I have a favorite route, the best in the city from the point of photography opportunities: a walk along the An Cuu River.
Three kilometers one way and back. 7 bridges on the route. Although plain, they are all individual, most not without a charm. Two of them cross the river at unusual angles, some other are associated with local markets, one of them is a way to a large Catholic church, another opens up a view of the colonial railway station... The embankments host historical landmarks and outdoor cafes with tables standing along the river... Etc. Probably, it's already clear why I enjoy the place that much. And kingfishers! I saw them almost every time.
I sometimes start walking in late afternoon and then return in the dark. Look how cool the route is at night.
Da Vien Bridge, a view of the Perfume River. My night route back to the homestay starts there.
You could hear about the Perfume River in the context of the Vietnam War; the Full Metal Jacket by Kukrick mentions it. Nowadays it's full of peace and tranquility.
500 meters walking along parks, and you are by the An Cuu River.
There are many old buildings on the embankments, not every looks interesting during the daytime. But the night together with inconsistent light from motorbike headlights change shapes and sometimes bring vibes of the mystery.
Historical buildings combined with a bicycle and a rice hat make an impression of timelessness.
Fickle headlights create atmospheric shadows.
Street traffic never stops bringing inspiration.
An Dinh Palace is mesmerizing by itself so combining it with traffic is a temptation.
Ben Ngu market sprawls along the embankment. Always an opportunity.
Alas, cameras have limitation. f/8 would be perfect in this scene (to make everything sharp)
but the noise would ruin details in that case. Though having blurriness can benefit the atmosphere sometimes.
Locals love having drinks along the An Cuu River.
This laid-back activity with tables on the edge of the embankments along with cafes' decorations are a source of interesting details.
How do you like this as the background:
A trash cart (lit with a rear light of a passed motorbike) by one of Hue royal palaces. The shot isn't a masterpiece so I have a reason to spend more time at the place.
Another atmospheric place to come back at night, probably, with a tripod. Or a telephoto lens?
A lot of plans for Hue I have, and I hope that the best shots are still ahead!
More stories from Southeast Asia will follow! Check out my previous posts on my personal Travelfeed or Worldmappin map.
I took these images with a Nikkor 50mm on October 9, 2024 except the last one which I took with a 70-300mm on September 28, 2024, all in Hue, Vietnam.