French photographer: Hanoi today truly embodies the essence of Hanoi

A visitor admires photos by Nicolas Cornet at the “Hanoi Oi” exhibition – an event held in conjunction with the launch of the book of the same name. (Photo: VietnamPlus)

Hanoi (VNA) – French photographer Nicolas Cornet, along with his colleagues in Vietnam and the US, have just released a photo book titled “Ha Noi oi” (Dear Hanoi). The affectionate title reflects his deep connection to the capital city, while also offering a very personal perspective.

In contrast to the nostalgic view of an old, less chaotic Hanoi often mentioned by locals, Nicolas Cornet is a proponent of the city in its modern form today.

"Since 1987, I've been coming to Hanoi 2-3 times every year. I've seen many changes over each decade, but I'm not someone who always looks to the past. I prefer Hanoi as it is now," shared the photographer.

Journalist and photographer Nicolas Cornet (Photo: VietnamPlus)

"In the early days when I first arrived, I wasn’t allowed to talk to the people on the streets. Hanoi at that time was lively, but it seemed to remain hidden; I couldn’t participate or intervene in its flow.

In the 1990s, life began to change. The first person I was able to talk to, not a government official, was a woman selling goods at the market. Gradually, I was able to communicate and make friends with more people. The streets began to see more cafés and restaurants. For me, Hanoi today is truly Hanoi. The new generation has the freedom to do what they want; you can sit, relax, meet up, and share meals together."

"Lotus in June" (2005). Photo by Nicolas Cornet, on display at the exhibition.

Nicolas Cornet shared that half of his friends are Hanoians who taught him Vietnamese language, local eating habits, and cultural manners. The closeness and connection between people through emotions resonate deeply with his personality. "A part of me was born in Hanoi," he said.

The French photographer’s work reflects the changes in the city over time. He can identify the moment each picture was taken based on details such as the architectural landscape, occupations, clothing, expressions, and the overall atmosphere.

"Dawn on Ly Thuong Kiet Street" (2024)

He has published several photo books about Hanoi and Vietnam. Most recently, in May 2025, he served as the chief editor and one of nine contributors for the photo book "Ha Noi oi".

Alongside Nicolas Cornet, other authors include Nguyen Huu Bao, Hoai Linh, Ngo Lam Thanh, Dong Hieu, William E. Crawford (the US), Le Anh Dung, Vu Khoi Nguyen, and Le Xuan Phong.

Nicolas Cornet is the chief editor and one of nine contributors for the photo book "Ha Noi oi". (Photo: VietnamPlus)

Nicolas Cornet used to be a reporter who frequently travelled to the Asian region, with Vietnam being the country he visited the most. His first photo book, "Vietnam" (2004), sold 30,000 copies in many countries around the world and is considered a significant work introducing Vietnam to international tourists.

In 2018, he released the book "Vietnamese Pagodas". Due to limited funding, the book was printed in a bilingual English-French version, but it still sold 12,000 copies. He plans to release a Vietnamese edition later this year.

Nicolas Cornet is currently working on a new photo book that highlights the culture of Hanoi through its cuisine. The primary focus of this project will be the stories and images presented in a narrative style. It aims to tell the stories of individuals and their daily rhythms of life over different periods, reflecting cultural and historical values through landscapes, everyday activities, and the food they share.

Along with the launch of the “Ha Noi oi” photo book, a photo exhibition of the same name is being held at Hanoi Studio Gallery at 23-25 Mac Dinh Chi street, Ba Dinh district, from May 10 to 18.

It showcases 35 photos by nine foreign and domestic photographers, featuring the 1,000-year-old capital city’s iconic scenes and hidden corners. Despite their different styles and starting points, all of them share a deep and enduring love for the capital – a city that constantly evolves yet retains its charm and simplicity./.

VNA