes or simply enjoyed with rice.

If you’re looking for a unique souvenir to take home, fermented tongue fish sauce is an excellent choice!

Fermented tongue fish sauce

These are the top 3 tourist attractions in U Minh Thuong, Kien Giang, that you shouldn’t miss. Hopefully, this article has helped you discover exciting places to explore and create memorable experiences with your loved ones.

Frequently asked questions

U Minh Thuong National Park is a vast wetland and one of Vietnam’s most important nature reserves. It is located in the province of Kien Giang, in the southern part of the country.

The park is known for its diverse and unique ecosystem, including a wide range of plant and animal life. It is a great place for birdwatching, with over 200 species of birds recorded in the area. The park also offers boat trips through the wetlands, providing visitors with a chance to spot rare wildlife and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. Other attractions include walking trails, a museum, and the opportunity to learn about the local culture and history.

1. The Core Zone: This is the heart of the national park, offering the best opportunities for wildlife spotting and nature photography. It is a vast area of untouched wetlands and forests.

2. The Mangrove Forest: A unique and diverse ecosystem, the mangrove forest is home to a variety of wildlife, including monkeys, snakes, and birds. Visitors can explore the forest by boat or on foot.

3. The Bird Sanctuary: With over 20,000 hectares of protected land, the bird sanctuary is a haven for birdwatchers. It is home to a wide range of bird species, including rare and endangered ones.

The dry season, from December to April, is generally considered the best time to visit. This is when the weather is most pleasant and there is less chance of rainfall disrupting outdoor activities.

Visitors can reach the park by taking a bus or driving from Rach Gia, the nearest city. Once in the park, getting around is mostly done by boat, with a variety of tours and transportation options available. Some areas also offer walking trails and bicycle rentals for exploring the surroundings at a leisurely pace.