Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about Vietnam Streets
What is Vietnam Streets?
Vietnam Streets is a curated community of 6,500+ photographers documenting Vietnamese cultural heritage through street photography. Founded in 2022, we showcase authentic moments from Vietnam and the global diaspora. Our mission is to celebrate the everyday life, traditions, and evolving identity of Vietnam through the lens of photographers both local and international. Learn more about our story.
How do I submit my photos to Vietnam Streets?
Submit photos through our secure form at vietnamstreets.org/submit. Provide your name, email, Instagram handle, city where the photo was taken, and upload your best street photography. Our curation team reviews every submission within 48 hours and personally contacts photographers whose work is selected for featuring across our Instagram, newsletter, and website platforms.
Is street photography legal in Vietnam?
Yes, street photography is legal in Vietnam for personal and artistic use. Public spaces are generally fair game, but we recommend being respectful of privacy—avoid photographing individuals in sensitive situations without permission. Government buildings, military installations, and some museums require permits. For commercial projects, studio work, or organized tours, additional permits may be needed. See our full legal guide.
What are the best places for street photography in Hanoi?
Hanoi offers incredible street photography opportunities. The Old Quarter comes alive at 6-8 AM with street vendors and vintage bicycles. Train Street offers unique shots of residential railway life. Long Biên Market is best at 5-6 AM for wholesale activity. Hoan Kiem Lake captures dawn exercise culture, and the French Quarter showcases colonial architecture. Each location offers distinctly different energy and visual storytelling opportunities. Full Hanoi guide →
Does Vietnam Streets offer photography workshops?
Yes! We organize regular photography workshops and photowalks in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Hoi An, and other Vietnamese cities. Our workshops cover street photography techniques, composition principles, natural lighting, post-processing, and cultural sensitivity. We also offer one-on-one mentorship for photographers looking to develop their unique style. Check upcoming workshops and events →
How do I get my photos featured on Vietnam Streets?
Submit your best work through our submission form. We look for authentic moments of Vietnamese street life, cultural significance, storytelling, technical quality, and unique perspectives. We credit every photographer by name and feature work across our Instagram (6,500+ followers), weekly newsletter, and website. Even if not featured on Instagram, all submissions are considered for our newsletter and website showcases. Step-by-step submission guide →
Can I buy prints of Vietnam Streets photography?
Yes! Visit our prints shop to purchase museum-quality fine art prints from featured photographers. Each print includes a certificate of authenticity and directly supports the photographer. We offer various sizes and framing options with worldwide shipping.
What camera settings do you recommend for street photography in Vietnam?
Recommended settings: Aperture f/8–f/11 for street scenes, f/2.8–f/4 for candid portraits. Shutter speed 1/250s minimum (1/500s for moving subjects like motorbikes). ISO auto with a max of 3200–6400. Use single-point AF or zone focus for speed. Burst mode helps capture decisive moments. For more tips, check our gear guide.
What cities does Vietnam Streets cover?
We have dedicated city guides for Hanoi, Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City), Da Nang, Hoi An, Hue, Nha Trang, Da Lat, Sa Pa, and Can Tho. Each guide includes the best photography locations, timing tips, and cultural context. Browse all city guides →
How do I join the Vietnam Streets newsletter?
Sign up at vietnamstreets.org/newsletter to receive our bi-weekly newsletter featuring curated photography, photographer spotlights, city guides, upcoming workshops, and exclusive community content. It's free and you can unsubscribe anytime.