Vietnam’s Bonsai Tycoons: From passion to riches

Nguyen Van Ngo – the "old farmer" with a billion-dong garden

At 63, Nguyen Van Ngo is widely recognized as a bonsai billionaire and veteran ornamental tree artisan in Đong Truc commune, Thach That District, Hanoi. Since the 1980s, he has collected and cared for a vast variety of trees including Ficus (sanh), flowering lotus (sen đất), coral bean (ngâu), pine, star fruit, and guava. Each tree boasts a unique shape and posture; many are over a hundred years old and valued from hundreds of millions to several billion dong. His 120-year-old ficus tree alone was once offered over VND 5 billion, but he declined to sell, calling it the family’s "treasure."

Mr. Nguyen Van Ngo is known as a veteran bonsai artisan.

Phan Văn Toan - the bonsai mogul of Viet Tri

Located in Viet Tri City, Phú Thọ province, Phan Van Toan’s sprawling 10-hectare bonsai garden is a favorite among collectors. Nicknamed “Toàn Dollar,” he owns over 500 bonsai trees, including 36 recognized as heritage trees. He faced several setbacks in his early years - importing trees from China and Japan without enough experience led to heavy losses worth tens of billions of dong. But through perseverance and learning, he transformed his business into the valuable garden it is today.

With perseverance and a willingness to learn, Mr. Phan Văn Toan has built the valuable garden he owns today.

Nguyen Văn Chi - owner of the legendary “descending immortal” tree

Nguyen Văn Chí, from Hong Van commune, Thuong Tin district, Hanoi, is famed for owning the ancient ficus tree "Tiên Lão Giáng Trần" (“The Immortal Descends to Earth”). Originally sculpted by artisan Duong Van Muoi over a decade, it was sold to Chi for VND 16 billion. Later, he sold it to Phan Van Toan for VND 28 billion - marking one of the most expensive bonsai transactions in Vietnam.

Mr. Nguyen Van Chi (in a blue shirt) is well known for owning the ancient ornamental fig tree "Tiên Lão Giáng Trần" (The Immortal Descends to Earth).

Nguyen Tuan - the artist behind “Nine Dragons Competing for the Pearl”

Also known as Tuan Pham, Nguyễen Tuan is a well-known bonsai artisan in Hanoi, celebrated for his work on the ancient ficus "Cửu Long Tranh Châu" ("Nine Dragons Competing for the Pearl"). The tree features a 9.1-meter circumference root system and was recognized by the Asia Book of Records in 2010. Tuấn spent years shaping its canopy and branches, turning it into a one-of-a-kind living sculpture.

The ancient ornamental fig tree artwork "Cửu Long Tranh Châu" (Nine Dragons Competing for the Pearl).