1. Introduction to Beautiful Pictures of Vietnam
2. Stunning Locations and Cultural Insights
3. Engaging Experiences with Local Tribes
4. Conclusion and Recommendations
Enjoy these amazing pictures of Vietnam and the everyday life of villagers and hill tribes. French photographer Réhahn is on a mission to photograph all 54 of Vietnam’s tribes.
After eight years of traveling Vietnam by motorbike to explore the remote corners of the country, he has documented 51 tribes and continues his ambitious Precious Heritage Project. You’ll want to delve deeper into the captivating beauty of Vietnam after viewing these stunning pictures.
Here, he shares his seven personal highlights from his adventures across the country, accompanied by beautiful photos that illustrate Vietnam’s rich culture and diversity.
Beautiful Pictures of Vietnam
A travel photographer inspired by Steve McCurry and Sebastião Salgado, Réhahn originates from Bayeux in the French region of Normandy. He has lived in Vietnam since 2011. Known as the ‘photographer who captures the soul’ of his subjects, he is renowned for his vibrant and intimate portraits from Vietnam, Cuba, Malaysia, India, and beyond.
1. Off the Beaten Track Vietnam – Tra Su
Tra Su is a serene location in the Mekong Delta with minimal tourist presence. This expansive area of mangrove forest and swampland is home to numerous colorful birds and wildlife. Located approximately 30 kilometers from Chau Doc, near the Cambodian border, this region features a unique species of palm trees not found anywhere else in Vietnam.
Over the past eight years, I have traveled throughout Vietnam for my Precious Heritage Project to photograph all 54 of the country’s tribes. It has taken this time to discover 51 of the tribes.
I stumbled upon Tra Su while searching for the Khmer ethnic group, and I cherish my time there, exploring the local villages and waterways.
2. The Coolest City in Vietnam – Hoi An
Hoi An is a charming city on the central coast, surrounded by rice paddies and beachfront. It is my favorite city in Vietnam. I have called Hoi An home since moving to Vietnam in 2011. My Precious Heritage Art Gallery Museum is located here, showcasing my photography of Vietnam’s tribes, along with tribal costumes and artifacts.
The lifestyle and optimism of the people in Hoi An are inspiring. The sun shines year-round, and the temperature rarely drops below 20 degrees, which is considered ‘summer’ in Normandy.
Known as the ‘Yellow City’, early mornings (between 5 am and 7 am) provide a peaceful atmosphere without tourists. I relish walking these narrow alleys, waiting for the sunlight to illuminate each corner, capturing the moments of a student on her bike or an elderly woman returning from the market.
A river flows through the city, and during the flooding season, Hoi An transforms into a picturesque setting reminiscent of Venice, creating unique opportunities for photography.
3. A Cherished Tribe – The Cham
Many of the tribes I have photographed in Vietnam have become like family. I hold a special connection with An Phuoc, a seven-year-old girl with striking blue eyes from the Cham tribe, known for their pottery and silk craftsmanship.
Affectionately known as the ‘girl with the cat’s eyes’ in her village, her sister has one blue eye and one hazelnut. It is often said that eyes are windows to the soul, and in An Phuoc’s case, they indeed narrate a story.
Her family is part of my ‘Giving Back project, as her photograph is among my bestsellers.
Sapa, An Phuoc’s elder sister, aspired to be a photographer, so I gifted her a camera. I also provided a cow for their family and bicycles for the girls. I believe it is my duty to give back to the people whose stories I tell through photography.
4. Exploring Dong Van – An Incredible Region
The Valley of Dong Van in northern Vietnam is home to 14 distinct ethnic groups. I spent numerous days here searching for various tribes to photograph.
This region remains less frequented than Sapa, popularly known for hiking and cultural encounters. Dong Van offers an authentic portrayal of rural life. Every few kilometers, you encounter different architecture and clothing, resembling an international journey. The weekend markets and local villages invite travelers to taste homemade rice alcohol among other local delicacies.
The Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark is located in this area, offering breathtaking mountainous landscapes protected by UNESCO, especially stunning views along the border with China.
5. Experiencing Traditional BATIK
One of my most captivating experiences in Vietnam involved learning to create Batik with the Hmong community in Pa Co village, located in northern Vietnam.
Batik is a unique technique for drawing on hemp fabric using beeswax, traditionally employed by the Hmong to decorate their clothing. The intricacy of this process produces stunning patterned textiles.
You can find these textiles in local shops and markets, and even try your hand at the technique, which is an enjoyable and enriching experience.
6. Scenic Adventure – Ma Pi Leng
Living in Vietnam has allowed me to embark on my long-term project while roaming the country freely on my motorbike. The sense of liberation that riding provides is unparalleled. Each journey introduces me to new locations and people, filled with surprises around every corner.
Ma Pi Leng is one of the highest mountain passes in Vietnam, an essential experience for anyone exploring the northern region. The route from Meo Vac to Dong Van, affectionately called the ‘Happy Road’, offers stunning vistas. I enjoy stopping at the summit to take in the valley below, teeming with winding roads, verdant valleys, and majestic peaks.
7. Unique Tribal Costume – The Ro Mam
As a photographer, my curiosity about diverse cultures, ancient traditions, clothing, and textiles drives my passion. During my encounters with tribal people, I am sometimes gifted traditional costumes and artifacts, which I carefully preserve at my museum in Hoi An. Unfortunately, many tribes can no longer craft their costumes, and their traditions are dwindling.
My encounter with the Ro Mam tribe was profound, especially after waiting three years for permission. Only 12 traditional costumes remain, and I was privileged to receive one along with a pipe and a basket to highlight their culture in my museum. The tribe keeps the remaining 11 costumes as treasured heirlooms since no one can produce them anymore.
Réhahn: Photographer Bio
Réhahn has accomplished the remarkable feat of photographing all of Vietnam’s 54 tribes, featuring 51 portraits in his project. His work embodies a decade of photography dedicated to Vietnam’s cultural diversity.
For fascinating insights into his work, including the Precious Heritage project, visit RéhahnPhotographer.com. You can also follow him on Facebook and Instagram.
Conclusion
If you enjoyed these captivating photos of Vietnam, consider sharing them for future inspiration.
