Beautiful images of people and landscapes in Vietnam's south central region and Central Highlands make up 12 award-winning photos at a national contest. 

“Night Port”, captured by Huynh Van Tuyen at Da Nang's Tien Sa Port on July 3, won first prize in the 25th “Country and People of South Central Region and Central Highlands” competition. 

This year’s competition, organized by the Vietnam Association of Photographic Artists, attracted 278 amateur and pro photographers from 10 localities submitting over 2,000 photos.

“I waited for all four container cranes to be in the right position and took the shot,” Truyen said. He also won third prize with another photo he took at sea.

“Rice Civilization”, taken in Son Ha District, Quang Ngai Province by Dam Van Thao, won second prize at the contest. 

Locals here do not use modern machines to harvest. Most work is done by hand and simple tools.

“Last Light of the Day”, taken in Phu Yen Province by Tran Bao Hoa, also won second prize. 

“The scene of coral under clear water in the late afternoon with the shiny sun light made a spectacular view,” he said.

Also winning second prize was “The Way of the Sword” by Ho Minh Duc.

Ly Hoang Long, president of the Vietnam Association of Photographic Artists and head judge, said: “The three photos that won second prize all depict amazing moments. If Rice Civilization revealed the bustle of harvest season by flycam, Last Light of the Day exploited the beauty of coral reefs from a much lower angle - underwater, while The Way of the Sword introduced the fasinating martial arts of Binh Dinh Province.” 

Winning third prize was “Medical Check for Ethnic Minorities”, a photo by Nguyen Ngoc Hoa.

“Peaceful Countryside River” also won third prize. Nguyen Cong Trung took the photo in March this year at An Tri Village, Cat Minh Commune, Binh Dinh Province's Phu Cat District.

“Sedge Dyeing” was taken in Phu Yen Province by Nguyen Tan Kan and won third prize. Kan also won a consolation prize with another photo.

“The Sea is Calling” by Huynh Nam Dong won the consolation prize.

“Father’s Shadow”, taken by Nguyen Minh Quang at a salt field in My Cat Commune, Phu My District, also won the consolation prize.

Another consolation winner was “Vaccine Research” by Hoang Quoc Vinh.

“Back to the Origin” of Duong Hoai An also won the consolation prize.

“Dai Hung Oil Rig - A Landmark of Sovereignty in the East Sea” by Nguyen Tan Cu won another consolation prize.

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the contest award ceremony could not be held in Da Nang in August, taking place online recently