Hanoi Photo Tours

There are more chances for street photography of Hanoi photography due to the city is the combination between old and modern. Surrounding the old quarters there are many opportunity for you to enjoy street photography. But be careful and patient with your street photography in Hanoi, sometime people do not want you to shoot them on the street.

There are many craft village surround Hanoi, and they still active and last long till now not like other craft village in other part in Vietnam. So, there is a great time in Hanoi if you are interesting in Hanoi photo tours with the craft village in Vietnam.

Ao Dai traditional dress is the most favorite for photographer to experience when they visit to Hanoi photography. Ao Dai is suitable for the temple, pagoda or the antique building with nice light and shadow. Specially in Hanoi, the street of Phan Dinh Phung is ideal for Ao Dai photography in the morning with the natural light.

Surrounding Hanoi, there are some nice lakes with suitable for landscape photography such as Hoan Kiem Lake and West Lake Hanoi. There is more chance for photography at the West Lake Hanoi if you have time to experience the Hanoi photo tours.

Discover the best Hanoi photo tour itinerary with top photography spots, local tips, and insider secrets to capture stunning photos of Vietnam's vibrant capital.

Hanoi, Vietnam’s charming capital, is a dream for photographers. With its bustling Old Quarter, peaceful lakes, colonial architecture, and rich cultural heritage, the city offers endless opportunities for both street and landscape photography.

Whether you’re a professional photographer or a casual Instagrammer, a Hanoi photo tour is the perfect way to experience and capture the true essence of this dynamic city.

Start your morning early at Hoan Kiem Lake, where locals practice tai chi in the soft morning light. Capture the iconic Turtle Tower (Thap Rua) and the graceful Red Bridge to Ngoc Son Temple.

📍 Tip: Arrive by 5:30 AM to catch the golden hour and local morning rituals.

With its narrow streets, vintage buildings, and chaotic scooter traffic, the Old Quarter is a street photographer’s paradise. Don’t miss:

• Train Street (note current access rules)
• Local vendors and colorful markets
• French colonial architecture
   

📷 Pro Tip: Use a 35mm or 50mm lens for candid portraits and street scenes.

Designed by Gustave Eiffel, this rusting bridge offers dramatic views of the Red River and rural life below. It’s also a great place to capture trains and silhouettes during sunset.

🎞️ Composition idea: Use the bridge’s leading lines to guide the eye through your photo.

For wide, peaceful vistas and city reflections, West Lake is ideal. Come during blue hour for dreamy landscapes or explore the area’s hidden temples and modern cafes.

☕ Bonus: Stop at a lakeside café for sunset shots and a coffee break.

Capture traditional Vietnamese architecture and tranquil courtyards. These historic sites offer symmetry, texture, and color that pop in photos.

• Camera gear: DSLR or mirrorless camera, extra batteries, tripod (for long exposures or night shots)
• Smartphone users: Try a mobile gimbal and use Pro mode or a manual camera app
• Lenses: Wide-angle for architecture, prime for portraits, zoom for candid street shots
• Essentials: Water, sunscreen, comfortable shoes, light jacket (for early mornings)
   

Morning Option:

• 5:30 AM – Hoan Kiem Lake (sunrise & tai chi)
• 6:30 AM – Old Quarter exploration
• 8:30 AM – Breakfast at a local café
• 9:00 AM – Train Street or Long Bien Bridge
   

Afternoon/Sunset Option:

• 3:30 PM – Temple of Literature
• 5:00 PM – West Lake (sunset photography)
• 6:30 PM – Night shots of Old Quarter or Hanoi Opera House
   

If you want expert guidance, local knowledge, and hidden gems, consider joining a guided photo tour. These tours are often led by professional photographers who can help you get the perfect shot and navigate Hanoi like a local.

Recommended options:

• Private Hanoi street photography tours
• Group walking photo tours with historical insights
• Night photography tours of Hanoi landmarks
   

• Be respectful when photographing people—ask when possible.
• Always be aware of traffic, especially in busy areas.
• Explore early in the morning or late afternoon for the best lighting.
• Don’t just chase the perfect shot—enjoy the moment!
   

Whether you’re traveling solo, with friends, or on assignment, a Hanoi photo tour will inspire you to see the city through a different lens. From ancient pagodas to bustling streets, there’s a frame-worthy scene at every corner.

👉 Book a photo tour or grab your camera and start exploring Hanoi today!