Hue is more splendid through photos

A pleasant surprise at scenic views

Ha Cang village (Quang Phu, Quang Dien District), along with many other localities in Hue, was previously unknown. Recently, Ha Cang has become a touristy "check-in" spot, especially for young people near and far to take pictures at the lone tree amid a paddy field where the movie "Mat Biec” (Blue Eyes) was set. When its photos competed in "The Ancient Capital’s Imprint" contest organized by the Department of Tourism, many visitors throughout the country were awed with admiration.

Thanks to "Blue Eyes", the lone tree in Ha Cang has become famous (Photo courtesy of the Department of Tourism)

Ho Thi Ngoc Bich – a tourist from Danang said the photos of the lone tree on the contest’s forum had urged her and many of her friends in Da Nang to visit Hue on the National Independence holiday this year.

“We all have wanderlust and a love for photography, so making trips are inevitable. On our next visit to Hue, we will look for new places to capture stunning and romantic photos”, Ngoc Bich shared.

This summer, the lotus field in La Chu village (Huong Chu, Huong Tra) has attracted more tourists. The photo entries of blooming lotus fields sent to the contest has given a female tourist from Ninh Thuan a feeling of regret as she was not aware of such a beautiful shooting location on her last visit to Hue in April. She insisted on returning for a photo album of lotus.

Among the entries for "The Ancient Capital’s Imprint" contest, Tam Giang Lagoon is most photographed. With several striking and original shooting angles showing the life of residents in Tam Giang lagoon, these photos have received widespread praise from visitors.

Mr. Truong Thanh Minh, Director of the Center for Tourism Information Promotion, said that each photo showed a unique feeling of each visitor about Hue. Hue in the eyes of tourists is distinguished, and this helps promote the city’s image better to the wider public. For example, perhaps the young travelers are picky when it comes to heritage travel, but through the photos in the contest, I could see their love for the ancient legacy with more excitement, enthusiasm, and a completely different experience with the heritage.

Extending contests

Mr. Vo Duc Phuc, a drone user in Hue, said despite being a local who knows quite a good few places, he was surprised to discover even more strikingly beautiful scenes in his hometown. Hue is indeed a romantic and dreamy land, a truly unique heritage site. These breathtaking landscapes have engraved in Phuc a greater love and pride of Hue like never before.

Dong Ba Market as a popular "check in" point of many tourists

Not only were the photo contests organized by state bureaus, private enterprises have also become keen to hold similar competitions. DMZ Tourism Joint Stock Company said that by sharing public photo albums on personal Facebook pages, each containing 5 photos taken at 5 different locations in Hue, their online competition has achieved massive impact.

The competition was held with the aim of promoting the enterprise’s brand name to the younger generations and creating spillovers for the new tourist destinations that young people in Hue now adore.

Hue is widely regarded as an attractive and suitable destination for photo tours. Many visitors who previously had the opportunity to come to Hue and captured great photos now also have the opportunity to showcase their works through the contests. A tourist from Ho Chi Minh city shared, the contests were moments for everyone to slow down and appreciate the transformation of Hue’s beauty when the yellow autumn falls on the city. One can stop to record the best moments of the ancient capital, the poetic scenery of the fallen leaves, and the various hues of the placid autumn mosaic.

 When in Hue, I felt a poetic ancient capital still vibrant in modernity and got lost in its poetic, musical, and photographic fantasy… I couldn’t help uttering: I love Hue so much!

Story and photos: Duc Quang