Basic HTML Version
T
he Sac Forest is an area of salt-
ed marshland covering some
31,000 hectares. It is part of the
Vam Sat Salt-Marsh Forest Eco-
logical Tourist Zone in Can Gio district,
a popular venue for day trippers who go
to enjoy fishing, river cruising, watch-
ing wildlife and tasting local dishes. It is
also a great destination for those who
want to learn about the American War
since the forest used to be a military
base for Vietnamese liberation soldiers.
From 1963-1968, the forest was
a vital military base for Vietnamese
soldiers. Established in April 1966, its
purpose was to prevent US aid ships
reaching the city.
Colonel Le Ba Uoc, awarded Hero
of People’s Armed Forces, was the com-
missar and Leader of the Corps 10-
Commandos in Sac Forest. Recalling his
time there, he said: “We had to live in
the middle of the forest with a lack
of food, drink and other necessities.
We also had to contend with the pres-
ence of crocodiles. However, we scored
many legendary victories and contrib-
uted to the country’s freedom.”
Recognising the importance of the
forest, the Americans decided to de-
stroy it along with the military base it
contained. “They used their air force,
navy and marine corps in order to stop
us. There was a time when B52 flights
dropped bombs six times a night,” said
Uoc. “Moreover, toxic chemicals were
used; thus, almost all the Sac forest
was destroyed”.
30
timeout
Located 40 kilometers from downtown Ho Chi
Minh City, the UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve of
Sac Forest was once a key strategic military post.
Bui Hoa
visited and found this once war ravaged
area is now enjoying a tourism renaissance
A NEW CHAPTER
TRAVEL