This unique tourism product is being created to welcome Ninh Binh Tourism Week 2025, themed “The Golden Hues of Tam Coc–Trang An”, scheduled from May 23 to 31.

The enormous “Carp Leaping Over the Dragon Gate” painting lies in the rice fields near Hang Hai in Tam Coc.

The “Carp Leaping Over the Dragon Gate” painting covers nearly 10,000 square metres, intended to symbolise perseverance and overcoming hardship to achieve success in life. It also reflects the aspiration of Ninh Binh Province to elevate the millennium-old heritage city of Hoa Lu to new heights.

At the same time, the artwork honours the unique cultural and spiritual values of Hoa Lu, the ancient capital known for its sacred land and exceptional people.

It pays tribute to farmers who not only cultivate rice but also create art, appreciate culture, enrich spiritual life, and showcase the province's potential and strengths to visitors.

At present, Tam Coc’s rice fields are attracting many tourists. The rice is in the heading and flowering stage, growing well, and is expected to ripen by the end of May, coinciding with the scheduled dates of Ninh Binh Tourism Week.

“The rice painting at Tam Coc is created annually, but each year brings me new and unique experiences. Sitting on a boat drifting along both banks of the river, surrounded by ripening golden rice, the giant artwork becomes vividly clear, revealing the peaceful, poetic beauty of unspoiled nature and the warmth, friendliness, and hospitality of the locals. After the trip, I’ll be sharing beautiful images of Ninh Binh with my family and friends,” said Vu Tuan Anh from Ha Noi.

To create this vibrant golden-season product, the Tam Coc–Bich Dong Tourism Area Management Board began preparations a year in advance, conceptualising the idea, drafting designs, and using digital mapping technology to transfer the drawing to the actual rice field with the highest precision.

Notably, from early 2025, the Management Board coordinated closely with local authorities to urge and guide farmers to transplant the rice on time.

This year, the Thai Xuyen rice variety, characterised by strong stalks and good pest resistance, well-suited to local soil conditions, continues to be cultivated for the artwork.

Bui Thi Nhai, in charge of landscape and environment at the Tam Coc–Bich Dong Tourism Area, said that to shape such a beautiful artwork, her team had to conduct thorough research on rice varieties, timing, and precise cultivation techniques suitable for the weather conditions.

However, this year the team also faced many challenges in caring for the fields due to the complexity of the painting’s details, interwoven colour patterns, and weather conditions that differed significantly from previous years.

The team monitored the field daily and weekly to apply timely technical interventions and prevent pests. Special emphasis was placed on manual farming methods to ensure sustainable agriculture combined with tourism, in harmony with nature, and to honour Viet Nam’s traditional wet rice agriculture.

Tam Coc rice field, located in the Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex, is renowned as one of the five most beautiful rice fields in Viet Nam, spanning more than 18 hectares and winding alongside the Ngo Dong River.

Capitalising on this advantage, in recent years, Ninh Binh’s tourism sector has focused on incorporating traditional cultural elements to attract tourists. The government, businesses, and residents have collaborated to create folk-themed rice paintings using actual rice plants.

The rice field painting is a highlight of Ninh Binh Tourism Week 2025 and is expected to be a unique tourism product, welcoming visitors to Ninh Binh.

It plays a crucial role in boosting tourism, promoting cultural beauty, increasing visitor numbers, and affirming Ninh Binh’s brand as a leading and attractive destination for domestic and international tourists.

Ninh Binh Festival 2024 blends heritage with modern art

The upcoming Ninh Binh Festival 2024 will transform the northern province, home to the ancient capital of Hoa Lu, into a living canvas where history converges with contemporary art through music, dance drama, and stellar performances.

 

Vietnamese players win gold, silvers at ITF – J30 Ninh Binh 1

Vietnamese athletes were honoured at the closing ceremony of the International Tennis Federation (ITF) – J30 Ninh Binh 1 2024 on November 17 in Ninh Binh province.

 

Trang An - Cuc Phuong Hot Air Balloon Festival attracts crowds in Ninh Binh

The Trang An - Cuc Phuong Hot Air Balloon Festival kicked off at Trang An Cultural Park in Ninh Binh Province on October 26.

4,500 Indian tourists to stay four nights in Hanoi, dine at Ninh Binh restaurant

Around 4,500 employees of a major Indian pharmaceutical company, on a tour to Vietnam, will spend four nights in 5-star hotels in Hanoi and enjoy Indian-style meals at a restaurant in nearby Ninh Binh.

Ninh Binh tour named among world’s 10 best experiences

A full-day highlights tour from Hanoi to the northern province of Ninh Binh was listed among the world’s ten best experiences, as selected by readers of renowned travel website TripAdvisor.

Ninh Binh Province works to promote values of world-recognised heritage

Since gaining recognition as a World Cultural and Natural Heritage Site 10 years ago on June 25, 2014, Trang An Landscape Complex in Ninh Binh Province has become an invaluable resource in attracting more tourists to the province and contributing to developing sustainable tourism in the locality.