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DNO - Around 180 photographers from over 25 countries had the opportunities to capture the images of culturally rich country at the Photographic Society of America (PSA) Photo Gathering 2026 in Vietnam.
It is no coincidence that Vietnam was selected as the host destination following the previous editions held in India, Indonesia, and Sri Lanka.
From Ninh Binh, Bac Ninh, and Thai Nguyen to Ha Noi and Da Nang, the creative journey spanned heritage sites, traditional craft villages, and daily local life where each frame can tell a story.
According to Ms. Helena Van, a PSA representative in Vietnam, what the photographers bring home is not just images, but “authentic stories about people, heritage, and life”.
She stated that, in Vietnam, where heritage is vividly preserved through traditional crafts such as rice wine making, tea roasting, baking, and herbal medicine, as well as artistic activities like water puppetry, thanksgiving ceremonies, and conical hat making – all passed down through generations.
The program offers opportunities for a cultural journey, a community connection, and a profound encounter with Vietnam - a land where light weaves heritage.
From the perspective of participants, many international photographers believe Vietnam offers a "rare cultural depth".
Beyond the North, the journey extends to Central Vietnam through “The Essence of Central Vietnam” program, bringing together more than 60 photographers from 15 countries.
From Hue with its imperial heritage to Hoi An with its living heritage rhythm, and My Son Sanctuary echoing the legacy of Champa, each destination reveals layers of cultural sediment awakened through the lens.
The 6-day journey is not just about creation, but a process of "cultural empathy” where artists must live within the space and connect with people to produce works of depth.
From a broader perspective, gatherings like PSA 2026 highlight the growing role of photography in national promotion strategies. Without grand slogans, each widely shared photography becomes a natural and enduring “visual ambassador”.
Bringing international photographers to Vietnam, therefore, is not only cultural exchange but also a way of “entrust storytelling” to outsiders those who can view the country with fresh, unbiased perspectives.
Through international lenses, Vietnam now appears more multidimensional both traditional and dynamic, both local and globally connected.
While previously, images of Vietnam were often associated with familiar symbols, through the perspective of international photographers, the country appears more multifaceted, both traditional and dynamic; both indigenous and integrated.
And perhaps, it is these stories told through light, emotion and authenticity that create a lasting impact for Vietnam’s image on the global cultural map.