Ninh Binh in the season of white reeds

As the autumn breeze rustles through the leaves, Ninh Binh enters a uniquely beautiful season: the season of white reeds. The pristine, humble reeds bloom against the limestone cliffs, making the heritage landscape even more captivating.

The patches of white reeds growing on both sides of the road create a peaceful and picturesque scene.

In late autumn and early winter, when the sky is clearer, the sun is gentle, and the wind is dry, the reeds grow tall, swaying in the breeze. In Ninh Binh, reeds grow abundantly along the roads leading to the Trang An Eco-tourism Area, the Tam Coc Tourist Area, along the Hoang Long River dike, and on the pilgrimage route to Bai Dinh Pagoda…

In the early morning, as the sun rises from behind the limestone mountains, the white reeds shimmer with a silvery sheen in the mist. In the afternoon, under the fading sunlight, the entire reed field seems gilded, swaying in the breeze. Without care or elaborate embellishment, the reeds grow naturally, blanketing the landscape in white, making the scenery soft and poetic.

Reeds grow naturally along the road leading to Bai Dinh Pagoda.

These days, along the roads leading to the Trang An Eco-tourism Area, it's not uncommon to see tourists stopping their vehicles and leisurely strolling amidst the reeds, capturing moments with nature. Many people choose to visit Ninh Binh not only to see the heritage sites but also to "slow down" amidst the white blossoms of the reeds.

Ms. Nguyen Thu Ha, a tourist from Hanoi, shared her experience during her weekend trip: “I have been to Ninh Binh many times, but this is the first time I’ve seen the reed fields. It feels so peaceful and relaxing with just the wind, the white reeds, and the majestic mountains. Walking amidst the reeds, I feel like I’ve returned to pristine nature.”

Many young tourists choose the reed season to combine sightseeing, photography, and a relaxing picnic. White dresses, traditional ao dai, or outfits in muted brown and beige tones further enhance the pure beauty of the reeds, creating cinematic images.

Tourists take advantage of the opportunity to take photos with the reeds in Ninh Binh.

For photographers, the season of white reeds in Ninh Binh is considered "golden material" for creative work. The open spaces, soft light, and minimalist yet profound colors make the reeds an ideal medium for telling stories through images.

Tran Van Dung, a freelance photographer in Hoa Lu ward, said: “Reeds aren't flamboyant, but they really absorb light. Just a gentle breeze makes the entire reed stalk move like waves. When combined with limestone mountains, rivers, and the winter sky, the image becomes very emotionally rich. At different times of the day, the reeds take on a different hue.”

The swaying reeds reflecting on the water's surface make the Trang An landscape even more peaceful.

According to Mr. Dung, the best time to photograph reeds is early morning and late afternoon. At those times, the light is at an angle, the contrast is low, and it's easy to create depth in the photo. Many photo sets of Ninh Binh's reed season, after being posted on social media, have attracted thousands of likes, contributing to spreading the image of the ancient capital region in a very gentle and natural way.

Walking through the reed fields during the season, visitors can easily feel the slow pace of life in the Ninh Binh countryside. In the distance, low-lying houses peek out from behind bamboo groves; closer by, small boats drift lazily on the Trang An wharf, the rustling wind blending with the calls of birds. All of this creates a tranquil atmosphere, allowing people to temporarily set aside their daily worries.

Several destinations and tour operators in the province are also taking advantage of this time to develop relaxing tours during the reed season, combining walking, cycling, taking photos along the Bodhi tree-lined paths and reed valleys, and enjoying local cuisine. This approach aligns with the growing trend of green tourism and slow travel.

The season of white reeds in Ninh Binh doesn't last very long. Just a few short months, when the spring rains begin to fall, the reeds gradually wither, giving way to a new cycle of nature. Ninh Binh during the white reed season is not just a trip for sightseeing, photography, or capturing beautiful moments of nature, but also a journey of memories and emotions.

The white reeds of Ninh Binh carry with them the heroic memories of the local people about the nation's history.

Travel to remember and cherish a peaceful land steeped in deep affection; to feel the genuine hospitality of the people of Ninh Binh in every smile, greeting, and cup of water. Amidst the vast expanse of white reeds swaying in the wind, one's heart seems to quiet down, suddenly recalling the ancient story of King Dinh Tien Hoang and the legend of "Training with Reed Flags," from a young buffalo herder in the Hoa Lu countryside who forged great ambitions, quelled the rebellion of the 12 warlords, unified the nation, and ushered in an era of independence and self-reliance for the Vietnamese people.

The white reeds today remain soft and peaceful, but within that delicate white lies a depth of history, an indomitable spirit, and the very essence that has shaped the character of the people here. And so, as we leave Ninh Binh, each step carries a unique memory of the landscape, the people, and the entire region of white reeds, silently yet persistently flowing through our consciousness.

Minh Hai-Ngoc Linh

Source: https://baoninhbinh.org.vn/ninh-binh-mua-lau-trang-rdd17b-251230123915463.html