Hanoi in Photos – Monsoon Atmosphere and Colonial Echoes
Discover atmospheric photography from Vietnam’s capital
Hanoi, Vietnam’s vibrant capital, comes to life in this photographic journey through rain-soaked streets, colonial architecture, and bustling alleys. Shot during the unexpected early-May monsoon, this photo series captures the essence of a city in motion—resilient, colorful, and full of life. Through the lens of Sebastien Desnoulez, explore a Hanoi that blends tradition with modernity, under heavy skies and reflective puddles.
Hanoi in the monsoon: an unexpected experience
During my trip to Hanoi, I was surprised to discover the Vietnamese capital under a steady downpour. Although early May is usually dry in the north of Vietnam, climate change brought torrential rains throughout the entire stay.
Everyday life adapts to the rain
In Hanoi, life never stops—not even during a monsoon. The city’s cyclo-rickshaws, covered in plastic sheets, become makeshift umbrellas on wheels, allowing residents and visitors to move around with surprising ease despite the weather.
Colonial heritage and local ingenuity
After the French left, many colonial houses were redistributed to Vietnamese families. These wide homes (9 to 12 meters) were divided into three units, giving rise to narrow street-front shops that often serve simultaneously as business spaces, living rooms, and even garages.
Photo highlights of Hanoi
Here is a selection of photos from this series that reveal the multi-faceted character of Hanoi:
- The lively alleys of the Old Quarter
- Scooters in the rain – vibrant and dynamic snapshots of daily life
- Temple of Literature – a peaceful symbol of Vietnam’s scholarly heritage
- Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum – an iconic and solemn place of national memory
Order a fine art print of these photographs, available as a limited edition of 30, on the online gallery Une image pour rêver.
Next step: Photos of Ha Long Bay – Vietnam’s mythical seascapes
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All the photos displayed on this website are copyright protected © Sebastien Desnoulez. No use allowed without written authorization.
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About the author
Sebastien Desnoulez is a French photographer specializing in travel, architecture, and fine art photography. Through vibrant contrasts and poetic scenes, his work captures the beauty of places and the emotion of fleeting moments. Discover more on desnoulez.fr.
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