Today, we’re featuring a beautiful Vietnam travel story from film photographer Federica Natali. Here is more from Federica about spending time in Vietnam…
Vietnam, a land of industry and timeless moments.
I took these photos on a short trip to Vietnam in October 2024. During that time, I traveled across the cities of Hội An, Đà Nẵng and Huế. In Vietnam, time bends. It rushes forward with the ferocity of urban sprawl and modern ambition, yet it also lingers in quiet corners, where the past feels ever-present.
From the roar of motorcycles weaving through impossibly narrow streets to the clang and clatter of construction and commerce, it’s a place where industriousness feels like a force of nature: unstoppable, chaotic, and thrilling. Amid this chaos, I found moments of stillness that seemed to defy time. On a tranquil stretch of river, an old woman took a break from rowing her wooden boat to smile at me. In a bustling street corner, a man sat atop his motorbike, leaning back with an air of practiced patience. In the midday heat, a stray dog was peacefully napping, curled up under the shade of a bonsai tree. These moments existed outside the hustle, suspended in a kind of timeless grace. The duality of this country resonated deeply with my approach to photography. Like the streets I walked, my photography often feels like a balancing act. There is the urgency to capture everything, to keep pace with the ephemeral nature of life. And at the same time, film photography helps me to slow down, practice patience, and savor details I might otherwise rush past. Together with my favorite adventure buddy, a Yashica FR1, and a bunch of Kodak Gold 200 rolls, I immersed myself in Vietnam’s fascinating culture.
Analog cameras and films used: Yashica FR1 (Find on eBay) | Kodak Gold 200 (Find on Amazon)
Connect with Federica: Instagram
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