On the morning of May 23, 2025, the Ninh Binh Tourism Week officially kicked off with the captivating theme “The Golden Hue of Tam Coc - Trang An,” signaling the start of a vibrant summer tourism season in the ancient land of Hoa Lu.
Famed for its majestic limestone mountains and winding rivers, Tam Coc – Trang An is not only a UNESCO-recognized natural and cultural heritage site, but also a treasured symbol of Vietnam’s deep historical and cultural roots. Every May, the region transforms into a golden wonderland as ripe rice fields stretch across the valleys, weaving between the karst mountains. Locals fondly call it “The Golden Heritage,” a breathtaking natural canvas where man and nature exist in serene harmony.
A ceremonial procession takes place on the Ngo Dong River, leading into Tam Coc along lush rice paddies.
This golden season has become a much-anticipated event, attracting visitors from all corners of the country and beyond. Over the years, Ninh Binh has successfully turned Tam Coc’s rice harvest into a unique tourism brand, blending scenic beauty with rich cultural experiences deeply rooted in the Red River Delta’s wet rice civilization.
The festival’s opening ceremony pays homage to Vietnam’s agricultural heritage. In a vivid reenactment of traditional wet rice cultivation rituals, a ceremonial boat procession carries local agricultural offerings along the Ngo Dong River to Cave 3, dedicated to the God of Agriculture. Accompanied by folk melodies, water puppetry, and traditional Cheo opera performed on a real-life stage set in the rice fields, the scene evokes a nostalgic glimpse into Hoa Lu’s storied past-where early settlers toiled the land, sowing the seeds of life and legacy.
The golden rice fields of Tam Coc, when viewed from above, are a striking highlight in the scenic landscape of Trang An, Ninh Binh.
This year’s standout feature is an elaborate rice field art installation titled “The Carp Leaping Over the Dragon Gate,” symbolizing the aspirations of Ninh Binh to grow and rise to new heights. The living artwork not only showcases local creativity but also offers a mesmerizing sight for photography enthusiasts and artists alike.
Beyond the golden fields, Ninh Binh Tourism Week 2025 offers a diverse array of cultural and experiential activities. Visitors can try their hand at rice farming, explore a charming agricultural museum in Tam Coc, and browse exhibitions of OCOP products and traditional handicrafts. Cultural programs, such as the Trang An Forestival music festival, traditional folk performances, and themed photo tours, add vibrant layers to the festival, making it a multifaceted celebration of Vietnamese rural life.
More than just a scenic experience, the festival immerses tourists in the everyday rhythms of village life, where the grandeur of nature meets the authenticity and warmth of the local people.
Visitors can explore a small museum in Tam Coc dedicated to showcasing traditional wet rice cultivation, complete with interactive experiences for tourists.
As part of a broader strategy to boost local tourism, the “Golden Hue of Tam Coc – Trang An” festival not only honors the region’s natural and cultural heritage but also serves as a dynamic platform to promote Ninh Binh’s image to domestic and international audiences. With a strong commitment to sustainable development, cultural preservation, and regional connectivity, Ninh Binh is steadily carving out its place as one of Vietnam’s most distinctive and beloved travel destinations.
Each golden season is more than a visual spectacle - it’s a heartfelt invitation to return to the roots, where land, water, and tradition intertwine to create a timeless sense of belonging.
Translated by MINH KIÊN
VNQD