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Located in the southwestern region of Vietnam, An Giang is captivating not only for its picturesque natural landscapes but also for its genuine and gentle people. For Duong Viet Anh, a native of this land, An Giang is not only his hometown but also an endless source of inspiration in his photographs. Through his lens, he tells the story of the nature, people, and culture of this place in a vivid and emotional way.
The simple yet captivating beauty of the land where the gentle river embraces the vast rice fields.
Love for one's homeland
Born and raised in An Giang, Duong Viet Anh is currently the Deputy Head of the Tourism Services Team under the Management Board of the Nui Cam Tourist Area. Not only is he dedicated to his work at one of the most prominent tourist destinations in the Mekong Delta, but he also has a special passion for landscape photography. "An Giang is not just my hometown, but also an endless source of inspiration. Every time I raise my camera, I want to capture the unique beauty of this land – from the vast rice fields and gentle rivers to the majestic mountains," he shared.
The field is shrouded in mist.
For him, each photograph is not simply a beautiful moment, but also a way for him to preserve and tell the story of his birthplace. Sharing with Travellive reporters, Viet Anh said: "I always look for authentic and emotionally rich moments... things that make An Giang unique in my eyes. It could be the sunrise painting the fields pink, the ethereal mist embracing the mountains, or the image of farmers busy in the rice paddies."
As the sun sets behind the mangrove trees, the water's surface is bathed in a brilliant golden-orange hue, captivating countless travelers.
A memorable moment on the summit of Thien Cam Son Mountain.
One of the most memorable photos from Viet Anh's photography journey is "Thien Cam Mountain – A Fairyland in the Western Region." It was a November morning in 2019, when he was at the center of Thien Cam Mountain. The area was shrouded in thick fog, making it difficult to see people walking side-by-side. Viet Anh decided to use a drone to observe from above, and when the drone ascended to about 200 meters, a spectacular scene unfolded before him: the entire center seemed to float amidst a sea of clouds, with gentle sunlight filtering through the thick fog, creating a magical natural landscape.
"In just a few short minutes, the scenery unfolded before my eyes, so beautiful that I could only gaze in awe. When I pressed the shutter button, I understood that I had just captured a rare moment of nature," he recounted.
The tranquil lake surface, reflecting the sky and ancient temple roofs, creates a peaceful atmosphere on Mount Cam.
When is An Giang at its most beautiful?
When asked about the best time to explore An Giang, Viet Anh readily shared that the period from May to October is ideal. "May and June feature the Via Ba Chua Xu Nui Sam festival, attracting a large number of pilgrims. From June to August, the fruit orchards ripen, making it a wonderful time to explore the abundant gardens of the Mekong Delta. Especially, September and October are the rice harvest season, when the golden fields are interspersed with lush green palm trees, and it's also when the Bay Nui bull racing festival of the Khmer ethnic people takes place," he said.
In addition, for those who love trekking and cloud watching, the rainy season from June to August is the ideal time to climb Mount Cam, where visitors can admire the ethereal sea of clouds every early morning.
The field was covered in clouds and morning mist.
Experiences you can't miss.
According to Viet Anh, it would be a real shame to visit An Giang without exploring the palm tree fields during the rice harvest season or trekking Mount Cam to chase the clouds. He describes: "The rows of palm trees casting shadows on the golden rice fields in Tri Ton and Tinh Bien create a picturesque scene. And when standing on the summit of Mount Cam in the early morning, you'll feel like you've wandered into a fairyland, with clouds floating below and the sunrise painting the sky pink."
Towering palm trees cast their shadows against the deep blue sky, creating a distinctive landmark of An Giang.
Furthermore, Viet Anh believes that one of the most valuable experiences is discovering the unique culture of the local people. "The people of An Giang are simple, gentle, but also very open-minded and hospitable. Whether Kinh, Khmer, Cham, or Chinese, they all live together harmoniously, creating a rich cultural identity that few places possess. Their harmonious and open lifestyle always makes tourists feel close and want to return," he shared.
Working the land from dawn till dusk...
Whether Khmer, Cham, Kinh, or Chinese, the people here all possess a genuine, gentle, and hospitable nature.
Preserving the beauty of our homeland through the lens.
For Viet Anh, photographing his hometown is not just a passion, but also a way of telling a story. "Each photograph I take carries a unique message, helping me share the beauty of An Giang with more people. It's also my way of expressing my love for my homeland, so that even as time passes, the landscapes, people, and culture here will always be preserved and cherished," he confided.
And if anyone asks Viet Anh where he would take a friend visiting An Giang for the first time, his answer is always Mount Cam. Not only is it the highest mountain in the Mekong Delta, but it also boasts spectacular scenery, fresh air, and impressive photo opportunities.
My childhood was closely associated with rivers, streams, and rice fields.
The period from May to October is the ideal time to explore An Giang.
From the mountaintop, visitors can take in a panoramic view of a vast area, especially at sunrise or sunset – when the golden light bathes the landscape, creating breathtaking photographs. Besides that, Mount Cam also boasts many interesting attractions such as Thuy Liem Lake, Van Linh Pagoda, and the giant Maitreya Buddha statue… offering a unique experience of both nature and spirituality characteristic of An Giang.
With its diverse natural beauty and the simple, gentle lifestyle of its people, An Giang is an attractive destination for those who want to experience a Mekong Delta that is both familiar and fascinating.
Through his photographs, Viet Anh has offered viewers a poetic perspective on the An Giang region. More than just a tourist destination, An Giang, through his lens, appears as a romantic land where nature and people blend together, creating a stunning picture that everyone longs to visit at least once.
