Sa Pa is a very popular tourist destination with trekkers and photographers. It covers quite a large area but for landscape photographers, it is best to stay anywhere but Sa Pa city which is a bit of a tourist trap. There are certainly lovely restaurants and hotels, as well as a large mountain village atmosphere to enjoy in the city center but to really experience…
Phong Nam is an amazing valley with a winding river and limestone Karst mountains. Foreigners are required to get a special permit to stay overnight. These are easily sourced, same day, in Cao Bang city.
Phong Nha is the spelunking capital of Vietnam — perhaps the world. It has the largest cave system known in Son Doong. But for those who can not afford the $3000+ fee and years long wait list, there are many other caves to explore. There are caves for all abilities including boat accessed ones. The countryside is also quite lovely.
A small fishing community on the South Central Coast. Ke Ga is 1 hr. south of Phan Thiet and 1.5 north of Vung Tau. It is most famous for the lighthouse and the many dragon fruit farms. There are a number of homestays and resorts in the area with a new highway putting it under 3 hours from Saigon. I have a soft spot for…
This is the most rugged area in Ha Giang province. The roads are not as well maintained, the grades steeper. But in September and October during the rice harvest it is amazing. A tie with Mu Cang Chai for the most impressive terraced rice fields without so many tourists. The best places to find the most impressive rice fields are (from north to south): Ban…
An under appreciated mountainous province in the northeast. Some of the most pastoral views can be found in the countryside. Many come to Cao Bang, go to the Ban Gioc falls, then leave. A night or two does not do it justice. Some great photographic areas beyond Ban Gioc are Angel Eye mountain, Trung Khanh, the craft villages in Quang Uyen, and Cao Bang city.…
Yen Bai is both a province and city name. A rural area in the Northwest best known for the rice fields in Mu Cang Chai. The city area can be a good halfway point for both Sa Pa and Ha Giang.
Bui Vien is sometimes called walking street. It is the entertainment center, the backpacker area and at least in parts, a red-light district. Prostitution is a part of the scene with many happy-ending massage parlors and lounges with bar girls. Though safe as far as violent crimes go (there is a police branch on Bui Vien), your camera, phone, etc. should be protected. The street’s…
SInce Covid, the floating market in Can Tho is quite a bit less active. Still a worthwhile early morning photo opportunity. The canals around the market also have some good environmental portrait opportunities.
To catch the ferry to Ly Son island you go to the Sa Ky port. If you arrive late and need an overnight stay there is a lovely beach area with hotels and restaurants across the river. It is a good alternative to the somewhat gritty port town.