Launched on March 22 at Nguyen Van Binh Book Street in District 1, it is a collaboration between father-and-son photographer duo Nguyen Thanh Tung and Nguyen Huynh Bach. With a streetlife-style approach, the project documents daily life across 365 days in HCMC to mark the upcoming 50th anniversary of Vietnam’s reunification.
One standout image features Landmark 81, Vietnam’s tallest skyscraper at 461 m, illuminated at night and reflected across the river.
The five-volume collection is divided into themes such as Saigon Night – the sleepless city, Saigon Food – HCMC cuisine and Saigon Market – daily life and commerce in local markets.
Another photo captures a sea of foreign tourists soaking up the vibrant energy of Bui Vien, the heart of the city’s nightlife, often referred to as the “Western zone”, which also includes streets like De Tham, Do Quang Dau and Pham Ngu Lao.
The contrasts between modern and traditional life, tranquility and vibrance and wealth and poverty are a central theme of this photo series. One photo shows a lottery vendor on Nguyen Thoi Trung Street in District 5.
A visitor admiring a photo of people working out near a water tower on Pham Phu Thu Street, District 6.
Alongside the launch, an exhibition of 50 selected photos is being held from March 22 to 28 at Nguyen Van Binh Book Street together with workshops on photography.
Tung, 48, has been a photojournalist since 1995, working for various international news agencies and holding a number of exhibitions.
His 18-year-old son, also known as Bill Nguyen, made his debut with Tones of America, a visual diary from a 30-day trip to the U.S., showcased at the same book street in 2023.
