Hoi An Through My Lens: Capturing the Soul of Vietnam's Ancient Town

My name is Anya Sharma, and I'm a travel and cultural immersion photographer. For me, travel isn't just about seeing new places; it's about connecting with the people, the traditions, and the stories that make each destination unique. I seek to capture the human element in every frame, those fleeting moments that reveal the soul of a place. That's why I chose Hoi An, Vietnam, for my latest photographic adventure. This ancient town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, pulsates with a vibrant cultural scene, a rich history, and photographic opportunities around every corner.

The Magic of the Lantern Festival

My trip was timed perfectly to coincide with the Hoi An Lantern Festival, held every month on the 14th day of the lunar month. This is when the town truly comes alive. The electric lights are dimmed, and thousands of colorful lanterns illuminate the streets and the Thu Bon River. The history of the festival is deeply rooted in Vietnamese culture, a tradition believed to bring good fortune and happiness.

Photographing the festival was an experience in itself. The soft, warm glow of the lanterns created a magical atmosphere. It felt both festive and spiritual. My approach was to capture candid moments, the unscripted interactions of families releasing their lanterns onto the river. I relied heavily on low-light photography techniques. My trusty 50mm f/1.4 prime lens became my best friend, allowing me to shoot at wide apertures and higher ISOs (typically between 1600 and 3200) to gather enough light.

I experimented with different techniques to convey the beauty of the scene. One of my favorite shots was a wide view of the river illuminated by countless lanterns. I used a long exposure (2 seconds at f/8) to create mesmerizing light trails as the lanterns floated downstream. The other shot I'm particularly proud of is a close-up of a child's face illuminated by the lantern's glow, their expression filled with pure wonder. It's these moments, these genuine emotions, that I strive to capture.

Beyond the Lanterns: Immersing Myself in Hoi An's Culture

Hoi An is more than just the Lantern Festival. It's a town steeped in history and tradition, offering a wealth of experiences for the culturally curious traveler.

A Custom Ao Dai Experience

One of my highlights was getting a custom-made Ao Dai, the traditional Vietnamese dress. I visited Yaly Couture, a well-known tailor shop in Hoi An, and was immediately overwhelmed by the sheer variety of fabrics. After much deliberation, I chose a vibrant red silk with intricate floral details. The fitting process was fascinating, witnessing the skill and precision of the tailors as they meticulously crafted the garment to my measurements.

Of course, I couldn't resist arranging a photoshoot! I wore my new Ao Dai to the Japanese Covered Bridge, one of Hoi An's most iconic landmarks. The golden hour light was perfect, casting a warm glow on the bridge and highlighting the textures of the wood and fabric. I shot at f/2.8 to blur the background and emphasize the flowing lines of the Ao Dai.

Mastering Vietnamese Cuisine

No trip to Vietnam is complete without delving into its incredible cuisine. I attended a cooking class at the Red Bridge Cooking School, focusing on Hoi An specialties. We learned to prepare Cao lầu, white rose dumplings, and Banh Xeo (crispy pancake). The flavors were incredible, a perfect balance of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy. I was fascinated by the fresh ingredients and the traditional cooking techniques.

Capturing the culinary process was a visual feast. I particularly enjoyed taking a close-up shot of myself preparing Cao lầu, focusing on the vibrant colors of the ingredients and the steam rising from the wok. I shot from a low angle with a shallow depth of field to draw the viewer's eye to the heart of the action.

Sunrise at My Son Sanctuary

An early morning trip to My Son Sanctuary, an ancient Cham ruin located about an hour outside Hoi An, was truly special. Waking up before dawn wasn't easy, but it was worth it to witness the sunrise over these historical marvels. My Son was once a vital religious and political center for the Cham people. The architectural styles reflect a blend of influences, including Hinduism. The soft, golden light of sunrise bathed the ruins in a mystical glow, creating a peaceful and awe-inspiring atmosphere. I captured a panoramic shot using a wide-angle lens at f/11 to ensure everything was sharp, showcasing the silhouettes of the ruins against the colorful sky.

A Culinary Journey Through Hoi An

Hoi An is a foodie paradise. Here are a few of my favorite culinary experiences:

• Cao lầu: I ate Cao lầu at a local restaurant in the Old Town. The unique texture of the noodles and the flavorful broth were unforgettable. I captured a top-down shot of the bowl, highlighting the different components of the dish and the vibrant colors of the herbs.
• White Rose Dumplings: Trying White Rose dumplings at the White Rose Restaurant was a must. Their delicate appearance and the unique dipping sauce made them a true delicacy. A close-up shot of a single dumpling, highlighting its translucent wrapper and intricate folds, was the perfect way to capture their beauty.
• Bánh mì: No visit to Hoi An is complete without trying Bánh mì from Madam Khanh - The Banh Mi Queen. The crispy baguette and flavorful fillings are simply divine. I took a photo of myself holding a Bánh mì, with the street scene blurred in the background, to convey the hustle and bustle of Hoi An.

Contrasts in Hoi An

Hoi An is a town of contrasts, a place where ancient traditions meet modern life. The ancient architecture of the Old Town, with its yellow walls, tiled roofs, and narrow streets, stands in stark contrast to the modern development along Cua Dai Beach, with its white sand, blue sea, and palm trees. The rural scenery along the Thu Bon River, with its rice paddies, water buffalo, and bamboo bridges, contrasts with the bustling markets in the town center. This juxtaposition of old and new, rural and urban, creates a unique and captivating atmosphere.

Explore Hoi An Responsibly

Hoi An is a truly special place, and it's important that we all do our part to protect its unique culture and environment. I encourage you to explore Hoi An through photography, but to do so responsibly. Respect the local culture, support local businesses, and be mindful of your environmental impact. Vistalocation.com has some great resources on responsible tourism vistalocation.com/responsible-tourism.

You can see more of my work and travels on my website: anyasharmaphotography.com.

Hoi An captured a piece of my heart, and I hope my photographs have inspired you to discover its soul for yourself. It's a destination that will stay with you long after you've left its lantern-lit streets.