Street Photography in Hanoi

Imagine living with a train track just a few feet from your front door…? In the quirky old quarter of Hanoi, the inhabitants on the railway tracks have swapped the hazards of the ubiquitous moped for those of a high speed train flying past twice daily. Washing, cooking, trading and catching up with neighbours is noisily interrupted for a few minutes as the train rumbles past, and then the calm returns. This strange oasis is not only very photogenic, but it felt almost surreal in that for the first time in a few days of walking the city streets the traffic noise was now only a distant buzz, and I could relax my scooter vigilance for a few seconds…

As ever, all images captured with my much loved Canon 5DSR and a selection of lenses… The street that the train passes along is Ngo 224 Le Duan, a short 30 – 40 minute walk from where we were staying at the excellent O’Gallery Premier Hotel in the Hoan Kiem district. Just be aware that the train does not and cannot stop, so if you are planning on visiting be aware and don’t risk your safety for a photo…!