1. Why is Ha Nam an emerging photography paradise in the North?

Ha Nam is increasingly making its mark on the tourism map by possessing unique natural landscapes, with distinct characteristics hard to find elsewhere. Not only is it a land with a rich history, but Ha Nam is also known as the cradle of many unique folk art forms. The system of sacred pagodas and temples, combined with pristine landscapes, has created a cultural-spiritual space that is both harmonious and rich in identity. Especially in 2024, Ha Nam was honored to receive the World Travel Award with the title 'World's Leading Local Culture Destination', contributing to affirming the value and appeal of this land.

Another major advantage that makes Ha Nam attractive is its convenient geographical location. Just about 55 km from Hanoi, visitors can easily reach here by motorbike or car in about 1.5 hours. Entering 2025, along with the strong development of community tourism and efforts to preserve craft village culture, Ha Nam promises to bring visitors more authentic, vivid, and emotional experiences than ever before.

Ha Nam is memorable for its many beautiful landscapes. (Source: Collected)

2. Golden time for photography in Ha Nam

Spring (February - April): The beginning of the year is always considered an ideal time to explore and capture beautiful photos in Ha Nam. The fresh, cool spring air brings a spacious and pleasant atmosphere for outdoor photo shoots. Trees sprout new buds, apricot and peach blossoms bloom everywhere, adorning the roads with vibrant pink and yellow hues, especially impressive in the Tam Chuc pagoda area and ancient pagodas.

Autumn (September - November): The weather this season is cool, the sky is high and clear blue, with gentle yellow sunlight, creating a romantic and nostalgic scene. Golden ripe rice fields, village roads covered with falling leaves, or the Tam Chuc lake surface shimmering with early mist all become ideal backdrops for poetic photos.

3. Top 7 beautiful photo spots in Ha Nam

3.1. Tam Chuc Ecological Tourist Area

Tam Chúc Pagoda is both solemn and poetic. (Source: Collected)

Tam Chúc is always considered a "star" on the list of beautiful photo spots in Ha Nam. Amidst the vast, emerald green lake, the Tam Chúc pagoda complex stands majestically, both solemn and poetic. The Tam The Temple casting its reflection on the lake evokes a sense of solemnity and purity.

The Garden of Stone Pillars, with thousands of stone pillars carved with Buddhist scriptures, offers a unique backdrop for spiritually-themed photos. Standing at the pier or along the shore of Tam Chúc lake in the early morning, when mist hovers over the mountains, the scene appears mystical, like a paradise. In summer, the vibrant pink of blooming lotuses adds tenderness to the lake.

3.2. Kem Trong

The Kem Trong scenic spot has long been famous for the majestic beauty of the Day River winding between two towering limestone mountain ranges. This is a wonderful destination for those who love tranquility and seek a unique natural background.

The picturesque Kẽm Trống (Kem Trong) scenic spot captivates many hearts. (Source: Collected)

The angle many people choose to shoot from is from above, to capture the entire soft river amidst the mountains and forests. In the early morning, sunlight peeks through the steep cliffs, creating magical shadows; while in the afternoon, the golden water surface under the sunset will add depth and artistry to your photo.

3.3. Hang Luồn (Hang Luon) and Ao Dong (Ao Dong)

Hang Luon and Ao Dong offer a fresh photography experience, unlike familiar locations. The water cave system with unique natural stalactites, surrounded by lush green forests, creates a feeling of stepping into a mysterious world.

Luon Cave and Ao Dong will offer visitors new experiences. (Source: Collected)

One of the most "valuable" shots is the scene of a boat winding through the cave, with sunlight shining through the rock crevices creating shimmering streaks of light on the water. Furthermore, the surrounding primeval forest is also an ideal place for you to capture vibrant, wild nature photos.

3.4. Bat Canh Son

Peaceful beauty at Bat Canh Son. (Source: Collected)

Bat Canh Son was once considered one of the most famous scenic spots in the ancient Son Nam region, with temples, pagodas, and a system of relics arranged according to the five-element theory. Despite going through time and war, this place still retains its mystical and poetic beauty, becoming a destination many tourists seek out.

Coming here, you can visit Tam Giao Pagoda, admire hundreds of rare statues, and enjoy the serene atmosphere at the foot of the mountain, by the clear stream. The scenes at Bat Canh Son often carry an ancient, peaceful vibe, very suitable for those who want to "escape" the hustle and bustle of the city.

3.5. Vu Dai Village

Mentioning Vu Dai Village, many people immediately think of the famous traditional braised fish dish. But for photography enthusiasts, this place is also a "treasure trove" of backdrops imbued with the soul of the Northern countryside. The ancient Ba Kien House, moss-covered walls, and clear ponds and pools all evoke a feeling of returning to the past.

A space imbued with the soul of the Northern Vietnamese countryside in Vu Dai village. (Source: Collected)

A frequently checked-in scene is the image of artisans stewing fish by a blazing fire, with smoke billowing in the early morning mist – a realistic, everyday picture. Wells, banyan trees, or ancient stone streets also serve as ideal backgrounds for capturing simple yet captivating shots.

3.6. Phuc Long Cave

Phuc Long Cave is located in the Kien Khe mountain range, famous for its shape resembling a giant, coiling dragon. The path up the mountain is not too difficult; natural stone steps gradually lead you to a spot where you can admire the panoramic view of the Day River, But Son Mountain, and Thanh Thuy forest – a picturesque landscape painting.

Phuc Long Cave is as beautiful as a picturesque landscape painting. (Source: Collected)

Inside the cave, the sparkling stalactite system and the vast space create a mysterious feeling, both overwhelming and attractive. Light shining through the cave entrance makes the photos here even more mythical, very suitable for those who want a "unique" photo set amidst the mountains and forests.

3.7. Dia Tang Phi Lai Pagoda

Hidden amidst the rustling green pine forest, Dia Tang Phi Lai Pagoda is like a vivid ink wash painting. The quiet, serene space, along with traditional pagoda architecture harmonizing with nature, makes this place a rare haven of peace.

Admire the serene scenery at Dia Tang Phi Lai Pagoda. (Source: Collected)

Tall pine rows, shadows cast on the path, a distant shot to see the pagoda nestled amidst mountains and forests… all result in pictures that are both peaceful and poetic. This is an ideal place for check-in photos with a spirit of "calming the mind", simple yet profound.

4. Guide to traveling to beautiful photo spots in Ha Nam

The journey to Ha Nam from Ha Noi is extremely convenient with many transportation options. Buses from Giap Bat or Nuoc Ngam stations to Phu Ly usually cost between 80,000 to 120,000 VND per trip, with a travel time of about 1 hour. If you choose a motorbike or personal car, you can travel along National Highway 1A or the Phap Van – Cau Gie Expressway, with fuel and toll costs of around 70,000 – 100,000 VND per trip.

For a smoother journey, you should depart early in the morning before 6 AM or late in the afternoon after 3 PM on weekends.

For small groups of about 2 to 4 people, renting a self-drive motorbike will help you flexibly and proactively visit many beautiful photo spots in Ha Nam . For larger groups or family trips, you can contact local travel agencies to book package tours with transportation, guides, and a reasonable itinerary.

Taxi services and ride-hailing motorbike taxis are increasingly popular in Ha Nam. For greater convenience, you should save the phone numbers of reputable local taxi companies to easily travel when you want to connect distant points.

5. Experience and tips for "photo hunting" in Ha Nam

Ha Nam attracts tourists with countless attractive check-in spots. (Source: Collected)

Choosing outfits is essential for beautiful photos. When visiting spiritual sites, you should choose neat clothing, elegant colors, and avoid overly flashy or revealing outfits. If you plan to take photos in the countryside and craft villages, try choosing outfits in white, light yellow, or soft pastel blue to blend with the scenery. Maxi dresses and traditional ao dai are also very suitable for shooting in ancient village settings.

Notes when photographing at pagodas: respect the place of worship, maintain order, do not film or photograph in the sanctuary area if prohibited, and absolutely do not use drones in restricted areas. If you want to photograph the people of craft villages, ask for permission first.

Ha Nam is increasingly asserting its charm with diverse and rich natural landscapes. Don't forget to prepare thoroughly before visiting photo spots in Ha Nam (Ninh Binh province) to fully capture the wonderful scenes of this land.