On May 15, Michał Kołkowski from Poland and Andrew Royce from the US shared a short video documenting their journey through Tam Coc-Bich Dong and Hang Mua in Ninh Binh Province.
The clip was posted with the caption: “You traveled back to 1930s. Would you watch this as a full movie?”
Michal and Andrew during their trip in Ninh Binh Province (Photo: Provided by the tourists).
The short clip lasts only a few dozen seconds, with no dialogue or captions, focusing instead on the pair's activities through carefully composed footage.
Combined with vintage style costumes and muted colour grading, the footage evokes the atmosphere of an old cinematic production, transporting viewers back to the early twentieth century.
Interwoven throughout the film are poetic and tranquil scenes of Ninh Binh’s landscapes. The video has now surpassed 1 million views and generated strong engagement across multiple social media platforms. Many viewers expressed surprise and pride at how the province’s scenery resembled scenes from a feature film.
The opening sequence features Bich Dong Pagoda, an ancient temple within the Trang An, Tam Coc, Bich Dong scenic complex, which has been recognised as a Special National Relic Site and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The two travellers are later shown taking a boat ride along the Ngo Dong River to explore Tam Coc, an area famous for its limestone mountains and intricate cave systems.
Hang Mua tourist site also appears prominently in aerial shots. Located in the core zone of the Trang An World Heritage complex, the destination is renowned for its dramatic natural scenery.
After climbing nearly 500 winding stone steps, visitors reaching the mountaintop can enjoy panoramic views of Tam Coc’s rice fields stretching below.
In the comments section, several Vietnamese social media users said they had unexpectedly met the two foreigners while visiting Ninh Binh in early May.
Speaking to Dantri/Dtinews, Bui Tuan said he and his friends recognised Michał and Andrew during their trip to Tam Coc after previously watching the duo’s cinematic video filmed in Cao Bang Province.
The group approached the pair to greet them and asked to take photos together as souvenirs.
“They have a sophisticated fashion style, polite manners and a very distinctive presence. They were also friendly and approachable. During our conversation, they spoke highly of Vietnam’s landscapes,” Tuan said.
Michał and Andrew also expressed gratitude for the warm hospitality shown by local residents.
Both men are reportedly 27 years old and currently work in modelling and content creation.
Before arriving in Ninh Binh, the pair had already gained attention in Vietnam in late March after releasing another cinematic video filmed in Cao Bang Province.
That clip featured distinctly Vietnamese imagery, including water buffaloes, grass fields and rural village scenes, alongside famous landmarks such as Nui Thung Mountain, Phat Tich Truc Lam Ban Gioc Pagoda and Ban Gioc Waterfall.
The Cao Bang video has since attracted nearly 8 million views, with many Vietnamese viewers hoping such productions will help promote the country’s tourism beauty to international audiences.
