In the middle of Hanoi's Old Quarter, 'Western and Eastern' lenses intersect: Chaotic but fascinating

Amidst the bustling pace of Hanoi's Old Quarter, 'street photography workshops' are becoming a new cultural exchange tourism trend, attracting a large number of international visitors.

Mr. Urho Airiman experiences workshop with photographer

Each photography workshop in the old town usually lasts from 2 to 3 hours, for small groups of one person to increase interaction and personal experience.

A crowded Hanoi but rich in historical depth

Under the guidance of a local photographer, visitors learn street photography techniques and gain a better understanding of Hanoi’s history and lifestyle. The journey passes through familiar places such as Dong Xuan Market, Long Bien Bridge, small alleys or temporary markets - places that clearly reveal the rusticity and liveliness of urban life.

Participating in the workshop, Mr. Urho Airiman (74 years old, from Sweden) said he chose Hanoi as a stop on his journey around the world to record cultural experiences through photography.

After a week in Hanoi, he found the old town similar to his hometown, but distinguished by its vibrant pace of life and bustling commercial spirit. What impressed him most was the friendliness of the Vietnamese people.

“Even when walking or sitting down to eat, many Vietnamese people smiled and waved at me. Those gestures made me feel sincerely welcomed,” Mr. Urho Airiman shared.

Through his lens, Mr. Airiman sees a crowded but historically rich Hanoi. He considers photography a cultural bridge. “My friends have never been to Hanoi, but when they see these photos, they will see that this is a place worth experiencing,” Mr. Airiman said.

He believes that the workshop is not only a tourist activity, but also helps him understand the dynamism and flexibility of Vietnamese people - what makes Hanoi attractive.

Sam Cottrill, 33 years old, a British tourist, joined the workshop with the desire to explore Hanoi through a completely new lens.

That is to capture everyday moments and keep genuine photos to share with relatives, the travel community on the Polarsteps blog as well as his personal blog recording his and his wife's travel journey.

In his first few minutes on the streets, Sam admits he was overwhelmed by the fast pace and energetic chaos of Hanoi. But as he gradually adapted, he began to see the appeal of the experience.

“This is a completely different perspective. A few days ago, I just went for a walk to feel, not to capture each moment,” he shared.

What surprised him was the openness of people to having their photos taken, or the way cars naturally avoided him in the middle of the street without any discomfort - everything happened very flexibly and calmly.

The most memorable highlight of his journey was the "Heaven Market" - a place he called "a slice of real life".

Unlike the familiar and touristy old town, the motorbike spare parts market gave him a real feel of the working life and daily routine of Hanoians - something he had never seen before.

At the end of the trip, Mr. Sam said he brought back the image of a colorful, dynamic and constantly moving Hanoi. For him, the hustle and bustle of the city is not an inconvenience, but rather its own attractive beauty.

He plans to select the best photos to post on his travel blogs, hoping to inspire more people to come to Vietnam.

At the end of the journey, members will take time to review the works, exchange perspectives and tell the stories behind each frame - Photo: XUAN MAI

Promote Vietnamese culture as well as spread professional passion

In his role as an instructor, photographer Nguyen An Huy, 43, said that at first he was just looking for a way to “make a living from his passion”, but gradually realized that this was an opportunity to promote Vietnamese culture, images, and history as well as spread his passion for the profession.

He sees the old town as a space rich in energy, with a special vitality. Everything happens at the same time - vendors, children playing... Chaotic but attractive, and never runs out of ideas to photograph.

According to Mr. Huy, foreign tourists are often most interested in capturing the "breath of life" of the old town with its busy traffic, traditional crafts, or trading activities.

He shared that many times the group was offered drinks and invited into people's homes - actions that clearly demonstrate the typical hospitality of Hanoi people.

Since 2019, Nguyen An Huy's group has organized an average of 4-8 workshops per month (including photowalks, short workshops and photography experiences), attracting hundreds of tourists and photography lovers through platforms such as Tripadvisor, Airbnb Experience, GetYourGuide/Viator...

Locations include the Old Quarter, the Cathedral, Hoan Kiem Lake, sometimes extending to West Lake, Long Bien Bridge or craft villages. The workshop is open to all levels, from beginners to professional photographers, as long as you have a passion for photography and a desire to explore Hanoi.

On a broader perspective, creative tourism products such as photography workshops not only help diversify experiences but also effectively promote the image of Vietnam and its people.

Street photography activities are becoming a bridge connecting Hanoi and international friends - where culture is spread not only through words, but also through everyday moments.

XUAN MAI - PHUONG MINH - MINH TRANG

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/giua-pho-co-ha-noi-ong-kinh-tay-ta-giao-nhau-hon-don-nhung-cuon-hut-20251202143140729.htm