In recent years, the Tam Coc art field, at Tam Coc - Bich Dong Tourist Area, has become a unique highlight, contributing to the Ninh Binh tourism brand.
Every year, on the rice fields stretching along the Ngo Dong River, giant paintings are created from rice plants with many unique themes such as the festival flag, carp looking at the moon, field hunters playing flutes, carp crossing the Vu Mon gate.
Continuing that creative flow, in 2026, the field is shaped with the theme "Two horses worshiping to report achievements" which is both symbolic in depth and full of artistry.
Sharing about the idea of this painting, artist Phuc Khoi, who directly participated in the design of the work, said that the theme of the work is depicted through four verses "Celebrating the victory of the Year of the Snake, Two horses reporting achievements, Welcoming the Year of the Horse, Cheering the horse for success".
Different from the image of a strong warhorse, the image of the horse in the rice painting taken from folk materials expresses the solemn but still close and soft character of the horse when reporting achievements. This image evokes memories of traditional processions in Vietnamese culture, where people express respect, gratitude and pride in their achievements.
According to painter Phuc Khoi, the choice of horse images is not only based on artistic elements but also associated with the meaning of the Binh Ngo lunar year. Horses have long been a symbol of perseverance, loyalty and aspiration to rise up. When placed in the context of "praying for merit", this image becomes even more profound, expressing the spirit of goodness, promoting the value of effort and legitimate success.
Tam Coc rice field is known as one of the most beautiful fields in Vietnam, with a total area of more than 18ha winding along the poetic Ngo Dong River. Interspersed with majestic limestone mountain ranges, the field is not only a place for agricultural production but also becomes an ideal "material" for unique artistic creations.
The artistic field area alone has an area of nearly 10,000m2 in the Hang Hai area. On that space, the "Two Horses Reporting Merit" shape is cleverly arranged, maximizing the natural curves of the terrain to create a soft movement feeling.
According to representatives of the Management Board of Tam Coc - Bich Dong Tourist Area, right before the Binh Ngo Lunar New Year 2026, the unit coordinated with local authorities and Van Lam Residential Group Agricultural Cooperative to implement the planting plan, guiding farmers to go to the fields in accordance with the crop season.
The rice variety chosen for cultivation is Thai Xuyen rice, this rice variety has hard plant characteristics, good pest and disease resistance, suitable for local soil and meeting shaping requirements.
Farmers are supported with all seeds and fertilizers, and are also guided on planting techniques according to each cell, each specific line. Shaping is not only limited to the planting stage but also extends throughout the care process. The stages of milling, pruning, adjusting density, and pest control are strictly implemented to ensure that when the rice develops, the lines of the image are not distorted," shared a representative of the Tam Coc - Bich Dong Tourist Area Management Board.
