Tram Chim National Park: Birdwatching Paradise in the Mekong

Located in Dong Thap Province, Tram Chim National Park has an area of around 7,300 hectares and provides habitat for over 230 bird species, including the endangered Sarus Crane.

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In the 1990s, more than 1,000 Sarus Cranes fed in the area, but they stopped coming in 2022 and 2023, with just four spotted in 2024. This decline is mainly due to climate change and environmental impacts, such as reduced floodwaters and a decrease in fish, which is a primary food source for the birds.

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The park includes grassland, Melaleuca forest and swampy forest. Annually, the park is flooded for around 6 months and large populations of waterbirds are found at the site.

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Looking for more national parks in Vietnam? Visit Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, home to the country’s most intricate cave systems, including the world’s largest—Son Doong Cave!

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How to Get to Tram Chim

A day trip to Tram Chim National Park is best undertaken from Cao Lanh, which is 40 kilometers away. From the main bus station, take the Futa City Bus (#668) heading towards Tan Hon. A ticket costs around 30,000vnd ($1) and the ride takes around 1.5 hours. The bus stops right outside the park entrance and runs every 30 minutes.

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Tip: If you’re driving a motorbike, combine your visit with stops to Phu Tho Village, the oldest and most distinctive fish drying village in Dong Thap province.

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Boat Tours at Tram Chim: What to Expect and Costs

The best way to experience Tram Chim National Park is by boat.

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Here are the two boat routes to choose from:

• 12 kilometers for 1.5 hours: 700,000vnd ($28) per boat
• 21 kilometers for 3 hours: 1,000,000vnd ($40) per boat

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Purchase your ticket at the entrance, and you'll be guided to a spacious boat with a roof to protect from rain and sun, a central table, and comfortable seating for up to 10 people.

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The tour begins with a boat ride alongside grasslands and then through Melaleuca forests. After about an hour, you'll reach a stop in the middle of the park. Here, you'll find a restaurant, small huts to take a rest by the water, and a few walking paths. There’s also a three-story viewing tower on the western end that provides a great overview of the area.

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Although there’s not much going on at the rest stop, it offers a welcome break from the boat ride, letting you stretch your legs, use the restroom, and enjoy some snacks or food if you wish.

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After the stop, you’ll continue on the boat passing massive grasslands for about half an hour before arriving at the dock.

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For more unforgettable boat tours, don’t miss the scenic boat tours in Ninh Binh, where you can row through lush rice fields with stunning karst mountains as your backdrop. If you’re looking for a more off-the-beaten-path adventure, explore Ba Be Lake by boat–the largest natural lake in Vietnam.

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Common Bird Species to Spot

With over 230 bird species, here are the most common types you can see in Tram Chim throughout the year.

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Kingfishers: Keep an eye out for their striking blue color and swift, diving movements as they plunge into the water to catch fish.

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Darters: Look out for them gliding gracefully over the water with their dark blue plumage. They submerge their entire body to catch fish, and their elongated, snake-like necks are a distinctive feature to watch for.

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Cormorants: Spot them as they glide over the water or perch with their wings spread wide to dry.

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Chinese Pond Heron: They are often seen standing still or moving slowly in shallow wetlands, where their mottled brown and white feathers blend with the surroundings.

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Asian Openbill: Very common in the park, keep an eye out for them feeding on golden apple snails.

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Best Time to Visit

For optimal bird-watching opportunities, visit Tram Chim National Park during the flooding season, particularly from September to November. During this period, the forest is submerged, creating an ideal environment for many breeding birds.

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Additionally, the area is lush and green, and you can enjoy the sight of blooming yellow flowers, lotuses and water lilies.

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For a more enjoyable experience, it's recommended to visit Tram Chim National Park earlier in the day to avoid the heat and consider planning your visit on the weekends.

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It's possible to hire a guide, though English-speaking guides are only available on weekends. For the 12-kilometer route, the cost is 100,000vnd ($4), while the 21-kilometer route is 200,000vnd ($8).

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Read: Best Time To Visit Vietnam

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Where to Stay

While Tram Chim National Park is perfect for a day trip, consider extending your visit if you're on a motorbike trip. Here are some of the best places to stay near the national park.

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Budget

Viet Mekong Homestay

Budget

Wildbird Hotel

Final Thoughts

Traveling to Tram Chim National Park on your own can be a bit of a challenge, especially since there's no direct bus from Saigon, and it's slightly off the main tourist routes. If you visit on your own, you’ll need to cover the full cost of the boat, as waiting for other visitors might not be practical—especially on weekdays when there may not be enough people to share the boat. Most tourist groups you’ll see are likely organized trips from Saigon, but joining these groups is typically not an option.

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We’ve visited the park twice in the past three years, and while we didn’t spot many birds—likely due to our timing—we enjoyed the tranquility and the fact that there weren’t many tourists around.

Overall, Tram Chim National Park is a great spot for bird-watching enthusiasts or those seeking a relaxing activity while in the area. However, if convenience is a priority, we recommend visiting the Tra Su Cajuput Forest instead, located about 86 kilometers away.

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Tra Su is easier to reach, more affordable, and offers a broader range of activities. It's especially ideal for solo travelers and makes for an excellent day trip from Chau Doc.

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If you have any questions about visiting Tram Chim National Park, drop them in the comments below!