By aussiematesvietnam 
Photography Tours: Capturing Vietnam’s Beauty
G’day, fellow travel enthusiasts! Aussie Mates here, ready to share one of my absolute favourite ways to experience Vietnam after calling this remarkable country home for nearly two decades. When Tracy and I first landed in Vietnam all those years ago, we were gobsmacked by the visual feast surrounding us. The colours, the landscapes, the faces – it was like nothing we’d ever seen before. That’s when we both rekindled our love for photography, and let me tell you, there’s no better place to point your lens than Vietnam.
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Whether you’re a seasoned shutterbug or just someone who enjoys snapping holiday pics on your smartphone, joining a photography tour in Vietnam will transform how you see this beautiful country. So grab your camera, pack your sense of adventure, and let’s explore how you can capture Vietnam’s beauty through the lens.
Why Choose a Photography Tour in Vietnam?
Let’s face it – we Aussies love our photos. Our phones are bursting with snaps from every barbie and beach trip. But when you’re travelling somewhere as visually stunning as Vietnam, it’s worth taking your photography up a notch.
Photography tours offer something special that regular tours don’t. Instead of rushing from one tourist hotspot to another, these tours slow everything down. They’re designed to put you in the right place at the right time, with the right light, to capture magical moments. Tracy and I discovered this when we joined our first photo tour in Hoi An about 15 years ago – it completely changed how we experienced Vietnam.
The best part? You don’t need to be a professional or lug around expensive gear. Most tours cater to all skill levels, and some even offer camera rentals if you’re travelling light.
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Top Photography Destinations in Vietnam
Vietnam is a photographer’s paradise from north to south, but some locations are absolute gold for capturing unforgettable images. Here are my top picks after spending nearly two decades exploring this beautiful country:
Hoi An Ancient Town
If I had a dollar for every photo I’ve taken in Hoi An, I could probably retire to a beachfront villa! This UNESCO World Heritage site is photography heaven, especially during the monthly lantern festival when thousands of coloured lanterns illuminate the Thu Bon River.
Tracy and I often take our visiting mates on dawn photo walks through the ancient town. The early morning light on those yellow heritage buildings is something special, and you’ll catch local vendors setting up for the day without the tourist crowds. Pro tip: the Japanese Covered Bridge looks absolutely ripper when photographed during the golden hour.
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Sapa Rice Terraces
Up in Vietnam’s northwest, the mountainous landscapes of Sapa offer some of the most spectacular vistas you’ll ever see. The emerald-green rice terraces carved into steep hillsides have featured in countless National Geographic spreads, and for good reason.
September and October are brilliant months for photography here, when the rice is turning golden before harvest. The early morning mist that settles in the valleys creates an otherworldly atmosphere that’s pure magic through the lens. Tracy still reckons our three-day photography trek through these hills gave her the best photos in her collection.
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Mekong Delta
The “rice bowl” of Vietnam offers a completely different photographic experience. Floating markets, riverside villages, and endless waterways create scenes that tell the story of Vietnam’s agricultural heartland.
We recommend booking a tour that gets you to Cai Rang floating market before sunrise. Watching the dawn break as dozens of wooden boats loaded with colourful produce navigate the waters is a sight you won’t forget. Bring a zoom lens if you have one – capturing the weathered faces of the Mekong’s residents as they go about their daily business tells a story that tourist snapshots rarely capture.
[IMAGE:mekong-floating-market]
Hanoi’s Old Quarter
The chaotic energy of Hanoi’s Old Quarter might seem overwhelming at first, but it’s a street photographer’s dream. Narrow lanes buzzing with motorbikes, street vendors in conical hats, and French colonial architecture create a visual tapestry that’s uniquely Vietnamese.
One of my favourite spots is Train Street, where houses are built just inches from active railway tracks. When Tracy and I take friends there, we always time our visit for when the train rumbles through – the scramble of locals clearing their roadside cafes makes for dynamic, storytelling images.
[IMAGE:hanoi-train-street]
Choosing the Right Photography Tour
After trying countless photo tours over the years, I’ve learned a thing or two about picking the right one:
- Small groups are better than large ones – you’ll get more personalised instruction and won’t be competing for prime shooting positions.
- Look for tours led by photographers who live in Vietnam or visit regularly. Their local knowledge is absolutely priceless.
- Check what’s included – some tours provide transport, meals, and accommodation while others are day excursions only.
- Consider your physical capabilities. Some of the best photo opportunities in Vietnam require trekking up mountains or walking for hours.
A few companies we’ve had ripper experiences with include Pic-Lense Photography Tours, Vietnam Photo Adventures, and Luminous Journeys. Most offer both scheduled group tours and private custom experiences.
Essential Gear and Tips
Vietnam’s climate and diverse settings present unique challenges for photographers. Here’s what Tracy and I have learned the hard way:
- Bring a rain cover for your camera, especially during monsoon season (May to October). Those afternoon downpours come out of nowhere!
- A polarizing filter is worth its weight in gold for cutting through haze and enhancing those vibrant Vietnamese colours.
- Pack light but versatile – a good walk-around lens (something like a 24-105mm) will cover most situations.
- A small tripod is handy for low-light situations like night markets and sunrise shoots.
- Don’t forget extra batteries and memory cards – you’ll be taking more photos than you think!
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Respecting the Culture While Capturing It
One thing we’ve always prioritized during our 20 years in Vietnam is respecting the local culture while documenting it. Always ask permission before photographing people up close, especially in rural areas or ethnic minority villages. A smile and a simple gesture toward your camera usually does the trick.
Tracy always carries small prints from previous trips to give to people we photograph. You’d be amazed at how many homes in remote Vietnamese villages now have photos of themselves that we’ve taken and returned to them on subsequent visits.
Remember that some religious sites restrict photography or require special permission. When in doubt, ask first – the Vietnamese are generally very accommodating if you show respect for their customs.
Final Thoughts
After nearly two decades of capturing Vietnam through our lenses, Tracy and I are still finding new perspectives and moments to photograph. This beautiful country reveals different layers of itself the longer you stay, and there’s no better way to preserve those memories than through thoughtful, intentional photography.
Whether you join a structured photography tour or simply set out with your camera and a curious eye, Vietnam will reward you with images that tell stories far beyond the usual tourist snapshots. From the misty mountains of the north to the lush delta of the south, every frame captures a piece of this extraordinary country that’s become our second home.
So pack your camera, charge those batteries, and prepare to see Vietnam in a whole new light. As we Aussies say, it’ll be absolutely bonza!
Until next time,
Aussie Mates