Travel: Vietnam 2008

Two of my passions in life are photography and traveling, not necessarily in that order. My dream job would to become a travel photographer (Any opportunities out there, please contact me). I’ve been traveling internationally yearly since 2003. Sometimes with friends but mostly on my own giving me the opportunity to meet friends all over the world. I’d like to BLOG my travels backwards starting with my most recent trips since they’re fresher in my mind. Eventually, I’d like to publish a book with photos from my travels.

I spent the 2008 holidays in Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand. Vietnam was a whirlwind adventure that highlighted the faded colonial elegance of Hanoi, the natural wonders of Halong Bay, Hue’s rich history, charming Hoi An and dynamic Saigon. Here’s some of my experiences. Click “More Photos” for more. -Brian

Hanoi. First thing I did when I got off the plane…EAT…

Ate balut everyday

A local favorite!!

Tasty

Then explore the city!
It’s hard to explain and photograph the sheer madness of city traffic in this town. The traffic can be best described as controlled chaos. Tuk tuks, cars, pedestrians and bicycles all flow in different directions with no stop lights or stop signs. However, everything moves seamlessly with a fluidity that you would not believe.

For those who have experienced this type of traffic, you know what I’m talking about. Just an absolutely amazing city and a beautiful coutnry.

Taken on one of the busy streets in Hanoi. This theme of old v. new was everywhere in the city. In this case, traditional bicycles and the newer and faster motor bikes. By far, my favorite city in Vietnam.

Hand made pottery in the same way it was hundreds of years ago, Dong Trieu Ceramic Village, Vietnam. It was amazing to witness the locals crafting these vases and pots without the help of modern machinery. I was fortunate to find this angle and managed to capture a photo plenty of patterns, light, shadow and bokeh.

Cockfighting

Between August 1964 and March 1973, this Vietnam state prison was used to detain American pilots whose aircraft had been shot down over Ha Noi. Also known as the "Hanoi Hilton," it’s most well known prisoner was John McCain.

Halong Bay
After exploring the caves within the limestone mountain, I had a chance to take this photo as I was descending back to the dock.

These are the kind of moments why I’m so addicted to traveling. Times when I can sit back, relax and appreciate a scene without worrying about paying my bills and getting to work on time.

I realize that a photo can never do a beautiful scene like this justice, but I wanted to capture the mass and scale of these rock formations against the small fisherman’s boat.

Hue
The Imperial Citadel in Hue, the former capital of Vietnam, from a different perspective.

One of the temples in The Imperial Citadel. The repetition, pattern and the lines of the scene quickly caught my eye.

Local market

You can see this photo in two ways. Cute or sad? It’s naturally cute. The little piglets eyes, their innocent faces and their cuddly nature. But notice the piggy in the back and you quickly realize they’re not pets but a commodity to be bought, sold and likely eaten. Sorry guys. Fact is, if you like pork chops, carnitas, chicarron or khalua pig, please thanks these guys.

Salvaged singles from the Imperial Citadel.

Taking ones shose or slippers off is a custom known in most Asian cultures. Here, we see several slippers on the doorstep at a pagoda.

Hoin An
I intended to post all my Vietnam images in black and white. However, there are always exceptions.

Taken during a leisurely bike ride through the beautiful town of Hoi An. I had a few hours to burn while waiting for a suit to be tailored so I rented a bike and rode away. I was lucky enough to come across this long walkway with locals harvesting and drying the palm frawns on the side for roof material. I loved the lines and patterns that I saw. I got off the bike, and snapped.

I remember waking up at 5:00am to witness the sale of fresh seafood at the local fishing dock in Hoi An. I had to be careful where I stood as I didn’t want to interrupt any bidding for fish or get in anyone’s way while locals purchased their fresh seafood for the day. What drew me to take this shot was the sea of traditional straw hats that most were wearing.

A pile of fresh fish from the fish market. Caught along the Thu Bon River.

Taken while visiting a local orphanage. The orphanage was operated by some local monks. This little one was enjoying an afternoon nap.

Hint: Hand rolled. Comes in different colors. Very fragrant?

Guesses?

Off the Mekong River

Ho Chi Minh City
A cyclo tour through the busy streets of Saigon. It was a greaty way to see the city as well as experiencing the mad traffic of the streets.

A local man taking a break from selling his balloons.

Relaxing and unwinding from the busy streets of Ho Chi Minh City.

The People

Tagged: 5byseven, 5byseven.com, Asia, Asian, Brian B. Catacutan, Indochina, Travel, Vietnam, www.5byseven.com

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