Tam Coc – Bich Dong, one of Vietnam’s most iconic tourist destinations, has unveiled a giant rice paddy artwork depicting a carp leaping over the dragon gate—a revered symbol of perseverance and success.
The field painting, titled Ca Vuot Vu Mon, was crafted in preparation for Ninh Binh Tourism Week 2025, slated for late May. Local authorities and farmers began work as early as the Lunar New Year, with guidance from the Tam Coc – Bich Dong Tourism Management Board. Farmers meticulously transplanted rice seedlings in a precise arrangement to create the striking visual effect.
The complex color patterns were achieved through the thoughtful selection of rice varieties and careful maintenance throughout the growing season. Farmers utilized Thai Xuyen rice, prized for its robust stalks and pest resistance, to bring the artwork to fruition.
As summer unfolds, Tam Coc’s landscape transforms into a breathtaking tableau of lush green rice fields, bordered by the meandering Ngo Dong River and dramatic limestone karsts. Visitors can drift along the river by boat, immersing themselves in this natural gallery framed by towering mountains and vibrant emerald paddies.
For sweeping panoramic views, travelers can hike up the nearby limestone cliffs. From these vantage points, the Ngo Dong River winds gracefully through the valley, with the vibrant field painting standing out against the lush greenery.
Situated in Hoa Lu District, approximately 100 kilometers south of Hanoi, Tam Coc – Bich Dong is part of the Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Spanning over 350 hectares, the area boasts an intricate network of caves, charming rural villages, and historical landmarks, including the ancient Bich Dong Pagoda and remnants of the Tran Dynasty’s Vu Lam Palace.
The optimal time to visit Tam Coc – Bich Dong is between the first and third lunar months, when the weather is pleasantly mild and vibrant spring festivals, like the Bai Dinh Pagoda Festival, fill the air with celebration. Alternatively, late May to early June provides a mesmerizing visual treat, as the rice fields transform into a golden tapestry, blending the green hues of young shoots with the ripening yellow of mature rice to create a breathtaking mosaic landscape.
