23rd Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest People
Sand Dune Joy

A vibrant moment of pure, unscripted joy captured high in the Tây Nguyên (Central Highlands). Two young boys are fully immersed in play on a pile of sand (possibly construction aggregate), using simple toy trucks and their imagination to create a world of fun. Their bright laughter and enthusiasm, contrasted against the lush, majestic backdrop of the Vietnamese mountains, underscore the simple, timeless pleasure of outdoor play. I was truly stunned by their happiness, finding profound beauty in their ability to find such deep contentment in the natural setting of their hometown.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 05.2024
Date Uploaded: 11.2025
Photo Location: Tay Nguyen, Vietnam
Camera: NIKON Z 8
Copyright: © Hung Phung QUang