The beauty of Vietnam's seas and islands is the focus of Gian Thanh Son's latest exhibition of photographs which will open next week in Nicosia, Cyprus.

Thirty-colour photographs were selected from the artist's collection, Dao va bo bien Vietnam (Vietnam's Seas and Islands), the result of more than 20 years of work.

All works highlight landscapes in coastal provinces such as Quang Ninh, Ba Ria-Vung Tau, Kien Giang, Ca Mau, Khanh Hoa and Tien Giang.

Son, 58, one of the country's leading photojournalists, said he wants to introduce the culture, economy, tourism and natural resources of Vietnam.

"I love discovering and capturing Vietnam's seas and islands. I want the world to see these areas and their beauty," said Son, who has taken several thousand photos of the islands.

"I like Son's aerial photos because they have ideas that make people think after viewing. His works reach into the simple, natural essence (of things)," said author Tran Nha Thuy of Ho Chi Minh City.

Son's exhibition was organised to mark 30 years of diplomatic relations between the Republic of Cyprus and Vietnam. It begins on January 19 and ends later this month.-VNA