This photo captures a tea hill at sunrise in Sa Pa during the peak cherry blossom season—typically early December. Viet regularly checks travel forums for accurate bloom updates. Sunny days enhance the flower's colors, resulting in better photographs. He advises quick action when "hunting" for cherry blossoms due to their short lifespan.

Bui Xuan Viet, a photographer based in Dong Nai, has journeyed throughout Vietnam, capturing the essence of sunrise. He believes sunrise and sunset offer the most captivating moments in photography due to the high contrast and striking interplay of colors.

Each photograph tells a unique story. The image above depicts sunrise over Lao Chai village in Mu Cang Chai in 2019. Back then, the village was untouched and underdeveloped, but Viet experienced the remarkable hospitality of a local ethnic family. They offered him a meal and, despite his insistence, refused any payment.

Sunrise over the moss beach in Co Thach, Lam Dong, about 100 km from Phan Thiet. This moss beach has gained popularity in recent years. Visitors need to wake up early, around 5 a.m., to capture the best moments.

This photograph was taken in Ngai Thau Ha, a village renowned for its scenic beauty and surrounding mountains in Lao Cai. Viet recalls seeing the smoke from a house creating beautiful light rays. However, the frame felt incomplete, lacking emotional depth.

"Suddenly, a mother and child walked uphill, hand-in-hand, and I received this photograph as a gift," he said.

Viet aims to complete a collection of sunrise photographs from across Vietnam but acknowledges the challenge of finding compelling angles in every location. This image showcases the terraced rice fields of Nam Hong in Hoang Su Phi, Tuyen Quang. The houses are homestays built atop hills, offering panoramic views of the rice paddies.

The ripe rice season in Chu Va, Lai Chau. This trip wasn't entirely successful for Viet due to a week of bad weather. Staying with locals, he accompanied them on fishing trips while waiting for sunny skies.

Early morning mist in Cao Bang. Viet finds the sunrises in Cao Bang and Lang Son particularly memorable but hasn't yet captured the perfect shot. This is the only sunrise photo he kept after three visits to Cao Bang.

"The weather wasn't cooperative, so I hope to try again next time to avoid any regrets," he said.

A popular photography spot at Hang Rai, Khanh Hoa. According to Viet, finding the angle is easy, but capturing the perfect shot is a process. Vietnam's wave season, from November to February, offers the best scenery here. Photographers must time their visit with low tide at sunrise to avoid submerged rock formations. Strong winds and crashing waves against the rocks, creating a waterfall effect in the sea, are also essential.

Sunrise on Phu Quy Island during a day of strong winds and rough seas. The force 8 gale caused continuous seasickness among passengers and crew.

"Despite the exhaustion, I was happy because the strong waves resulted in beautiful photographs," he said. When chasing waves, photographers must exercise caution, as powerful waves can soak equipment if not adequately protected.

Klong Klanh Pass, about 50 km from Da Lat. To capture this shot, Viet had to depart at 2:30 a.m. to catch the sunrise and the sea of clouds. He explains that capturing a sea of clouds requires specific weather conditions. Rain a few days prior, followed by sunshine, creates sufficient humidity. Cold nights produce mist at sunrise, and light winds below 5 km/h allow the clouds to settle.

Sunrise at Da Sar, Lam Dong. Viet continues his quest to complete his collection of sunrise photographs across Vietnam. Recent provincial mergers have made his goal somewhat easier. However, the biggest challenge remains finding the right angle and the perfect moment, with favorable weather being a crucial factor.

Hoai Anh

Photos: Bui Xuan Viet