Photo tours offer new way to explore Da Nang

Journey begins with a photograph

At 3:00 am, crowds of photography enthusiasts from various provinces and cities nationwide gather near the Japanese Covered Bridge to wait for the right light and moment to compose their shots.

The activity is part of the “Hoi An - Colors of Heritage” photography tour. During the tour, participants not only hunt stunning images but also connect with spaces that embody local identity, including traditional papier-mâché mask making, silk villages and everyday activities.

For Cao Thi Ngoc Diem, 48, a resident of Ho Chi Minh City, photography has become a reason to return to Da Nang time and again.

She has visited the city four times this year alone. She has taken part in activities from the Da Nang International Fireworks Festival to tours exploring traditional craft villages.

According to Diem, although such trips can be costly, the real value lies in the opportunity to get closer to local life, especially traditional craft villages that she had not previously had a chance to explore.

Photo tours not only encourage photography enthusiasts to return to a destination multiple times but can also become experiential journeys for the whole families.

After retiring, Mr. Tran Hoang Dung, born in 1954 and residing in Ha Noi, regularly joins photography trips.

On his recent visit to Da Nang, he invited his wife and children to come along. While he joined the group in capturing images, his family spent their time sightseeing and experiencing the city in their own way.

What began as a trip tailored to the needs of a photographer thus evolved into a shared family holiday.

Telling story of destination through photography

With nearly five years of experience organizing photo tours, photographer Nguyen Anh Cuong, a resident of Hoi An Tay Ward, has observed that the Son Tra Peninsula and Hoi An are top choices for photography enthusiasts.

The Son Tra Peninsula captivates visitors with its natural landscapes and red-shanked douc langurs, while Hoi An offers a diverse range of subjects, from architecture and traditional crafts to everyday life.

For that reason, when designing his tours, Cuong places emphasis on settings closely connected to local culture and the daily lives of residents.

According to Mr. Bui Ngoc Duy An, Deputy Director of Viet Ventures, the appeal of photography tours lies in their ability to showcase the distinctive characteristics of each destination.

Da Nang has an advantage in bringing together heritage sites, traditional craft villages, beaches, nature and local life, making it possible to develop two- to three-day photography itineraries covering a variety of themes.

In addition to Hoi An, the Tam Tien Fish Market is considered a rich source of inspiration. The venue offers photographers glimpses of the everyday lives of coastal communities.

Meanwhile, Son Tra is ideal for wildlife-focused tours, enabling participants to capture fresh images as well as gain a deeper appreciation for the value of the natural environment.

From journeys sparked by a passion for photography, these tours are opening up a deeper way of discovering destinations.

Each photograph, therefore, does more than preserve a beautiful scene; it also helps tell the story of the people, culture and rhythm of life.