The Tram Chim ecosystem retains the distinctive characteristics of the old Dong Thap Muoi region.
The Lunar New Year celebrations faded from the fifth day onwards, even though the sun still cast its spring light upon thousands of flowers and plants. Perhaps my Year of the Dragon Lunar New Year would have passed like that if it weren't for the call from Chris, an old friend.
At first, I thought he was calling to say goodbye before returning to Melbourne after a short business trip to Vietnam. But instead, he said, "I'm coming to see you. Let's meet at Tram Chim National Park at 11 a.m."
I had to ask several times because I was afraid I'd misheard, or rather, I still thought he was joking, but Chris insisted seriously that he had changed his flight schedule. So, the official meeting began.
After inviting a few more friends, all of whom knew Chris from his time working in Dong Thap, we set off for Tram Chim on the 5th day of the Lunar New Year (February 14th).
From Cao Lanh city, where we live, to Tram Chim National Park is about 40km, a distance ideal for traveling by car or motorbike.
Chris's twist was truly like a goal in injury time, a truly amazing Lunar New Year moment that thrilled everyone in our group after the otherwise uneventful days of the holiday were drawing to a close.
When we met, I asked what would happen if I wasn't in Cao Lanh or was busy with something else. "Then we'll just have to play alone," Chris said, laughing heartily. He jokingly added that this was a way to test our relationship, because if we knew everything in advance, life wouldn't be interesting anymore.
We got straight to work, and everyone quickly booked a boat tour around Tram Chim National Park (21km route) to enjoy the scenery, take photos, and have a meal all at the same time.
The pristine beauty of the lotus field helps heal the soul.
When Chris was working in Dong Thap, Tram Chim was always one of his favorite destinations. The pristine and refreshing beauty of this 2,000th Ramsar site in the world completely captivated the heart of an Australian nature lover.
Every month he would go to Tram Chim National Park for a picnic, sometimes inviting our group along, sometimes arranging to meet his friends from the AVI organization. In general, he had to go to "escape the noise and suffocation of the city, to observe the fish, birds, trees, and plants, and to learn the lessons that nature has given him," as he once said.
Tram Chim National Park is bustling with tourists during the spring of the Year of the Dragon (2014). It's an ideal destination for anyone wanting to experience the ecosystem of the ancient Dong Thap Muoi region, as well as the specialties of the Southwestern Mekong Delta.
Although it's a very familiar place, every time I visit Tram Chim, I still feel a fresh sensation. Being immersed in nature, listening to the birds singing, and admiring the scenery helps to wash away my worries.
The towed boat took us through the canals, along stretches of mangrove forest, allowing us to admire the pristine beauty of nature. Occasionally, the driver slowed the boat down so we could observe and photograph the birds.
With over 147 species of waterbirds, Tram Chim National Park is always an ideal destination for wildlife photography enthusiasts. Of course, our group was one of them. Chris was always on camera. Photographing birds is about capturing moments; he didn't want to miss the most beautiful dances that the birds perform.
Waterbird species live in Tram Chim National Park.
Stopping at a section of the canal where rice paddies and lotus fields are interspersed, especially this season when the yellow trumpet flowers are in full bloom in area A4, creates a poetic rural scene for those who love taking photos with this flower.
In the hazy distance, I saw wisps of smoke rising from the rooftops, and flocks of egrets and herds of buffaloes leisurely returning to their pens. At that moment, I felt a profound peace within me; sometimes, we never realize that the shores of happiness are as simple as that. It truly anchored in my heart an endless sense of tranquility.
Watching the egrets fly over the lush green fields.
The yellow trumpet flowers are in full bloom, creating a vibrant yellow spectacle in area A4 of Tram Chim National Park.
In the cycle of nature, spring is the season we look forward to most, because it brings joy. Spring bids farewell to the long years of the past, initiating a new cycle with better hopes for everyone. Spring has never been and will never be old; only people's hearts grow old.
Spring is still spring, still fragrant with the scent of the season, spreading joy everywhere. After all, we realize that we should cherish every moment, live fully in the present, spread good values, and seize the opportunity to love while we still can, so that spring will arrive and bring its radiant light within each of us.
February 24th (the 15th day of the first lunar month) is the deadline for submitting entries to the "My Tet Moment" contest.
The "My Tet Moment" contest is an opportunity for readers to share beautiful moments and unforgettable experiences from Tet with family and friends.
Each article should be a maximum of 1,000 words in Vietnamese, and including photos, photo series, or videos is encouraged.
Your entry should share your favorite destinations and unique places to visit. Through your story, you will help many people discover new lands and must-see locations for spring travel.
It could be an article documenting moments of friends and family gathering, celebrating Tet (Lunar New Year), and having fun together.
These are notes and recounts of personal experiences from trips and business trips away from home during Tet that you have experienced.
The photo contest highlights the beauty of landmarks, places, or regions you've visited. This is an opportunity to tell the story of the vibrant colors and beautiful scenery of Vietnam or the countries you've been to.
From January 25 to February 24, readers can send their entries to khoangkhactet@tuoitre.com.vn.
The awards ceremony and closing event are scheduled to take place in March 2024. The prize structure includes 1 first prize (15 million VND in cash and gifts), 2 second prizes (7 million VND and gifts), and 3 third prizes (5 million VND and gifts).
The program is sponsored by HDBank.
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