Xeo Quyt Relics

A revolutionary base during the anti-French and US resistance wars, the 20ha cajeput forest of present-day Xeo Quyt has been reclaimed and become an attractive historical and ecological tourist site in the southern delta.

To visit the boundless watery cajeput forest in the Plain of Reeds by boat is really an interesting excursion. Boating in the cajeput forest of Xeo Quyt requires a lot of skill. To move forward, the boat glides between cajeput trees, whose roots are rough and covered with a brown and thin multi-layer skin. The air is cool and humid and has the fragrance of the cajeput flowers and latex. Now and then, a bird singing or fish splashing produces a sudden sound that echoes amid the quiet environment.

The forest looks like a floating painting. Around it, climbing plants grow along the cajeput trees and brighten under the sunlight. All bring about an atmosphere of a nature full of vitality and wildness. Xeo Quyt reminds visitors of the former vast cajeput forests in the Plains of Reeds and U Minh areas. Although being heavily devastated during the war, in 1975 by the end of the war, more than 100,000ha of submerged forests remained, covering parts of Long An, An Giang, Kien Giang, Bac Lieu and Ca Mau provinces and producing a wonderful ecological system of the alluvial land at the Mekong River's estuary. The cajeput forests work as a great water reservoir to fight against salt water and acidity and regulate the humidity during the dry season. During the war, they were ideal destinations for the liberation army men. The crisscrossing canals, built in the early 20th century, became transportation routes and enabled the local people to reclaim land, develop forestry and prevent fire. At the time, the so-called "socio-cultural and economic cajeput forest development" was encouraged and it is linked with the national history of land reclaiming and defence.

The cajeput forests, submerged in the red brown water, are an ideal habitation for numerous kinds of birds, fish and wild animals, typical for the tropical region. The cajeput timber, due to its flexibility and resistance to rotting, are often used in house building and basement floors. Xeo Quyt, a small part in the vast cajeput forests, was a successful undertaking to restore and preserve the cajeput forests to their original historical and ecological background. Further preservation will be considered and implemented. But more importantly, effort should be made by everyone to protect the unique ecological system of the entire submerged area, whose history has developed along with land reclaiming and defending of the fertile southern region.

RELATED POST

  • Long Bien Bridge

    Long Bien Bridge

    “Hanoi” - the name means “surrounded by river” is the city of ponds, lakes, rivers and bridges. If Hoan Kiem Lake with special green water and the red bridge named The Huc is the symbol of an elegant and charming ancient city; Red river and Long Bien bridge...

  • Sen Village (Kim Lien Village)

    Sen Village (Kim Lien Village)

    Starting from Vinh City, take Road No. 49 until the 13th km, then turn into a red earth path lined with eucalyptus and casuarinas trees. The path will lead you to Sen, also known as Kim Lien (Golden Lotus), village where there are many lotus ponds. The thatched cottage where President Ho Chi Minh...

  • Hon Chong

    Hon Chong

    Hon Chong is a cluster of huge stones located in Khanh Hoa Province. In the language of Vietnamese, there are two meanings of Chong: to stack and husband. Normally, local people refer to Hon Chong in the second meaning. However, the first meaning seems to be more appropriate in...

Your Prefer Place

View our Brochure & get it free

Newsletter register

Be the first to know about our exclusive travel offers and tour updates.

Member & Association