Explore Ideas for Vietnam Photography Tours

Are you passionate about photography and are you looking for new destinations for your trip to Southeast Asia this year? Vietnam should be on your bucket list because of the authentic experiences that you can gather during your time in the country. In this article, we give a bit of advice on the most fascinating destinations for your photography trip to Vietnam, especially if you love landscape and portrait photography trips.

1. Things to note when choosing destinations for the best Vietnam photo

Destinations for planning a photography trip could be anywhere. To create a beautiful photograph, the timing of capture and camera settings are very important and require a lot of patience. Some people have to stay in one place, waiting several days for an ideal moment to photograph. However, we can find places of great photographic potential.

A place with authentic landscapes would be a good idea, the majesty of the scenery at every step makes you fall in love and excited to take wonderful photographs. Possessing the diversity of geology from North to South: an area of more than 42% forest, 3/4 of the area of plateau and mountain, a coastline of 1,700km, Vietnam hosts a wealth of photogenic scenery. So far, daily life in places little touched by tourism still retains its special colour. Ha Giang, Mu Cang Chai, Cao Bang, Ba Be, Pu Luong, Quang Binh, and the South Coast of Central Vietnam are fascinating regions.

In addition, the diversity of history and culture is basically a great inspiration that creates so much photographic potential. Vietnam is the residence of 54 tribes and each one preserves their traditional customs quite well. Therefore, it is a promised land for travellers who love to photograph. Don't forget the sentimental elements in photography. Studying new cultures well, way of life, being fascinated by colourful ethnic clothes in combination with personal photography tricks help you create photos with huge significant visual impact. If you want to take portrait and lifestyle photos, Hanoi, Sapa, Mai Chau, Bao Lac are ideal destinations for you.

2. Top Destinations for Vietnam Photography Tours

2.1. Hanoi

Hanoi surely is one of the most photogenic destinations in Vietnam because of its fascinating life and architectural works with the colour of time. Every season in Hanoi has its own beauty and this is the reason why Hanoi is the muse of so many musicians, poets, painters and photographers. So, Hanoi is a must-see destination on your photography trip to Vietnam. With a little bit of love and a little bit of local knowledge, you can do some heartfelt work.

As a large territory rich in culture and history, you may have to spend 2-3 days discovering the most beautiful corners. Some of our suggestions are:

• Hanoi downtown: Despite the chaos, Hanoi downtown is really lively. Early morning time and sunset are the must-see times to feel Hanoi. You can also go to Hanoi's traditional markets to see the life of locals more effectively and take the most demonstrated photos.
• Perfume Pagoda: The religious centre with spectacular scenery nearby Hanoi.

• The craft villages: Tho Ha village is known for the craft of making rice paper, and Bat Trang village is well-known for the craft of making pottery. You also can take a drive west of the capital to discover the villages of Chuong (conical hat making) - Vac (bird cage making) - Ha Thai (lacquer making) - Quang Phu Cau (incense making). Step into the past to Duong Lam village for photographs of rural daily life.

Duong Lam Ancient Village

>> See more: Top 10 unique markets in Hanoi

2.2. Mai Chau - Pu Luong

Mai Chau and Pu Luong boast lovely ethnic villages. Endless greenery among the paddy fields and mountains demonstrates the beauty of tranquility. In the afternoon, you can see the smoke columns from the kitchen of the wooden stilt house. It is impressive scenery.

Some recommended destinations in Mai Chau and Pu Luong:

• Authentic Mai Hich, a hidden gem of Mai Chau
• Kho Muong Village, a peaceful world amid the mountain and rice terraces
• Ban Hieu's tranquillity and friendly people
• Authentic experience of Mai Chau - Pu Luong

Ideal period: April - May - September - October

2.3. Mu Cang Chai

Mu Cang Chai is just the right place to enjoy the rice terraces in Vietnam. From May when all the rice paddies are full of water to early October when the rice harvest is done, Mu Cang Chai always remains a fascination. In September, Mu Cang Chai is covered by golden ripe rice. The breathtaking view and the scent of rice attract many travellers and photographers.

Outstanding terraced rice fields are found in La Pan Tan, Che Cu Nha, Tu Le.

Ideal period: May - October

2.4. Sapa - Bac Ha

Sapa - Bac Ha have been attractive places for a long time for not only international tourists but also domestic people. Despite the development of hotel facilities in downtown Sapa, its peculiarity of local life of ethnic minorities in the vicinity always make all visitors excited.  Going to places like O Quy Ho Pass at sunrise is a wonderful experience to hunt for cloud photos with perfect light.

• Multi Colors of Muong Hoa valley
• Discovering the world of ethnic Dzao Rossi - Ta Phin village
• The lively ethnic markets of Bac Ha

See more: The Complete Sapa Travel Guide

Ideal time: May to September

2.5. Ha Giang

Ha Giang is a perfect place for photography. Not only possessing the majestic natural scenery such as Quan Ba Twin Mountains, Ma Pi Leng Pass, Tu San Canyon and Nho Que River, Ha Giang is also home to 19 ethnic minorities of Vietnam. The country is famous for the wildness and colourful costumes of the tribes. The karst geopark plateau in Dong Van is a masterpiece of God and local people with mountainous vistas, ethnic villages, ethnic markets, all converge harmoniously in Ha Giang.

Ideal period: April to November

>> See more photos of Ha Giang:

• Geological kast plateau in Dong Van and its old stone village
• Colorful life in the mountains of Vietnam
• Travel to Ha Giang to admire the Nho Que River

2.6. Ba Be

Ba Be is a giant freshwater lake on the mountain of Vietnam, in the local language it carries the meaning of "three seas" because of its size and spectacular scenery. The area is also listed among Vietnam's most fascinating national parks for rich biodiversity. Not only that, Ba Be is also the home to many ethnic peoples of Vietnam, including the Tay. So far, Tay villages always remain a treasure trove of bamboo wood that are perfectly in harmony with local nature.

Recommended places to go:

• The poetic villages of ethnic Tay
• Majestic Lake Ba Be

Ideal time: April to November

>> Read more: The 10 most beautiful national parks in Vietnam

2.7. Cao Bang

Certainly almost all people who wish to travel to Cao Bang have already seen photos of the poetic but majestic Ban Gioc waterfall: a large waterfall located on the Vietnam-China border with white bubbles attracts all visitors to this land. Not only that, the Cao Bang is home to almost all 54 tribes in Vietnam and that is why the diversity and fascinating colours of the land give the adventures and experiences to travellers.

Recommended places to go:

• Giant waterfall of Ban Gioc
• Authentic ethnic villages in Bao Lac

Ideal period: July to October

2.8. Lan Ha Bay

If you are familiar with Halong Bay and its interesting legends already and would like to avoid the touristic area, Lan Ha Bay is a nice choice for you. There is a floating village named Cai Beo on the bay with the breeding of various kinds of fish. If you are on the hunt for the photos of life on the bay, it is a perfect place.

In addition to the wonderful bay with limestone rocks emerging from the sea on Lan Ha Bay, you can also go to Cat Ba Island, the largest island in Halong Bay in the Gulf of Tonkin, on top of which there is an interesting vantage point for taking photos of the bay from above.

• Lan Ha Bay and life on the floating village of Cai Beo
• Cat Ba Island

Ideal time: Year-round but to be evaluated in July and August, the time when the bay can be occasionally hit by tropical storms.

2.9. South Coast of Central Vietnam

The South Coast of Central Vietnam includes Nha Trang, Ninh Thuan, Binh Thuan is one of the most beautiful road curves in Vietnam. The ride will be full of the flavours of the sea, salt with bright colours, and fishing villages scattered along the white sand.

Photographing on this coast brings you not only memories but also photos with great visual impact, especially of the working life of the locals at sunrise and sunset. 

• Salt fields to lose your eyes in Ninh Chu
• Pacific and authentic life of fishermen in Phan Ri
• Fishing market in the early morning in Phan Thiet
• Little miniature Sahara - the sand dunes in Mui Ne

Ideal period: March - December

2.10. Mekong Delta

The life and fascinating river system of the Mekong River Delta is already a special feature of Vietnam. Don't miss these places once you arrive in the area.

• Coconut villages of Ben Tre in Mekong Delta
• Bang Lang stork garden
• Special floating markets in Can Tho floating market - Cai Rang
• Life in the border region between Cambodia and Chau Doc

Ideal time of year: September - October - November

See more: The Ultimate Guide to Visit the Mekong Delta

3. Recommended itinerary for photographic travel in Vietnam

The most popular itinerary for a photography trip in Vietnam is the 14-day Northern Vietnam tour.

See Details and Price of 14-Day Tour

Photography Trip to Southern Vietnam (3 - 4 Days)

Photography Trip to Mekong Delta (3 - 4 Days)

Certainly to create an itinerary for a Vietnam photo tour takes not only the list of beautiful destinations but also the advice of the locals and the accompaniment of the professional guides to be able to enjoy the sights at its right moments. Please feel free to send us a message via email to sm@izitour.com to get more suggestions from our local experts.

(Photos: Internet)

To see more places for unique photograph:

• Tu Le Valley Vietnam - The Poetic Beauty Awaits You to Discover
• Explore A Traditional Bamboo Fish Trap Craft Village near Hanoi
• An Giang in Floating Season
• Nom Village - A Unique Ancient Village
• The Best Month to Visit Vietnam and Cambodia | Weather and Travel Tips