Tram Chim National Park – Why it’s worth your time?

Not only famous for its fragrant lotus flower fields in Sa Dec village, where the romantic beauty of hundreds of blooming flowers can be enjoyed year-round, Dong Thap also boasts vast rice fields where storks soar gracefully. Moreover, Dong Thap offers eco-tourism destinations that captivate visitors from near and far. One standout spot in Dong Thap is Tram Chim National Park, a Ramsar site of international importance, ranked 2,000th globally and 4th in Vietnam. With its beautiful and serene natural landscapes, along with fresh, airy atmosphere, Tram Chim National Park promises to deliver unforgettable experiences.

Overview about Tram Chim National Park

Tram Chim National Park spans across seven communes in Tam Nong district. Covering an area of over 7,500 hectares, the national park represents a miniature model of the distinctive Dong Thap Muoi region. It features a diverse ecosystem where visitors can explore the unique characteristics of the Western riverine region.

This area, known for its “six months of dry grass burning, six months of white flooded fields,” is home to a rich flora with over 130 different species. The animal ecosystem here is particularly notable for its abundant waterfowl population, comprising 233 species from 25 genera and 49 families. Notably, 88% of these species are found during the dry season, accounting for a quarter of all bird species discovered in Vietnam. Of special importance is the Sarus Crane, the largest crane species and a priceless natural asset of Tram Chim National Park

The fish ecosystem in Tram Chim National Park is equally diverse, playing a crucial ecological role and serving as a food source for various bird species. Among them are several fish species listed in Vietnam’s Red Book.

Through sustainable natural resource management and conservation efforts, Tram Chim forest has become increasingly attractive to visitors from far and wide. Its unique beauty and engaging activities leave a lasting impression on those who visit, characterized by the picturesque landscapes of rivers and wetlands, local delicacies, and the warm hospitality of its people.

 How to get to Tram Chim National Park?

Tram Chim National Park is located approximately 160km from the center of Ho Chi Minh City. Although Tram Chim National Park is about 35km from the center of Cao Lanh city, the route is also quite accessible.

The best time to Visit Tram Chim forest in Dong Thap

Tram Chim National Park floating season

The flooding season from the 8th to the 11th lunar month (approximately September to December in the Gregorian calendar) is the peak tourist season at Tram Chim National Park. The scenery is immersed in green water, adorned with pink hues of lotus flowers and water lilies in full bloom. Natural resources become abundant, attracting various bird species to gather here.

During this season, you can also participate in exciting activities such as paddling a sampan to experience the life of the flooded area. You can personally engage in the livelihood activities of the floodplain residents, such as setting fishing nets, setting up traps, or trying your hand at Tram Chim Tam Nong fishing. There’s also the unique joy of hunting field mice, a local specialty.

Watch sarus cranes in the dry season

During the dry season from the 12th to the 5th lunar month (approximately January to June in the Gregorian calendar). It’s the time to witness the dance of the Sarus Cranes at Tram Chim National Park. Unlike many other bird species in the region, Sarus Cranes feed on the ground, so during the flooding season in Dong Thap Muoi, they must seek food elsewhere. Therefore, the best time to observe Sarus Cranes is during the dry season, especially from February to May in the Gregorian calendar, when they are most easily spotted.

Xyris indica Season

The Xyris indica Flower season is considered a special feature of this region, typically starting to bloom from December to February each year. The flowers burst into full bloom collectively from 11 AM to 2 PM daily, creating a dazzling carpet of bright yellow, poetic and captivating, which delights anyone who comes to admire them.

Purple Bladderwort Season

The Purple Bladderwort thrives in seasonally flooded areas. These aquatic plants begin blooming from January and last for about 30-40 days. They are submerged aquatic plants, living in low-lying areas with acidic, periodically flooded soil, often intermixed with water lilies. This species is rare and crucial for maintaining the ecosystem of Tram Chim National Park. Its beautiful colors create a fascinating landscape for tourists, and it blooms only once a year.

One other fascinating experience at Tram Chim is witnessing the sunset. The sun appears like a silver globe, surrounded by radiant halos of vibrant colors slowly sinking towards the horizon. The entire river and waterways suddenly blush with brilliance. The evening glow reflects onto the water’s surface, creating a mesmerizing blend of vivid and ethereal colors: bright yellow, orange-pink, and pure white. Truly, it is a masterpiece of nature.

Specialties of Tram Chim National Park

After your exploration of Tram Chim National Park, you’ll have the opportunity to relax on a cool, leafy house platform amidst the forest or floating rafts, savoring delicious local dishes with rustic countryside flavors. Some specialties include grilled snakehead fish, braised fish in clay pot, steamed snails with pepper, field crab hotpot, eel simmered with lemongrass, crispy fried fish cakes, dried snakehead fish, mixed fish dishes, and grilled snakehead fish. If you visit during the lotus blooming season, you’ll also have the chance to enjoy many enticing dishes made from lotus.

It’s truly exciting to escape the stifling hustle and bustle of the city and immerse yourself in the pristine and mystical nature, observing flocks of birds fluttering over the dense green cajuput forests and encountering rare bird species in their natural habitat.