Western newspapers publish images that make tourists want to visit Vietnam 'right away'

On August 19, the British Daily Mail published magical images of Vietnam captured by photographer Daniel Kordan during his visit to the S-shaped land in 2023.

“I want to introduce the beauty of Vietnam from a perspective that highlights its unique features and the harmonious balance between human activities and nature,” the 35-year-old photographer told the Daily Mail .

Daniel, currently living in Bali (Indonesia), specializes in aerial photography and has traveled to many places from Japan, Myanmar to Antarctica, Iceland and Italy to capture beautiful landscapes from above.

Through his lens, Daniel hopes to convey to viewers images of the beautiful country of Vietnam.

Ban Gioc Waterfall is located in Trung Khanh district, Cao Bang province.

Daniel shared that he had to “plan carefully” before working at Ban Gioc waterfall. In the end, he was able to capture the image of the blue water of Ban Gioc waterfall perfectly.

Quay Son River winds through Phong Nam valley in Cao Bang

“Vietnam’s vibrant rice terraces, meandering rivers and long coastlines offer endless opportunities to capture beauty from above,” Daniel shares.

The lush green Long Coc tea hills of Phu Tho province

Daniel shared that what he likes most is that each photo “opens up a different perspective on the beauty of Vietnam, as if touching the soul of the country”.

The photographer revealed that to get the perfect shot, he had to prepare very carefully. He used many tools to “identify potential angles”. He said: “If you don’t plan and research the location carefully, you can miss great moments or just take poor quality photos.”

'Sea of clouds' amidst the majestic mountains of Cao Bang

Although he usually has a few shots in mind, Daniel says he always “leaves room for spontaneity”. The biggest challenge when shooting in Vietnam, he says, is the unpredictable weather, especially in the mountains.

Fog, rain and strong winds can all affect the quality of aerial photography, so Daniel says photographers need to be patient.

Bay Mau Coconut Forest Eco-tourism Area, Hoi An, Quang Nam

“Amateur photographers often underestimate the importance of light in aerial photography. The time of day, especially during the golden hour, can have a significant impact on the quality of the images,” Daniel notes.

Terraced fields in Mu Cang Chai

One of Daniel’s favorite photos is of terraced fields in Mu Cang Chai , Yen Bai province. “The steps carved into the mountainside represent natural beauty and human creativity,” he says.

The above photo especially impressed the photographer, because it "is a unique blend of nature and culture, which makes Vietnam special".

Image of Long An women harvesting lotus flowers

The above photo was taken in Long An during the lotus harvest season from June to November every year. Daniel shared: “Life on the river is fascinating, a great source of inspiration for photography.”

Rice fields in Mu Cang Chai

“In addition to physical beauty, the Vietnamese people are known for their warmth, resilience and deep connection to the land. This makes the country truly special,” says Daniel.

This connection is evident in every aspect of life, from the way they farm to the way they interact with their environment.”

Thung Mountain, also known as Mat Than Mountain, in Cao Bang

Daniel described the Vietnamese landscape as “very authentic” and said it felt like he was “stepping back centuries”.

Thuy Tien Lake, an abandoned water park in Hue

The photo above was taken at Thuy Tien Lake. This water park was built in 2004 at a cost of about $3 million, but was closed after only a few years. Today, this place has become a favorite destination for backpackers.

Ba Den Mountain is located near Tay Ninh city.

Daniel shared that he “hopes that through these photos, I can evoke a sense of wonder and admiration for Vietnam”, in order to encourage viewers to appreciate the country’s rich cultural and natural heritage.