North and central
Vietnam

I wandered beyond the bustling streets of Hanoi, a vibrant metropolis where motorbikes buzzed like bees and ancient pagodas stood amid modern skyscrapers. Just outside the city’s chaos, I found the serene Tra Que Herb Village. Here, local farmers, some of whom had lived through the Vietnam War, welcomed me with warm smiles and stories, their hands deeply rooted in the soil that sustained them.

In northern Vietnam, mist-cloaked mountains cradled terraced rice fields, while in the quieter lanes, I observed the fading art of fish traps and the intricate process of traditional soy production. As Lunar New Year approached, the country readied itself for the Year of the Dragon: lanterns glowed, markets burst with color, and an electric energy filled the air.

Through my lens, Vietnam came alive — a land of contrasts where bustling cities met tranquil villages, ancient traditions thrived amidst rapid change, and every encounter carried the weight of history and the promise of renewal.— Anouk Sassen