Tranh River (Song Tranh)

The Tranh River (Vietnamese: Sông Tranh) is a major river in central Vietnam and one of the principal headwaters of the Thu Bồn River system. Flowing through the mountainous interior of Quảng Nam Province, it drains the eastern slopes of the Trường Sơn (Annamite) Range before joining the Tiên River. From this confluence, the river continues as the Thu Bồn River, which flows to the Cửa Đại Estuary and the South China Sea.

The river rises in the forested highlands around Ngọc Linh Mountain, one of Vietnam's highest peaks. Its upper course features steep valleys, clear fast-flowing water, dense tropical forests, and numerous rapids, while the lower reaches pass through agricultural areas where the river provides water for irrigation and local communities.

One of the river's most important features is the Song Tranh 2 Reservoir, created by the Song Tranh 2 Hydropower Plant. The reservoir generates electricity, regulates seasonal floods, and stores water for the dry season. Surrounded by forested hills, it has also become a popular destination for sightseeing, boating, and recreational fishing.

The Tranh River supports a rich freshwater ecosystem and is home to a variety of native fish and other aquatic species. Together with the Tiên River, it forms the upper reaches of the Thu Bồn River, one of central Vietnam's most important river systems. Throughout history, it has played a vital role in transportation, agriculture, fisheries, and the development of communities across Quảng Nam Province.