Hanoi On The Tracks
Photograph ‘train street’ away from the tourists
We were the first tour company ever to bring guests to Hanoi’s now famous ‘train street’. Back in 2012, we’d just encounter the locals who lived alongside the tracks, and of course the trains that rumbled through every once in a while. Our little tour made such a splash that we ended up talking about it on Discovery and the Travel Channel, and some of our guests even had their pictures published in international media. Now, of course, peak times find this special little corner of Hanoi crammed with foreign travellers, and most of the local homes have been converted into cafes and bars. In October 2019, the city government decided to close off that ‘train street’ to visitors.
As luck would have it, we were already developing a new Hanoi On the Tracks tour, in a different part of the city. Now you can experience the real local atmosphere of life along Hanoi’s railway, without all the tourist cafes and instagrammers. And yes, you’ll still get to shoot the train rolling between the houses! You’ll also explore markets, lakes, parks full of people exercising, and try some delicious street food while following the tracks.
Along the way, you’ll learn how to create a photographic story using different types of image and how to manipulate the settings on your camera depending on the kind of picture you want to take, the light, and how fast your subject (ie the train) is moving.
Learn the art of street photography while exploring 'train street'
What to Expect
Hanoi on the Tracks photography tour you’ll experience and photograph daily life on the urban railway. The rush and adrenaline of photographing the morning train flying through “train street” a narrow residential alleyway. We’ll also explore an early morning market and the activities around the inner city residential lakes which provide fantastic opportunities for portraiture and some very unique street photography.
Not only will you learn techniques and camera skills from our expert team but you’ll also get a glimpse into the daily rituals of local Hanoians in their residential urban environment.
As the morning comes to an end and the heat of the sun starts to take over we will set up for our final shot as the chaos of Hanoi’s rush our traffic comes to a stand still as another locomotive steams into town.
| Tour Highlights | Photographic Highlights |
Train Street (New Location)
| Camera Settings |
Tour Length: 4hrs ( 5:30 – to 9:30 am)
Level of Difficulty: Moderate Physical activity (Walking)
| What’s Included | What’s Excluded |
Hotel Pick up | Gratuities |
Recommended Equipment
DSLR Camera or Film Camera
Memory Card
Fully Charged Battery
Wide angle or Zoom lens
