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Nestled 90km away from Ho Chi Minh City, Ma Da forest in Vinh Cuu district, Dong Nai province, not only boasts historical relics but also captivates visitors with its sprawling primeval forest and Trị An Lake brimming with unique flora and fauna.
Exploring the pristine wilderness, setting up campfires, relishing in wild vegetable hotpot, or indulging in lakeside camping during breezy summer evenings... are the distinctive activities drawing travelers to the Ma Da region.
Embarking early in the morning, tracing along Highway 1, our convoy veered left at Trị An intersection onto Provincial Road 767 towards Vinh Cuu. This scenic route is perfect for motorbike enthusiasts, with its deserted, winding roads, undulating hills... On one side lies the refreshing breezes and picturesque scenery of Dong Nai River, while on the other side, lush green fields and rolling hills unfold. Gradually, the silhouette of homesteads fades into the distance.
Reaching the forest ranger checkpoint, we embarked on the most challenging route through the woods to reach Ma Da forest. Though merely 10km long, this stretch poses a challenge even to seasoned drivers.
The vivid red dirt road, characteristic of the Eastern red soil, becomes slippery after last night's forest rain. In some sections, crimson puddles glisten as our convoy passes through.
We took our time, just enough to admire the lush greenery and giant ferns lining the roadside. Occasionally, the car had to stop to clear fallen bamboo obstructing the path. The road deserted, our group relaxed until we neared midday.
Entering Dong Nai Cultural and Natural Conservation Area, we were enveloped in an endless sea of green. Massive ancient trees with intertwining vines captivated everyone, prompting endless photo opportunities.
Spanning over 100,000 hectares, with more than 67,000 hectares of forest land and 32,000 hectares of water surface (Trị An Lake), this conservation area allows travelers to explore the pristine nature of Ma Da forest and visit historical sites such as the Ecological Cultural and Historical Center of Zone D, and the remnants of the Eastern Regional Party Committee base...
Guided by forest rangers, we embarked on our forest exploration journey. Despite the midday sun, walking amidst the forest felt refreshing and dreamy.
Ma Da forest is renowned for being home to many wild animals. Our group encountered a swarm of golden butterflies fluttering in the air. Occasionally, tiny squirrels chirped to each other from the tree branches.
Somewhere in the green expanse, the melodious chirping of dozens of bird species echoed, with some birds boldly approaching our resting spot.
As we journeyed deeper, the lush greenery of the forest left us in awe. Towering mahogany, ironwood, and dipterocarp trees soared into the sky. Especially remarkable was the ironwood tree, whose leaves never seem to burn. Along the way, we also harvested some wild vegetables such as flying spinach, water mimosa, wild betel leaf, wild celery, wild bitter gourd, and water morning glory.
In Ma Da forest, one can savor over 40 types of wild vegetables, among which water mimosa is not only delicious when added to hot pots but also considered a precious folk remedy, believed to treat gout, reduce pain, lower fever, and fight inflammation.
The name 'water mimosa' likely stems from a story about a mother bird chewing water mimosa leaves to apply them to the wounds of her young chicks.
Visiting Ma Da forest, we cannot overlook the specialty dishes that define the reputation of this conservation area, such as simmered shrimp with wild vegetables, dried snakehead fish for mango salad, grilled snakehead fish served with various wild vegetables...
Most notably, the sour bamboo shoot and snakehead fish hotpot with water mimosa is a must-try. To prepare this dish, the snakehead fish freshly caught from Trị An Lake must still be alive, while the water mimosa should be freshly picked, tender and green. When eating, simply blanch them in boiling water.
Despite its simple preparation, the hotpot remains irresistible to travelers due to the naturally firm and fragrant snakehead fish meat. In the evening, our group gathered around the campfire, enjoying the aromatic sour bamboo shoot and snakehead fish hotpot along with heartwarming specialty dishes made from various wild vegetables.
The next morning, our group dedicated the entire time to marvel at the sunrise on Trị An Lake. Besides the picturesque and serene scenery, Trị An Lake offers visitors the opportunity to experience the life of fishermen by fishing, casting nets to catch shrimp, and fishing on the lake... For city dwellers, a leisurely shrimp-catching trip with fishermen also leaves the whole group pleasantly tired.
Lunch on the fishing boat was bustling and delicious. Perhaps the most exciting part was enjoying dishes made from freshly caught fish such as snakehead fish, catfish, snakehead gudgeon, emperor fish... all caught by our own hands.
The best time to visit the Conservation Area and Ma Da forest is usually from October to June the following year. This is a period of cool, dry weather, ideal for travelers to fully explore the interesting destinations here. Nights may be chilly, but the campfire is always warm, and the stories and delicious forest dishes are always unique and enticing.
According to Doanhnhansaigon.vn
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Reference: Travel guide from Mytour
TravelKing.comDecember 11, 2015
