‘I wanted to showcase the natural beauty of the country from a perspective that highlights its unique patterns and harmonious balance between human activity and nature.’
So says 35-year-old landscape photographer Daniel Kordan of his stunning aerial Vietnam series.
Award-winning Daniel, based in Bali, Indonesia, specialises in aerial photography and has travelled everywhere from Japan and Myanmar to Antarctica, Iceland and Italy, capturing ‘unique’ scenery from above. He posts the images to his Instagram account (@danielkordan), where he has gained over two million followers, and sells prints of his work on his website (danielkordan.com).
He said: ‘My work is driven by a passion for exploring the world’s most beautiful and remote places and sharing those perspectives with others.’
From an otherworldly bay to cascading waterfalls with azure waters, Daniel shared 17 jaw-dropping pictures of Vietnam with MailOnline Travel that will set your wanderlust for the country ablaze.
Scroll down to decide which one is your favourite.
This moody image shows the Ban Gioc Waterfalls – a ‘unique’ waterfall on the Quay Son River, straddling the border between Vietnam and China. The multi-tiered waterfall sits in the Trung Khanh District of Cao Bang Province in northern Vietnam
Daniel says the Ban Gioc waterfalls (above) were difficult to capture due to ‘complex regulations around drone usage’, which required ‘careful planning’. He needed to complete ‘tons of paperwork’ to fly his drone above the waterfall and ‘capture the images without any legal or logistical issues’. The result? This stunning sunset picture that captures Ban Gioc’s azure waters
This spellbinding aerial image shows the Quay Son River meandering through Phong Nam Valley in Trung Khanh, a mountainous district in the Cao Bang Province. Daniel says: ‘This country’s vibrant terraces, winding rivers and dynamic coastal lines offer endless opportunities to capture its beauty from above’
Daniel says his favourite part of capturing the country was seeing how each shot ‘revealed a different facet of Vietnam’s beauty, offering a glimpse into the country’s soul’. Pictured are the lush rolling hills of the Long Coc tea valley in the northern mountainous province of Phu Tho
Daniel reveals that a lot of preparation goes into taking the perfect shot. He uses tools such as Google Maps and satellite imagery to ‘identify potential compositions’, adding: ‘Failing to properly plan and research locations can result in missed opportunities or suboptimal shots.’ The above image shows the rugged mountainous terrain of Cao Bang
While Daniel will often have a few specific shots in mind before a photo shoot, he says: ‘I always leave room for spontaneity. Some of the best photos come from being open to what the environment offers at that moment, letting inspiration strike as I explore from above.’ Above are the cloudy mountains in Cao Bang
Daniel says: ‘The most challenging aspect of capturing Vietnam was dealing with the unpredictable weather, especially in the mountainous regions. Fog, rain and strong winds can all impact the quality of aerial shots, making timing and patience essential.’ The sprawling mountain range in Cao Bang is pictured above
‘Amateurs often underestimate the importance of lighting in aerial photography,’ Daniel says. ‘The time of day, especially during golden hour, can dramatically affect the mood and quality of the shots.’ The above image shows Phong Nam Valley in Cao Bang partially covered by clouds with the Quay Son River running through it
One of Daniel’s favourite shots is of the terraced rice fields in Mu Cang Chi (above) in Yen Bai Province. Daniel says: ‘The lush green steps carve into the mountainside, showcasing both natural beauty and human ingenuity’. This picture stands out to him because it ‘perfectly encapsulates the unique blend of nature and culture that makes Vietnam so special’
Pictured above is Long An province of the Mekong Delta – a network of rivers, swamps, and islands in southern Vietnam. During the rainy season in the delta, from June to November, women steer long-tail boats to harvest water lilies. Daniel says: ‘The river life is both fascinating and photogenic’
Daniel says: ‘Beyond the physical beauty, it’s the people of Vietnam, with their warmth, resilience and deep connection to the land, that make the country truly special. This connection is evident in every aspect of life, from the way they farm to the way they interact with their environment.’ Pictured above are the rice fields in Mu Cang Chai
Daniel describes Vietnam’s scenery as ‘very authentic’ and says it’s like stepping ‘centuries back in time’. Pictured above is the view from Nui Thung, also known as ‘Angel Eye Mountain’. It’s located in the Cao Bang province and gets its name from the enormous hole in the centre of the mountain
This image shows Ho Thuy Tien, an abandoned waterpark by a natural lake a few miles south of the city of Hue, central Vietnam. It was built in 2004, reportedly costing $3million, and closed a few years later. It’s now a popular site for backpackers, with the main attraction being ‘The Dragon’ (pictured), built on a pier on the southern side of the lake
Daniel says he ‘hoped to evoke a sense of wonder and admiration for Vietnam’ through his photographs, to encourage ‘viewers to appreciate its rich cultural and natural heritage’. The above image shows the Ba Den or Black Virgin Mountain near Tay Ninh City, which has a summit 986m (3,324ft) above sea level and boasts the giant Maitreya Bodhisattva Statue at its summit
Daniel primarily uses high-resolution drones like the DJI Mavic 3 Pro, which ‘offer excellent image quality, stability and control’ and ‘are essential for capturing detailed and dynamic aerial shots’. He adds: ‘I also use a variety of lenses and filters to adapt to different lighting conditions and perspectives’. Here, Ba Den Mountain is pictured amid the clouds
Daniel says Ha Long Bay in northern Vietnam, ‘with its surreal limestone islands’, is one of his favourite places in the country. He says it offers ‘otherworldly views that are perfect for aerial photography’
‘Each country offers its own unique landscapes and patterns, providing endless inspiration for aerial photography,’ Daniel says. Above is the 500-foot-long Golden Bridge, one of the most photographed spots in Da Nang in the Ba Na Hills resort
