Indochina in Focus

Photographers thrive on diversity – and with such a range of landscapes, peoples and historic sites, Vietnam and Cambodia offer a staggering number and variety of photo opportunities.

Culturally, there are vibrant markets and friendly, smiling faces; breathtaking scenery ranges from stunning beaches and meandering rivers to verdant mountains and karst landscapes; and then there are ancient temples to explore, awe-inspiring in scale and fascinating in detail. Add in colourful hilltribes and bustling city streets, and you have pretty much the perfect photography destination. This is just a snapshot of the places and experiences that get me whipping out my camera.

 

The Bayon, Cambodia

 

All of the temples at Angkor present amazing photo opportunities, from the everchanging light over Angkor Wat, its stunning image reflected in the pools before it, to the twisted roots embracing the stones of Ta Prohm. But I find most fascinating the enigmatic smiles of the Bayon – more than 200 huge, carved stone faces; each is said to have a different expression or feature.

Floating markets, Mekong Delta

The Mekong is truly the lifeblood of the region – huge numbers of people depend on it for all aspects of their daily lives. A boat trip along its waterways, visiting remote fishing villages and traditional floating markets, provides a fascinating insight into local life. I recall on one visit waking up at dawn from an overnight cruise and going up on deck to find myself surrounded by a floating market in full swing – one of the most magical experiences I have enjoyed in the region.

Tribes & terraces of Sapa,

Vietnam Sapa, a small town in north-west Vietnam, is surrounded by indigenous hilltribe villages, rice terraces and mist-shrounded peaks. H’mong and Dzao people head into the town’s market daily to trade their produce; the incredibly colourful main market is held every Saturday, but the lowerkey affair on other days is also fascinating.

Saffron-robed monks, Cambodia

Cambodia is a devoutly Buddhist country and monks in their saffron-orange robes are a common sight, often collecting alms from houses and shops along the roadside. However, for an intriguing shot, look out for monks wandering among the tourists visiting ancient sites such as the temples of Angkor.