Vietnam adventure part 2: Rice terraces 6 Stunning Photos!

In July 2024,after my train trip from HCMC to Hanoi I had an awesome north Vietnam adventure to some of the best photogenic rice field locations in South East Asia.

 

The above loop encompasses Bac Son, rice harvest season in July, the stunning conical landscape of Cao Ban, Sapa (Cau Treo Lao Chai San terraces are fab!) and Mu Cang Chai, featuring some of the best rice terraces on the planet.  Other locations such as Su Phi and Y Ty are worth visiting, but due to road conditions and time I was not able to go on this trip.

Ha Giang – Su Phi. Google maps gave me this route as an option – DO NOT ATTEMPT unless you are real off road experienced rider.  I got over half way and turned back.  The scenery was spectacular!

My photography seems to have taken a back seat when traveling, as I mostly concentrate on video stock these days.  However, I still carry my faithful canon and a tripod.  I still search for those precious moments when everything jells together when one get immersed in the scene, removes life’s complications.

The following photos are my favourite from this trip, many from Mu Cang Chai.  Other areas of Vietnam offer similar great photographic opportunities.

• 1. Magic Morning Marvels in the endless valleys, Mu Cang Chai.

It’s all about the light.  On photography workshops I often speak about this, especially to beginners.  Here, shooting into the sun during the early morning light makes these magnificent vivid green contoured terraces pop.

• 2. Tranquil terraces at golden hour, Mu Cang Chai.

Canon R6ii, ef50mm 1.4 iso100 f8 1/125s

Mu Cang Chai.  Soft evening sun side lighting these spectacular layered landscapes. The light on this particular evening was simply stunning.  When travelling, my time is mostly spent scouting, then, when I have locations noted, I’ll be out shooting during early morning or late afternoon for the best light.

• 3. Flying high above the patchwork lands of Bac Son Valley.

DJI Mini 4 pro

Here, the looping horse shoe shaped paddies pull your eye  back into the photo.  Leading lines can work well.

Recently I have been shoot mostly video and time lapse with my drone,  I really should put some effort into it’s photography potential.  I have the DJI mini 4 pro, which is far superior in holding position for time lapse compared to my old air 2, which lies in pease somewhere within Mount Bromo creator, check out volcano footage here.

• 4. Workers at Golden Hour, Ha Giang.

Canon R6ii, ef50mm 1.4 iso100 f5.6 1/2000s

There are countless opportunities in this area.  This trip was all about rice fields. After a failed excursion to Su Phi, I was delighted to stumble upon this scene coming back into Ha Giang.  Shooting into the sun helps with this mystic valley.

• 5. Sculptured Landscape of Mu Cang Chai.

Canon R6ii, ef50mm 1.4 iso100 f4 1/200 s

The light was ok, not fabulous, however, the landscape is nothing but amazing.  The single character in this shot adds scale to this spectacular place.  I’ll be back soon.

• 6. High Lights of Mu Cang Chai.

Canon R6ii, ef50mm 1.4 iso100 f7.1 1/400s

Mu Chang Chai. I stumbled upon this while scouting for drone shots, a case of right time right place.  The old adage, the best camera is the one in your hands.  I’d normally travel with my tripod and a 16-35.  This time, travelling light I had a 50mm attached which was just about perfect.

• How I Travel.

Heres my trusted transport.  I travel on a budget and need freedom to go off the tourist trails.  These small bikes are ideal for most places other than tough off road.  When in Hanoi I usually use Tang an Hanoi Motorbike, reliable bikes and a nice lad.  Note the phone holder, not essential but a great help.  Also grab some bungee cords, ideal for strapping things, in this case a selfie stick for my insta 360 camera.

This bike may looked parked, but it’s stuck in a trough, after the road became lesser road deteriorated to rocky waterfall / hill climbs.  Needless to say, I turned back to Ha Giang and was greeted with the scene in picture 4 of this series.

My accommodation was often home stays, which are more like guest houses.  Eating with the family is common and they feed you well.

•  Prints Available:

 

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