Old Tam Giang Dam, Phu Yen (New Dak Lak)

Discover the Old Tam Giang Dam in Phu Yen (Now New Dak Lak): A Complete Backpacking Travel Guide

The gurgling sound of water flowing through sturdy concrete embankments, blended with the salty breeze of the Central Coast, all create a vivid watercolor painting called Tam Giang Dam. This place is not just a vital irrigation project but also a captivating destination for avid travelers. Especially, with Vietnam's administrative map undergoing a major reorganization in 2025, this land takes on a new identity while retaining its pristine charm. Join the LocalTrips.ORG team, pack your bags, and unravel the allure of this unique destination.

Where is Tam Giang Dam Located? Latest Administrative Update 2026

Based on our practical experience from cross-Vietnam tourism map surveys in early 2026, accurately understanding the location and new administrative information will help you plan your itinerary optimally.

Geographical Location and Travel Along the Cai River

Tam Giang Dam spans the peaceful Cai River, located in An Thach commune, Tuy An district. It is about 30km north of Tuy Hoa city center (coastal area). The most convenient route to get here is along National Highway 1A. When you reach Chi Thanh town, turn right onto a small asphalt road winding through lush green rice fields. Drive about 3km further, and you'll hear the roaring sound of waterfalls, signaling your arrival.

Visitors can choose to travel by motorbike to fully enjoy the fresh air of the peaceful countryside. Along the way, swaying bamboo groves and moss-covered red-tiled houses will provide a perfect backdrop for roadside photos.

[Image: Panoramic view of Tam Giang Dam from above with water rushing through concrete steps | Alt text: Panoramic view of the old Tam Giang Dam in Phu Yen, now New Dak Lak, with white rushing water]

Historical Administrative Change: From Old Phu Yen to New Dak Lak

LocalTrips.ORG's expert perspective shows that July 1, 2025, marked a monumental turning point for the entire nation when Vietnam's map officially reduced to 34 provinces. The old Phu Yen province has now merged with the Central Highlands region to form the new super-province of Dak Lak. 

This merger is not just a paper-based story but also opens up an unprecedented continuous travel corridor: "Wake up to the sunrise in the vast forests of Buon Ma Thuot, and watch the sunset by the Cai River in Tuy An." Tam Giang Dam now becomes a crucial link in the diverse tourism ecosystem of New Dak Lak, where visitors can experience both the mountain gong culture and the coastal fishing lifestyle in a single trip.

History and Economic Value of Tam Giang Dam

Behind the poetic beauty of these man-made waterfalls lies a long story of sweat, effort, and the local people's aspiration to conquer nature.

Construction Process and Unique Spillway Architecture

According to local documents we collected, Tam Giang Dam was initially a rudimentary structure built by local people using earth, stone, and tree trunks to block saltwater and retain freshwater for irrigation. However, due to the power of historical floods, this fragile wooden dam was often washed away. 

In 1995, the local government decided to invest in rebuilding the dam with a sturdy reinforced concrete system. The spillway architecture with three large steps not only helps reduce the pressure of the current but also inadvertently creates beautiful man-made waterfalls. When the water level rises, the water cascades over the steps, forming a white curtain of mist under the sunlight.

Irrigation Role and Local Economic Driver

More than just an iconic check-in spot, Tam Giang Dam is also the "heart" that pumps freshwater, sustaining thousands of hectares of rice fields in An Thach, An Ninh, and An Dan communes of Tuy An district. Thanks to this dam, saltwater intrusion from O Loan lagoon up the Cai River has been completely controlled. 

We have observed that, in addition to agriculture, the dam also creates sustainable livelihoods for local people through fishing and the development of spontaneous eco-tourism. Eateries along the dam have sprung up, providing stable income for dozens of households.

[Image: Local people casting nets to fish in the Cai River right below Tam Giang Dam | Alt text: Fishermen catching lagoon seafood at Tam Giang Dam, Tuy An]

Ideal Weather for Exploring Tam Giang Dam

Choosing the right time will determine 80% of your experience here. Although located within the administrative boundaries of New Dak Lak, the Tuy An area still retains the distinct characteristics of the Central Coast climate.

Dry Season - Golden Time for Crystal-Clear Photos

From January to August every year is the most perfect time to visit Tam Giang Dam. At this time, the sky is clear blue, the sun is shining brightly, and especially, the flow of the Cai River is very gentle. The amount of water overflowing the dam is just enough to create white foam but not too strong, making it extremely safe for walking on the concrete embankment or wading in shallow areas.

Flood Season - Majestic Beauty But Requires Caution

From September to December, this area enters the rainy and storm season. Water from the upstream makes Tam Giang Dam more intense and majestic than ever. The roaring sound of water echoes throughout the entire region. However, LocalTrips.ORG particularly notes: you should absolutely not wade into the water or get too close to the edge of the dam during this time due to slippery moss and strong currents posing a very high safety risk.

Travel and Entertainment Experiences Around the Dam

Visiting Tam Giang Dam is not just about sightseeing, but also about immersing yourself in the slow, peaceful pace of life of the people in the riverine region.

Boating around the dam by motorboat and basket boat

One activity you must try is renting a basket boat or motorboat from the locals to drift on the Cai River. The feeling of gently floating on the calm water, with lush coconut groves on both banks, will make all worries disappear. 

The boat drivers here are excellent "local guides." They will tell you legends about the river, show you how to cast nets to catch fish, or even let you try steering the spinning basket boat yourself, which is quite enjoyable.

[Image: Tourists sitting on a basket boat admiring the serene Cai River | Alt text: Basket boat experience on the Cai River near Tam Giang Dam]

Check-in at pristine natural photo spots

Along the hundreds of meters of dam embankment are countless "instagrammable" spots. You can stand right in the middle of the dam (during low water season), with the small waterfall behind and the vast sky above as your backdrop. Or follow small paths along the river, find swaying reeds in the wind for photos imbued with the poetic charm of the quiet countryside.

Characteristic Cuisine: Enjoying Cai River Delicacies

The trip would not be complete if you missed the opportunity to savor the rich cuisine right at the foot of the dam. The confluence of freshwater from upstream and brackish water from the lagoon has created an ideal habitat for many excellent aquatic species.

Specialty River Eel and Grilled Abalone Fish

The brightest star on the dining table at Tam Giang Dam is the river eel. This fish lives nestled in the rock crevices at the foot of the dam, with firm, delicious, and extremely nutritious flesh. Eel can be prepared in many dishes, but the best is still grilled eel with chili salt. The grilled fish skin, golden and crispy, oozing with rich fat, served with wild vegetables and dipped in lime pepper salt will awaken all your senses.

Besides, abalone fish is also an unmissable choice. Steamed abalone fish with soy sauce or cooked in a clear soup with tomatoes, onions, and cilantro brings a delicate, sweet flavor to the palate. Don't forget to order a plate of crunchy jellyfish salad and a hot clay pot of rice for a more complete meal.

Reference Price List for Food and Beverage Services at Tam Giang Dam (Updated 2026)

To help you easily estimate your expenses, LocalTrips.ORG provides a reference price list at popular eateries along the dam:

(Note: Prices may fluctuate slightly during holidays, Tet, or peak tourist season).

Accommodation and Self-Sufficient Camping Near Tam Giang Dam

For those who love adventure and want to fully immerse themselves in nature, staying overnight in this area is an excellent suggestion.

Overnight camping experience on the river bank

The spacious, flat grassy area right downstream of the Cai River is an ideal spot for pitching tents. The feeling of having a campfire, roasting potatoes, sipping some local sticky rice wine, and listening to the symphony of frogs and insects in the tranquil night is an invaluable experience. 

However, from practical experience, we recommend that you prepare waterproof tents, warm sleeping bags (because the river wind can be quite cold at night), mosquito repellent, and flashlights. Importantly, always maintain general hygiene, clean up all trash before leaving to preserve the dam's pristine landscape.

Nearby homestays and guesthouses

If you're not comfortable sleeping in a tent, the Chi Thanh town area (about 3-5km from the dam) has many clean guesthouses and homestays with very affordable prices, ranging from only 200,000 - 400,000 VND/night. Homestays here are often designed in a garden style, offering a familiar and intimate feeling, like being in your own home.

[Image: A super chill camping corner on the Cai River with a campfire and tents | Alt text: Overnight camping to watch the sunrise at Tam Giang Dam, New Dak Lak]

Suggested Itinerary Combining Famous Destinations

Tam Giang Dam is located in the center of Tuy An's "golden triangle" of tourism. Therefore, combining visits to nearby landmarks will enrich your itinerary.

Heritage route: Mang Lang Church - Ganh Da Dia - Tam Giang Dam

Just about a 10-minute drive from Tam Giang Dam, you will reach Mang Lang Church - one of Vietnam's oldest churches with distinct Gothic architecture and home to the first book written in Vietnamese Quốc ngữ. 

Continuing the journey towards the sea, Ganh Da Dia will welcome you with a unique natural masterpiece featuring black basalt columns stacked like giant beehives stretching out to the ocean. The combination of religious architectural beauty, geological marvels, and an irrigation project will create a day of exploration full of emotions.

Reference prices for 1-day package tours

If you are traveling with a family group and want to save time planning, booking a 1-day package tour from travel agencies in New Dak Lak is a smart choice.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Tam Giang Dam

To make your trip smoother, LocalTrips.ORG has compiled and answered the most common questions from the tourist community:

1. Which province does Tam Giang Dam belong to under the new plan?
From July 1, 2025, according to the new administrative plan of 34 provinces, the Tuy An area (formerly Phu Yen) has been merged and officially belongs to the new Dak Lak province.

2. Is there an entrance fee to visit Tam Giang Dam?
It's completely free. This is an irrigation project open to the public for visitors to explore and take photos.

3. Should I bring children to play at the dam?
You can bring children along for beautiful family photos. However, strict adult supervision is required; absolutely do not let children wade into the water unsupervised or run on the slippery dam steps.

4. Which restaurant serves the best eel in this area?
Along both sides of the dam, there are about 4-5 simple thatched-roof eateries. The quality of eel at these restaurants is quite consistent as they all source fresh fish from the Cai River. You can visit any restaurant with a direct view of the dam to enjoy a meal and the scenery.

5. Is the road to the dam easily accessible for cars?
The road from National Highway 1A to the foot of the dam has been beautifully asphalted and concreted, allowing cars from 4 to 16 seats to drive directly to the site, with ample parking available.

6. Can I rent a tent directly at the dam?
Currently, there are no professional tent rental services at the dam area. You should rent tents in advance from the city center or contact homestays in Chi Thanh town to borrow/rent before moving to the camping site.

The rustic beauty, the joyful sound of water, and the unforgettable taste of grilled eel will surely make Tam Giang Dam a perfect piece in your youthful journey. Don't hesitate to pack your bags and experience for yourself the wonderful things that nature has bestowed upon this land of New Dak Lak. If you have any questions about directions, need detailed reviews of restaurants, or want advice on the most suitable tour itinerary, leave a comment below or contact LocalTrips.ORG directly for quick assistance from our team of experts!