Hanoi in Black and White – Night Street Photography in Vietnam’s Old Quarter

Hanoi is one of those places that stays with you. Not because of landmarks alone, but because of what happens in between – in the streets, on the sidewalks, in the constant movement of everyday life.

As part of my work across Vietnam, I keep coming back to Hanoi. Especially at night. That’s when the city reveals a different rhythm – more contrast, more shadows, more moments that feel real and unfiltered.

Historically, Hanoi is one of the oldest capitals in Southeast Asia, with over a thousand years of cultural layers shaped by dynasties, colonial influence, and modern development. Today, that mix is still visible everywhere – especially in the Old Quarter, where tradition and everyday life blend seamlessly into each other.

Most of my black and white street photography in Hanoi is captured right there – in the Old Quarter. What immediately stands out are the sidewalks. They’re not really sidewalks in the way you might expect. Instead, they are filled with countless small plastic stools, placed in front of a dense mix of street food spots, restaurants, and bars.

This is where life happens.

People sit close together, eat, drink, talk, and watch the street. It’s social, loud, chaotic at times – but never random. There’s a structure to it, even if it doesn’t look like it at first glance. In black and white, these scenes become even more intense. The contrast between light sources and deep shadows gives these everyday moments a different weight.

A short walk from the Old Quarter leads to what is probably one of the most unusual places in Hanoi – the Train Street.

Hanoi Train Street is exactly what it sounds like: a narrow railway track running directly through tightly packed residential buildings, cafés, and small bars. The tracks were originally built during the French colonial period, connecting Hanoi to other parts of northern Vietnam.

Today, trains still pass through several times a day – just inches away from homes and businesses. In recent years, access has been restricted at times due to safety concerns, but the area remains one of the most unique urban environments I’ve photographed.

At night, the atmosphere changes completely. Lights from cafés reflect off the metal tracks, people gather along the edges, and everything seems to pause for a moment when a train approaches. In black and white, the scene becomes even more minimal – just lines, light, and tension.

Another place that left a strong impression on me is the Long Bien Bridge.

Built between 1899 and 1902 during French colonial rule, the bridge was designed by the same engineering firm associated with Gustave Eiffel. It spans the Red River and has played an important role in Hanoi’s history – especially during wartime, when it was heavily bombed and repeatedly repaired.

Today, the bridge is still in use, mostly by motorbikes, bicycles, and trains. Walking across it at night feels different from anywhere else in the city. It’s quieter, more exposed. The structure itself – steel, repetition, geometry – works perfectly in black and white photography. Light falls differently here, and the city feels more distant.

This series of black and white photographs from Hanoi is just a preview.

A more in-depth story, including my experience in Ha Long Bay, will be published soon here on strangphotography.com.

Northern Thailand in Black and White – Street Photography from Nan to Chiang Mai

Northern Thailand feels different. Slower, quieter, more grounded. Traveling through this part of Thailand with my camera, I noticed quickly that the rhythm of the streets changes – and with it, the way I photograph.

This series focuses entirely on black and white street photography, captured between Nan, close to the border of Laos, and Chiang Mai.

Nan is not a place that immediately stands out on a map, but that’s exactly what makes it interesting to me. Historically, it was once an independent kingdom, shaped by Lanna culture and later integrated into Thailand. Even today, that sense of identity is still visible – in the architecture, in the pace of life, and especially in the streets.

Most of my photographs in Nan were taken at night. On weekends, a Thai street food market appears near one of the temples. It’s simple, local, and not made for tourists. Small food stalls line the street, people gather on plastic chairs, and everything feels natural and unfiltered. In black and white, these scenes become less about color and more about structure and interaction.

Just around the corner, in a small side street, I came across a shop selling rice directly from the storefront. Nothing staged, nothing designed – just everyday life. Moments like this are easy to overlook, but they’re often the ones that stay.

Another place that stood out to me in Nan was the We' Loft Bar. Every evening, there’s live music played in a stripped-down, unplugged style. The light is low, the atmosphere intimate, and it creates exactly the kind of contrast I look for in black and white photography. Faces, shadows, small movements – everything feels more present.

Further west, in Chiang Mai, the atmosphere shifts again. The city has a long history as the former capital of the Lanna Kingdom and is now one of the cultural centers of northern Thailand. You can still feel that history, especially inside the old city walls.

Most of my street photography here was captured in the historic Old Town. Narrow streets, temples, passing scooters, and changing light conditions throughout the evening create a constant flow of small, unplanned moments.

Another key location is the Night Bazaar – one of the busiest areas in the city after dark. It’s louder, more crowded, more commercial than Nan, but still full of scenes that work well in black and white. Movement, contrast, and human interaction are everywhere if you take the time to observe.

This part of Northern Thailand, photographed in black and white, is less about iconic sights and more about everyday life. It’s about slowing down, walking without a fixed plan, and noticing what happens in front of you.