Buzz
Amidst the hustle and bustle of Saigon, where do you unwind on the weekends? If you're a nature enthusiast, the allure of a forest bath is undeniable. The closest retreat from Saigon is the Dong Nai Cultural and Natural Conservation Area. Here, you can explore historical sites, immerse yourself in the forest ambiance, and gain insights into nature. What could be more delightful than indulging in both sightseeing and nature appreciation at this ecological haven?
This journey isn't just a leisure trip; it's an opportunity to deepen your understanding of the forest. It's a chance to not only foster love for the woods but also to take small actions contributing to the daily environmental change. Let's kick off this exploration together and discover the wonders of nature!
Giant Kơ-nia tree at Dong Nai Cultural and Natural Conservation Area
Discovering the Secrets of Dong Nai Cultural and Natural Conservation Area
Situated in the area of Hamlet 1, Ma Da commune, Vinh Cuu district, Dong Nai province, Dong Nai Cultural and Natural Conservation Area is approximately 80km away from the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, just a 2-hour drive.
Part of the Dong Nai Biosphere Reserve, this area goes by various names like the natural air conditioner of the Southeastern region, an ancient forest, or the green lungs of the Southeast. It boasts a tropical forest landscape, comprising natural primary forests, newly regenerated forests, and the vast reservoir of Trị An hydroelectric power plant, covering an expansive area of about 100,000 hectares.
Not only does it hold significant biodiversity, providing a habitat for over 1600 plant species and around 1900 animal species, including 110 rare species listed in the Vietnam Red Data Book, but Dong Nai Cultural and Natural Conservation Area is also the last refuge for the Asian elephant herd, with approximately 15 individuals living naturally in Vietnam.
The verdant forest path, with abundant shade and the melodic tunes of singing birds, awaits your exploration.
Beyond the outskirts of Dong Nai Cultural and Natural Conservation Area, tourism flourishes, offering experiences at homestays, camping by the reservoir, and freely navigating and enjoying activities on the lake. However, for nature exploration, it's essential to contact the management office in advance for permission.
In my opinion, exploring Dong Nai Cultural and Natural Conservation Area in a day is the ideal itinerary.
Visit the specimen exhibition area
At the headquarters of Dong Nai Cultural and Natural Conservation Area, there is a specimen exhibition room for you to explore. It showcases various plant and animal specimens, collected from deceased organisms, serving research, exhibition, and educational purposes.
This place also showcases two valuable animal bone specimens, namely the elephant and the Vietnamese gaur (also known as the wild buffalo due to its resemblance to a buffalo). There are additional specimens of various animal species such as flamingos, pythons, snakes, eagles, and more. Exploring the exhibition area allows you to get up close and personal, offering a more beautiful and authentic view of everything.
Vietnamese Gaur Bone Specimen
Elephant Calf Bone Specimen
Forest Planting and Care
Depending on the chosen experience and different program combinations, you'll have varied adventures. Opting for a summer program with GAIA offers diverse activities, including experiential learning and tree planting. The tree planting activities also depend on the region you choose to visit. Planting typically commences at the beginning of the rainy season, and forest care activities are alternated to provide a well-rounded experience for travelers.
Tree planting holds significant importance as the life cycle of a tree is valued at over 4 billion VND, encompassing the provision of oxygen, soil and water regulation, and serving as a habitat for animals. Afforestation requires collective efforts, emphasizing the importance of environmental protection at home too!
Caring for planted forests involves activities such as cutting vines, clearing around the base of trees, cultivating the soil, and monitoring the growth of the trees. These activities are crucial in the initial years of forest development to ensure the optimal adaptation and growth of the trees.
Lunch under the canopy of the Central Highlands forest
A journey of exploration requires ample energy for you to fully savor everything. When heading to the forested area of Sector D, indulge in special dishes with the flavors of the mountainous region, such as marinated beef salad with dipping fish sauce, sautéed venison, fried chicken, sour soup with snakehead fish, and more.
If you have the chance to order, don't miss out on the dried anchovy dish; touted as the best dish here, though I haven't tried it yet as my trip didn't coincide with its season.
Visit the Central Highlands historical site
Memorial Monument
After finishing lunch, you are free to explore the Memorial Site of the Central Office for South Vietnam. This place is considered a crucial establishment of the Vietnam Labor Party (1951), representing the Vietnamese working class - now the Communist Party of Vietnam.
During the time of the Republic of Vietnam, this location was the most active headquarters, serving preparations and later resistance efforts in the Southeastern region. It played a significant role in the victorious battle on April 30, 1975, in Saigon – Gia Dinh, now Ho Chi Minh City.
Memorial Shrine
The path leading from the outside to the memorial monument
The colossal banyan tree, a communal habitat for various climbing plant species, beneath which stands the shrine dedicated to the soldiers.
Next, the memorial shrine is a place for offering incense, admiring the colossal and pristine ancient tree trunks. Despite being intertwined with various plant species, the lesson here is the harmonious and robust life of trees enduring rain and gunfire – a reminder for us humans to share and love, akin to the saying, 'A good leaf protects the torn leaf' or 'Love others as if loving oneself.'
Forest Bathing in Sector D
This marks the final activity in the one-day exploration journey of Dong Nai Cultural and Natural Conservation Area. In this activity, you'll walk beneath the forest canopy, surrounded by dry leaves, enjoying the cool shade of towering trees. The forest ranger will share insights into various forest species, methods of forest conservation, and sustainable harvesting practices that benefit the forest without causing harm.
The forest ranger guides the group, introducing the roadside vegetation.
On the journey, you'll marvel at the wonders of the forest, breathe in the fresh air, embrace the tree trunks to feel their coolness, and finally check-in at the colossal Kơ-nia tree. If the journey extends, you'll delve deeper into the forest, encountering tall, magnificent trees, creating an even more picturesque scenery.
The path around the forest is adorned with green trees providing refreshing shade, and golden leaves rustling underfoot.
Check-in at the colossal Kơ-nia tree
Engaging in experiential activities with GAIA Vietnam, sponsored by Nestlé Vietnam, offers a remarkable journey into the forest. If you desire such an experience, consider GAIA's organized trips for more than just an adventure! Through multiple forest expeditions, I've observed GAIA's exceptional dedication and performance.
Insights into GAIA Vietnam
GAIA, the name of the Gaia Nature Conservation Center, was founded in August 2016 by Ms. Đỗ Thị Thanh Huyền. With a mission to bring humans closer to nature, GAIA actively participates in nature conservation, biodiversity protection, afforestation, climate change adaptation, environmental protection, alongside practical experiential activities, advocacy, networking, and environmental initiatives.
Visit their website at http://gaiavn.org/
Ms. Huyen Do in a blue shirt, representing GAIA Vietnam organization.
GAIA's experiential tours offer diversity with one-day, two-day one-night, or three-day two-night itineraries, depending on geographical distance and tour schedules. Each journey includes enlightening narratives about the forest paths by the management officials, their dedication to nature, and GAIA staff's environmental contributions.
The Cao Cat Bird, resembling the Phoenix but smaller, now aging and residing in the Sector D forest. Luckily, the bird was seeking food during the day, allowing for a snapshot not always possible.
Experiencing the vibrant nature, not just for recreation but also for learning, becomes an intriguing adventure. If shared with family, it multiplies the joy of connection. Let eco-friendly travel be the bridge to deepen our love for the environment.
Mytour Golocal is a blog program introducing beautiful destinations across Vietnam as part of the Mytour Go & Share initiative. This is a fantastic opportunity to promote local tourism to everyone. For each qualifying article, you'll receive 800,000 VND and the chance to become a contributor with Mytour. Details about the program can be found at: https://trv.lk/golocal
