The endless expanse of melaleuca forest stretching as far as the eye can see, lush green grasslands amid the vast river landscape, flocks of birds soaring over the lake, or the majestic beauty of the Sarus Crane—these are unforgettable impressions for visitors to Tràm Chim National Park (Đồng Tháp).

From Saigon, follow National Highway 1A for about 400 km, or take a bus from Cao Lãnh City to Thanh Bình to reach Tràm Chim National Park (Tam Nông District, Đồng Tháp Province).

It only takes a few minutes to register at the national park’s tourism center, and then the characteristic Mekong Delta motorized sampans (tắc ráng) will take you into this special land of rivers and waterways. As soon as the boat sets off, fields of năng grass, ống grass, white lotus, and pink lotus appear before your eyes.

Cool breezes, fresh air, the scent of plants and grass, and the lively sounds of various bird species awaken even the most discerning visitors’ senses.

At Tràm Chim National Park, it’s not hard to spot many bird species such as pond herons, bitterns, purple herons, coucals, and larks. Nearly 200 bird species, including rare ones like the yellow bittern, watercock, and painted stork, create a vibrant symphony in the park during the bird migration season (from January to June).

The most spectacular and unique sight in Tràm Chim is likely the “summer dance” of the Sarus Cranes, a rare and near-extinct species listed in Vietnam’s and the world’s Red Data Books. One of the main reasons for the declining population of this bird is the shrinking habitat area and lack of food sources.

Over many years, through efforts to implement the “Biodiversity Conservation” project jointly carried out by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) and Coca-Cola, hydrological management has been improved, water levels regulated, aquatic plants and fish have flourished, and vegetation has been restored… This helps maintain the wetland environment, conserve rare bird species, and at the same time improve local livelihoods through community-based ecotourism activities, increasing community participation in the reasonable management and use of natural resources.

Local communities living around the area are involved in managing and utilizing the park’s natural resources, such as fishing, gathering wild vegetables, lotus flowers, điên điển flowers, or participating in boating and acting as tour guides… to supplement daily income.

Known as a “miniature Đồng Tháp Mười,” Tràm Chim National Park still retains its pristine beauty with a rich ecosystem, restored water levels and vegetation… providing ideal conditions for conserving many rare bird species while developing community-based ecotourism, contributing to improving the lives of local people.

According to VTC News