Meet the Champions of the Vietnam Is Awesome Photo Contest 2024!

We are incredibly grateful and honored to have received over 360 submissions, encompassing 1,400 photos, out of which 700+ were selected for consideration. Each photo is not only beautiful but also profoundly meaningful, presenting a significant challenge for our judges to evaluate.

It's important to note that the winning edge often came not just from the photo itself but also from the captivating stories described alongside them. The volume and quality of submissions have far surpassed those of our previous Photo Contest, where we saw hundreds of fantastic entries from our community.

Both Vietnam Is Awesome team and the other judges from our sponsoring organizations have taken great pleasure in appreciating the beauty and narratives captured in each submission. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who participated and shared their inspirational moments and creativity.

With much excitement, it is now time to announce the winners!

What were the competing categories?

This year’s Vietnam Is Awesome Photo Contest showcased the vibrant essence of Vietnam through three captivating categories: Culture & Local Life, Architecture & Landscape, and Hidden Gems.

Participants shared their unique perspectives and experiences of Vietnam, whether they were locals, expats, or travelers. Our community of over 196.700 members has once again brought to light the beauty and diversity of Vietnam through their inspiring stories and photographs.

Our Celebrated Winners

(One winner for each category)

Winner of Architecture & Landscape

Nguyen Van Hai

• Photo Title: Preserving the Traditional Roof
• Date Taken: September 10, 2023
• Location: Hà Giang
• Equipment Type: Eos R6m2

The yin-yang tiled roof is one of the prominent features of the traditional architecture of the Hmong people in Hà Giang. When you set foot in the new rural villages, the two-layer yin-yang tiled roofs will catch your eye. This is an indispensable part of preserving and promoting the beauty of the traditional house.

The yin-yang tiles are arranged around the wooden columned house, creating a cozy and unique space. They are not only a protective covering against rain and sun but also a symbol of the connection between the inhabitants and nature.

When you visit Pả Vi commune or other areas in Hà Giang, pay attention to the beautiful yin-yang tiled roofs, rich in the culture of the Hmong people. They are a special mark, telling the story of the life and soul of the local community.

Winner of Hidden Gems

Pham Quoc Dat

• Photo Title: One Foot in the Grave
• Date taken: May 17, 2019
• Equipment Type: Canon EOS 5D, taken in Mai Dich, Hanoi

If you ask me what the hidden beauty is until the end of my life, I believe it is the features of the old lady. The gray hair, wrinkled skin, and age spots on her face show the respectable life of a person, a grandmother, a mother, a Vietnamese woman. Remembering the summer days, she waited for me to come home for dinner after school, that was a peaceful time and she loved me a lot."

Winner of Culture & Local Life

Shibasish Saha

• Date taken: October 1, 2023
• Location: Hanoi

This photo, taken on October 1, 2023, in a vibrant area of Hanoi, Vietnam, features a flower seller riding her bicycle adorned with flowers. The colourful graffiti on the wall creates the illusion that the flowers are spilling out from it.

Our Runners-up

Winner of Architecture & Landscape

Vali Constantinescu

• Date Taken: December 28, 2022
• Location: Ho Chi Minh City
• Equipment Type: Samsung Mobile Phone

I took this photo at dawn in Ho Chi Minh City, from my balcony. I felt it symbolizes the fast development of this country but I also felt it looked so cute - like a family of cranes, just waking up in the morning. Ho Chi Minh City, Samsung mobile phone, 28.12.2022.

Winner of Hidden Gems

Chris Zhu

• Date taken: June 29, 2024
• Location: Nguyen Cong Tru street, District 1, HCM City
• Equipment Type: Iphone 13 Pro

The old and the new. In the background, an apartment building stands as a pre-war relic from the 50s, a testament to post-modernist design with brutalist Soviet influences blended with Vietnamese practicality. In front, the sleek offices of a modern bank sit, a fusion of concrete and marble. This juxtaposition captures the seamless blend of history and progress, where past and present coexist in striking harmony in Vietnam.

Winner of Culture & Local Life

Linh Nguyen

This photo was taken during my trip to Binh Thuan, South Central Vietnam. In addition to Hon Rom and Mui Ne, is so beautiful with sandy areas, coconut trees and rich seafood sources, there is also a specialty dish that if you haven't enjoyed it, it's considered as if you haven't come to it yet, the soft thin vermicelli noodles. Not only is it a delicious dish, this is also a place that has preserved traditional baking methods over the years.

The soft thin vermicelli noodles oven of Mr. Le Van Chuong's family, Phu Thinh neighborhood, Phu Long town, Ham Thuan Bac district, produces an average of 200kg - 250kg per day (from pure rice and without preservative additives), per day. The steps are very meticulous: choose good rice to soak overnight, wash it and then puree it. The dough is steamed for an hour, rolled into a cylindrical shape, then put into a press to form fibers, spread out on round bamboo trays and then steamed for 20 minutes.

Winner of Community’s Choice Award

• Location: An Cu, Tinh Bien, An Giang, Vietnam
• Date: 05/12/2017
• Camera: DJI Phantom 3 Adv

Congrats to "Tran Nguyen Duy An" with the Picture from Hidden Gem category "Ox Racing Festival in Bay Nui area, An Giang, Vietnam". We'll be in touch with the Winner for more details about the Prize and the upcoming event to showcase Vietnam Beauty to the World, stay tuned.

What Are The Prizes?

3 Winner Prizes (Voted by our judges)

Culture & Local Life

• 3 Day 2 Night Luxury Resort Stay in a Garden Room for 2 persons, including breakfast, at Azerai Can Tho Resort (Value 12,250,000 VND)
• A Voucher to B3 Wine Bar & Grill (Value 500,000 VND)
• Photography experience with Frederik Wissink of Secret Experiences (Value 1,600,000 VND)
• Trophy from Vietnam Is Awesome

Architecture & Landscape

• 3 Day 2 Night Luxury Resort Stay in a Superior Room for 2 persons, including breakfast, at Azerai La Residence, Hue (Value 11,330,000 VND)
• A Voucher to Madame Lam Restaurant (Value 500,000 VND)
• Photography experience with Frederik Wissink of Secret Experiences (Value 1,600,000 VND)
• Trophy from Vietnam Is Awesome

Hidden Gems

• 3 Day 2 Night Luxury Resort Stay in a Deluxe Suite for 2 persons, including breakfast, at Azerai Ke Ga Bay Resort (Value 13,300,000 VND)
• A Voucher to Ola Hale Restaurant & Bar (Value 500,000 VND)
• Photography experience with Frederik Wissink of Secret Experiences (Value 1,600,000 VND)
• Trophy from Vietnam Is Awesome

3 Runner-up Prizes (Voted by our judges)

Culture & Local Life

• A Voucher to B3 Wine Bar & Grill (Value 500,000 VND)
• A Spa Session at Aman Spa (Value 500,000 VND)
• An experience with Jackfruit Adventure cycling tour (Value 1,150,000 VND)
• Trophy from Vietnam Is Awesome

Architecture & Landscape

• A Voucher to Madame Lam Restaurant (Value 500,000 VND)
• A Spa Session at Aman Spa (Value 500,000 VND)
• An experience with Jackfruit Adventure cycling tour (Value 1,150,000 VND)
• Trophy from Vietnam Is Awesome

Hidden Gems

• A Voucher to Ola Hale Restaurant & Bar (Value 500,000 VND)
• A Spa Session at Aman Spa (Value 500,000 VND)
• An experience with Jackfruit Adventure cycling tour (Value 1,150,000 VND)
• Trophy from Vietnam Is Awesome

1 Community’s Choice Award (Voted by Vietnam Is Awesome Community)

• Secret Cocktail Experience from Secret Experiences (can choose between Hoi An, Da Nang or Ho Chi Minh) (Value 1,900,000 VND)
• An experience with Jackfruit Adventure cycling tour (Value 1,150,000 VND)
• 3-course lunch set from Barson at Le Meridien Saigon for 2 people
• A Voucher for SUP Paddle Station (Value 500,000 VND)
• Trophy from Vietnam Is Awesome

Our Judges

Meet the esteemed panel of judges for the Vietnam Is Awesome Photo Contest 2024, each bringing a wealth of expertise and a unique perspective:

• Gary Tyson (Mr.) - GM at Azerai Can Tho
• Phan Trong Minh (Mr.) - GM at Azerai La Residence, Hue
• Julian Moore (Mr.) - GM at Azerai Ke Ga Bay
• Frederik Wissink (Mr.) - Professional Photographer at Secret Experiences
• Vuong Quang Huynh (Mr.) - Founder & CEO at Chaovietnam, 12 years at Viet Nam News
• Vivian Nguyen (Ms.) - GM at Ola Hale - Restaurant & Bar / B3 Wine Bar & Grill
• Kevin Lee (Mr.) - Executive Producer, Founder at The CAKE Collective
• Le Minh Hoang (Mr.) - ASEAN registered architect, researcher, professor, Founder at Le Studio Architects
• Alex Sheal (Mr.) - Founder and CEO at Vietnam in Focus
• Marcus Lacey (Mr.) - Photographer and creator of the Hanoi Photographic Collection.
• Adrien Jean (Mr.) - Founder - Saigon Photography Tour

Final Words

Congratulations to all the talented winners of the Vietnam Is Awesome Photo Contest 2024! This year's entries, full of captivating images and stories, showcased the rich cultural tapestry and scenic beauty of Vietnam. We're thrilled to see such enthusiasm and passion for photography in our community.

To keep the inspiration flowing and connect more deeply with Vietnam, we invite you to join our exclusive private community. Here, you'll gain access to special promotions, personalized travel tips, and insider recommendations, all designed to enhance your adventures in Vietnam. Become part of a network that celebrates the splendor of Vietnam and connects you directly with our team and fellow enthusiasts.

Don't miss out on the opportunity to enrich your experience and create unforgettable memories — join us now and start exploring Vietnam like never before!