HÀ NỘI – Photos depicting Vietnamese tourism can compete for prizes at the Explore Vietnam photo contest, which kicked off yesterday in Hà Nội by the Việt Nam National Tourism Administration (VNAT) and the Việt Nam Association of Photographic Artists (VAPA).

First launched in 1990, the contest aims to introduce Vietnamese tourism potential, culture, landscapes, heritage and people to domestic and foreign travellers. The contest gathers beautiful photos that will be used to promote tourism, attract more visitors to the country, contributing to transforming tourism into a key economic sector.

The contest is open to professional and amateur photographers who are Vietnamese citizens at home or abroad, as well as expats living in Việt Nam and foreign tourists who have been to the country.

Contestants are encouraged to capture the natural beauty, historical sites, cultural practices and values, customs, festivals, and people from across the country. Entries should be submitted to Du lịch (Tourism) magazine no later than June 5.

The top prize includes a gold medal from the VAPA, VNĐ15 million in cash and a tour package for two.

The awards ceremony and exhibition of excellent photos will take place on July 9 at Hà Nội’s Museum of Military History.

The previous edition of the contest received more than 16,000 entries featuring spectacular landscapes, fine traditions, experiences of travel products, traditional craft villages and culinary arts. VNS

Colours of the Sea, taken by Trần Bảo Hòa was named as the winner of the previous contest.