Tourists flock to Tram Chim National Park during the flood season

Tram Chim National Park spans six communes: Tan Cong Sinh, Phu Duc, Phu Tho, Phu Thanh A, Phu Thanh B, and Phu Hiep, along with Tram Chim town in Tam Nong district, Dong Thap province. Known as the "green home" to many rare bird species.

Of more than 7,500 hectares, the fire on June 11, 2024, damaged more than 20 hectares of forest here, including 18 hectares of understory. Thanks to support from local authorities, the park management team quickly mitigated the damage and replanted the forest. 

After more than four months, the melaleuca trees have regenerated as the rainy season begins. In areas where the trees were completely burned, replanting efforts are progressing well.

We revisited the park just as the floodwaters started returning (from August to November in the lunar calendar). This is the most beautiful time of the year when lotus and water lilies bloom, and it is also the breeding season for many bird species.

The winding path through the towering melaleuca trees reveals a magnificent green landscape, including the grasslands (covering 2,968 hectares). These meadows serve as a food source for cranes, with an abundant selection of snails, crabs, frogs, and insects. Among the grasses are aquatic plants like yellow floating hearts, wild water lilies, and hornwort.

Visitors are captivated by the pristine beauty of the vegetation along the tour route, where they can easily spot various birds such as cranes, egrets, spoonbills, stilts, purple swamphens, and wild ducks.

Currently, Tram Chim National Park is promoting ecotourism, which helps to raise local awareness, prevent forest exploitation, and showcase Vietnam's natural beauty to international friends.

Mr. Vo Van Ngoan, who transports visitors around the park, says weekends are the busiest, with more than 100 visitors daily. Aside from scenic boat rides, tourists can also enjoy local specialties. The entrance fee is just VND 20,000 per person, and boat rentals (maximum capacity of 10 people) range from VND 700,000 to 1,200,000 for routes of 7 to 21 kilometers.

With its vast tourism potential, Tram Chim National Park has become a popular destination for visitors exploring the Dong Thap Muoi region. However, conservation efforts continue to face challenges, as some individuals attempt to exploit resources (such as fish, firewood, and grass) despite local efforts to raise awareness and balance ecotourism with forest preservation.