Best Ideas for a Hanoi Photography Tour

Being well-known for the friendly smiles of its inhabitants, Hanoi is always a must-see destination on a trip to Vietnam. So, if you are a photography enthusiast, be sure to check out our article on how to prepare for your Hanoi photography tour in one day.

What to prepare before your photography trip?

Today, with the development of technology, photography is quite accessible. That is why it is easy to get a great shot with a good smartphone. However, in the same way as you prepare for a trip, in order to get great photos during your stay in Hanoi, you need to take some necessary steps before departure, such as finding out about destinations, postures, camera position, clothing and so on. Therefore, Izitour would like to offer you some suggestions and tips before your Hanoi photography tour.

The best time to take good photos in Hanoi

A photo trip will be perfect if you do not forget to mark the best time to go to Hanoi. However, few foreigners know that Hanoi, the muse of northern Vietnam, has a unique charm in each season.

Spring

Spring is the festive season in Hanoi. Thanks to the cool weather, tourists can enjoy a scene of everyday life or beautiful natural landscapes with a lively atmosphere when Hanoians celebrate New Year Eve and the traditional Tet Lunar New Year. These are two important holidays for the Vietnamese, so you will find many interesting activities from early January to February. Are you ready to immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere of Hanoi? Pack your bags and start your Hanoi photo trip today.

If you come to Hanoi during spring, pack warm clothing and a waterproof jacket to cover the outside of your beautiful dresses. In particular, in order to take good photos in the city's nooks or in the old quarter, don't forget to check the weather forecast in advance.

Summer

Summer is generally considered the high season for tourism in Vietnam and Hanoi is no exception. Under the clear sky of the summer, your photos will be decorated by the basking sun, making them more beautiful and magnificent. Don't forget to pack light clothes, shoes and a few bottles of water for the whole trip.

The only drawbacks of this season are the crowds of travellers, which is why photographers usually start their Hanoi photo trips very early, as soon as the sun rises, to capture the most precious moment of the day. In addition, the risk of rain in this season is quite high, which may interrupt your photo session. Check the weather forecast carefully before embarking on your photography trip around Hanoi.

Autumn

Autumn in Hanoi is considered the most pleasant season that allows photographers to capture precious moments in the cool breeze. Therefore, it is advisable to wear light and thin clothes to go out with your camera. Moreover, you can take advantage of the sun shining all day long, making your photos even more beautiful. On a photographic trip to Hanoi in autumn, you will encounter Vietnam's Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as the 'Family Reunion Festival', whose vibrant colours of costumes and decorations fascinate tourists from all over the world. You will be immersed into the warm atmosphere of the Hanoians' family reunion while admiring Hanoi's festive beauty. Capture as many moments as you can because the random pictures sometimes are the most memorable ones.

Winter

Of the four seasons in Hanoi, winter is always the least favourite because of the northeast cold wind. However, in terms of art, you will find a deep beauty and harmony in everyday life's scenes. While the coldness often reminds of tranquillity, the hustle and bustle of Hanoian is a highlight to make your photos more lively in winter.

Late winter in Hanoi becomes more colourful with Christmas. Though not all Hanoian are Christian, all of them enjoy the festive season by decorating their home warmly and vividly. Especially in church and Hang Ma streets in the Old Quarter, you can find a little corner to chill and take nice photos.

Hoan Kiem Lake

>> Find out more about: Top Traditional Vietnam Festivals and Public Holidays in 2023 - 2024

The best cameras for a photography trip

In addition to choosing the best time to go to Hanoi, the choice of camera is another important element to help you take great photos. Due to different types of camera bodies, you can take different photo collections. The portable and high-quality cameras include Sony, Fujifilm, Canon, Nikon,...

If you don't have any cameras, pack a good smartphone with a spare battery and an extra memory card for your Hanoi photo tour! Also leave some storage space for new photos in your smartphone.

Note: Don't forget to fully recharge your phone and spare battery.

Tips for taking great photos with your phone

During your stay in Hanoi, you will be able to find several extraordinarily beautiful attractions that enhance your passion for the art. Among the tools for a Hanoi photography tour, most travellers choose their smartphone to capture the moments. If you find taking good photos hard, don't worry. Izitour will let you know some tips on photo composition rules for beginners or non-professional photographers.

• Rule of thirds: To understand easily, you can imagine that the frame is divided into 9 equal parts by 2 vertical and 2 horizontal lines. According to this rule, the most important elements of the photo are positioned right on these lines, or on the intersections of these lines.

Rule of thirds in photography

• Using leading lines to guide the eye: Leading lines are used as a composition technique where perspective is highlighted. If you do this rule, it helps direct the viewer's gaze to a course you want in your photo.

Using guidelines to guide the eye through a photo

• Use symmetry: In Hanoi, you will be able to find the patterns and natural scene of symmetry. This is why symmetry is considered a powerful and popular compositional tool in photography that immediately grabs the attention of viewers. So, remember to use this rule when taking great photos.

Camera system in smartphone

Moreover, there are a few other ways to achieve precious moments in photography like taking multiple photos at the same time; keep your smartphone camera clean; use the camera grid in your phone;...

Make a list of photos to take by category

In photography, there are many photo styles, which you can take all right in Hanoi. So before making your Hanoi photo tour, it is suggested to classify the photo styles into different categories that you would like to take. This will help you to prepare well in advance in terms of clothes and accessories, to also avoid always shooting around the same subjects such as: landscapes, street photos, slices of local life, activities around monuments,...

Best places recommended for a one-day photo tour in Hanoi

Hanoi - the muse of northern Vietnam has a unique charm that cannot be found anywhere else. To help you choose the sights when planning your one-day photography trip to Hanoi, Izitour has selected 12 interesting places sorted according to the following categories of landscape, street and daily local life.

Landscape photography in Hanoi

Being granted the title 'The city of peace', Hanoi offers a tranquil landscape. If you would love to take photos of architectural, cultural or even natural landscapes, don't forget to visit the following places for great photos.

Hoan Kiem Lake
When it comes to Hanoi, visitors remember the image of Hoan Kiem Lake. Located in the heart of Vietnam's capital, in the Hoan Kiem district, this lake is known for its peaceful beauty and cultural values. It is also considered a great place to photograph in Hanoi.
If you want to capture magnificent photos, early morning and late afternoon are two great moments. Don't hesitate to get up early to avoid the incoming mass of tourists during the day.

>> See more: Half Day Hanoi Walking Tour

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
Located in Ba Dinh Square on Hung Vuong Street, the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is the final resting place of President Ho Chi Minh. With its unique architectural style, it has become one of the most important historical attractions not to be missed during an adventure in the thousand-year-old land of Vietnam. Once you arrive, you will be impressed by the solemn atmosphere of the national flag-raising ceremony every morning.

Beside the architecture, the flag raising ceremony at the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is a ceremony to commemorate President Ho Chi Minh. It is a sacred moment that testifies to the national unity and absolute faith of the Vietnamese people in the Party and State. To capture the moments of the flag-raising ceremony, you need to start your trip early.

• Flag raising ceremony: 6:00 AM in summer and 6:30 AM in winter
• Flag lowering ceremony: 9 PM daily

National flag-raising ceremony in the historic Ba Dinh Square

>> Read more: Visit Hanoi in a day

West Lake
Located northwest of Hanoi, West Lake (otherwise known as Ho Tay) is a favourite attraction for young people in Hanoi. As with Hoan Kiem Lake, to take good photos you need to check the weather before you go out and start your visit. Don't forget to arrive at sunrise and sunset to get good photos and avoid the mass of visitors.

West Lake at sunset in Hanoi

>> If you are interested, visit Hanoi by bicycle in half a day

Long Bien Bridge
Being 120 years old, the Long Bien Bridge is regarded as a link between the past and the present. It has become an invaluable part of Hanoi's history with the evidence of time etched on each of its spans. During your Hanoi photo tour, it is recommended to admire the beautiful bridge from a different angle.

The Long Bien Bridge at sunset

>> Read more: The Long Bien Bridge - a historical symbol of Hanoi

Street photography

Street photography is the favourite photography style of several foreigners coming to Vietnam and especially Hanoi. You will find many photographers in the famous streets of Hanoi capturing the precious moments of Hanoians' daily life. Izitour suggests some wonderful attractions for your Hanoi photography tour.

Old Quarter
When visitors come to Hanoi, they seem to seek out the idyllic and ancient beauty of the capital. And of course, the Old Quarter is always on the top of mind as a famous Hanoi attraction. So be sure to add this place to your itinerary.

Phung Hung Street
Located in the Hoan Kiem district, with its bright colours and liberal designs, Phung Hung Street looks like a new lease of life, attracting many young painting enthusiasts, especially photographers. Here one can admire 17 paintings on a total of 127 spans of the railway bridge, conveying the message of Hanoi the capital with a millenary culture that is still fresh. Especially before the Lunar New Year, Phung Hung street is reserved as a pedestrian zone and flower market, when the scene of life becomes even more lively.

An authentic open-air street art museum

Hanoi Mosaic Street
The Hanoi Ceramic Mosaic Street is a large colourful mosaic painted on the walls, artistic and popular. This place is a favourite tourist attraction on any Hanoi photo tour itinerary for those who appreciate art and like to take photos with beautiful backgrounds.

Hanoi Ceramic Wall - a masterpiece of Hanoi art

Phan Dinh Phung Street
Hanoi's Phan Dinh Phung Street, which stretches about 1.5 km, connects Mai Xuan Thuong Street and Hang Cot Street. Phan Dinh Phung is considered the most beautiful street in Hanoi, especially in autumn. During your Hanoi photo tour, be sure to mark this spot on your itinerary to take some artistic photos.

The most charming and picturesque street in Hanoi, especially in autumn

Photos of daily life in Hanoi

The photos of daily life is the favourite style of photographers on a trip to Hanoi. These photos record precious moments in the rhythm of Hanoians' life, allowing you to discover a part of Vietnamese culture. Are you ready to immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere of Vietnam's capital? Follow us to discover the best sights to take great photos of everyday life in Hanoi.

Quang Ba Flower Market
Located at 236 Au Co Street, Quang An District, Tay Ho District, Quang Ba is considered the most beautiful flower village in Hanoi. For this reason, Quang Ba Flower Market is an attractive tourist destination not to be missed in Hanoi. With the glittering backdrop of countless flowers in full bloom, you will immediately be able to take beautiful photos and buy stunning flower bouquets.

Furthermore, if you like Hanoi's nightlife, the Quang Ba flower market is for you. This market is open from 11 PM until dawn the next morning, and the busiest time is around 2 AM - 5 AM.

Duong Lam Old Village
Located about 45 kilometres west of downtown Hanoi in Son Tay City, Duong Lam is a typical North Vietnam village with many preserved ancient features, offers a quiet and nostalgic escape. When you go to Duong Lam village, you will find the familiar and serene image of banyan trees, wells, the communal house and the traditional village gate. That's why Izitour recommends coming here to take photos of Hanoi culture.

>> Read more: Duong Lam Ancient Village - An example of a perfectly preserved village in North Vietnam

Bat Trang Village
Bat Trang pottery village is situated on the banks of the Red River, about 14 km away from the Hanoi city centre. It is the oldest and most wellk-nown pottery village in Vietnam, attracting visitors from neighbourhood and abroad. If you want to discover Vietnamese daily life in a handicraft village, Bat Trang village is one of the ideal places to go.

>> Interesting discovery about the Bat Trang pottery village

Phu Vinh Village
Phu Vinh Village is a traditional rattan village located along National Road 6A, which connects Hanoi to the northern mountain provinces. It is 5 km from Chuong My city and 27 km from Hanoi city centre in the south-west. Phu Vinh is famous for knitting rattan and bamboo for a long time. When visiting the rattan knitting village of Phu Vinh, you will discover the beauty of Hanoi's famous traditional handicraft village, which offers many beautiful and creative products.

Phu Vinh bamboo and rattan village products