Architecture That Blends East and West

On a bright, sunny morning in Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City), while enjoying my cold coffee with a sandwich, I found myself soaking in the beauty of the architecture surrounding me. No wonder this country is often referred to as the land that blends East and West.

Saigon - A Mix of Vibrancy and European Charm

Walking down the famous party street in Saigon during the day is still an exhilarating experience. Blue and yellow lanterns hang in front of shops, people stand with their menus inviting you in, and the vibrant smiles on their faces make everything feel so picture-perfect.

The cafes are on another level here. Those European-French vibes infused with Asian culture and kindness create an atmosphere that’s hard to describe—it just feels different. No wonder people are so eager to take selfies at every turn.

Hoi An - A Timeless Beauty

I ended up staying in Saigon for three days instead of one before heading north to Vietnam’s ancient city, and in my opinion, its most beautiful one—Hoi An.

After a long 18-hour bus ride and a 2-hour van journey, I finally reached my hostel in Hoi An. The moment I arrived, I was struck by how classical this city felt. Honestly, I’ve never been so intrigued by architectural beauty in my entire life, but this time, I was in awe.

Walking along the road, with the serene river reflecting the boats on one side and European-styled buildings on the other, I felt like I had stepped into another era. The buildings, often just one or two stories high, were painted in yellow and orange hues and adorned with lanterns and lights. Many of them looked older than myself (like the one in the second picture). Even buildings away from the tourist hotspots carried the same charm and vibe.

My habit of wandering off the beaten path took me to the authentic side of the city, where I discovered old townhouses and buildings. That’s when I realised how this city’s architecture isn’t just influenced by Europe; it’s a seamless blend of foreign elements with Vietnamese culture.

Hanoi - A Photographer's Dream

After my long road journey from Saigon to Hoi An, I opted for air travel this time as my trip was nearing its end. I had four days left, and little did I know I was about to step into a paradise for street and architectural photographers.

Hanoi has everything—a mix of Japanese, European, and Vietnamese-inspired architecture. One of the coolest spots I visited was the Hanoi Train Street. Imagine cafes situated so close to the railroad that trains can touch you if you extend your arm and they pass through multiple times a day! I was lucky enough to witness a train passing by after waiting for 30 minutes.

A few steps further, I came across a dazzling, all-white shopping mall that made me feel like I was in a Western country. But then, just around the corner, bright red Japanese lanterns adorned a Japanese-style building, making me wonder if I had suddenly been transported to Japan. And wait—did I just pass by a French-inspired shopping mall?

Hanoi is a beautiful yet chaotic cluster of different influences, and every turn offers a new surprise. I spent two days exploring the city, and they were worth every second. As a photographer, I crave unique yet relatable places, and Hanoi delivered that in spades with its glittering architectural gems.