Ninh Binh - A Scenic Marvel for Many Blockbuster Films

Prior to 'Tấm Cám: The Untold Story,' Ninh Binh had been a favored location for many films seeking breathtaking and grand scenes.

Tourism in Ninh Binh Showcased through Numerous Blockbuster Films

Ninh Binh, known as the ancient capital with picturesque landscapes, pristine nature, has emerged as a shining gem in Northern tourism in recent years, alongside long-renowned destinations like Sapa and Ha Long. Ninh Binh boasts a plethora of attractions ranging from mountains, rivers, caves, historical relics, temples, ecotourism sites, to artificial wonders... Hence, it not only captivates tourists but also attracts numerous film crews seeking locations, especially for wide-angle shots or period dramas.

Kong: Skull Island

Kong: Skull Island is a Hollywood blockbuster project. After filming in the United States and Australia, the production team proceeded to shoot in Vietnam, specifically in Quang Binh, Ninh Binh, Quang Ninh, and Hai Phong. Among these locations, Ninh Binh had the longest filming duration.

Throughout the filming period, the movie garnered special attention from the media and the public. According to experts, the film will be a key factor in promoting and developing tourism in Vietnam in the coming years. The movie is set to debut in early 2017, being the largest Hollywood film project ever undertaken in Vietnam in general and Ninh Binh in particular.

The film features three locations: the Van Long Nature Reserve, Tam Coc - Bich Dong, and the Trang An Ecotourism Area. Van Long Nature Reserve, located in Gia Vien district, covers an area of ​​3,500 hectares and is home to numerous flocks of storks. Tam Coc - Bich Dong, situated in Ninh Hai commune, Hoa Lu district, boasts a system of limestone caves and historical relics, surrounded by majestic mountains and the winding Ngô Đồng River. Trang An Ecotourism Area, part of the World Heritage Site, comprises a system of limestone mountains, 31 lakes, ponds connected by 48 caves.

On their personal page, members of the film crew frequently update photos while working in Ninh Binh at the end of February and the beginning of March this year. Director Jordan Vogt Roberts even exclaimed, 'Never get bored posting pictures in Vietnam. I miss this place when I return.' The film crew utilized both helicopters and 20 tons of equipment for filming Kong: Skull Island in Vietnam.

The Untold Story is currently the most attention-grabbing film for the media and the public interested in cinema. Alongside its beautiful cast and controversial storyline, audiences are amazed by the grandiose scenes entirely Vietnamese in nature.

The film crew chose Ninh Binh for the majority of its scenes. Similar to many previous films selecting Ninh Binh to shoot palace scenes, royal courts, Tấm Cám chose historic landmarks such as the Hoa Lu ancient capital (King Đinh's temple) and Bai Dinh Pagoda to film grand imperial scenes from medieval times. Additionally, many scenes depicting serene rivers, golden ripe rice fields recognized by many viewers were shot at Mua Cave and the Trang An Ecotourism Area.

Trang An, as depicted in the film, is a harmonious blend of majestic limestone mountains, lush green forests veiled in mist, interspersed with serene rivers flowing amidst mountain passages. Through visual effects, the scenery becomes more magical and enchanting, resembling a fairyland on earth.

Mua Cave lies at the foot of Mua Mountain, within the ecotourism area in Khê Đầu Hạ hamlet, Ninh Xuân commune, Hoa Lư district, Ninh Bình. From the summit of Mua Mountain, visitors can behold the entire picturesque landscape of Tam Coc.

Destiny of Heroes

Destiny of Heroes is a film produced in 2012, directed by Victor Vũ, starring Midu, Vân Trang, Kim Hiền, Huỳnh Đông. Throughout the film are scenes shot at famous landmarks in Ninh Bình province, transformed into imperial settings, rugged mountainous areas. It is also one of the first films to explore the ancient and majestic beauty, ideal for period dramas in Ninh Bình.

From the natural landscapes to unique ancient architectural structures like the ancient capital of Hoa Lư, Tam Coc - Bich Dong, the Trang An Ecotourism Area... all are vividly recreated, creating stunning, lively frames, transporting viewers back to the glorious history of the nation.

Similar to Tấm Cám, despite differing opinions, almost every audience member is captivated by the beautiful scenes, wide-angle shots, and captivating angles, which bring a fresh and grandiose perspective to the ancient imperial land's nature.

Two Daughters of the Herb Garden Owner (2006)

This is a film by French-Chinese director Doze Tzu Kiet produced in 2006. The film was entirely shot in Vietnam, with Ninh Binh being the most prominent location, along with Sapa and Hanoi (former Ha Tay province).

The film revolves around the lesbian love story of two girls, considered one of the most emotionally engaging films on this subject to date, through the performances of Ly Tieu Nhiem (formerly famous for her role as Doan Tinh Uyen in Can't Say I Love You Enough in 2009) and French actress Mylene Jampanoi.

In Ninh Binh, the film crew constructed sets in the Tam Coc - Bich Dong tourist area. The picturesque landscapes of limestone mountains and serene rivers of Ninh Binh contributed to the poetic essence of the tragic love between An and Ming.

The Quiet American

Directed by Phillip Noyce, the film was not only shot in Saigon as audiences might think, but also extensively across all three regions of the country, from Hanoi, Hoi An, Da Nang to Ninh Binh. The film tells the story of a love triangle between Thomas Flowler, Pyle, and Phuong, set against the backdrop of the final stages of the Indochina War.

All scenes depicting Tay Ninh were filmed by director Phillip Noyce in Ninh Binh. Viewers can easily recognize the silhouette of Cuc Phuong forest and the majestic mountains of this famous tourist destination.

Phillip Noyce is a Vietnam enthusiast. Before coming here for The Quiet American, he visited Vietnam as a tourist in 1995. Later, he returned to Vietnam several times, so he is quite familiar with the terrain, understanding the advantages of Ninh Binh in wide-angle shots or depicting Vietnamese rural scenes.

According to Ngoi Sao

***

Reference: Travel handbook Mytour