Cover of “Hanoi the Lifestyle and the Food” Reprint Edition

Sometimes, photography feels like an unexpected rendezvous with unforgettable moments. This was especially true when I shot the impromptu cover for the reprint edition of my book, Hanoi the Lifestyle and the Food. Upon arriving in Hanoi, I chose to stay at a hotel right by Hoan Kiem Lake, making it convenient for work, meeting friends, and, most importantly, waking up each day to the tranquil view of the lake.

That day, by pure coincidence, my niece Minh Khue visited after her morning class, wearing a traditional white áo dài and carrying a bouquet of pink lotuses. It was an unplanned visit, yet the serene and graceful beauty of this young Hanoi girl blended perfectly with the fresh green backdrop of the lake. Everything seemed ready for a spontaneous click of the camera.

The scene couldn’t have been more perfect. This moment vividly highlighted the pure, gentle beauty of Hanoi—a beauty found not only in the landscape but also in the people. The girl, with her white áo dài and lotus bouquet, symbolized the elegance and charm of Hanoi’s women, reflecting the timeless grace of the capital.

Photographing at Hoan Kiem Lake always evokes a special emotion for any photographer. For me, photographer Ngọc Trần, each shot is not just a piece of art but also a story, an emotion captured in the most natural, honest moments. The portrait of my niece, radiating youth and grace beside the pink lotus, immediately felt right as the cover for the reprint of Hanoi the Lifestyle and the Food.

Through this project, I hope to convey the essence of Hanoi—a city of elegance, refinement, and vibrancy—through every image.