This postcard from Vietnam completes, rather nicely – I think you’ll agree – a trio of similar postcard postings. Matt Brandon’s been visiting his own personal Angkor in Chiang Mai, David duChemin is in Chiang Rai and I’m reaching the tail-end of a trip to Vietnam. Rumours that I left Thailand when I heard that David and Matt were headed in my direction are unfounded 
It’s been a hectic few days and I’ll write more about the reason for my trip to Vietnam later in the week but, for now, I hope you’ll enjoy this quick collection of images from Hanoi and Hoi An.
The first image was shot from the seat of a cyclo. I love the sense of hustle it conveys and, for me, it’s a good example of what life on the streets of Vietnam’s capital can be like. It’s a panned shot, just 1/15th of a second but, fortunately, I’ve managed to keep the lady crossing the busy street really sharp. Of course, it’s more by luck than by judgement although I’m increasingly seeing the truth in the Samuel Goldwyn quote, “I find that the harder I work, the luckier I get.”
The second and third shots are from Hoi An, a town where you’d take a decent picture if you tripped in the street and hit the shutter release button by accident. I was in Hoi An in 2003 and photographed the lady in the final image back then. She provided me with one of my favourite images from that earlier trip and has come up trumps again in 2009. I’m hoping that I won’t have to wait until 2015 before I get a chance to photograph in beautiful Hoi An again. Indeed, I’m confident that I’ll be back long before then.
Gavin, those are probably my two favorite places in Vietnam.
I love Hanoi, but it’s hard to explain why. It’s not the pollution. It’s certainly not the sound of twelve million horns honking. Maybe it’s the plastic children’s furniture for dining al fresco! I really don’t know what it is, but Hanoi has a pulse that I love. It’s my favorite big city in SE Asia.
I also love Hoi An, but I shouldn’t. It’s packed with tourists. It’s full of bad restaurants for tourists. Every other shop is a tourist tailor of dubious quality. Yet I’ve been drawn back again and again, and I can’t wait to return. I don’t know when, but I also hope that it’ll be before 2015. When in Vietnam (or Laos), Hoi An is where I go to unwind.
Just beautiful Gavin!!! So nice to see your work ……never a dull moment!! I am shooting snaps of our holidays in Southern Ontario right now. Moving to Singapore in the new year so I’ll be back to Asia soon! Take care, Penny
Very nice photos.
jack
Lovely images Gavin. The first one, to me, has a real circular sense of motion to it, which is probably as it should be in this part of the world. And Jeffrey, the plastic kid’s furniture is something, isn’t it? Here in Taiwan it’s very common as well, but Hanoi just has a whole other feel to it (or maybe 6 years in Taiwan has made me immune).
Brilliant photos, Gav. I can feel the pulse! Feels almost as if I am there. Great colour co-ordinates!
Thanks for the kind feedback. Penny, so glad you’re coming back to S E Asia – best news today. Looking forward to seeing you again.
Wonderful trio of images Gavin! The quiet in the third image really balances the hyper energy and momentum of the first two.
Great shots Gavin, especially the last.
Hi Gavin;
Welcome to Vietnam. Glad you have a great time and the photos are great. The pan shots is nice and unique. Also, the elderly woman in Hoi An is superb. Did you get a chance to visit HCMC. I can meet and take you around for photography.
Hi Peter, unfortunately, I’m already back in BKK so can’t take advantage of your kind offer. I did get to HCMC but it was a whirlwind trip so I definitely need to plan a return visit. Soon! I’ll let you know when that happens and hope you’ll be available then. Cheers!
Nice work and nice shot.
I think i will try panning shot, thank for your guide
WOW! I could have sworn the first was shot with a Lens Baby. I am so jealous. I have to get to Vietnam now. Anyone want to come? Let’s do a meet up.
Some brilliant shots there, Gavin. As usual.
Flicking through this month’s Photo Plus, I was pleasantly surprised to recognise some more!