Toi Thay Hoa Vang Tren Co Xanh (“I See Yellow Flowers Upon The Green Grass”) is a recent Vietnamese movie that was such a blockbuster that travel agencies thought of putting up a tour based on it, expecting it to be willingly received by the people. And it did.

The movie was directed by Victor Vu and was adapted from the book of the same name by famous writer Nguyen Nhat Anh. The story is about the simple but meaningful lives of farmers who are there for each other easy and especially difficult times. It also depicts the innocence of children amid any situation. Moreover, it also touched on the bad customs and overall ugly memories during the times when the economy was subsidised by the state, when life was generally hard and even simple things were considered a luxury.

Shot in Phu Yen, the film showcased the beauty of the countryside in Vietnam with its spacious rice fields, simple houses and graceful bamboo trees. It highlighted the majestic mountains in the North, South and West and the breathtaking sea in the East. Yet it also displayed the contrast of barren fields and dead livestock in times of disaster in order to show the complete and real life of farmers.   

The movie got its title from the beautiful yellow flowers that can be found overlooking the equally stunning deep blue sea. In fact, the flowers are so popular that they have been featured in another film. Nua Islet can be seen from a distance with big ships decorating the view, creating a dramatic, almost poetic scene.

Another focus of the movie is Ganh Xep in An Chan Commune of Tuy An District, famous for its emerald-like sea, mesmerizing waves and strong black rocks. Stunning wild flowers can also be seen on the beach side, adding more charm to the whole landscape.

The movie-based tour costs about VND2 million ($89) inclusive of a three-day, two-night stay at Aussie Travel, a travel agency at HCM City. In Phu Yen, Tuy Hoa Service and Tourism Company offers the same package. Ha Noi offers the special treat at a slightly higher price of VND7-8 million but with a five-night, four-day tour. The tour begins with welcoming the guests at Tuy Hoa Railway Station, taking them to one of the oldest churches in the country Mang Lang Church, then finally visiting the sites depicted in the movie such as Ganh Da Dia (Cliff of Stone Plates), Ganh Ong, the LightHouse, Mui Dien (Dien Cape), Hydroelectricity Plant on River Ba Ha and O Loan Lagoon. Guests will even be treated to an actual movie-like experience by working like farmers like in the movie.

Phu Yen is a province blessed with the beauty of nature and therefore perfect for tourists who wish to escape the concrete jungle and experience a simple, peaceful life in the countryside. In fact, the province has gained popularity in the past years that its number of tourist arrivals is expected to rise to 900,000, domestic and foreign. It also has two five-star hotels, two four-star hotels, many guest houses, and a total of 2,700 rooms available for rent. Guests are assured of a good quality service and a wonderful stay all in all. Between December and August is the most ideal time to visit Phu Yen when the weather is at its best.