“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 season from June to November, women row boats to harvest water lilies. Daniel shared: “Life on the river is captivating, providing great inspiration for photography.”
Daniel said: “In addition to its physical beauty, Vietnamese people are known for their warmth, resilience, and deep connection to the land. This makes the country truly special. This connection is evident in all aspects of life, from how they cultivate to how they interact with the environment.” The image shows rice fields in Mu Cang Chai.
Daniel described the landscapes of Vietnam as “very authentic” and said it felt like “going back centuries.” The photo shows the scenery from Nui Thung, also known as “Fairy Eye Mountain.” This mountain is located in Cao Bang province and is unique for a large hole in its midst.
This photo captures Thuy Tien Lake, an abandoned water park in Hue city, central Vietnam. The park was built in 2004 at a cost of around 3 million USD but closed shortly after. Today, it has become a popular destination for backpackers, with the main attraction being the “Dragon” built on a railway bridge at the southern end of the lake.
Daniel hopes to evoke a sense of surprise and admiration for Vietnam through his photos, encouraging viewers to appreciate the country’s rich cultural and natural heritage. The photo was taken at Ba Den mountain, near Tay Ninh city, with a peak of 986 meters above sea level. At the summit of the mountain stands a gigantic statue of Maitreya Buddha, a prominent landmark.
Daniel primarily uses high-resolution drones like the DJI Mavic 3 Pro. This type of drone provides high image quality, stability, and good control, making it ideal for aerial photography. Daniel added: “I also use various lenses and filters to adapt to different lighting conditions and landscapes.” The photo was taken at Hon Kho, Quy Nhon, during the blossoming season.
Daniel mentioned that Halong Bay in the North, with its surreal limestone islands, is one of his favorite spots in Vietnam. He believes the place offers beautiful landscapes reminiscent of another world, ideal for aerial photography.
Daniel stated: “Every country offers unique landscapes and scenery, providing endless inspiration for aerial photography.”
Pictured is the Golden Bridge, stretching approximately 150 meters, one of the most photographed spots in Da Nang at the Ba Na Hills resort.
