Hoang Su Phi – Photography in a dreamy world

Ready for a photography tour to Hoang Su Phi, it takes 1 day driving to start with. So photographers might want to stay overnight somewhere on the way for more relaxation. We suggest staying overnight in Tuyen Quang, where you can get to photograph many tea plantations with workers in conical hats. Then next day is Hoang Su Phi, in time for some further photography before sunset.

When is the best time to photograph Hoang Su Phi and what is in Hoang Su Phi to photograph?

So when is best for your Vietnam photography trip to Hoang Su Phi? Well, it is beautiful at any time of the year. Still, there are 02 times that the scenery changes, which you should opt for: May – June and Sept – Oct. One is the time the local farmers start the rice crop and the other is when they harvest the rice. At both times, the textures of the cascading rice fields appear to be most photogenic. In May – June period, the rice fields form gigantic mirrors reflecting the sky above. In Sept – Oct period, the rice ripens and form vast golden patches along hillsides.

Is there a market in Hoang Su Phi for photography purpose?

The capital of Hoang Su Phi is a town called Vinh Quang. There’s also a colorful central market of the same name located downtown. While the market is open on daily basis, it gets most crowded every Sunday. This is when the local minorities coming to buy & sell. Each Sunday, this downtown sections booms with colors of traditional costumes worn by the minorities. There will be many opportunities for your photography here.

Which lens should I pack along for my Vietnam photography trip to Hoang Su Phi

• A tele lens is definitely a must. This is extremely helpful for the mountains of northern Vietnam. Moreover, in Hoang Su Phi you will spend some good time shooting to the hillside to capture the landscapes and rice terraces.
• A portrait lens is handy. Because there will be times that you meet the locals on the way, or in a market. By the way, these are friendliest people in the world. And thanks God, they don’t care about their photos being on anyone’s Facebook, yet!
• A wide angle lens is helpful, too. As you will probably, at some point, walk into the rice field and photograph the farmers at work.

Where should I stay during my Vietnam photography trip to Hoang Su Phi?

For a map of Hoang Su Phi, please click here

Recently, a dozen better accommodations came up and Hoang Su Phi. Accommodation now varies from small hotels in town and nice lodges nestled in the mountains. Last but not least, you can always choose to stay in one of the numerous home-stays available on Agoda of Booking.com.

Places where you can stay are:

• Hoang Su Phi bungalow
• Hoang Su Phi lodge

How long should I stay in Hoang Su Phi for photography?

We suggest at least 02 full day for Hoang Su Phi on your Vietnam photography trip. This gives a sufficient amount of time for landscape and people photography Hoang Su Phi. Don’t forget that the market of Vinh Quang is most crowded on every Sunday morning. This is when you can photograph the colorful ethnic minorities in their trading hustle.

Of course, if you combine Hoang Su Phi and with a photography tour in Ha Giang, then the time can easily be close to a week. Because the loop from Ha Giang – Quan Ba – Dong Van – Meo Vac occupies 03 days easily.