Home to a tight-knit community and stunning waterfall, Trang Bom (Trảng Bom) District is a rural part of Vietnam’s Dong Nai (Đồng Nai) Province. Known to very few tourists, this Southeastern district tends to get mixed reviews as it strives to achieve destination status.
With Trang Bom Town at the helm, the district’s main attraction is without a doubt the magnificent Giang Dien (Giang Điền) Waterfall. For those that do stay overnight in Trang Bom, travelers might be surprised by the district’s charm and quiet nature.
Rural District in Southeast Vietnam
Trang Bom District sits on Vietnam’s National Highway 1 in Dong Nai Province, which is in the country’s Southeast Region. Covering a mere 326 sq km (126 sq mi), the district has only 1 town and 16 municipalities in its administrative divisions.
Bien Hoa (Biên Hòa), the capital city of Dong Nai Province, is only 20 km (13 mi) to the west of Trang Bom Town. Many tourists exploring Bien Hoa will head to Trang Bom to see the Giang Dien Waterfall. Additionally, visitors may come from Ho Chi Minh City, which is 33 miles (52.6 kilometers) to the southwest of the town.
With few services reaching the district, travelers can make the journey to Trang Bom from either HCMC or Bien Hoa by car. The drive from HCMC can be completed in less than 1.5 hours while traveling from Bien Hoa takes only 40 minutes.
History of the Trang Bom District
During the Vietnam War, the Trang Bom District had a Fire Support Base, which was manned by American, Australian, and New Zealand forces. During the Tet Offensive in 1968, the base was attacked by the Viet Cong. Although repelled, in the subsequent years, two more attacks, known as Operation Coburg, would follow.
Surviving onslaughts throughout the years, the base would again come under heavy artillery in April 1975. This was just before the Fall of Saigon. Ultimately, the base was decommissioned when the Republic of Vietnam ended. Heavy damages inflicted by the battles meant that most of the Trang Bom District had to be rebuilt after the Vietnam War.
Main Attractions
By far the most famous attraction in Trang Bom District is the Giang Dien Waterfall, however, there’s more to see in the area. Having been rebuilt and thriving after the war, Trang Bom is a worthwhile destination. In addition to the Giang Dien Waterfall, tourists should check out the Han Stone Waterfall, Song May Lake, Dong Nai Golf Club, and Ngoc Nhan Monastery.
Han Stone Waterfall
Similar to Giang Dien, but on a smaller scale, Han Stone Waterfall flows over a manmade rocky ledge. Less popular than Giang Dien, tourists can enjoy the falls with smaller crowds. Overnight accommodations and dining options are available as well as recreational tours like camping, swimming, fishing, and biking.
Giang Dien Waterfall
A large waterfall that consists of multiple cascades flowing over a rocky ledge, Giang Dien has been developed to become a tourist area with restaurants and overnight accommodations. At the falls, locals run 3 restaurants that serve a variety of traditional and national Vietnamese dishes. There are also small resort rooms with basic facilities available to house overnight guests.
Popular activities at the Giang Dien Waterfall Tourist Area include swimming, hiking, camping, and biking. Tours of the area can be booked with local guides or travelers can go solo. Even though the falls are smaller, the dry season is the best time to visit Giang Dien because the water will be free from debris.
Song May Lake
Often compared to Da Lat, Song May Lake is a beautiful destination where visitors can picnic, swim, and hike along the shores. Boat tours of the lake are also available using local guides. A popular destination on the weekend, many tourists head to the lakeshore to enjoy a quiet afternoon in nature.
One of the most sought-after rentals at Song May Lake is the floating leaf huts, which can be used to picnic, relax, or fish on the water.
Dong Nai Golf Resort
The largest resort in Trang Bom District is the Dong Nai Golf Resort. Featuring a tropical design with a full 18-hole and 9-hole course, the golf club offers a challenging but fun day to its guests. The layout of the course has received wide acclaim and has been named one of the most beautiful in Southeast Asia.
Tourists who wish to play at the resort can reserve their tee time at the clubhouse, which also features a full-service restaurant, bar, and lounge.
Ngoc Nhan Monastery
Ngoc Nhan Monastery is a unique destination for tourists. Acting as both a monastery and hostel, travelers can stay overnight or simply take a tour during the day. The lush gardens of the monastery are perfect for taking a stroll while the main temple is ideal for watching Buddhist monks and nuns study. Open daily, the monastery welcomes visitors throughout the year.
Accommodations
Still building its tourist sector, there aren’t many resorts or boutique hotels in the Trang Bom District. Most travelers will choose to stay overnight in Bien Hoa, which is less than 1 hour away. Accommodation options that are located in the district will be small with basic amenities. Compact hotels, hostels, and guest houses are the most popular options for travelers in Trang Bom.
Some of the highest-rated accommodations in Trang Bom are the Mi Lan Hostel, Tuan Phat Hotel, Royal Hotel, Tuyet Vy Guest House, and the Quoc Cuong Guest House. The hostels and hotels offer the choice of private or shared rooms while the guest houses will provide small private spaces.
Dining
Local restaurants in the Trang Bom District specialize in Vietnamese dishes like hotpot or BBQ. There aren’t many restaurants that feature an international menu, although many will use fresh ingredients that are locally sourced. The good news for travelers is that restaurants in Trang Bom are affordable and many serve generous portions.
The best places to eat in the Trang Bom District are Zodiac – Wings and Beers, Bo Bit Tet 84, Quan Dat 2, De Nhat Mi Keo Trang Bom, Mr. Pizza, and the Seoul Viet Han BBQ.
Weather
The Trang Bom District has a subtropical climate, which means that there is a rainy and dry season during the year. The rainy season in Trang Bom begins in May and lasts until August. The weather during these months is hot, humid, and wet. Rain also drowns out most tourist activities because so many of the local attractions are based on being outdoors.
A far more popular time for tourism in Trang Bom is the dry season, which lasts from December to April. The dry weather is much more favorable for tourists in the district because the waterfalls run clear, there is less heat and humidity, and no rain showers to dampen the day. Peak times for tourists in Trang Bom are during December, January, and February.
Acting as an extension of Bien Hoa City, the Trang Bom District is building its reputation to become a tourist destination that is independent of the provincial capital. Currently a daytime hotspot for travelers looking to visit the Giang Dien Waterfall, the district has so much more to offer its guests.
From the beautiful outdoor parks to admirable temples, Dong Nai Province’s Trang Bom District is an up-and-coming destination.
Details
Address: Trang Bom District, Dong Nai Province, Vietnam
Season: Year-round | Best during the dry season
Ho Tram, Vung Tau, Vietnam
