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Tiếng Việt (Vietnamese)
Amidst the dense melaleuca (tràm) forests of U Minh Ha in southern Vietnam, where nature retains its rare tranquility and pristine charm, the Muoi Ngot Ecotourism Site has emerged as an ideal destination for those seeking to reconnect with a slower rhythm of life—one that is close to and in harmony with the local natural landscape.
More than just a tourist destination, this site represents a heartfelt community-based entrepreneurship initiative led by Mr. Khanh, a native son of the region, who has developed the model step-by-step out of love and dedication to his homeland.
Breathing the Primal Air of U Minh Ha’s Melaleuca Forest
Located in Hamlet 4, Tran Van Thoi commune, Ca Mau Province, Muoi Ngot Ecotourism Site spans over 60 hectares of natural melaleuca forest, of which 20 hectares are strictly protected. Its standout features include seasonal wetland depressions—known locally as lung noi or “sky canals”—named Kinh Troi and Kinh Ngoc Hoang for their mystical atmosphere and untouched beauty.
This unique ecosystem provides sanctuary to various endemic flora and fauna species: freshwater fish, wild birds, forest vegetables, and century-old melaleuca trees ranging from 70–80 years of age.
Experiencing the Spirit of Mekong Delta Water Culture
Visitors to Muoi Ngot are not only immersed in fresh, serene surroundings but are also invited to participate in authentic, hands-on cultural activities. A ride in a traditional three-plank canoe through winding waterways lets one experience the scent of melaleuca in the breeze and the songs of forest birds echoing in the distance.
One highlight is the experience of “gac keo ong”, a traditional method of wild honey harvesting practiced by locals in U Minh Ha. Tourists may also try local fishing techniques such as placing fish traps and bamboo baskets, which, despite their simplicity, require dexterity and intimate knowledge of the watery forest environment.
After these immersive activities, visitors are treated to rustic culinary specialties like grilled snakehead fish in bamboo tubes, wild banana with fermented fish sauce, and forest vegetable soup—all flavors deeply rooted in the local terroir.
Community-Based Tourism Rooted in Local Commitment
For Mr. Khanh, Muoi Ngot is not a commercial venture in superficial tourism, but a clear and deliberate path toward ecological preservation and community development. Determined to generate sustainable livelihoods, he has begun developing a cooperative model to raise native fish and produce value-added products—such as honey, bananas, and wild greens—for integration into the tourism value chain.
“I don’t want to do tourism that’s exploitative—focusing only on attracting crowds while destroying natural resources. I want to preserve the forest, the bees, and our culture. Slow but steady, with responsibility,” Khanh shares.
First Steps and Long-Term Aspirations
Muoi Ngot remains in the early stages of development. The project faces numerous challenges—high operational costs, complex legal procedures, and the need for institutional consensus. Yet Mr. Khanh’s perseverance and clear vision have already opened doors to collaboration with tourism experts and planners to refine and expand the model sustainably.
What makes Muoi Ngot truly special is not only its scenic beauty but its core values: harmony between nature, people, and heritage, and above all, an unwavering commitment to responsible tourism that refuses to trade ecology for short-term profit.
In the future, this site is expected to become a model of ecotourism and community-based forestry development, not only for U Minh Ha but for the broader Mekong Delta region.
Partnering for a Sustainable Vision
On its journey toward sustainable community tourism, Muoi Ngot is receiving support from the Research Institute for Applied Tourism (RIAT). With a shared commitment to preserving natural and cultural heritage, RIAT is collaborating with local stakeholders and Mr. Khanh to gradually develop an integrated CBT-forestry model.
This approach aims to unlock the long-term potential of melaleuca forests and local products in a sustainable way while creating new income streams for rural residents. Through experience-sharing, technical assistance, and strategic planning support, RIAT contributes to strengthening Muoi Ngot’s operations—helping shape it into a welcoming, responsible, and community-driven destination where human-nature coexistence is not just a vision, but a reality.
