Buzz
To have an exciting journey exploring the wildlife sanctuary and witnessing various bird species up close, you need meticulous planning and preparation.
Tràm Chim National Park, located in Tam Nông district, Đồng Tháp province, has been a conservation area since 1994. It boasts the largest flooded land area in the Đồng Tháp Mười region and has been recognized as the fourth Ramsar site in Vietnam and the 2,000th worldwide. It is home to over 232 bird species, including rare ones like sarus cranes, storks, pheasants, bitterns, and spoonbills, with the critically endangered red-headed crane being a highlight.
Transportation
From Ho Chi Minh City, you can travel by motorbike for convenient transportation, and the distance is not too far. Avoid crowded National Highway 1 and opt for the N2 route through Hóc Môn – Thạnh Hóa – Tân Thạnh – Trường Xuân – Tràm Chim, approximately 150 km in total. Along the way, you'll be greeted by stunning rural rice fields on both sides of the road. The road is quiet and well-paved.
If traveling by coach, purchase tickets at Miền Tây Bus Station for Tam Nông (Tràm Chim, Đồng Tháp), departing daily at 8:00 a.m.
Points of Interest
If you're traveling by motorbike along the N2 route, you'll encounter vast rice fields and expansive lotus ponds, perfect for photography. On your way back to Tràm Chim, you can stop by the Tháp Mười lotus fields with hectares of pink lotuses or visit the ancient archaeological site of Gò Tháp.
At Tràm Chim, it's recommended to visit Tràm Chim Bridge at sunset to admire the beautiful sunset scenery.
To witness thousands of birds soaring in the dawn light or observe birds roosting on branches, you need to book a tour from the Garden Tourism Center at 5 a.m., as the tourist area usually opens at 7 a.m. by which time most birds have flown away.
Consult the garden's guide to determine which season attracts more birds to which area for a suitable tour itinerary.
You can purchase a fishing tour to enter the garden early in the morning to admire the birds and enjoy the fresh morning air.
Dining
Dong Thap offers a plethora of delicious local delicacies worth trying, such as roasted field mice, grilled field mice with chili and salt, grilled snakehead fish wrapped in young lotus leaves, water celery dipped in freshwater fish sauce, Linh fish pancakes, fish porridge hotpot, dragon blood rice, boiled lotus seeds...
Accommodation
You can stay directly within the Tràm Chim Tourist Area for convenient early morning exploration. Room rates are around 150,000 VND for 2 people per room with fan.
If you prefer camping, contact the Management Board in advance for permission. In the afternoon, small boats will take you deep into the garden to set up camp, allowing you to truly immerse yourself in the authentic Southern countryside scenery.
You can also choose to stay in Tràm Chim town, about 4 km from the national park, where you can enjoy coffee or late-night snacks.
Attire
If traveling by motorbike, ensure you equip yourself with full protective gear for your hands and feet, a securely fitting helmet, sunglasses, gloves, shoes, and a lightweight backpack.
If you want to capture bird photos, you should wear dark or forest green clothing to blend in with the surroundings, avoiding startling the birds away.
Bring shorts for wading through fields for photography or river bathing.
Wear a wide-brimmed hat (available for purchase in the national park).
Mosquito repellent.
As per Zing News
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Reference: Travel Guide from Mytour
MytourAugust 31, 2015
