Overview
This photographic guide will be helpful to you if you appreciate immersing yourself in the local culture and landscapes and getting off-the beaten track, as well as taking incredible photos.
Vietnam is a beautiful country to explore, rich in culture, amazing karst mountain landscapes (especially in the north), unique natural features and delicious cheap food.
For this part of my trip I started in the backpacking hub of Hanoi. After completing two smaller trips to Ninh Binh and Cat Ba Island I was now ready to tackle a much more ambitious and adventurous trip of 12 days motorbiking around and exploring the mountains regions in the north.
For this trip I was aided by some trip itineraries devised by Style Motorbikes whom I rented my bike from.
The itineraries and the crew at Style were very helpful in guiding me to hit some must-see landmarks and make use of my time in the best possible way.
However, like all good self-guided backpacking trips its better to go with the flow. Once out on the trails/road; new ideas, places and people are inevitable.
Styles itineraries were a great starting point, but knowing myself I don’t like to rush around just to get ‘the shot’, I like to immerse myself in the trip which often leads to unexpected surprises.
The two places I absolutely had to see were Ban Gioc Waterfall & The Ha Giang loop. Everything else was a bonus along the way.
Below are some key spots along the route that offer the opportunity to take incredible photos of the natural environment, as well as experience Vietnam in a more authentic and raw way.
Key photography spots
- #1 - Quinh Son/Bac Son Village
- #2 - Na Lay Peak/Bac Son
- #3 - Thang Hen Lake
- #4 - God's Eye Mountain/Thung Mountain
- #5 - Ban Gioc Waterfall
- #6 - Ban Gioc Temple/Tich Truc Lam Ban Gioc
- #7 - Bao Lac Homestay
- #8 - Viewpoint Lung Ho
- #9 - Du Gia Valley Views
- #10 - First Viewpoint of Ma Pi Leng
- #11 - Skypath Grotto
- #12 - Viewpoint dốc Thẩm Mã (trên)
- #13 - Quan Ba Heaven Gate
- #14 - Last views before Ha Giang
- #15 - Mâm Xôi Homestay
#1 Quinh Son/Bac Son Village
Bac Son Valley is located approximately 160km or 3hrs and 15 mins from Hanoi.
Safely arriving at my homestay with plenty of light left I took the opportunity to explore the local village.
There is something captivating about the enthusiasm of the local kids here and the simplicity of the local farmers slowly winding down after a hot day in the sun.
A stark contrast to the busyness in Hanoi only hours after departing.
- Fuji 100mm 1/200sec. f/10 ISO 200
#2 Bac Son/Na Lay Peak
The major attraction in this area is Na Lay Peak which stands 600m above sea level. 1200 steps up to the top will have you breathing heavy and feeling sticky, however the effort will be greatly rewarded, particularly if you get up the top for sunrise and get it on a clear day.
The ranges extend as far as the eye can see at the top. By using a zoom lens coupled with the sun rays bursting through the ranges, a powerful scene is conveyed.
- Fuji 50mm 1/200sec. f/11 ISO 400
#3 Thang Hen Lake
Thang Hen Lake is located within the Thang Hen Eco Resort, with glamping options situated alongside the lake.
Whilst the resort style wasn’t exactly my cup of tea, the area was still rich in natural beauty.
Upon sunrise mist lifted off the lakes surface, offering beautiful reflections of the surrounding mountain ranges.
Something I found disappointing was the amount of plastic lining the edge of the lake, particularly at the back side of the lake where I took these pictures.
- Fuji 16mm 1/200sec. f7.1 ISO 320
#4 God's Eye Mountain/Thung Mountain
A short drive from Thang Hen Lake, it is the jewel of this area. The mysterious mountain that has a cave system that penetrates straight through the middle of it.
This area has lots of potential for exploration, take a tour to a tiny remote village out the back of God’s Eye, climb inside of God’s Eye and if you have time go far beyond the village deep into the mountain ranges here.
Our guide took us on a short tour of the local village by stand-up paddleboard. The experience was very humbling.
He also mentioned that whilst God’s Eye was spectacular, the mountains beyond were more beautiful.
- Fuij 16mm 1/320sec. f/9 ISO 320
#5 Ban Gioc Waterfall
Situated on the Vietnam-Chinese border, approximately 8 hours from Hanoi and 45 minutes from Cao Bang.
The waterfall is one of the most powerful and spectacular I have witnessed.
The spray coming off the falls was hard to avoid in certain locations which made it difficult to avoid getting water droplets on my lens. This made it extremely challenging to nail the perfect shot when combined with a brief moment of harsh early morning sunshine.
Bonus tip: head to Ban Gioc Temple/Tich Truc Lam Ban Gioc at sunset to capture the panoramic views of the waterfall and surrounding valleys.
- Fuji 16mm 1/5th f/10 ISO 100
#6 Ban Gioc Temple/Tich Truc Lam Ban Gioc
Ban Gioc Temple is a Buddhist temple that was built only recently, inaugurated in 2014.
It is located just 500m from the entrance to Ban Gioc Waterfall and it should be included as a must see if you are in the area. The energy is special here.
Vietnam is a country that was been marred by violence and war in the past, particularly in the north. However, this temple provides a strong symbol of peace and prosperity, combined with the poetic landscapes.
Tip: Walk to the backside of the temple, where there are great views of the waterfall.
- Fuji 16mm 1/250sec. f/8 ISO 400
#7 Bao Lac Homestay
A stop in the north that pleasantly surprised me, meant only as a stop between Ban Gioc Waterfall and an entry point to The Ha Giang loop.
The views from Bao Lac Homestay were breath-taking. After a very long stretch of biking – 5.5 hours, the sunset and hospitality were second to none and a welcome relief.
At the top of the mountain range, it offers one of the best opportunities to see a great sunset. Which I found to be rarity in Vietnam.
The area also has many trekking opportunities, with tours available from the homestay. From all reports the hiking is great in the area, allowing you to visit local communities and see sights not otherwise possible.
- Fuji 100mm 1/160sec. f/7.1 ISO 250
#8 Viewpoint Lũng Hồ
Located at the top of the pass before descending down toward Du Gia.
The village of Lũng Hồ lays below and is a great spot to enjoy a coffee/smoothie.
Come here for sunset for the best photo opportunities or early in the morning to experience the place in its full tranquillity, where the call of farm animals echo throughout the valley.
- Fuji 50mm 1/125sec. f/6.4 ISO 800
#9 Du Gia Valley Views
Unfortunately the main attraction of the area, Du Gia Falls was closed when I visited the area. However the area around the local town is still worth exploring.
The silver lining of the waterfall closure was that I was forced to explore around the local area that I otherwise wouldn’t have.
An important message when looking to take unique photos of an area that experiences a lot of tourism. Explore!
- Fuji 50mm 1/125sec. f/6.4 ISO 800
#10 First viewpoint of Ma Pi Leng
Heading west along The Ha Giang loop from Meo Vac the first real good view of Ma Pi Leng emerges.
Climb up on top of the small concrete shelter here for the best views.
I encountered some local Vietnamese guys vibing out to some melodic electronic music, which reminded me to enjoy the moment and look at the landscape more deeply.
Another important message in order to achieve unique photos; enjoy the moment. Where others may simply ‘shoot and go’. By looking at the landscape more deeply you are giving yourself the opportunity to see leading lines, colour contrasts or to simply capture the moment, e.g. when some kind locals give you the thumbs up (see cover photo).
- Fuji 16mm 1/125sec. f/3.2 ISO 200
#11 Skypath Grotto - Ma Pi Leng skypath
Trekking the Ma Pi Leng skypath, is an absolute must when in the area.
One reason to do a solo trip in The Ha Giang loop is to stop and do this small trek of 3km.
Most tours of The Ha Giang loop miss this wonder. It’s a shame for them but it meant that I got to experience the trail completely empty, bar for some locals who were making their daily commute home.
Home to one of the greatest roads in SE Asia with views of the deepest canyon – Tu San canyon.
- Fuji 16mm 1/200sec. f/5.6 ISO 400
#12 Viewpoint dốc Thẩm Mã (trên)
A road that typifies the long-winding mountain passes of the north.
Located just 20 minutes outside of Yen Minh. One such village on the loop where many tours stay overnight.
Here I played football with the local kids and sat next to one of them as he majestically played the flute. He gave me a go and to put it bluntly I sucked..
A reminder to interact with your subjects to ‘tease’ out the best photo possible.
- Fuji 16mm 1/160sec. f/6.4 ISO 320
#13 Quan Ba Heaven Gate
From Ha Giang heading east this is seemingly the first entry point into the heart of The Ha Giang loop, welcome to heaven!
Heading west back to Ha Giang hit this spot at golden hour as the surrounding valleys reveal themselves in all their glory.
Tam Son is the town that lies at the base of this valley.
It is a typical mountain village in the north that leaves you speechless. Contemplate for a moment where these villages are located and the reality of life for the people that live here.
Note: if you leave this location for Ha Giang at golden hour you will likely be riding back to Ha Giang in darkness for the last 30mins – 1hr.
- Fuji 16mm 1/200sec. f/8 ISO 400
#14 Last views before Ha Giang
This collection of photos is located somewhere between Quan Ba and Ha Giang and were taken roadside in the last moments of light before dusk.
The light or lack of it brings colour and emotion to a scene. Seeing these places in the last moments of light before darkness as I was finishing ‘the loop’ brings a sense of awe and reverence to this region.
The Ha Giang loop is a really special place and its no wonder why it has become so much more popular in the last couple of years.
- Fuji 50mm 1/160sec. f/5 ISO 800
#15 Mâm Xôi Homestay
I had one more mission to complete before I was satisfied with my tour of the north and that was to see the famous rice terraces of Northern Vietnam.
I met a guy in a small restaurant in Yen Minh that told me Nam Khoa had the most beautiful terraces in the whole of Vietnam.
After that exchange I made my way across some brutal dirt roads and found myself in the Nam Khoa Commune.
I stayed at Tạ Quyên homestay, where I was in the middle of stunning and impressive rice terraces that were carved in the mountainsides hundreds of years ago.
A seriously impressive feat of human ingenuity that makes for some great landscape pictures.
- Fuji 16mm 1/400sec. f/5.6 ISO 800