Precious memories Vietnam

Photojournalism

Muong Girls on Long Coc Tea Hill 2024.

In early September, I set aside the busy pace of work to embark on a journey with colleagues to Long Coc, a serene region in Tan Son district, Phu Tho province, Vietnam. A friend, experienced in photography tours, had described the tea hills here as a breathtaking landscape, reminiscent of a fairyland—often compared to the “Ha Long Bay of the midlands.” Inspired by this, I led a photography group from Kuching, Malaysia, departing at 2 a.m. to capture the beauty of the region in perfect weather conditions.What a memorable experience! The day before, I had carefully planned for our group to depart at 2 a.m. sharp to catch the sunrise at Long Coc tea hill. However, due to an oversight, I mistakenly set my alarm for 1 p.m. instead of 1 a.m. Thankfully, the driver stepped in to assist, ensuring the group was ready for departure. Despite the mix-up, I arrived just in time at 3 a.m., and we set off as planned that night.多么难忘的经历！前一天，我精心计划了我们团队在凌晨 2 点准时出发，去 Long Coc 茶山看日出。然而，由于疏忽，我错误地将闹钟设置为下午 1 点而不是凌晨 1 点。谢天谢地，司机介入协助，确保团队准备就绪。尽管发生了混乱，但我还是在凌晨 3 点准时到达，我们当晚按计划出发。 The Enchanting Long Coc Tea Hills Long Coc tea hill is located in Long Coc commune, Thanh Son district, Phu Tho province, approximately 125 kilometers from Hanoi and 70 kilometers from Viet Tri city, making it a convenient travel destination. The area spans nearly 700 hectares of tea hills and is positioned along the route to several notable tourist attractions, including Hung Temple, Au Co Temple, Lac Long Quan Temple, Thanh Thuy Hot Mineral Water Resort, and Xuan Son National Park. Thanh Son and Tan Son districts are renowned for their tranquil natural beauty, enhanced by the unique cultural heritage of the Muong and Dao ethnic groups. These qualities have drawn numerous visitors, particularly photographers, eager to capture the captivating scenery. Upon arriving in Tan Son, the picturesque beauty of Long Coc’s tea hills immediately stood out. The tea plantations stretch across the landscape, appearing as perfectly shaped, upside-down bowls, gently rolling over the terrain. Small pathways weave through the hills, creating a mosaic that invites exploration. The view from the Bong peak, one of the best vantage points, offers a panoramic glimpse of the rolling tea hills, often shrouded in mist. This serene and ethereal atmosphere is especially enchanting in early autumn, where the shifting seasons add a fairy-tale quality to the scenery. A Natural Masterpiece As we wandered the narrow, misty paths between the hills, we marveled at the lush green expanse unfolding before us. The tea hills, set against a backdrop of harvested rice fields and silvery clouds, resembled an otherworldly, magical landscape. The scene was made all the more captivating by the presence of towering limestone mountains, which added to the distinctiveness of this midland region. It is said that the tea hills are most beautiful during late autumn and early winter. At that time, the air is cool but not harsh, and the golden sunlight casts a shimmering glow over the tea buds. The scenery seems to embody all…

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Traditional Art

Khmer Folk Dance in the Southern Region

A Brief Overview of Traditional Khmer Folk Dance in the Southern Region. Read more about All Mekong delta Craft Villages here | Unique Hair style of Flower HMong here Folk dance is a common form of dance among various ethnic communities in Vietnam, widely used in community cultural activities. Each ethnic group has its own distinctive folk dances. The traditional Apsara dance of the Khmer people is known for its unique and impressive courtly movements. For the Khmer people in the southern region, dance is an essential form of cultural art during festivals, celebrations, or rituals such as housewarming parties and weddings, creating a lively atmosphere of interaction and unity within the community. There are three main genres of dance: Classical dance for the royal court; Folk dance depicting traditional cultural heritage; Social dance performed during social gatherings. Robam Preah Reach Trop is a highly stylized performing art form originating from the royal court, often showcased on special occasions such as festivals, public events, and to cater to tourists at major tourist centers. These dances commemorate or invoke prayers and recreate traditional stories and epic poems like the Ramayana. Robam Choun Por in Khmer tradition is typically presented at the beginning of ceremonies or special events, performed by a group of Khmer young women in odd numbers (3 - 5 or 7 people) to wish for health, happiness, prosperity, and success. With graceful and elegant movements, the dancers hold golden cups, pick flowers, and delicately throw them towards the audience as a sign of honor and blessing. Trot dance is performed to ward off evil spirits and bad luck from the previous year and welcome the Khmer New Year. Chhayam - a famous entertainment dance known for its charm, involving comedic roles and beautiful girls. This dance is performed during festivals and celebrations. Kngaok Pailin - a dance depicting the movements and beauty of a peacock. The Khmer artisan performs a traditional dance in Bạc Liêu. Image captured by DUY KHÔI. The typical folk dances of the Khmer people in the southern region feature simple movements that are easy for everyone to imitate and integrate into. During traditional ethnic festivals and holidays, when the drums or traditional music resonate, pairs of men and women, old and young, gracefully engage in collective folk dances that are soft and charming. From a young age, every Khmer person is immersed in traditional folk dances such as Răm Vông, Lăm Leo, Saravan, which are taught by their elders. Creating the depiction of a goddess in the dance form of Apsara. One of the first traditional dances that many people are familiar with is Răm Vông, also known as Lâm Thôn, meaning circle dance, where couples dance in circles, gazing affectionately at each other, symbolizing closeness. The movements involve the women's arms sweeping forward across the chest, while the men's arms spread wide as if protecting their dance partners. The coordination between the arms and legs is crucial, with the arm corresponding to the forward…

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Featured Photos

“Vietnam showcases its stunning beauty through the lens of an international photographer.

"Vietnam showcases its stunning beauty through the lens of an international photographer. Why is this article important to you? This article is essential as it provides you with details about the perception, discovery journey, locations, and even the time taken to capture the surreal beauty of Vietnam. Through the lens of photographer Daniel Kordan, Vietnam emerges with a vibrant and picturesque color palette. The photograph portrays the beauty of Ban Gioc waterfall (Trung Khanh district, Cao Bang province). This unique waterfall on the Quay Son river lies on the border between Vietnam and China. Daniel shared that capturing Ban Gioc waterfall posed many challenges due to "complex regulations regarding the use of flycams." This required meticulous planning and completing various documentation to be able to fly the flycam over the waterfall. The photographer's images capture the azure waters of Ban Gioc waterfall perfectly. The captivating image highlights the winding Quay Son river through the Phong Nam valley in the Trung Khanh district, a mountainous region in Cao Bang province. Daniel shared: "The lush terraced fields, meandering river, and vast coastline of this country offer countless opportunities to capture the beauty from above." Daniel's favorite part of capturing the photo series was that each photo "revealed a different perspective of Vietnam's beauty, as if touching the soul of the country." The images feature the lush green tea hills of Long Coc nestled amidst the majestic mountains of Phu Tho province. To achieve the perfect shot, Daniel revealed thorough preparation was necessary. He utilized tools like Google Maps and satellite images to "identify potential shooting angles" and emphasized that "without careful planning and thorough location research, you may miss out on beautiful moments or capture low-quality images." The photo depicts the rugged terrain of Cao Bang. Before taking photos, Daniel often has specific images in mind. He said: 'I always leave room for spontaneity. Some of the best shots come from being open to the surrounding environment at that moment, inspiring high-quality images. The photo above features cloud-covered mountains in Cao Bang. Daniel pointed out that the most challenging aspect of photographing in Vietnam is dealing with unpredictable weather, especially in mountainous regions. Fog, rain, and strong winds can significantly affect aerial image quality. Therefore, patience is essential. "Amateur photographers often underestimate the importance of lighting in aerial photography. The time of day, especially during the golden hour, can significantly impact the mood and quality of photos," Daniel noted. The image was taken at Ganh Da Dia (Binh Dinh). One of Daniel's favorite photos captures the terraced rice fields in Mu Cang Chai, Yen Bai province. He shared: "The lush green terraces etched into the mountainside showcase the natural beauty and creativity of the people." This photo is particularly impressive to Daniel because "it represents the unique blend of nature and culture, making Vietnam special". The photo was taken in Long An province in the Mekong Delta region - a network of rivers, estuaries, and islands in southern Vietnam. During the rainy…

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Featured Photos

Thái Bana – The king of portrait photography in the Great Forest.

Thái Bana is one of the most renowned photographers today, with his works gaining thousands of likes and hundreds of comments and shares when posted for interaction within the community. His soulful portrait photographs captivate viewers with the natural beauty of his subjects' eyes and facial expressions. A brief introduction to the author, Thái Bana, whose real name is Nguyễn Ngọc Thái, born on August 21st, 1990 and residing in Đăk Hà district, Kontum province. In a conversation with Thái Bana, he revealed that his current gear includes a Canon 1Dx Body Camera, 16-35F/2.8 and 70-200F/2.8 lenses, and a Phantom4 Pro drone for aerial shots. It is known that he started offering photography services in 2013, and by 2015 he transitioned to artistic photography, inspired by the free-spirited style of Art Photography. His preferred genres include everyday life, portraits, and a deep focus on creating impactful portraits. Thái Bana shared his journey in photography, mentioning his initial interest in photography in 2013, experimenting with his camera and providing photography services. By 2015, he delved into artistic photography, particularly focusing on subjects from the Central Highlands. His passion for portrait photography grew, becoming his main focus. His ultimate goal is to capture the attention of international viewers with his portraits. For those interested in learning from his experience, the author's Facebook profile is provided: Thái Bana Thank you for following this article. Precious Memories Vietnam wishes you many beautiful photographs and a healthy life ahead." If you desire exclusive and unique photos in Vietnam, please do not hesitate to get in touch with me. I sincerely appreciate your support from the bottom of my heart.

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Photojournalism

Tim Page – A close confidant of Vietnamese photography

Hailing from a humble background in England and Australia, at the age of 17, Tim Page had to leave home and travel to the Middle East, India, and Nepal to make a living. Carrying a Nikon 3x4 camera on his shoulder, he arrived in Laos to work for the American news agency UPI, capturing the events of the coup in Laos in 1965 before moving on to Vietnam to work as a war correspondent. He was a renowned freelance photojournalist known for his work in Vietnam and Indochina, selling many photos to leading news agencies and publications such as UPI, AP, Time and Life magazines from the United States, and the French magazine Paris Match. He passed away on August 24, 2022 in Bellingen, Australia, at the age of 78. In 2015, Tim Page made a return to Vietnam. Photo credit: Chu Chi Thanh. Tim Page suffered injuries while aboard the American pleasure yacht Point Welcome when he was mistakenly fired upon by a U.S. aircraft off the coast of South Vietnam in December 1966. Vietnam has become a sacred land for Tim Page, a photographer who was wounded four times by bombs and narrowly escaped death during the 5 years of war. He captured thousands of fiery images and authored nearly a dozen famous books on war and peace in Vietnam, the most notable being "Requiem" which he co-authored with Horst Faas. Together, they established the Indochina Media Memorial Foundation to provide photography classes for young people in Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia. Following the war, Tim Page frequently visits Vietnam for work and is considered a respected figure by the Vietnam News Agency, the Vietnam Photography Artists Association, and the Vietnam War Remnants Museum. Although Tim Page has an extensive photography career, one noteworthy project is the collaboration with Horst Faas to compile images of fallen colleagues in a book of remembrance. During the introduction of the book and exhibition "Requiem" at the Van Ho Exhibition House in Hanoi in 2000, Tim Page stated: "We are anti-war photographers. The images in this book and exhibition about the Vietnam War and Indochina were captured by journalists on both sides of the conflict. They were friends and colleagues of Horst Faas and I, who fell on the battlefield…" In 1965, a US medical helicopter emerged from the pink smoke to evacuate the wounded soldiers of the 173rd Airborne Brigade, who were ambushed in the Viet Cong stronghold known as the Iron Triangle in Combat Zone C. The 173rd Airborne Brigade conducted a helicopter evacuation from Combat Zone D in Vietnam in 1966. During that day, Tim Page was dressed in a military-style khaki suit, with a scarf around his neck resembling those worn by farmers in Southern Vietnam. It seemed that he favored this scarf, as he brought it along on his trips to Vietnam year after year. I recognized him immediately by his tall stature, bright and expressive eyes, and the retro sunglasses perched on top of his head, securing…

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Photojournalism

Honoring Ancestral Roots: The Timeless Ritual of Le Cap Sac Among the Dao People.

Perhaps there are no words that can fully capture the beauty of the 12-lantern ritual ceremony of the Red Dao people in Lao Cai. If we were to use one word to describe this most significant ritual, we should see it through the lens of "heart", a heart that originates from the "spiritual heart" in rituals and also stems from the "wholeheartedness" in the desire to demonstrate the maturity of Red Dao men in fulfilling their responsibilities to themselves, their community, and their nation. The event commenced with a ceremony welcoming the guest of honor to preside over the official ceremony. The teachers conduct purification ceremonies for the students prior to performing sacred rituals. The dancing of turtles and bell dancing are elaborate performances carried out throughout the day and night during important ceremonial events. "Within the cultural landscape of Vietnam, the Dao people stand out as a community with incredibly unique cultural characteristics. They maintain a distinct national cultural identity, embodying a pure cultural essence untouched by outside influences or mixing with any other elements. The traditional hierarchy within the Dao community spans various levels, from the lowest rank of 3 lights to the highest rank of 12 lights, with each level holding significance in cultural meanings and reflecting a particular level of attainment. The ceremony of receiving the 12-light rank is the most significant and revered event, representing the pinnacle of spiritual and cultural importance within the Dao red ethnic group's belief system." In Dao culture, the ritual master holds a significant role in the spiritual and cultural life of the community, being highly respected. Revered as the embodiment of divine spirit, the ritual master plays a crucial part in important ceremonies such as weddings, funerals, and initiation rites of the Dao people. The ceremonial ritual of the 12 torches initiation among the Red Dao people signifies a significant milestone in the maturity of each man within the community. Those who undergo this initiation are considered adults and are entrusted with important responsibilities within the village. According to Dao beliefs, men, even the elderly, who have not undergone the 12 torches initiation are not considered adults as they have not been officially recognized, initiated into the faith, given a spiritual name… The Dao people hold the 12 torches initiation ceremony in high regard, viewing it as a crucial rite of passage that must be completed during their lifetime, especially for men. They believe that only those who have undergone the initiation possess the necessary wisdom and virtue to discern right from wrong, and are acknowledged as descendants of the Ban Vuong. Each year, the Dao people carefully select an auspicious date for the ceremony, as well as determining the appropriate number of participants. During the 12 torches initiation, there are 12 primary masters and assistant masters who oversee the ceremony, while the participants are referred to as disciples. Participation in the 12 torches initiation is not taken lightly, and those selected must be well-versed in the rituals, procedures,…

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Photojournalism

H’MONG WOMEN – AND THE LINEN CLOTH…2024

"👩🏻‍🎨H’MONG WOMEN - AND THE LINEN CLOTH… ✍️For a long time, the Mông people on the rocky plateau have been known for their unique and exquisite cultural heritage. Among them are some famous traditional crafts such as embroidery, weaving, indigo dyeing; silver carving, plow casting or making musical instruments… Drawing patterns on linen cloth with beeswax is also one of the long-standing traditional crafts of the people here. Despite being a traditional craft for generations, there are very few artisans who can draw beeswax patterns and they are all elderly people over 60 years old; the art of drawing is greatly limited due to old age and poor eyesight. It is known that a completed linen cloth with beeswax patterns must go through 2 stages: Drawing patterns and dyeing with indigo. Members must learn all traditional patterns before starting to make products. When drawing patterns, the beeswax is heated and then used with a copper pen to draw suitable patterns on the cloth; then it is dyed with indigo. The art of drawing beeswax patterns on the clothing of the Mông people will continue to be preserved, like the very breath of life, pride, and love of the people of this ethnic group for a rich traditional culture that needs to be preserved and cherished." “👩🏻‍🎨苗族妇女——和亚麻布…… ✍️长期以来，岩石高原上的苗族人民以其独特而精致的文化遗产而闻名。其中包括一些著名的传统工艺，例如刺绣，编织，靛蓝染色；银雕，犁铸或制作乐器……用蜂蜡在亚麻布上绘制图案也是这里人民历史悠久的传统工艺之一。 尽管是世代相传的传统工艺，但能够绘制蜂蜡图案的工匠却很少，而且他们都是60岁以上的老人；由于年老和视力不佳，绘画艺术受到很大限制。 众所周知，完成带有蜂蜡图案的亚麻布必须经过两个阶段：绘制图案和用靛蓝染色。成员必须学习所有传统图案，然后才能开始制作产品。绘制图案时，将蜂蜡加热，然后用铜笔绘制合适的图案在布上涂抹蜂蜡，然后用靛蓝染色。 蒙族服饰上绘制蜂蜡图案的艺术将继续得到保留，就像这个民族人民对丰富传统文化的生命气息、自豪感和热爱一样，需要保留和珍惜。”

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News

Joining Forces: HCMC’s Collaborative Efforts to Drive Photography Industry Growth by 2030

In order to strategically develop the cultural industries of Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City has selected sectors such as film, performing arts, fine arts, photography, exhibitions, advertising, cultural tourism, and fashion for investment and growth. Photography brings a magical and enchanting glow to Ho Chi Minh City. Photo credits: Vương Văn Ngọc. In accordance with Decision No. 1755/QD-TTg dated September 8, 2016 of the Prime Minister approving the Strategy for the development of Vietnam's cultural industries until 2020, with a vision towards 2030, based on an assessment of potential, advantages, specific characteristics, and competitive capacity, Ho Chi Minh City has selected 8 sectors, cultural industries to develop by the year 2030. These fields encompass film, performing arts, fine arts, photography, exhibitions, advertising, cultural tourism, and fashion. "The iconic image of a woman in traditional Vietnamese ao dai standing next to a Metro train on the streets of Ho Chi Minh City, celebrating the pride of Vietnamese women embracing their heritage amidst the development of the country. Captured by renowned photographer Minh Hoa." Photography beautifully captures the blend of tradition and modernity in Ho Chi Minh City. Photo credit: Minh Hoa. These sectors serve not only as the foundation for preserving and developing unique cultural values, but also as opportunities for the city to enhance the national image, leverage potential in cultural services, and generate new economic resources. In a world increasingly interconnected and technologically advanced, investing in these sectors also promotes creativity, enhances quality of life, and creates numerous employment opportunities for local residents. The young woman in the autumn season of Ho Chi Minh City is surrounded by many tree-lined streets. Photo by Minh Hoa. Ho Chi Minh City at night captured by the lens of photographer Vuong Ngoc.

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Featured Photos

Experience the enchanting allure of Son Doong cave captured by a skilled photographer from Russia

Through the lens of Daniel Kordan, a globally renowned landscape photographer, the magnificent and mysterious beauty of the world's largest cave, Son Doong, has been vividly and impressively recreated. Recently, renowned photographer Daniel Kordan shared a series of photographs showcasing Son Doong Cave - the largest natural cave in the world located in Tan Trach commune, Bo Trach district, Quang Binh province, Vietnam. (Photo: Daniel Kordan) In order to create the photo series, Daniel Kordan shared, "I embarked on a 6-day journey, spending 4 nights trekking and camping inside a cave. It was truly an adventure! Crossing rivers, climbing with ropes, swimming in cave lakes, and exploring the dense forests along steep cliffs of 100-300 meters deep water. This was definitely one of the most amazing adventures I have ever had in my life." (Photo: Daniel Kordan) These images have drawn millions of views from around the world, contributing to the promotion of a colorful, vibrant, and peaceful Vietnam. (Photo credit: Daniel Kordan) Hang Son Doong has earned the title of the largest cave on the planet, astonishing the world with its unbelievable size and unique cave formations that are considered world wonders. With estimated heights reaching up to 200m and a width of approximately 150m, its length stretches close to 9km. (Photo: Daniel Kordan) Hang Son Doong was formed approximately 2-5 million years ago, when a river flowed across a limestone region that had been faulted along a fissure. The water eroded and created a massive underground passage beneath the mountain range. In areas where the rock was softer, the ceiling collapsed to form sinkholes, eventually resulting in the formation of enormous cave chambers. (Photo: Daniel Kordan) Since its inception in 2013, the adventure tourism activities at Son Doong Cave have consistently showcased their allure to both domestic and international travel communities with their majestic beauty, grandeur, and numerous other remarkable qualities. (Photo: Daniel Kordan) Apart from the underground river system, giant stalagmites, and pristine forests, the ecosystem inside Hang Son Doong cave is incredibly rich and diverse with a multitude of species of flora and fauna inhabiting it, including rare and precious species of trees and moss. (Photo: Daniel Kordan) If any photographer desires to capture similar images and embark on a journey to explore the stunning beauty of the world's largest mysterious cave, please contact us via WhatsApp at +84 389 278 131 to join in the discovery and create exclusive and unforgettable memories together.

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Photojournalism

The Ha Nhi’s Tet.

The Ha Nhi ethnic group in Muong Te, Lai Chau celebrates Tet earlier than the national Lunar New Year. Their festivities are lively and vibrant. Everyone eagerly welcomes the new year, hoping for good fortune. Families celebrate Tet by slaughtering pigs, wrapping sticky rice cakes, and making floating cakes, following unique customs and traditions rich in national cultural identity. Each year, village elders and chiefs set the Tet date based on factors like weather, climate, harvests, and economic conditions. The Ha Nhi people typically celebrate their traditional Tet, known as Co Nhi Cha, in November of the solar calendar, a time when farm work is complete, crops are abundant, and livestock is thriving. Tet is not only a time for ancestor worship and festivities but also a chance for young men and women to meet and marry. During this period, they prepare their finest clothes to celebrate and enjoy the festive food. The custom of examining a pig's liver is used to predict the success of the upcoming crop and the health of family members. During Tet, Ha Nhi women make Glutinous rice cake. The Ha Nhi village is nestled in the cloud-covered mountains of Muong Te district. During Tet, Ha Nhi women make Glutinous rice cake. Wear new, colorful clothes during Tet. During Tet, Ha Nhi women make Glutinous rice cake. Cre: NADS

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