"Golden season" Tam Coc in the middle of vast mountains and rivers

Panoramic view of Tam Coc-Bich Dong tourist area covered in the "golden color" of ripe rice.

Along the winding Ngo Dong River between the undulating limestone mountains, each rice field stretches out like a silk strip, dotted with light boats gliding, carrying with them cheerful laughter and the scent of new rice.

Ms. Le Thi Hang, a resident of Van Lam village, Ninh Hai commune, carefully moved each golden rice bundle onto the shore while happily telling the story: “Harvesting by boat is also very hard work, but in return, this year's rice harvest is bountiful. Some Western guests even asked to try harvesting, then got on the boat with me to harvest the rice. Seeing their excitement, I was very happy.”

Having spent most of her life working in the Tam Coc fields, Ms. Hang is not only a veteran farmer but also a “tourism ambassador” with a constant smile on her face and friendly gestures whenever tourists ask to take photos with her. Ms. Hang also shared that when the “golden season” comes, the locals here not only have income from rice but also have the opportunity to significantly increase their income from boat rowing services.

*This year's rice harvest was early, the farmers were happy and smiling.*

Born into a farming family in Ninh Hai commune, Do Nhat Minh (9 years old) was already proficient at helping his father thresh rice every harvest season. His hands and feet quickly poured each threshed rice pot into a bag, while he worked, he smiled happily and said: "I have been helping my father thresh rice since morning. Dad puts the rice into the machine, and I stand by and watch which pot is full to help my father put it into the bag". In the middle of the golden rice field, the rumbling sound of the threshing machine blends with Minh's laughter, creating a scene that is both simple and lovely. Perhaps, those sunny summer days, filled with laughter and the smell of straw, will become unforgettable memories in his childhood.

*People are busy threshing rice to keep up with the large volume.*

Without stage lights, smoke machines or props, the ripe rice season in Tam Coc is enough to attract thousands of tourists every year. Coming to visit during this season, tourists can row their own boats, take photos in the middle of the fields surrounded by vast mountains and rivers... all of which bring a very unique, rustic feeling. In 2018, Business Insider (USA) ranked this place in the top 5 most beautiful rice fields in Vietnam, a highlight of the annual Tam Coc Golden Tourism Week.

Tam Coc rice fields along the Ngo Dong river.

According to Mr. Dinh Anh Toi, Vice Chairman of Ninh Hai Commune People's Committee: Tam Coc field has nearly 20 hectares of rice fields with about 200 farming households. This year, thanks to favorable weather and good techniques, the harvest was early, the rice yield reached 2-2.5 quintals/sao, much higher than previous years. In particular, the area "Fish overcoming the dragon gate" - an artistic rice painting of nearly 10,000 m2, is preserved intact to serve visitors and take photos. After the harvest, the commune will continue to coordinate with businesses and mobilize farmers to take care of the regenerated rice, maintain the long-lasting green and yellow landscape, serving visitors to visit and experience when coming to Tam Coc.

*Bustling scene of rice threshing at the end of the day on the country roads.*

Tam Coc in the ripe rice season is neither noisy nor bustling. There are farmers smiling in the sun, boys learning to grow up from the fields, and boats filled with the golden light of rice and the joy of tourists.

Amidst the hustle and bustle of life, sometimes just a morning on a small boat in the middle of the Ngo Dong River, breathing in the scent of new rice, listening to the sound of water gently lapping the boat's side, is enough to feel peace of mind.

Thuy Ha-Ngoc Linh

Source: https://baoninhbinh.org.vn/mua-vang-tam-coc-giua-non-nuoc-bao-la-125771.htm