5 Instagrammable Spots in Vietnam: Capturing Special Moments in Photogenic Locations
Vietnam is a treasure trove of Instagram-worthy spots, with its beautiful nature, historic buildings, and charming cityscapes. For tourists and Instagram enthusiasts looking to boost their follower count, there are plenty of must-see places. This article introduces 10 of the best Instagrammable spots in Vietnam, highlighting their attractions and photography tips.
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1. Ha Long Bay: A Natural Wonder
Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of Vietnam’s most iconic tourist destinations. The emerald green sea dotted with countless limestone islands creates a scenery that can only be described as a natural wonder. Exploring the bay on a cruise allows you to appreciate its beauty from various angles.
The charm of Ha Long Bay lies in its unique topography. About 1,600 limestone islands, each with a different shape, are scattered across the bay. These islands have been eroded by wind and rain over millennia, creating their distinctive appearance. The bay also features numerous caves and beaches, making it a destination where you can enjoy not only sightseeing from a cruise but also activities like kayaking and boat trips.
For photography, the best times are during sunrise and sunset when the soft light reflects off the water, creating a magical scene. On clear days, the contrast between the blue sky and emerald sea produces stunning photos. Participating in a kayaking tour that weaves through the islands allows you to capture the scenery up close, resulting in more dynamic photos.
Ha Long Bay offers many tourist spots. For instance, Thien Cung Cave (Heavenly Palace Cave) features a fantastical landscape of stalactites and stalagmites, illuminated in a way that feels like stepping into another world. Titov Island boasts a beautiful beach and panoramic views from its summit.
When visiting Ha Long Bay, choosing the right cruise is crucial. Options range from luxurious cruises with top-notch facilities to affordable day cruises. Research the cruise times and routes in advance to select a plan that suits your needs.
Ha Long Bay is a spot where you can fully appreciate the beauty of nature. Its majestic scenery and diverse sightseeing experiences provide unforgettable memories for visitors. On your next trip to Vietnam, be sure to visit Ha Long Bay and capture its charm in your photos.
2. Hoi An Ancient Town: A Historic Streetscape
Hoi An Ancient Town is famous for its beautiful night scenery illuminated by lanterns. The old buildings, narrow alleys, and colorful lanterns create a scene that makes you feel as if you have traveled back in time. During the day, the vibrant buildings and bustling markets are a delight, while at night, the lanterns light up the entire town.
Hoi An’s history dates back to the 16th and 17th centuries when it flourished as an international trading port. Consequently, you can see architectural styles influenced by various cultures, including Chinese, Japanese, French, and Portuguese. Particularly noteworthy is the Japanese Bridge (Cau Chua), built in the 17th century by Japanese merchants and now a symbol of Hoi An with its beautiful arched design.
During the day, Hoi An offers vibrant buildings and lively local markets. The markets, filled with fresh vegetables, fruits, and local handicrafts, are attractive shopping spots for tourists. Additionally, relaxing in a café or restaurant along the river while enjoying Hoi An’s scenery is highly recommended.
In the evening, Hoi An’s charm is even more pronounced. As lanterns begin to light up, the entire town is enveloped in a magical atmosphere. Especially along the Thu Bon River in the center of the old town, the lanterns reflect beautifully on the water, making it a perfect spot for photography. Lantern festivals are held on weekends, adding even more photogenic charm to the town.
For photography, the best time is after sunset when the lanterns are lit. Capture the town’s scenery during this time when the lanterns shine beautifully. Popular photo spots include the Japanese Bridge and the riverbank area. Whether taking selfies with lanterns in the background or landscape photos capturing the reflections on the water, there are various angles to enjoy.
Hoi An Ancient Town is a tourist destination rich in history and beautiful scenery. The bustling markets during the day and the lantern-lit streets in the evening offer different expressions throughout the day. On your next trip to Vietnam, be sure to visit Hoi An Ancient Town and capture its charm in your photos.
3. The Terraced Fields of Sapa: Breathtaking Scenery
Sapa, located in northern Vietnam’s mountainous region, is renowned for its stunning terraced fields. These lush green fields stretch across the mountains, offering breathtaking views throughout the seasons. Especially during the harvest season in autumn, the golden terraced fields create a mesmerizing landscape.
The terraced fields of Sapa were created over many years by local ethnic minorities such as the Hmong and Dao people. These fields reflect the lifestyle and culture of the locals, making the landscape not just a tourist attraction but a place imbued with regional history and tradition. Particularly popular spots include the surrounding areas of Bac Ha and Lao Chai villages, where beautiful terraced fields can be found.
For photography, choose a spot where you can view the terraced fields from a high vantage point. Several lookout points around Sapa offer panoramic views of the fields. Visiting early in the morning allows you to capture the fields enveloped in morning mist, creating a mystical atmosphere. During the harvest season, the contrast between the golden fields and the morning mist produces stunning photos.
Participating in a trekking tour in Sapa is also recommended. Walking with a guide allows you to explore the terraced fields up close while learning about the local people’s lives and culture. In the villages visited during the trek, you can meet people dressed in traditional attire and capture their lifestyle in your photos. Additionally, the Sapa market is a vibrant shopping spot with local specialties and handicrafts.
In addition to enjoying the terraced fields, interacting with the local culture and people is another attraction of Sapa. Visiting the ethnic minority villages and photographing their traditional way of life provides a deeper experience. The terraced fields of Sapa are a spot where you can feel the fusion of nature and culture.
On your next trip to Vietnam, be sure to visit the terraced fields of Sapa and experience the breathtaking scenery and warmth of the local people. You will be able to capture beautiful landscapes and create special memories in your photos.
4. Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park: Mystical Caves
Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park is renowned for its extensive cave system, one of the largest in the world. Inside the caves, you will find a mystical landscape formed by enormous stalactites and stalagmites, giving you the feeling of entering another world. Particularly famous is Son Doong Cave, the largest cave in the world, making it a must-visit location.
Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park is located in Quang Binh Province in central Vietnam and was designated a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site in 2003. The park contains about 300 caves, many of which remain unexplored. Phong Nha Cave and Paradise Cave are particularly popular among tourists, with their grand stalactites leaving a lasting impression.
Phong Nha Cave stretches about 8 kilometers in length, with about 1.5 kilometers open to tourists. Inside, you’ll find countless giant stalactites and stalagmites, creating a magnificent scene worth seeing. A boat tour through the cave allows you to quietly admire the reflections of the stalactites on the water, creating a magical atmosphere.
Paradise Cave spans a total length of 31 kilometers and, true to its name, offers a stunningly beautiful landscape. The first kilometer is open to tourists, who can walk along paths inside the cave, viewing the enormous stalactites and stalagmites up close. The illuminated formations look like art pieces, mesmerizing visitors.
For photography, utilize the cave’s lighting effectively. Where natural light filters in, capture the contrast between light and shadow. Joining a cave tour often includes guidance on the best spots for photos. Listening to the guide’s explanations about the cave’s history and formation process enhances your understanding and enjoyment of photography.
Son Doong Cave is especially famous in Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, known for its immense size. Spanning about 9 kilometers in length, 200 meters in height, and 150 meters in width, it holds the Guinness World Record as the largest cave. Inside, enormous stalactites and an underground river create a mystical landscape worth experiencing at least once in a lifetime.
Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park is an adventurous spot that stirs the explorer’s spirit. On your next trip to Vietnam, be sure to visit these mystical caves and capture their allure in your photos. Experiencing the grandeur and beauty of nature will provide a special adventure.
5. Golden Bridge: The Hand Bridge in the Sky
The Golden Bridge in Da Nang is a unique bridge supported by giant hands. Located in the Ba Na Hills at an altitude of 1,400 meters, it offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and the sea. Walking on the bridge feels like walking in the sky.
The Golden Bridge opened in 2018 and quickly became a global sensation with its innovative design and stunning scenery. The bridge spans 150 meters and features a golden walkway supported by giant stone hands, referred to as the “hands of God,” providing visitors with an overwhelming visual impact.
The bridge was designed by the renowned Vietnamese architectural firm TA Landscape Architecture. Inspired by ancient myths, the design aims to provide a mystical experience for visitors. From the bridge, you can enjoy panoramic views of lush mountains and the distant sea, making it a perfect spot for Instagram photos.
For photography, visiting early in the morning is recommended. Fewer tourists allow for a peaceful environment to enjoy photography. The morning light illuminates the bridge, creating beautiful contrasts of light and shadow. For a full view of the bridge, taking photos from a slightly distant spot captures the entire structure and the giant hands, resulting in impactful photos.
Ba Na Hills offers many other attractions besides the Golden Bridge. The French Village is a theme park replicating a medieval French village, with beautiful buildings, squares, and cafes. Riding the cable car to the summit offers stunning natural scenery. The entire Ba Na Hills area is photogenic, providing a full day’s enjoyment.
The Golden Bridge is a spot known for its innovative design and breathtaking views. On your next trip to Vietnam, be sure to visit this unique bridge and capture its charm in your photos. The beautiful scenery and memorable experiences will create special moments.
Summary
Vietnam is home to numerous Instagrammable spots, boasting beautiful nature, historic buildings, and charming cityscapes. Ha Long Bay, Hoi An Ancient Town, the terraced fields of Sapa, Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, and the Golden Bridge are all perfect places to capture special moments in your photos. On your next trip to Vietnam, be sure to visit these Instagram spots and create unforgettable memories.
（Photo by Unsplash.com）
