hanoi Photography Guide
# Photography Locations in Hanoi
Best Photography Spots
Hanoi Old Quarter
Bustling historic district with ancient architecture, narrow alleys, local shops, markets, and vibrant street life including motorbikes and vendors.
Hoan Kiem Lake
Iconic lake with red Huc Bridge, Ngoc Son Temple, and surrounding streets featuring yellow walls and local activities like Tai Chi.
Train Street (Phố Tàu)
Narrow street where trains pass inches from cafes and homes, creating thrilling urban scenes.
Temple of Literature
Vietnam's first university with ancient pavilions, gardens, and serene courtyards ideal for architecture and portraits.
St. Joseph Cathedral
Gothic-style cathedral with yellow walls and bustling surroundings, great for urban contrasts.
West Lake and Tran Quoc Pagoda
Expansive lake with Vietnam's oldest pagoda on a peninsula, offering peaceful water scenes and bridge views.
Long Bien Bridge
Historic iron bridge over Red River with rusty architecture and city views.
Quang Ba Flower Market
Vibrant night market with colorful flowers, vendors, and local life.
Vietnam Museum of Ethnology
Outdoor exhibits of ethnic minority houses and cultural displays.
Long Bien Market
Busy wholesale market active at night with workers and goods under streetlamps.
Hidden Gems
Quang Phu Cau Incense Village
Village with hundreds of colorful incense bundles drying in the sun, creating palette-like scenes.
Con Đường Gốm Sứ (Ceramic Street)
Vibrant mosaic wall with traditional designs and ceramic rainbow.
Ban Yen Nhan Soy Sauce Village
Traditional village with large clay pots of fermenting soy sauce forming patterns.
Quang Ba Flower Market Backstreets
Lesser-known alleys behind main market with flower vendors and quiet scenes.
Photography Tips for hanoi
- 1.# Photography Tips for Hanoi
- 2.Hanoi's chaotic energy suits **street photography**—use fast apertures for candids amid motorbikes. February's mild weather (15-25°C) favors early mornings for soft light on temples and evenings for neon streets. Prioritize lightweight gear for mobility; drones may need permits near landmarks. Techniques: long exposures on Train Street, reflections at lakes, high vantage points for incense villages.[1][2][3]
Trip Planning
# Trip Planning for Hanoi (Feb 9-13, 2026) **Transportation**: Use Grab app for cheap motos/taxis (~50,000 VND/ride); walk Old Quarter. No metro to all spots yet. Rent scooter if experienced (traffic intense). **Safety**: Watch for pickpockets in crowds; crossing streets requires confidence—follow locals. **Permits**: None for most spots; drone registration via CAAV. **Weather**: Dry, 15-25°C—pack layers. **Logistics**: Stay in Old Quarter (e.g., Hanoi La Siesta Hotel); day 1-2 Old Quarter/Train St, day 3 lakes/temples, day 4 markets/villages. English limited—use Google Translate. COVID rules likely minimal by 2026.[2][6][7]
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