My most beautiful Vietnam images

In this space, I have collected my most beautiful Vietnam images to remind myself how gorgeous is this land.

In true honesty, there are countries where it’s hard not to get inspired, it’s impossible to take a bad photo. I am thinking here of Cuba for example.

I feel like Vietnam is another country where the possibility of taking bad photos is close to zero. 

The landscape is one of the most unique in the world and the people are so friendly and open-minded.

True, there are a few places where over-tourism is becoming a concern. I am thinking here of Sa Pa.

If it’s a problem for you, just avoid the place altogether or take your Vietnam photos at the time of the day when tourists are not around.

I was for example in Hoi An where you can hardly walk between 4 pm and 9 pm for the massive amount of tourists in the old town.

I woke up at 5 am, I went to the local market, I visited the old streets and the iconic alleys. I was the only Western person til 6:30-7 am.

Everyone was so busy that did not mind me taking photos of them.

A video about Travel Photography and photos in Vietnam

I have organised this video during my trip about all the photo opportunities I came across in Vietnam

Landscape images of Vietnam

In my recent trip, I found what I think is the most beautiful landscape on earth.

It’s in the north of Vietnam, close to the China border. The province is called Ha Giang.

It can be visited by car, however, the roads are so winding and narrow that you can hardly stop and admire the beautiful landscape in front of you.

I rented a motorbike and I roamed through the valleys, the villages and the mountains for 4 days, stopping wherever I wanted, so flexible.

I have added a video at the end of this section about how to organise a trip to Ha Giang, including maps and a budget.

Photos of people of Vietnam

Taking photos of people has been always of my favourite things to do on my trips.

Sometimes the people’s faces and hands can say much more of a book. You can learn and understand more about the local life.

There are a few touristy places in Vietnam (Sa Pa is probably the biggest example) where locals ask for money if you take a photo of them.

It’s really up to you. I personally think that things should be spontaneous and I remarked that in my Guide to Travel Photography.

If I see a great moment then I usually try to take a photo of it.

Otherwise, I first talk with the people, introduce myself, give a gift to the kids (I usually take a few small Aussie koalas with me) and then ask for a photo.

All of the below photos were spontaneous and did not involve any money transaction

Vietnam pictures of tourism

I had fun taking photos of tourists around the towns of Hoi An and Da Nang.

I may call it street photography, however, I understand you may not agree with it

I think that any Vietnam portfolio should include pictures of tourism and its impact.

How the world is being influenced by mass tourism, a project I want to take across the world

Vietnam city photos – Hanoi

If you can make it to only one big city and you are still undecided between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh, then go for Hanoi, so much better for photography.

There are photography opportunities all around the streets, the small lanes and the hidden alleys.

If you have to make a choice about visiting Hanoi or Saigon, then Hanoi has to be for photography.

Moreover, in Hanoi, you will find some iconic examples of Vietnam city photos, as the railway between the buildings.

Documenting the fishing Vietnamese life, from the boatyard to the sea and the market

I was lucky enough that I could experience the full cycle of the fishing industry, from the boatyard to the market.

The full process going through the fishing delivery on small boats at the beach on a day with rough sea conditions.

Fishing is a big part of Vietnamese life and it should not be missed on any photography trip.