What wonders does Tram Chim National Park, an ecological tourism symbol of Dong Thap, hold that captivate so many visitors? More than just a destination, Tram Chim is an indispensable part of the Mekong Delta’s watery landscape, where nature and people harmonize. Let “Du lịch khắp thế gian” (Travel Around the World) guide you to discover the unique and fascinating aspects of this renowned ecological area!
Introduction to Tram Chim National Park
Prime Location of Tram Chim
Tram Chim National Park is located at Hamlet 4, Tram Chim town, Tam Nong district, Dong Thap province. Open to visitors from 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM daily, Tram Chim is not only a tourist destination but also a vital nature reserve.
For inquiries and further information, you can contact them at 0277 3827 436 – 0277 8565 678 or visit the official website: https://tramchim.net.vn/.
Visiting Tram Chim, you will be treated to peaceful scenery, a diverse animal and plant ecosystem, and distinctive dishes of the river region. All of these elements combine to create an authentic Mekong Delta travel experience. This place is not only home to thousands of rare and precious animal and plant species listed in the Vietnam Red Book but is also recognized as a Ramsar site (wetland of international importance).
Entrance gate of Tram Chim National Park
Significant Meaning of Tram Chim Ramsar Site
Tram Chim is not just an eco-tourism area but also a Ramsar site of international significance, ranking 4th in Vietnam and 2000th in the world. It is considered a miniature Dong Thap Muoi, with a rich and diverse animal and plant ecosystem.
The greatest significance of Tram Chim is the protection of rare and precious gene pools, especially the Sarus crane, an extremely rare bird species listed in the Vietnam Red Book. Over decades of formation, preservation, and development, Tram Chim has become a common home for many living species, contributing to the increasing diversity and richness of the local ecosystem.
Sarus crane at Tram Chim
Tram Chim National Park Entrance Fee
The entrance fee to Tram Chim is quite reasonable, but the costs for recreational activities and experiences inside may be higher compared to other tourist areas. Below is a reference price list (updated to July 2023):
- Entrance ticket: 20,000 VND/person
- Boat rental (10 people): 500,000 VND
- Kayak, water bike rental: 50,000 VND/person
- Boat trip to bird breeding grounds (once a year): 270,000 VND/person
- Farmer training course: 200,000 VND/person
- Overnight stay: 150,000 VND/person
- Tour guide rental: 100,000 VND/person
Note: Ticket prices may vary depending on the time and holidays. You should contact Tram Chim National Park directly for the most detailed information.
Tourists visiting Tram Chim by boat
Ideal Time to Explore Tram Chim
Each season brings a unique beauty to Tram Chim. Here are suggestions for the ideal time to explore this ecological area:
Floating Water Season (September – December)
This is the most beautiful time to visit Tram Chim. The floating water season brings new life to the ecological area, with lotuses and water lilies blooming everywhere. This is also the breeding season for many bird species.
In addition, you can participate in exciting water activities such as boating, fishing, learning to be a fisherman by casting nets, setting traps, etc.
Floating water season in Tram Chim
Crownbeard Flower Season (December – February)
From December to February of the following year, Tram Chim is adorned with the crownbeard flower season. Fields of flowers stretch out, brilliantly golden, creating a stunning scene. You can walk or take a “tac rang” (small motorized boat) to admire the beauty of this flower.
Crownbeard flower field
Ear Orchid Flower Season (January)
January is the time when ear orchid flowers (or purple rong ly flowers) bloom. This rare flower often grows in damp places, in lotus and water lily communities and acidic flooded areas. The gentle purple color of ear orchid flowers further enhances the beauty of Tram Chim.
Purple ear orchid flower
Dry Season (January – June): Sarus Crane Season
From January to June, the Mekong Delta enters the dry season. The weather is less rainy and sunny, very suitable for water activities. In particular, this is the time when rare Sarus cranes often appear to forage. If you are lucky, you can witness the graceful Sarus cranes with your own eyes.
Sarus crane foraging
Directions to Tram Chim National Park
Tram Chim is about 140km from Ho Chi Minh City and about 120km from Can Tho City. You can travel by bus or motorbike.
- Bus: This is a safe and convenient option if you are not familiar with the roads. Travel time is about 3 hours.
- Motorbike: Suitable for those who like backpacking and want to be proactive about time.
Exciting Things to Discover in Tram Chim
Rare Animal Conservation Area
With an area of over 7500ha, Tram Chim is home to more than 130 different plant species, divided into characteristic communities such as lotus, swamp, cajeput forest, wild rice, beakrush, etc.
The fauna here is also extremely rich, mostly rare species listed in the Vietnam Red Book. In particular, it is impossible not to mention more than 233 water bird species belonging to 49 families and 25 genera. Some rare species include the painted stork, greater adjutant, spot-billed pelican, black-backed swamphen, white-winged duck, etc. The Sarus crane is the most numerous species and a priceless gift that nature bestows on Tram Chim.
Diverse ecosystem at Tram Chim
Boating to Explore the Cajeput Forest
Boating through the cajeput forests, feeling the fresh air, and watching the sunlight filter through the foliage is a wonderful experience. The natural scenery changes as the boat glides on the water, from small canals to vast cajeput forests, or immense lotus fields.
Boating to admire the cajeput forest
“Hunting” Photos of Sarus Cranes
The Sarus crane is a rare bird species listed in the Vietnam and world Red Books. This bird usually lives in Cambodia and occasionally flies to Tram Chim in the dry season. Therefore, many people often come to Tram Chim during this season to “hunt” beautiful photos of this bird.
Tourists taking pictures of Sarus cranes
Experiencing a Day as a Farmer
Another interesting experience at Tram Chim is transforming into a farmer and participating in their lives. You will join farmers in rowing a sampan, casting nets, setting traps to catch fish, or participating in rice harvesting in the fields.
Tourists experiencing farming
Enjoying Cuisine at Tram Chim
Mekong Delta Specialties
After a long day of exploring, you can enjoy Dong Thap specialties at riverside restaurants. Famous dishes such as grilled snakehead fish, field crab hotpot, dried snakehead fish, lemongrass braised eel, linh fish hotpot with sesbania sesban flowers, etc., will bring you unforgettable culinary experiences. Especially if you come during the lotus blooming season, do not miss dishes made from lotus such as lotus root salad, lotus root soup with ribs, chicken porridge with lotus seeds, etc.
Grilled snakehead fish
What to Buy as Souvenirs?
At the end of your trip, don’t forget to buy some Dong Thap specialties as gifts for family and friends:
- Souvenirs: T-shirts, conical hats, robes, small fishing gear.
- Fruits: Lai Vung mandarin oranges, durian, longan…
- Lotus specialties: lotus seed milk, lotus leaf-wrapped rice, lotus leaf salad, ingredients for lotus seed sweet soup, hong sen rice wine…
- Other specialties: cajeput honey, dried fish, Lai Vung fermented pork roll, pickled vegetables…
Dong Thap specialties
Accommodation at Tram Chim
You can choose to stay overnight at hotels in Tram Chim National Park for about 150,000 VND/person/night (advance booking required). In addition, you can also register to sleep at rest stops in the middle of the forest, a novel and exciting experience.
Some nearby accommodations:
- Homestay – Tram Chim National Park: Tram Chim town, Tam Nong district, Dong Thap province.
- Sao Mai Hotel: 178 Nguyen Hue street, Ward 2, Cao Lanh city, Dong Thap province.
- Sky Hotel Hong Ngu: Nguyen Tat Thanh street, An Thanh Ward, Hong Ngu, Dong Thap province.
Accommodation at Tram Chim
Notes When Visiting Tram Chim
- You should wear sandals for easy movement, avoid wearing white shoes as there is a lot of mud.
- Prepare raincoats if traveling in the rainy season (July – October).
- Bring backup food and drinks.
- Apply insect repellent.
- You should book tickets early (around 6 – 7 AM) to ensure there are boats available for sightseeing.
- You can share a boat with other groups to save costs.
Tourists visiting Tram Chim
Conclusion
Tram Chim National Park is an ideal destination for those who love nature and want to explore the beauty of the Mekong Delta. With a rich animal and plant ecosystem, unique experiences, and distinctive cuisine, Tram Chim will surely bring you unforgettable memories. Come and feel the peace and freshness of this land, away from the hustle and bustle of the city.