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National park guide

U Minh Thuong National Park

U Minh Thuong National Park protects one of Vietnam's two major surviving peat-swamp forest landscapes. The Ramsar Site covers 8,038 hectares and was designated on 30 April 2015 as Site No. 2228. NBCA describes a wider 21,107-hectare park-and-buffer landscape, comprising the 8,038-hectare core and a 13,069-hectare buffer. ASEAN Heritage Park documentation uses a 21,800-hectare recognition scope and records declaration on 25 September 2012. Since Vietnam's administrative reorganization, the park is currently under An Giang Province, as confirmed by the park's own 2026 official documents and provincial planning.

Overview

Understand the park as a protected ecological system, not simply a recreation area.

U Minh Thuong is one of the Mekong Delta's most distinctive protected wetlands: melaleuca forest growing over peat, mixed swamp forest, open water and seasonally flooded grasslands. Its conservation problem is unusually sensitive because both too little water and inappropriate prolonged flooding can damage peat-swamp ecology. Dry peat can burn deeply and release stored carbon, while water regimes that ignore natural ecological variation can alter forest structure. The Ramsar boundary is 8,038 hectares. NBCA separately describes a 21,107-hectare landscape made up of an 8,038-hectare core and 13,069-hectare buffer, while the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity uses 21,800 hectares for its ASEAN Heritage Park scope. These figures represent different designation and management scopes and are intentionally retained separately. The park was declared an ASEAN Heritage Park in 2012 and designated Ramsar Site No. 2228 in 2015. It is also associated with the wider UNESCO Kien Giang Biosphere Reserve, but neither biosphere nor ASEAN Heritage Park recognition makes U Minh Thuong a UNESCO World Heritage property. Current 2026 official documents place the park in An Giang Province. Fire prevention, water-level management, wetland integrity, bird habitat and peat conservation are central to every visitor and management story about U Minh Thuong.

Key things to understand

  • Use current provinceSlug an-giang; Kien Giang belongs to historical/source-era geography.
  • Keep the Ramsar 8,038-ha site distinct from wider buffer and ASEAN Heritage Park scopes.
  • Use 21,107 ha only for NBCA's core-plus-buffer landscape.
  • Use 21,800 ha only for the ASEAN Heritage Park recognition scope.
  • Treat peat as a living ecological foundation, not merely soil beneath the forest.
  • Explain water management and fire management together because both determine peat-swamp condition.
  • Do not describe all melaleuca stands as untouched primary forest.
  • Protect bird roosts, nesting areas and sensitive wildlife locations.
  • Treat fishing, boat trips and other visitor services as time-sensitive operations.
  • Recognize ASEAN Heritage Park, Ramsar and biosphere contexts without implying World Heritage.
  • Nature Map enabled as national-park; Heritage Map disabled.
Park perspective

How to understand this protected landscape

Why it matters

U Minh Thuong protects one of Vietnam's last major peat-swamp forests and demonstrates how wetland conservation depends on balancing hydrology, fire prevention, biodiversity and surrounding livelihoods.

What makes it distinctive

Unlike a conventional dry-land forest, the ecological foundation is peat saturated by a carefully managed wetland water regime.

What visitors often miss

A healthy-looking canopy does not tell the whole story; the condition of peat and water below the trees may be even more important.

A rare Mekong Delta melaleuca forest growing on peat, where managers must carefully balance water levels to protect wildlife and prevent catastrophic underground fire.

Protected landscape

Why this national park exists

Identity
Protected Area Role
National park conserving peat-swamp melaleuca forest, freshwater wetlands, flooded grasslands and Mekong Delta biodiversity.
Peat Role
One of the last two significant peat-swamp forest landscapes in Vietnam, alongside U Minh Ha.
Wetland Role
Ramsar wetland of international importance and one of the Mekong Delta's priority wetland conservation areas.
Visitor Role
Lowland wetland destination centered on waterways, melaleuca forest, birdlife and conservation interpretation.
Core Insight
At U Minh Thuong, conserving forest means conserving peat and hydrology as much as trees.
Designation
Asean Heritage Park
Declared 25 September 2012 at the 14th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting according to ACB.
Asean Distinction
NBCA describes it as the first ASEAN Heritage Park on peatland in Southeast Asia and Vietnam's fifth ASEAN Heritage Park.
Ramsar
Designated 30 April 2015 as Ramsar Site No. 2228.
Biosphere Context
Associated with the wider Kien Giang Biosphere Reserve in conservation sources.
World Heritage
Not a UNESCO World Heritage property.
Ecosystems

Connected habitats shape the protected landscape

01

Peat-swamp melaleuca forest

Melaleuca-dominated forest rooted in organic peat soils.

Why it matters

Nationally rare wetland forest and carbon-rich habitat.

Visitor impact

Fire, hydrological disturbance and trampling can cause long-lasting damage.

02

Mixed swamp forest

Wet forest with more diverse woody vegetation than pure melaleuca stands.

Why it matters

Adds structural and species diversity.

Visitor impact

Disturbance and water-regime changes affect composition.

03

Seasonally flooded grassland

Open wetland expanding and contracting with seasonal water.

Why it matters

Feeding and roosting habitat for waterbirds.

Visitor impact

Noise, boats and fire can disturb wildlife.

04

Open freshwater and canals

Managed and natural water bodies connecting wetland sectors.

Why it matters

Hydrological control, aquatic habitat and visitor access.

Visitor impact

Waste, fuel and inappropriate fishing can degrade habitat.

05

Buffer-zone agricultural landscape

Human-use landscape surrounding the core protected wetland.

Why it matters

Influences water, fire, livelihoods and conservation pressure.

Visitor impact

Sustainable land and water practices are important to the core ecosystem.

Conditions & safety

Weather, terrain and preparation shape the visit

Safety

Prepare for terrain, weather and changing conditions

Safety
Fire
  • Obey closures and ignition bans
  • No unauthorized fires
  • Do not enter fire-management areas
Water
  • Use authorized boats and flotation
  • Respect canal edges and water-control structures
Heat
  • Carry water and limit midday exposure
Wildlife
  • Do not feed or approach animals
Wet Terrain
  • Expect mud and slippery surfaces
Emergency Rule
Use current park contacts and ranger instructions.
Low Impact Practice
  • Never light unauthorized fires.
  • Do not discard cigarettes or hot materials.
  • Use authorized boats and routes.
  • Do not enter closed fire-management sectors.
  • Keep voices low near birds.
  • Do not approach nests or roosts.
  • Do not collect peat, plants, wood or wildlife.
  • Fish only under current park rules.
  • Carry out unmanaged waste.
  • Keep fuel, detergent and plastics out of canals.
  • Do not feed captive or wild animals.
  • Do not publish sensitive bird locations.
  • Do not assume drone permission.
  • Follow water-level, weather and fire restrictions.
Conservation

Visitor access is subordinate to protection

Current conservation context
Priorities
  • Peat conservation
  • Hydrological management
  • Fire prevention
  • Melaleuca and mixed swamp forest
  • Flooded grasslands
  • Waterbirds
  • Wetland water quality
  • Buffer-zone cooperation
Pressures
  • Peat fire
  • Drought and heat
  • Inappropriate water regime
  • Illegal extraction
  • Poaching
  • Agricultural edge pressure
  • Pollution
  • Tourism disturbance
  • Climate change
Management Principle
Fire prevention must not be separated from ecological water management.
Community Principle
Buffer-zone livelihoods and cooperation materially affect core wetland conservation.
Wildlife & visit planning

Observe responsibly and choose a visit that fits

Wildlife

Observe without turning wildlife into a target

Photography
Subjects
  • Melaleuca forest
  • Flooded grasslands
  • Canals
  • Water reflections
  • Common birds at distance
  • Wetland landscape
Birds
Use long lenses and avoid colonies/nests.
Boats
Avoid blocking channels or directing operators to approach wildlife.
Geotagging
Avoid sensitive breeding/roost locations.
Drone
Do not assume permission over national-park wetland or fire-management areas.
Access
Current Region
U Minh Thuong commune, An Giang Province.
Historical Region
Former Kien Giang Province in older sources.
Transport Context
Road access into the U Minh Thuong area, followed by site-specific park transport or boats where offered.
Operational Rule
Road conditions, boat services, fishing access, opening hours and fees are time-sensitive.
Accessibility
Managed Sites
Some developed visitor areas may be relatively accessible.
Boats
Small-boat boarding can be difficult for some visitors.
Wetland Terrain
Mud, narrow paths and wet surfaces reduce accessibility.
Heat
Heat and humidity can be limiting.
Best Strategy
Check the exact current activity and facility.
Plan your visit

Choose a visit that matches your time and ability

01

U Minh Thuong wetland introduction

Half to full day
  1. Park orientation
  2. Melaleuca and peat explanation
  3. Authorized waterway experience
  4. Bird/wetland observation

Best for: First-time visitors

02

Peat, water and fire conservation day

Full day
  1. Peat-swamp interpretation
  2. Hydrology discussion
  3. Fire-management context
  4. Wetland habitat observation
  5. Buffer-zone conservation context

Best for: Students and conservation travelers

03

Slow birding visit

Morning-focused full day
  1. Early wetland observation
  2. Quiet boat/managed route
  3. Flooded grassland
  4. Forest-edge birding

Best for: Birders and photographers

Visitor fit

Who gets the most from the park

Wetland ecology travelerExceptional

U Minh Thuong is one of Vietnam's defining peat-swamp wetlands.

BirdwatcherVery high

Flooded forest and grassland support a rich wetland bird community.

Conservation learnerExceptional

Water–fire–peat management provides a powerful real-world conservation case study.

Landscape photographerHigh

Melaleuca forest, canals and flooded grassland create distinctive lowland scenes.

Family nature travelerHigh at managed sites

Boat and wetland interpretation can be accessible when weather is suitable.

Mobility-limited visitorVariable

Some facilities may work while boats and wet terrain create barriers.

Avoid the wrong mental model

Common misconceptions

01

U Minh Thuong is currently in An Giang Province; Kien Giang is historical/source-era geography.

02

8,038 ha is the Ramsar/core figure, not the only wider landscape figure.

03

21,107 ha is NBCA's core-plus-buffer landscape.

04

21,800 ha is the ASEAN Heritage Park recognition scope.

05

ASEAN Heritage Park is not UNESCO World Heritage.

06

Ramsar status is not UNESCO World Heritage.

07

Being associated with a UNESCO biosphere reserve does not make the park World Heritage.

08

More water is not always ecologically better for every peat-swamp zone.

09

Melaleuca forest conservation depends on peat and hydrology, not only tree cover.

10

Bird inventories do not guarantee sightings.

Timeline

How the protected landscape reached its present status

20th century

U Minh peat-swamp landscape persists amid major delta change

The Upper U Minh forest remains one of the country's key surviving peat-swamp systems.

2000s

Water and fire management becomes central

Major conservation work increasingly focuses on restoring appropriate peat hydrology and reducing catastrophic fire risk.

2012-09-25

ASEAN Heritage Park declaration

U Minh Thuong is declared an ASEAN Heritage Park at the 14th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting.

2015-04-30

Ramsar designation

The 8,038-ha wetland becomes Ramsar Site No. 2228.

2026

Current administration under An Giang

Official park documents and provincial planning identify U Minh Thuong National Park within An Giang Province.

2026-04

High fire-risk season

Local authorities intensify public fire-prevention messaging during prolonged heat and falling canal levels.

2026-07-01

Managed recreational fishing reopens

An Giang reporting states that the park reopened its recreational fishing service under current management.

Glossary

Useful ecology and conservation terms

Peat swamp
Wetland where partly decomposed organic matter accumulates as peat under persistently waterlogged conditions.
Melaleuca
Wetland-adapted tree genus; Melaleuca cajuputi is characteristic of U Minh Thuong.
Ramsar Site
Wetland recognized as internationally important under the Ramsar Convention.
ASEAN Heritage Park
ASEAN regional recognition for protected areas of outstanding biodiversity value; distinct from UNESCO World Heritage.
Core zone
The principal protected conservation area; NBCA gives 8,038 ha at U Minh Thuong.
Buffer zone
Surrounding landscape where management and livelihoods influence protection of the core; NBCA gives 13,069 ha.
Peat fire
Fire burning in organic peat soil, often persistent and difficult to suppress.
Hydrological management
Management of water levels, flows and retention to support ecosystem condition and reduce hazards.
Flooded grassland
Open herbaceous wetland seasonally covered by water and important to wetland fauna.
Questions

Frequently asked questions

What is U Minh Thuong National Park?

A national park protecting rare peat-swamp melaleuca forest and freshwater wetlands in the Mekong Delta.

Which province is it in now?

An Giang Province. The park's own 2026 official documents use An Giang.

Why do older sources say Kien Giang?

They reflect the administrative geography in force when those documents were published.

How large is the Ramsar site?

8,038 ha.

What is the 21,107-ha figure?

NBCA's wider landscape: 8,038-ha core plus 13,069-ha buffer.

What is the 21,800-ha figure?

The ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity's ASEAN Heritage Park recognition scope.

When was it declared an ASEAN Heritage Park?

25 September 2012.

When was it designated Ramsar?

30 April 2015 as Site No. 2228.

Is U Minh Thuong UNESCO World Heritage?

No.

What makes the forest unusual?

Much of its ecological identity is melaleuca and mixed swamp forest growing on peat.

Why is peat important?

It stores carbon, controls wetland ecology and can burn deeply if excessively dried.

Why is water management difficult?

Managers must keep peat sufficiently wet to reduce fire while maintaining ecological water regimes rather than permanently flooding every zone.

Is fire a major threat?

Yes. Current 2026 An Giang reporting identifies severe dry-season forest-fire risk.

How many bird species have been reported?

A national Ramsar bird summary reports 187 species.

Can I take a boat trip?

Boat-based wetland experiences are part of visitor use, but current operation should be checked before travel.

Can I fish?

An Giang reporting says recreational fishing reopened on 1 July 2026, but this remains a managed and time-sensitive service.

Can I enter the forest during high fire danger?

Access restrictions and ranger instructions take priority; closures may be necessary.

Can I collect peat or plants?

No.

Is the park good for birdwatching?

Yes, especially for wetland and forest birds, but sightings depend on season, water levels and disturbance.

Can I fly a drone?

Do not assume permission; national-park, wildlife, fire-safety and aviation restrictions may apply.

What should I check before visiting?

Fire-danger status, weather, water levels, boats, fishing availability, opening areas and current fees.

What is the best way to understand U Minh Thuong?

See it as a peat–water–forest system: protecting any one component requires managing all three together.

Sources

Primary references

U Minh Thuong National Park / An GiangOfficial 2026 park notice
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Ramsar Sites Information ServiceU Minh Thuong National Park – Site No. 2228
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Nature and Biodiversity Conservation AgencyHệ sinh thái rừng tràm trên đất than bùn tại U Minh Thượng
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ASEAN Centre for BiodiversityU Minh Thuong National Park
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Nature and Biodiversity Conservation AgencyU Minh Thuong National Park, Kien Giang
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An Giang Provincial PoliceU Minh Thuong commune strengthens forest-fire prevention communication
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An Giang Provincial Planning2026 adjustment to An Giang provincial planning
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An Giang NewspaperU Minh Thuong local news and tourism updates
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IUCNSolutions in Focus: Transboundary Protected Area Solutions / U Minh Thuong case
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