Unique art installation at Tam Coc rice fields in Ninh Binh Province

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 “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.

The Thai Xuyen rice variety selected for the large-scale artwork in Tam Coc is currently being carefully tended to ensure optimal growth.

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.

The “Carp Leaping Over the Dragon Gate” artwork symbolises perseverance, creativity, and determination in overcoming hardship. Additionally, the carp is a symbol of longevity and good fortune.

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

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.