avatarAisha

Summary

Aisha's photojournalistic essay captures the essence of private transportation in the bustling streets of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, through a series of street photographs taken in 2016.

Abstract

The web content presents a collection of street photography by Aisha, showcasing the vibrant and chaotic nature of private transport in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam's most populous city. The images, taken in August 2016, depict locals navigating the busy roads with ingenuity and resilience, often carrying large items like ladders on scooters. Aisha's work reflects on the city's recycling efforts, the high rate of traffic accidents, and

“Just another day”, Ho Chi Minh City, 2016 — image by Aisha

Ho Chi Minh City Street Photography

Private transport in the most populous city in Vietnam

Vietnam’s commercial capital, Ho Chi Minh City also known by its previous name Saigon is the most populous city in Vietnam with a population of 9 million as of 2019.

It was August 2016. This was my first visit to Ho Chi Minh City and I was most fascinated by the locals and their private transport on these busy roads.

Here is a small collection of what caught my eye.

“What limitation?”, Ho Chi Minh City, 2016 — image by Aisha

I’m assuming this is recycling on the bike - if so, that’s great. After all every little helps, right? Have you heard of the Five R’s

  • Refuse what you do not need.
  • Reduce what you do need.
  • Reuse by using reusables.
  • Recycle what you cannot refuse, reduce, or reuse.
  • Rot (compost) the rest.
“Its gotta be done”, Ho Chi Minh City, 2016 — image by Aisha
“Just me & my ladder”, Ho Chi Minh City, 2016 — image by Aisha

Carry a ladder on a scooter, please don’t try this! Vietnam has a very high rate of traffic accidents. Locals clearly have a certain understanding of how to move in the chaos but visitors must pay extra attention.

“It’s all I need”, Ho Chi Minh City, 2016 — image by Aisha
“All you need is a couple of wheels” Ho Chi Minh City, 2016 — image by Aisha
“I’ll be there” Ho Chi Minh City, 2016 — image by Aisha
“It can be done” Ho Chi Minh City, 2016 — image by Aisha

Photography by Aisha All images were taken with a phone camera, 2016

About the author

Many thanks to Dr Mehmet Yildiz for interviewing me as a new creative writer of ILLUMINATION

Further reading

As a new writer, I’ve been keen to explore various topics and writing styles. Have a look at some of the other articles I’ve published recently and please feel free to share your thoughts! It’s always great to learn from feedback

Street Photography articles by some fascinating writers

My Article is inspired by Alan Dejecacion and his street photography

Some interesting thoughts on street photography from Anthony Rampersad

Fascinating perspective, rejection therapy with a camera by Joshua Poh

Some useful tips from Shannon Ciricillo that I’ll for sure be keeping in mind

Ho Chi Minh City
Vietnam
Street Photography
Transportation
Photography
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