Street Photography in Vietnam: A Journey Through History
I recently got the chance to travel to Vietnam as a photographer, and I was absolutely floored by the incredible street photography opportunities the nation has to offer. Vietnam is a photographer's dream, from the busy streets of Hanoi to the ancient beauty of Hue and Hoi An.
The sense of travelling back in time was among the aspects about Vietnam that most surprised me. Every facet of daily life in the nation reflects the strong cultural traditions and long history of the nation. There are countless opportunities to capture Vietnam's timeless beauty, from the winding streets of Hanoi's Old Quarter to the historic temples of Hue. My visit also included a trip to Halong Bay, a breathtaking natural wonder situated in the north eastern region of the country.
But sometimes the best experiences really derive from the most simple and unpredictable of moments. I would say my personal highlight was when we walked in a rather rural area of Hue, close to an abandoned water park. There we met a group of kids with whom we made friends with and tried to communicate with via google translate! That was so much fun and they were so friendly! You can see an image of them here, when I was trying to approach them!
The charm of Vietnam largely stems from its people. I was impressed by the friendliness and politeness of the natives everywhere I went. People in Vietnam were always happy to cooperate and share their stories with me, whether I was taking impromptu street photos or just asking for directions. I have also to mention the amazing cuisine I had while traveling in Vietnam. Everything from savory food carts on the streets to chic restaurants was to my liking.
Overall, Vietnam is a fantastic destination for street photography, and I heartily recommend it to anyone looking for fresh and interesting topics to photograph.
It is a place that should not be missed because of the welcoming locals, fascinating history, and delectable cuisine. Make Vietnam your top priority if you're organizing a vacation to Asia! What I would probably try to avoid is Hanoi, as I found the place just to crazy and chaotic. Vietnam is now a place in my heart forever and I am sure that I will have to visit this place again in the future… and explore its more rural areas.