Việt Nam in Still Shots
“Vietnam in Still Shots” is a stunning photo collection capturing the vibrant beauty of the S-shaped land, where magnificent landscapes, unique architectural wonders, and rich cultural heritage converge. The collection takes viewers on a journey from the misty highlands of the Northwest, with its endless terraced fields, to the sun-drenched Central region, home to UNESCO-recognized cultural heritage sites, and finally down to the fertile Mekong Delta in the South, where gentle rivers meander through lush lands. This collection is the result of the passion and dedication of five talented and committed photographers: Đào Ngọc Cảnh, Nguyễn Văn Hải, Nguyễn Bá Ngọc, Nguyễn Quang Ngọc, and Nguyễn Tấn Anh Phong. Through each frame, the contributing photographers of Heritage Magazine have skillfully captured priceless moments that vividly reflect the beauty of Vietnam’s nature, people, and culture. The photographs presented in this collection were taken between 2020 and early 2025, documenting a period of dynamic change and timeless beauty across the country. “Vietnam in Still Shots” is not just a visual journey full of emotions but also an invitation for viewers to admire and appreciate the beauty of their homeland — a land that, despite its modest size, is immensely rich in culture and national heritage.
Northwest Việt Nam
Northwest Việt Nam
The photo collection "Northwest Việt Nam" takes you on a captivating visual journey across the breathtaking highlands of the northwest region, where nature’s grandeur meets the rich cultural heritage of Vietnam’s ethnic minorities. This region encompasses six provinces: Lai Châu, Điện Biên, Sơn La, Hòa Bình, Lào Cai, and Yên Bái, each offering its own unique charm, landscapes, and vibrant traditions. Through the lenses of passionate photographers, this collection captures the towering mountain ranges, mist-covered valleys, terraced rice fields cascading down hillsides, and serene rivers winding through remote villages. But beyond the awe-inspiring natural scenery, "Northwest Vietnam" vividly reflects the soul of the region — its people. Home to a diverse array of ethnic communities such as the H'Mông, Thái, Dao, Giáy, Hà Nhì, and Khơ Mú, the region boasts a cultural mosaic rich in traditions, colorful festivals, intricate embroidery, and captivating folk dances. Each photograph showcases not only the daily lives and vibrant costumes of these communities but also their resilience and harmony with nature.
Southeast Việt Nam
Southeast Việt Nam
The photo collection "Southeast Việt Nam" takes you on a journey to explore the diverse beauty of one of the most dynamic and fast-developing regions in Vietnam. The Southeast region includes the provinces of Bà Rịa - Vũng Tàu, Bình Dương, Bình Phước, Đồng Nai, Tây Ninh, and especially Ho Chi Minh City — the economic, cultural, and historical center of the country. With a harmonious blend of modern urban landscapes and the charm of nature, this collection captures stunning scenes from the beautiful beaches of Vũng Tàu, the Ba Đen mountain tourist area in Tây Ninh, to the bustling streets of Ho Chi Minh City and the peaceful, fertile countryside. In addition, the collection reflects the vibrant life of the local ethnic communities here, showcasing traditional festivals, unique craft villages, and the distinct cultures of each locality. The photo collection not only depicts the magnificent natural beauty but also presents the vivid and colorful cultural tapestry of Southeast Vietnam.
The Central Highlands
The Central Highlands
With the photo collection "The Central Highlands", you are going on a journey to explore the majestic beauty and unique culture of the Central Highlands of Vietnam. Comprising the provinces of Kon Tum, Gia Lai, Đắk Lắk, Đắk Nông, and Lâm Đồng, Tây Nguyên is distinguished by its rugged mountain ranges, vast forests, and stunning lakes such as T'Nưng and Lắk. In particular, the Central Highlands is home to various indigenous ethnic groups, including the Ê Đê, M’Nông, Ba Na, Gia Rai, and S’Tiêng. Each group holds unique cultural traditions, with vibrant festivals, traditional musical instruments, longhouses, and distinctive dances. This collection not only captures the awe-inspiring natural beauty of Tây Nguyên but also reflects the daily lives, customs, and deep connection between its people and the land.
Northeast Việt Nam
Northeast Việt Nam
"Northeast Vietnam" is a stunning photo collection that explores the diverse beauty of the Northeast region — where majestic mountains, fertile plains, and the timeless charm of the thousand-year-old capital converge. This region includes 11 provinces: Hà Giang, Cao Bằng, Bắc Kạn, Lạng Sơn, Tuyên Quang, Thái Nguyên, Phú Thọ, Bắc Giang, Quảng Ninh, Vĩnh Phúc, and the capital city of Hà Nội, each contributing its own cultural essence to the vibrant mosaic of Northeast Vietnam. The mountainous areas of the Northeast are renowned for their towering limestone ranges, mysterious rocky plateaus, and breathtaking terraced rice fields. This land is home to many ethnic communities, such as the Tày, Nùng, Dao, H'Mông, and Sán Dìu, each preserving unique customs, festivals, and exquisite handicrafts. Vibrant highland markets, the enchanting sounds of then, sli, and lượn melodies echoing through the mountains, all add to the cultural richness of this region. The lowland areas of the Northeast, including Phú Thọ, Bắc Giang, Vĩnh Phúc, and Hà Nội, safeguard the enduring values of Vietnam’s wet rice civilization. Traditional village festivals and ancient craft villages such as Bát Tràng pottery, Vạn Phúc silk, and Đông Hồ folk paintings have become symbols of this prosperous region. Especially, Hà Nội — the heart of the nation — with its 36 ancient streets, historical monuments, and deeply rooted cultural traditions spanning a thousand years, is an unmissable highlight in the exploration of Northeast Vietnam. "Northeast Vietnam" not only captures the awe-inspiring natural beauty of the region but also preserves the vibrant daily life and rich cultural heritage of its people.
South Central Việt Nam
South Central Việt Nam
The photo collection "South Central Vietnam" takes you on a journey to explore the unique natural beauty of Vietnam's Central Coast, where the majestic mountains meet the vast ocean. Comprising the provinces of Phú Yên, Khánh Hòa, Ninh Thuận, Bình Thuận, and Quảng Nam, South Central Vietnam is famous for its long, pristine beaches, clear blue waters, and beautiful bays such as Cam Ranh Bay, Vĩnh Hy Bay, and Nha Trang Bay. In addition to its captivating beaches, South Central Vietnam also boasts stunning mountainous landscapes, like the Hai Van Pass, and breathtaking lakes such as Tuyen Lam Lake. This region is home to famous cultural heritage sites, including the ancient town of Hội An, the My Son Sanctuary, and traditional craft villages. The photo collection not only captures the breathtaking natural beauty of the region but also reflects the unique cultural traits, the people, and the vibrant life of this remarkable land.
Southwest Việt Nam
Southwest Việt Nam
The photo collection "Southwest Vietnam" takes you on a captivating visual journey through one of the most culturally diverse and ecologically rich regions of Vietnam. This area encompasses the provinces of An Giang, Bạc Liêu, Bến Tre, Cà Mau, Cần Thơ, Đồng Tháp, Hậu Giang, Kiên Giang, Long An, and Trà Vinh, each offering its own unique charm. From the winding rivers and lush rice fields to the tranquil canals, the landscapes here are a true testament to the beauty of the Mekong Delta. Southwest Vietnam is home to several ethnic minority groups, including the Khmer, Cham, Hoa, and Tày, each with their own distinct cultures, traditions, and customs. The Khmer people, with their ancient temples and festivals, add a unique layer to the region’s heritage, while the Cham’s intricate crafts and distinct language offer another rich cultural dimension. The Hoa people, along with other smaller ethnic communities, contribute to the diverse linguistic and cultural landscape. This collection captures not only the serene beauty of the landscapes but also the vibrant and dynamic culture of Southwest Vietnam. It features traditional crafts, lively festivals, and the daily life of the people, offering a glimpse into the rich tapestry of culture and nature that defines this exceptional region.
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Việt Nam in Still Shots: A Visual Odyssey Across the S-Shaped Land
April 1, 2025
Việt Nam in Still Shots: A Visual Odyssey Across the S-Shaped Land

From the mist-draped mountains of the Northwest to the sunlit shores of the Central Coast and the labyrinthine waterways of the Mekong Delta, "Vietnam in Still Shots" is a breathtaking photographic journey through one of Southeast Asia’s most captivating landscapes. This remarkable collection brings to life the country’s natural grandeur, architectural wonders, and deeply rooted cultural heritage, offering an intimate glimpse into the soul of Vietnam.

Each frame in this collection is a testament to the passion and dedication of five esteemed photographers: Đào Ngọc Cảnh, Nguyễn Văn Hải, Nguyễn Bá Ngọc, Nguyễn Quang Ngọc, and Nguyễn Tấn Anh Phong. With an artist’s eye and a documentarian’s precision, they have skillfully captured the essence of Vietnam—its rugged highlands, ancient temples, bustling cities, and tranquil villages. The images span a period from 2020 to early 2025, a time of both dynamic transformation and enduring traditions, creating a visual narrative that bridges past and present.

In the Northwest, their lenses have frozen moments of ethereal beauty—rice terraces cascading like emerald stairways down misty valleys and H’Mông, Dao, and Thái communities adorned in vibrant traditional attire, preserving customs passed down through generations. Moving southward, the collection unveils the heart of Vietnam’s cultural heritage in the Central region, where UNESCO-listed wonders like the ancient town of Hội An and the imperial relics of Huế stand as living testaments to the nation’s storied past. Finally, the journey drifts into the water-bound labyrinth of the Mekong Delta, where the daily rhythm of life unfolds along its winding rivers, and floating markets, lush orchards, and stilted villages reveal a land shaped by the ceaseless flow of water.

"Vietnam in Still Shots" is more than just a photo collection—it is a tribute to a land that, despite its modest size, is boundless in cultural and natural wealth. The collection would not have been possible without the invaluable support of the Editorial Board of Heritage Magazine, whose connections helped the Digitizing Việt Nam Project collaborate with these outstanding photographers. Their collective efforts have allowed the birth of this extraordinary collection, ensuring that these timeless moments are preserved and shared with a wider audience.

The Digitizing Việt Nam Project expresses its deepest gratitude to both the photographers and the Heritage Magazine Editorial Board for their unwavering support and contribution. Through their vision, "Vietnam in Still Shots" serves as both a love letter to the country and an invitation for viewers to immerse themselves in its ever-unfolding beauty. Each image is not just a snapshot—it is a window into Vietnam’s soul, an opportunity to explore its landscapes, traditions, and the resilient spirit of its people.