We’re currently travelling in Vietnam and our introduction into the country was Ho Chi Minh city. I always seem to have mixed feelings about cities and city life in general because on the one hand, there are always things to see and do and you are always surrounded by lights, sound, smells, and people. The downside, however, is exactly that…you’re always surrounded by lights, sound, smells, and people. 

Ho Chi Minh is such a cool city to wander around and explore as there are interesting streets, shops, malls, buildings, and people all around. Everywhere you look are lights and neon signs and if you are a tea addict like me, there are tea shops and cafes everywhere. The craziest thing about Ho Chi Minh is the traffic. Not only is it complete chaos on the streets and at intersections, they also drive on the sidewalks. So the one place that you once thought was safe is now just an extension of the street!

This photo is actually taken on one of the only designated walking streets. There are only a few of them and even still, the odd motor bike still finds its way onto the street. On either side are bars ,clubs, and pubs that compete with each other to play the loudest music so you’re surrounded by a cacophony of bass, shouting, and a never ending sea of people.

My favourite thing to do with this sort of photo is to do a somewhat long exposure where the people blur into a steady stream. Even better is to shoot a bracketed photo so that you can combine it into an HDR afterwards. Unfortunately this street was so crazy and busy with people that I didn’t want to set up my tripod in the middle of it so I just had to do the best that I could handheld and with a single photo.