Discover the beauty of Tram Chim National Park

Tram Chim National Park one of the outstanding ecotourism destinations of Dong Thap. In addition to the beautiful and idyllic natural landscape, this place also possesses a rich and diverse flora and fauna ecosystem. Among them are many species of flora and fauna listed in the Red Book. In 2012, Tram Chim National Park (Dong Thap) became the 2,000th Ramsar site in the world and the 4th Ramsar site in Vietnam. Tram Chim is not only of great significance in Vietnam's ecotourism, but is also considered a Ramsar site of international importance. Tram Chim National Park is an area with a unique ecosystem, of special importance to neighboring areas, wetland ecosystems, with many groups of rare endemic species, diverse groups of migratory species

Arriving at Tram Chim National Park, visitors will be attracted by the wild beauty typical of the Western region, where there are vast, green rice fields. Or admire a lush flood season, dotted with the pink color of blooming lotus and water lilies. Tram Chim's vegetation is mainly seasonal flooded grasslands and cajuput forests. There are hundreds of species of native birds, plants and fish. Many large populations of waterfowl are present here, especially in winter. Moreover, this is also an opportunity for you to explore a diverse ecosystem with many species of birds, fish, especially the rare red-crowned crane. And do not forget to contact and interact with friendly people, participating in rustic activities in the river region.

With beautiful natural scenery, peaceful and fresh climate, Tram Chim National Park will definitely bring you wonderful experiences.

1. A few words about Tram Chim National Park

Tram Chim National Park is located in the territory of 7 communes (Tan Cong Sinh, Phu Duc, Phu Tho, Phu Thanh A, Phu Thanh B, Phu Hiep), Tram Chim town, Tam Nong district. Tram Chim National Park has a total area of over 7,500 hectares, is a typical miniature model of Dong Thap Muoi region, with a diverse ecosystem, where visitors can explore the characteristics of the river delta region.

This land of “six months of dry grass and six months of flooded fields” is home to a rich flora with more than 130 different species. The fauna here stands out with its rich waterfowl system of 233 species, belonging to 25 genera and 49 families. Of these, 88% are found in the dry season, accounting for ¼ of the total number of bird species discovered in Vietnam. And especially the Sarus Crane, the largest in the Crane family – a priceless natural asset of Tram Chim National Park in Dong Thap.

The fish system in Tram Chim National Park is equally rich, playing a role in ecological balance and being a food source for birds. Among them are some species of fish listed in the Vietnam Red Book such as: Coc fish, Mang Ho fish, Nam Horse fish, Duong Bay fish, Et Moi fish, Ho fish...

Thanks to the sustainable exploitation of natural advantages in conservation work, Tram Chim National Park has been increasingly attracting tourists from near and far, because of its unique beauty and many interesting activities. One thing is certain, anyone who has come to Tram Chim will be forever impressed by the river scenery, specialties and humanity here.

2. Road to Tram Chim National Park

Tram Chim National Park is located about 160km from the center of Ho Chi Minh City and the road is quite easy to go. From Saigon, you just need to go straight on the Trung Luong - Tan An - Tan Thanh highway. When you reach the My An - Moc Hoa intersection, turn into Truong Xuan and drive a little further to reach Tram Chim town. Then you will see many signs leading to Tram Chim National Park. Just follow these signs and you will get there.

Located about 35 km from the center of Cao Lanh city, the road to Tram Chim National Park is quite easy. You can refer to the following suggested route. Starting from the center of Cao Lanh city (Cao Lanh City Children's Park, 30/4 Street) - you follow National Highway 30 (QL30) to the intersection near Thanh Binh District Medical Center - continue to turn right to Tram Chim according to the road signs.

From Tam Nong district of Dong Thap province, you go straight across Tram Chim bridge and continue about 800m to reach the conservation center of Tram Chim National Park. Remember to look on the left side.

3. Ideal time to travel to Tram Chim

3.1. Tram Chim National Park Flood season

The flood season from August to November of the lunar calendar (around September - December of the solar calendar) is the tourist season of Tram Chim National Park. The flooded, green landscape is dotted with the pink color of blooming lotus and water lilies. The source of products becomes abundant and birds seem to gather here to feast.

Around this time, it is also the bird breeding season. Here, visitors have the opportunity to witness the life of birds growing and developing, which is truly interesting. Thousands of birds compete to feed each other (typically the dian dien and gong coc), showing sacred motherly love and raising environmental education to the top for visitors from near and far, at the same time having the opportunity to preserve forever the beautiful image of the land where birds nest.

This season is also an opportunity for you to participate in interesting activities such as: Rowing a sampan to experience life in the flooded area, you will be able to do the livelihoods of the flood-affected residents such as spreading nets, setting up roofs, setting up shelters, or try your hand at fishing at Tram Chim Tam Nong ... especially there is also the pleasure of hunting field mice, a specialty of this land.

In particular, visitors can participate in harvesting wild rice, also known as ghost rice, a very special type of rice because during the flood season, other grassy plants will be submerged by water, only wild rice can grow and develop, wherever the water rises, the rice grows there. This will be a memory of the ancient life of the residents of Dong Thap Muoi.

3.2. Ideal time to see red-crowned cranes in the dry season

The dry season from December to May of the lunar calendar (around January to June of the solar calendar) is the season to watch the dance of red-crowned cranes in Tram Chim National Park. Unlike many other bird species in the region, red-crowned cranes only forage on the ground, so during the flood season in Dong Thap Muoi, they have to go elsewhere to find food. Therefore, you can only watch red-crowned cranes in the dry season, most easily seen from February to May of the solar calendar every year.

3.3. Time of the season of the Yellow-flowered orchid

The season of the Yellow-headed Flower is considered a “specialty” of this land, usually starting to bloom from December to February every year. The flowers bloom simultaneously from 11am to 2pm every day, creating a brilliant, poetic carpet of yellow flowers, making anyone who comes to admire it fascinated.

On this occasion, Tram Chim National Park Tourism Center also organizes tours for visitors to both areas with abundant flowers, by motorboat (tac rang) and by foot across the fields. In addition, the center is planning a tour program for visitors to travel by buffalo cart to visit during this special flower season.

3.4. Time to see the season of the Auricularia flower

Purple Rhizome, also known as Purple Lychee, lives in natural seasonal wetlands. The flowers start blooming in January and last for about 30-40 days. They are submerged aquatic plants that live in low-lying areas and acidic wetlands, often mixed in with lotus communities. This is one of the rare plants, very important to maintain the ecosystem of Tram Chim National Park. The flowers have beautiful colors, creating an interesting landscape for tourism. The flowers only bloom once a year.

4. Explore Tram Chim National Park

You will have the opportunity to sit on a boat (tac rang) weaving along the cool green canals, watching all kinds of birds flying around looking for food, calling their flocks, making the space noisy. Flocks of hundreds of birds spreading their wings create a charming peaceful scene.

The boat follows the current, taking you to admire the beauty of the fields of pink lotus, white lotus, wild rice, and golden tamarind… stretching out in the sunlight. A few sparrows with bright red crests, dark green feathers, and billowing tails, keep appearing and disappearing in the tamarind bushes as if playing hide-and-seek with the tourists.

The boat rowed through a small canal, winding through the cajuput trees. Between the cajuput forests, a vast green grassland swayed in the wind. The feeling of being one with nature was wonderful.

When you reach the observation deck, the boat will stop so you can climb to the top floor, enjoy the panoramic view of the immense green of Tram Chim National Park, let your soul follow the gentle breeze, feel the closeness to nature and feel strangely peaceful.

Another interesting thing in Tram Chim is watching the sunset. The sun is like a silver ball with colorful halos surrounding it, slowly sinking towards the horizon. The whole river area suddenly turns pink and radiant. The sunset reflects on the water surface patchy patches of color by the magical, multi-colored blend: bright yellow, pink-orange, bright white... truly a masterpiece of nature.

5. Tram Chim National Park specialties

After the journey to explore Tram Chim National Park, you will have the opportunity to sit in a cool thatched house in the middle of the forest or on floating rafts, enjoying delicious rustic dishes with the flavor of the countryside such as: grilled snakehead fish, braised fish with lotus flowers, steamed snails with pepper, crab hotpot, braised eel with lemongrass, crispy fried fish cakes, dried snakehead fish, snakehead fish, grilled lemon fish. If you have the opportunity to come here during the lotus blooming season, you will also have the opportunity to enjoy many attractive dishes made from lotus.

6. Tram Chim specialties to buy as gifts

At the end of the journey to explore the cajuput forest, visitors can buy many typical souvenirs of Dong Thap, such as: conical hats, t-shirts, scarves, fishing tools (miniature), dried fish, pickled shallots, lotus seed milk, cajuput honey, etc. as souvenirs, to give to relatives after each trip to Dong Thap.

7. Accommodation for overnight guests

If you intend to stay overnight in the tourist area, you should rent a hotel right in the Tram Chim National Park area. The rooms here are quite neat, clean, and affordable, but they are quickly sold out during peak season, so remember to call and book before you arrive.

If you want to experience the feeling of being close to nature, you should register to sleep in the middle of the forest right at the rest stop. The feeling of waking up to see the sunrise on the river and listening to the birds chirping is extremely enjoyable.

You can also choose to stay in Tram Chim town, about 4 km from the national park, so you can go out for coffee or dinner in the evening.