Vietnam is a vibrant country. From the chaotic streets of Hanoi to the serene mountains of Sapa, it’s a place that inspires amazing photos and videos at almost every turn. But to capture those moments properly, it helps to know a few things about where to shoot, when to shoot, and how to respect the local culture while you’re at it.
The Best Locations in Vietnam for Photography
1. Ha Long Bay
Ha Long Bay is one of Vietnam’s most iconic places. The limestone karsts rising from the emerald waters make for unbeatable views. I recommend taking a sunrise or sunset boat tour to get the best light. Early mornings are less crowded and offer a softer, more natural glow for your shots.
A drone can bring out the dramatic scale of the bay. Just check ahead for regulations, as drone use is sometimes restricted.
2. Hoi An Ancient Town
Hoi An’s colorful lanterns and preserved architecture make it a dream for photographers. The golden hour, just before sunset, is perfect for capturing the town’s warm hues. Don’t miss its night markets! The lights and reflections on the river provide excellent photo ops.
Hoi An can get crowded, so it’s best to arrive early to catch the peaceful side of the town without too many tourists.
3. Sapa and the Rice Terraces
If you love landscape photography, get yourself to Sapa. The rolling rice terraces are spectacular. The best time to visit is during May when the terraces are filled with water, or between September and October during the harvest.

Early morning fog adds a mystical atmosphere, but the golden hour (late afternoon) lights up the terraces beautifully. Also, consider hiring a local guide to show you the less-photographed areas.
4. Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)
There’s energy everywhere in Ho Chi Minh City. The contrast between shiny skyscrapers and meandering motorbike traffic is something to capture. Try shooting from a rooftop bar at sunset for a cityscape that captures both old and new Saigon.
For a grittier scene, head to Cho Lon (China Town), where you’ll find bustling markets and authentic street scenes unfolding around every corner.

5. Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park
If you’re looking for adventure photography, Phong Nha is the place. Caves, rivers, and jungles make for diverse scenes. Hang Son Doong, the largest cave in the world, is a big draw for thrill-seekers.
A wide-angle lens works wonders for shooting inside caves, but be sure to bring a tripod and some light sources to handle the low-light conditions.

Best Times of Day to Shoot in Vietnam
Light can make or break your shot, and in Vietnam, the light is constantly shifting. Here’s when to snap your best shots:
Golden Hour (Early Morning and Late Afternoon)
The soft light from the golden hour brings out the best in landscapes, cityscapes, and even portraits. It’s also cooler during these times, making it more comfortable for long shooting sessions.

Night Photography
Vietnam is alive at night, especially in places like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Capture the crazy motorbikes, neon lights, and street food vendors. Just make sure your camera or phone can handle low-light conditions. If you’re using a smartphone, enable night mode for the clearest shots.
Avoid High Noon
Midday light is often too harsh, creating high contrast and unflattering shadows. If you need to shoot, try finding shade or switch to shooting in confined spaces like markets and temples where natural light is diffused.
Respect Cultural Norms When Taking Photos
Vietnam is a mix of traditions and modernity, and it’s essential to be respectful when taking photos. Here’s what you should know:
1. Always Ask for Permission
If you’re taking someone’s portrait, especially in rural areas, ask for permission first. Some people are shy or prefer not to be photographed. A simple smile and a gesture work well if there’s a language barrier.

2. Be Respectful in Temples
Temples are sacred spaces, and while they can be beautiful to photograph, avoid taking pictures of people who are praying. Cover your shoulders, and don’t turn your back on religious statues. Always ask before taking shots inside any religious site.
3. Don’t Take Photos of Military Areas
This goes without saying in many countries, but especially in Vietnam, avoid photographing military installations or personnel. You might get into trouble for it.
Equipment and Smartphone Tips
Now that you know where and when to shoot in Vietnam, let’s talk about the gear. Whether you’re using a DSLR or your phone, there are ways to maximize your setup.

Cameras and Lenses
If you’re bringing a DSLR or mirrorless camera, a versatile zoom lens (like a 24-70mm) is a good all-rounder. For landscape shots in Sapa or Ha Long Bay, opt for a wide-angle lens (something like 16-35mm).
For low-light shots (night markets, caves, etc.), a 50mm lens with a large aperture (like f/1.8 or f/1.4) can make all the difference. Small and lightweight, it’s also ideal for street photography.
Smartphone Tips
Smartphones today are capable of incredible shots, but there are a few settings to tweak for better results:
- Turn on HDR mode to handle bright and dark areas better.
- Shoot in RAW format if possible to give yourself more flexibility in editing.
- Use gridlines to follow the rule of thirds and avoid crooked shots.
- Enable night mode when shooting street scenes or nightlife photos.
Also, consider using smartphone lenses like clip-on wide-angle or macro lenses. They won’t take up much room in your bag and can seriously upgrade your shots.
Caring for Your Equipment in Vietnam
Vietnam’s climate can be challenging for photographers due to its humidity, heat, and occasional rainstorms. Here’s how to protect your gear:
- Keep a microfiber cloth handy to wipe off moisture from your camera or phone screen.
- Bring a dry bag or waterproof cover for sudden rain showers, especially if you’re in the northern regions during the wet season.
- Use silica gel packs in your camera bag to absorb moisture and avoid condensation on your lenses.
Editing Your Photos and Videos
Once you’ve taken your shots, a little editing can work wonders. If you’re not looking to spend too much time editing, here are some easy tools you can use:
- On Your Phone: Use apps like Lightroom Mobile or Snapseed for easy adjustments on the go. You can quickly lighten shadows, increase contrast, or enhance colors.
- On Your Laptop: Use Lightroom or Photoshop if you have more time. Set aside some time to adjust exposure, contrast, and white balance; these few tweaks can significantly improve a photo.
Stay Safe and Have Fun
While Vietnam is known as a safe place for tourists, always keep an eye on your gear in crowded areas like markets. There’s no harm in carrying a compact body bag to keep your camera close or using a wrist strap for your phone to prevent accidents.
But most of all, enjoy yourself! Creating photos and videos in Vietnam is all about capturing the spontaneous moments, whether it’s the swirling chaos of motorbikes or the texture of a banh mi sandwich. So don’t stress about making it perfect—just have fun!
Leave a reply