The photo collections were taken by the best entrants from the Southern region in a photo contest launched in August 2015 by the Viet Nam Artistic Photographers’ Association and the newspaper Tuoi Tre (The Youth).

Among the 55 shortlisted sets of photos, the organising board presented one gold, two silver, three bronze and five consolation prizes to the best entrants.

The gold prize was won by Cao Ngoc Duong from Quang Binh Province for his twelve-photo collection, telling a touching story about the daily life of Huynh Thi Ngoc Diep, a street vendor from the city of Can Tho, and her adopted child Huynh Thi Ngoc Nu, who is being treated for brain tumours at the Ho Chi Minh City Oncology Hospital.

Duong received VND 30 million (US$1,340) in cash and a free trip to discover Tu Lan Cave in Quang Binh Province.

The exhibition will run until October 27.

The contest attracted the participation of 299 professional and amateur photographers from across the country, with 875 entries submitted.

The competitors were encouraged to reflect in their works all aspects of modern life, including the country’s political, socioeconomic and cultural situation, as well as traditional craft villages, festivals, traditional practices and the life stories of people across the country. Environmental protection and pressing issues that have attracted attention were also included among the contest’s major topics.

Winning contestants from the northern region will be announced and honoured at a ceremony to be held in Ha Noi on November 11.