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Not a famous landmark or a new check-in spot, the scenery at the foot of Ba Den Mountain in Tay Ninh unexpectedly became the center of attention thanks to a very ordinary moment: more than 3,000 pure white Peking ducks circled around a duck herder, moving rhythmically in the open space, creating an indescribable sense of tranquility.
Nguyen Khanh Vu Khoa (1985) is a photographer based in Ho Chi Minh City. Having started taking many photos in 2019, he has now explored and documented the beauty of most provinces and cities in Vietnam.
That moment was captured by photographer Nguyen Khanh Vu Khoa during a short trip away from Ho Chi Minh City, without a fixed itinerary or destination. He chose to wander slowly along the familiar yet unfamiliar roads of Tay Ninh and stopped at Bau Nang commune, Duong Minh Chau district, Tay Ninh province. Here, an open space beside a small lake unexpectedly opened up like a frame pre-arranged by nature, with a flock of over 3,000 ducks appearing as striking white patches against the expansive natural landscape.
Over 3,000 pure white Peking ducks, raised at the foot of Mount Ba Den, have unexpectedly become a tourist attraction thanks to photos that are said to be as beautiful as those taken with AI.
From a drone's vantage point approximately 80 meters high, the flock of pure white Pekingese ducks appears like snowflakes drifting slowly across a green background, sometimes separating, sometimes rejoining to form soft circles. This orderly and rhythmic beauty leads many to mistakenly believe the image was created by artificial intelligence (AI).
Photographer Vu Khoa said he patiently observed the ducks, waiting for them to move, separate, and then reunite, creating gentle movements on the water and open land. The white ducks stood out against the tranquil backdrop, their small movements repeating continuously but never becoming monotonous. "Every time I press the shutter, I feel like I'm not just taking pictures, but gathering rare fragments of peace," he shared.
The ducks surrounded Mr. Hai like at a fan meeting.
At the heart of that scene is Mr. Tran Thanh Hai, who has spent most of his life, over 30 years, raising ducks at the foot of Mount Ba Den.
At the heart of this scene is Mr. Tran Thanh Hai, who has spent most of his life, over 30 years, raising ducks at the foot of Mount Ba Den. He lives, builds his hut, and lives right in this area to tend his flock of ducks year-round. The Peking ducks are raised on-site, not allowed to roam freely seasonally, mainly for the Tet (Lunar New Year) holiday. According to Mr. Hai, the ducks are quite tame, often gathering in circles when it's time to eat, and that's also the best time to take pictures.
According to the photographer, the ducks are constantly moving, sometimes scattering across the grass, other times gathering into dense white patches. Their feathers scattered on the grass make the area look like a "white snow garden." Especially during feeding time, the ducks become boisterous, their feathers flung up, creating lively moments that attract the camera's attention from both the ground and above. This very natural liveliness creates a rare sense of peace.
"In the middle of the small lake, the ducks continuously separate and merge, creating rhythmic movements. Viewed from above, they resemble patches of light slowly drifting through the quiet afternoon," Vu Khoa shared. According to him, the most impressive time is at sunset, when the sunlight softens, and the white color of the ducks stands out even more against the tranquil backdrop.
From a height of about 80 meters, the flock of ducks looks like white snowflakes standing out against the natural landscape of Tay Ninh.
Since the photos were posted, the duck-herding area near Ba Den Mountain has attracted the attention of netizens, photographers, and tourists seeking to capture the moment. However, for the locals, the place retains its original rustic charm and the rhythm of everyday life. While not an official tourist destination, this slow pace and ordinary life have made it an ideal stop for photography enthusiasts and those who enjoy leisurely travel, a place where simply standing still for a moment is enough to soothe the soul.
Let's admire these impressive images by photographer Nguyen Khanh Vu Khoa:
Mr. Tran Thanh Hai, who has been involved in duck farming here for over 30 years.
In the middle of the small pond, the ducks continuously separated and reunited, creating rhythmic, moving patches of white.
The most impressive moment is when the ducks gather around at feeding time, forming dense white rings on the water's surface.
The white ducks swim gently in the lake, separating and then rejoining the flock.
"Every time I press the shutter button, I feel like I'm not just taking pictures, but gathering very real pieces of peace," Vu Khoa said.
Peking ducks are characterized by their pure white feathers, orange-yellow beaks, large size, low susceptibility to disease, and high commercial value. Adult ducks can reach a weight of 3 kg each.
A pristine white landscape at the foot of Ba Den Mountain, Tay Ninh.
According to photographer Vu Khoa, the best time to take photos is early morning or late afternoon, coinciding with the time the ducks are fed.
It's not an official tourist destination, but its slow pace and unpretentious nature make it an ideal stop for photography enthusiasts and those who love slow-paced travel.
