Vietnam’s first sand statue park attracts visitors

A park with sand statues named “Forgotten Land” in the south central province of Binh Thuan opened for visitors in late January 2017.

February 08, 2017 | 10:53

(VNF) - A park with sand statues named “Forgotten Land” in the south central province of Binh Thuan opened for visitors in late January 2017.

Covering an area of 2ha, the park is the first of its kind in Vietnam. It features more than 20 works created by international artists. Some of the statues were based on Vietnamese stories and iconic locations such as Thien Mu Pagoda and Po Naga Towers along with portraits of famous people and fairy tales characters.

Vietnam’s first sand statue park attracts visitors

Sand sculpture: Thien Mu Pagoda. (Photo: Instagram@aiphuong1984)

Renowned master sculptors from 12 countries including Canada, Brazil, Netherlands, U.S., Russia, Togo, Czech Republic, Japan, Singapore, Italy, Lithuania and Belgium has performed their sand sculpture building skills at the sand statue park in Tien Hai hamlet of Phan Thiet city, the south central coastal province of Binh Thuan.

Marielle Heessels, a Dutch sculptor, said she visited Vietnam for the first time and was inspired by people and nature here. She hopes her future works will enthrall tourists and locals.

At the same time, Leonardo Ugolini, from Italy, said this was the first time he had come to Vietnam and he was surprised at beautiful beaches in Phan Thiet, adding that the sand there was favourable for building sculptures.

On September 30^th, 2016, the first statue entitled “Fairy tales and Sports”, a work of Marielle Heessels, Leonardo Ugolini from Italy and Enguerrand David from Belgium, has been unveiled.

Sand sculpture: Po Naga Towers. (Photo: Instagram@aiphuong1984)

Several artists from the Ho Chi Minh City University of Fine Arts built two other sand sculptures entitled “Mother’s dream” and “Happiness”.

Le Anh Tuan, General Director of Vietsandart, said that the site has received about 1,000 visitors per day. More statues and facilities will soon be built at the park.

A sand statues contest for international female artists is scheduled to be held at the park in late April, he added./.