In Southeast Asia, Vietnam is one of the most beautiful destinations for thousands of inspiring travel photos. The S-shaped country combines a perfect blend of majestic coastlines and impressive mountains, bustling cities and rural villages, and stunning natural landscapes.
All featured traditional or modern influences that inspire photographers with spectacular travel photos in all regions of Vietnam.
Let’s explore these 7 Best Places to Take Stunning Photos While Traveling in Vietnam.
1. Son Doong Cave
Nestled in Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park in Quang Binh Province in central Vietnam, Son Doong Cave is widely considered the largest limestone cave in the world.
Not only is it giant in size, but Son Doong is also blessed by Mother Nature with the magnificent beauty of limestone karsts believed to be between 2 and 5 million years old.
Due to its extraordinary nature and the impact of tourism, Son Doong Cave has been opened for limited access to all research and tourist expeditions as well as local adventure.
Therefore, it is quite difficult to take travel photos in Son Doong Cave, but it could be a once-in-a-lifetime chance.
All guests coming to Son Doong will be assured of meeting health certification and will be led by the world’s best international caving team. Make sure you pack a good low-light camera to capture the most breathtaking photos of Vietnam caves.
2. Sang Ma Sao
Located in the mountainous region of northern Vietnam, Sang Ma Sao is famous for its golden rice terraces and hiking routes leading to the impressive Bach Moc Luong Tu Mountain.
Recently, National Geographic listed a travel photo by Sang Ma Sao as one of the six most epic adventure photographs, along with Son Doong Cave.
Through travel photos taken from a bird’s eye view, the sinuous curves of Sang Ma Sao’s rice terraces created interesting visual effects for viewers.
Whether in water or harvest season, Sang Ma Sao attracts thousands of tourist attractions in the scenic highland landscapes.
From travel photos of small houses among huge terraces to quiet moments of Hmong women working on golden rice fields, every corner offers tourists spectacular photographs unique to Vietnam.
3. Mui Ne Sand Dunes
About 200 km east of Sai Gon, Mui Ne is a beautiful fishing village on the southern coast of Vietnam. Among many beauty spots, Mui Ne sand dunes are the highlight not only because of the impressive travel photos, but also because of fun activities such as sandboarding and quad biking.
There are two sets of Mui Ne sand dunes: the White Dunes which are a vast sea of white sand sculpted into rolling dunes by the ever-changing winds and the Red Dunes which are less impressive despite the striking color.
Whenever you desire a taste of the Sahara-like desert, plan a day trip to the Mui Ne sand dunes, where the most beautiful Vietnam travel photos are taken in the most interesting place ever. The best time to take photos of the Mui Ne sand dunes is early morning or late afternoon, as the light is neither too hot nor too bright.
Beyond the less crowded dunes, you can capture the ordinary, simple moments of Vietnam travel photography, like the image of locals carrying sticks on their shoulders walking through the dunes. Additionally, Mui Ne Dunes is a perfect place for amateur and expert photographers to capture the most amazing sunset photography in Vietnam.
4. Tam Coc – Bich Dong
Part of the Trang An scenic landscape complex, Tam Coc – Bich Dong is a popular tourist attraction in Ninh Binh Province, northern Vietnam. It is a picturesque resort with harmonious architecture and charming beauty of karst landscapes, rice fields and rivers.
While Tam Coc includes three superb caves: the Hang Ca, Hang Hai and Hang Ba caves, Bich Dong is an ancient pagoda nestled in a green cave dating from the 15th century. century under the reign of King Le Thai To.
Coming to the wonderland of rusticity and tranquility, you will have the opportunity to take spectacular photos of “Halong Bay on land” from the boat view. On your way to discover Tam Coc, you will be amazed by the majestic panorama of limestone.
Additionally, you can combine a full-day Ninh Binh tour to Mua Cave, Trang An or Bai Dinh Pagoda to capture more fabulous Vietnam travel photos.
5. Halong Bay
Halong Bay is one of the most iconic sites in Vietnam, with 1500 square meters of sea and great biodiversity. Halong Bay is a magnificent labyrinth of nearly 2,000 limestone islands and islets, some of which are accessible via boat and seaplane tours.
Your Halong Bay vacation will be incomplete without cruising the tranquil waters and admiring the oddly shaped rock caves at a closer distance. What’s more amazing than taking a beautiful photo of clear skies, impressive limestone and a glorious sunset or sunrise on the terrace?
Besides cruising, you can spend time enjoying outdoor activities in Halong Bay like kayaking, cycling, rock climbing and visiting local villages. These exciting activities not only relieve your stress but also bring awesome photographs of this natural wonder of Vietnam.
6. Hoi An Ancient Town
Among many tourist destinations in Vietnam, the ancient district of Hoi An must be the most relaxing and laid-back place where passionate photographers have great sources of inspiration to capture the most authentic Vietnam travel photos.
The ancient town of Hoi An is home to a handful of ornate Buddhist shrines, a Japanese-designed bridge, craft shops, French colonial houses.
Also known as the Venice of Vietnam, the city is best explored by sailing along the river and admiring the best view of two banks decorated with a thousand colorful lanterns.
The best time to stroll around and capture spectacular photos of Hoi An Old Town is early in the morning or at night if your camera can shoot in low light.
The ancient city offers photographers a wealth of stunning sights and backdrops for fascinating Vietnam travel photos. Especially, if you are lucky enough to visit Hoi An during its monthly Lantern Festival, you can capture the stunning night when the electricity goes out and every shop is lit with candles as well as colored lanterns all night long.
Additionally, you will have the opportunity to see monks performing candlelight ceremonies at temples and along the river.
7. Ban Gioc Waterfall
Located on the Quay Son River on the national border between China and Vietnam, Ban Gioc Waterfall is the largest waterfall in Asia and the widest in Vietnam. Over 70 meters high, the water tumbles down a multi-tiered cliff and is separated into different falls by impressive karsts and lush trees.
Ban Gioc Waterfall is a perfect getaway on an off-the-beaten path to immerse yourself in the magnificence of nature.
From the grassy bank to a rock in the river, you can find various potential spots around the base of Ban Gioc Waterfall, where you can pose for breathtaking photoshoots in the Vietnam highlands.
For those who are adventurous, you can carefully climb the precarious sides of the waterfall to get different views for Vietnam travel photography ideas.
Overall, Vietnam has inspired photographers with thousands of ideas for spectacular travel photos.