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Dambri Stream, Lam Vien Plateau, Lam Dong, Vietnam

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Ahead through research

Viet Nam, Bao Loc, Lam Dong

Located 18km northeast of Bao Loc city center, Dambri Stream is an important part of the primary forest ecosystem in Dambri Commune, Bao Loc City, Lam Dong Province. It serves as the main water source for Dambri Waterfall, one of the most famous waterfalls in the region.

The stream originates from underground springs on the Lam Vien Plateau and flows year-round with cool, clear water. It winds through diverse forested and mountainous terrain, which includes large boulders, coarse pebbles, and red basaltic soil. Many sections of the stream cascade steeply, creating white foamy rapids.

  • Rainy season (currently): The water becomes strong, turbulent, and murky due to sediment and red soil erosion.
  • Dry season: The stream flows gently, revealing moss-covered rocks and exposed tree roots.
  • Water parameters:
  • Temperature: 19-23°C
  • pH: 6.5-7.0

Dambri Stream is also home to various fish species from families such as Mastacembelidae, Glossogobius spp., and Danio spp.

Submitted by
Võ Tất Thành
Approved by
Heiko Blessin, Heok Hee Ng & Greg Martin
GPS
11.6421909, 107.7428360
Geographical region
Southeastern Asia
Drainage Basin
Dong Nai River Basin
River catchment
Dambri Stream Catchment
Water body type
Creek
Water body name
Dambri Stream
Water body part
Waterfall
Water body course
Upper course
Water body: tributary of
River
Tributary name
La Nga River

Videos above and below water


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Water Chemistry

Water information

Water type
fresh-water
Water color
Mixed water
Water transparency
High
Concentration of sediments
Medium
Water temperature
17 - 23 °C
Water flow/curent
Strong

Chemical parameters

pH
7.0
Conductivity
30
GH
53.4 mg/l
dGH
KH
3 mg/l
dKH
Dissolved Oxygen
90 %

Substrate in nature

Sand
Reddish
Pebble/Gravel
Orange
Stone
Brown
Stone form
Irregular
Silt/Mud
Brown
Leaves
Few
Driftwood
Few
Submerged terrestrial vegetation
Yes

Aquatic Biotope

Date of collecting
21/03/2025
Collecting area
Below waterfall
Water depth
0,5m
Air temperature
17 °C
Sunlight
Filtered/dappled sun

Environment

Environment
Affected by human activity
Affected by human activity
Deforestation
Deforestation
Advanced
Surrounding area

Dambri Stream is located within the primary forest area of Dambri Commune, Bảo Lộc City, Lâm Đồng Province, approximately 200km northeast of Ho Chi Minh City. The stream is a main tributary feeding into Dambri Waterfall . One of the highest and most famous waterfalls in the southern Central Highlands region.

The area sits at an average elevation of about 900–1.000m above sea level, featuring a cool climate year-round with temperatures ranging from 18-26°C. The rainy season lasts from May to October, significantly increasing the stream’s water flow, with some sections becoming flooded and fast-moving. During the dry season, from November to April, the stream reveals layers of natural rocks, mosses, and gravel beds.

Underwater landscape

Beneath the surface, the stream is home to a variety of small native fish species such as Micronemacheilus cruciatus, Rhinogobius duospilus, along with freshwater shrimp, snails, and aquatic plants like stone mosses, submerged algae, and semi-aquatic ferns. The streambed consists mainly of pebbles, fine sand, and decomposing leaf litter from the forest canopy above. The water is crystal clear, with a neutral to slightly acidic pH and temperatures ranging between 18-23°C. Conditions ideal for sustaining endemic species and delicate freshwater ecosystems.

Fish list:

  • Macrognathus circumcinctus (Mastacembelidae)
  • Micronemacheilus cruciatus (Nemacheilidae)
  • Rhinogobius duospilus (Gobiidae)
  • Danio albolineatus (Cyprinidae)

Mollusc list:

  • Physella acuta (Physidae)

Aquatic/wetland plant list:

  • Cryptocoryne retrospiralis (Araceae)
  • Chrysopogon zizanioides (Poaceae)
  • Axonopus compressus (Poaceae)
Threats to ecology

The ecosystem of Dambri Stream, nestled within the primary forests of Lâm Đồng, is home to a rich diversity of native species from insects and freshwater fish to mosses, wild orchids, and aquatic plants.

However, this stream is currently facing a range of serious threats: unregulated tourism development, water pollution, illegal logging, and the increasingly evident impacts of climate change. Waste, noise, habitat encroachment, and the spread of invasive species are all contributing to the decline of the area’s once-abundant biodiversity.

It is precisely the fragile beauty and unique ecological value of Dambri Stream that inspired me to create an aquascape, as a way to preserve, recreate, and reflect on a precious habitat that urgently needs protection.

Riparian zone

Trees near the aquatic habitat
Few -