Foreigners’ unauthorized installation of giant ball on Vietnam rice terrace draws backlash

Mu Cang Chai, a popular mountainous destination in Pung Luong Commune, is home to jaw-dropping terraced rice fields.

The large black ball completely covered the iconic round terraced plot, disrupting the natural beauty of the golden rice season.

Pham Hoang Cuong, a photographer from Hanoi, said he was shocked to see the unusual ball while taking photos of the terraced fields.

Multiple tourists and photography enthusiasts were present at the site at the time, and several voiced their objections.

Cuong approached the foreigners and asked them to remove the ball, saying it disrupted the scenery.

“This could have been an art project,” Cuong said.

“The foreigners said they had obtained permission from the field owner, paid an entrance fee, and rented the spot to place the ball.

“They also said they planned to leave it there for only a few days, but dismantled it later due to a backlash."

The black-ball installation was removed after about two hours.

According to local authorities, officials went to inspect the site after receiving information but found that the foreigners had already left.

Ho Thi De, vice-chairwoman of Pung Luong Commune's administration, confirmed that no permission was sought or granted to install an artwork on the terraced fields.

She stressed that the commune will not approve similar projects, as they damage the heritage landscape.

According to local residents, visitors are charged VND25,000 (nearly US$1) per person to enter the iconic round rice terrace for sightseeing and photography.

Tourists pay to admire the pristine beauty of the terraced fields during the harvest season, and any artificial installation undermines the experience.

Several witnesses said they did not understand the purpose behind placing the rubber ball there.

Local resident Tran Ngoc Linh emphasized, “The terraced fields and mountains of northwestern Vietnam are already beautiful. Please keep them original. Modern art belongs in public spaces, not heritage landscapes.”

According to the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism, Mu Cang Chai’s terraced rice fields cover about 2,200 hectares, with 330 hectares recognized as a national heritage site by the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism in 2007.

In 2019, the terraced rice fields were recognized by the prime minister as a special national heritage site.

The area is known for its terraced landscapes and two particularly scenic seasons, including the flood season in April and May and the harvest season in September and October.