Overview
No-one knows exactly how long the ‘Sky Market’ or ‘Thieves Market’ has been in existence, but it has an immortal feel to it. Tiny stalls cram next to each other, selling everything under the sky, from motor parts to timber, spices to vintage electronics. That’s the reason for the first name. But traditionally, people also stop here first if looking for anything that’s gone ‘walkies’, giving it the second title. All of this makes it a great place to get lost with your camera - a shadowy bazaar full of faces and strange offerings, afternoon sunlight streaming through the makeshift roof. The myriad stalls and alleyways provide ready made frames for decisive moments, and we’ll even wander into a century-old colonial HQ, now converted into a pensioners’ ping pong club.
What you will be doing
Expect many street photography opportunities, with the market’s shopfronts, stalls and narrow alleyways providing a constant selection of frames. The friendly traders and other locals also make for willing portrait subjects, and this is a great opportunity to work on your approach to people photography. Deep in the bazaar, sunlight filters through the overhead awnings, giving your pictures a unique atmosphere.
Changing light conditions both environmental and artificial, and objects moving through the cramped alleys, make exploring ISO, aperture and frame speeds a priority. Along the way, you’ll put together a photographic story of life in one of Hanoi’s most fascinating markets.
Where we'll meet
🧭 Meeting/pick-up point: We will pick you up from your hotel
🗺️ Instructions: We will pick you up from your hotel
Things to know
Accessibility:
Not wheelchair accessible
Fitness requirement
Any fitness level
Tour Language
English
License requirement
None
Additional information:
Bring your own camera, with a fully charged battery, wide-angle or zoom lenses
Inclusion ✅
Pick up and drop off transport
Tour guide
Exclusion ❌
Gratuities
About your host
Vietnam in FocusWe run acclaimed private and small-group photo tours throughout north, central and south Vietnam. Whether you are a beginner, serious amateur or professional photographer, we can help you to capture incredible shots, and enjoy an unforgettable, authentic experience of this fascinating country. Our photo tours have been recommended by Lonely Planet, The Guardian and Le Petit Fute, as well as holding a Certificate of Excellence from Trip Advisor for over a decade. We are officially licensed by the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism to run tours and workshops, and have led groups from National Geographic and the Travel Channel. We also love to make a difference. We work with local NGOs like Peace House Shelter, Change, and the Centre for Women and Development to raise awareness about social and environmental challenges in Vietnam.
For every trip booked, Kodama Travel donates £1 to Just One Tree to restore our forests and the ocean.