Hanoi life in 1980s depicted in photos of former British diplomat
The street corners, street vendors, festivals and small hamlets of 1980’s Hanoi were lively and truthfully depicted through the len of photographer John Ramsden.
The photo taken by John Ramsden during his worked in Vietnam during the early 1980s. (Photo: VNA)
Hanoi (VNA) - The street corners, street vendors, festivals and small hamlets of 1980’s Hanoi were lively and truthfully depicted through the len of photographer John Ramsden.
Decades later, his images serve as a time capsule. He released a pictorial book of about 100 monochrome photos of Hanoi, as well as others of the northern region and HCM City, from 1980 to 1982.
Ramsden was sent to Hanoi as part of the British Diplomatic Service’s mission. For three years, he traveled around the city and the surrounding areas to explore the life here. He took more than 1,800 photos of the daily life of Hanoians. He stored the photos for his memories.
He later shared his Hanoi memories at an exhibition at the Museum of East Asia in Bath, UK. These photos returned to Hanoi in 2013 for an exhibition.
Now, the book Ha Noi Mot Thoi (Hanoi – Spirit of a Place) has been released by Nha Nam Company in co-ordination with the British Council. The book release was facilitated by historians Duong Trung Quoc, Andrew Hardy, Vu Thi Minh Huong and journalist/poet Pham Tuong Van.
In the early 1980s, Vietnam was beginning a difficult period following the war’s end. Amidst the post-war living environment, however, one could feel a sense of hope and a relentless fighting spirit.
The book is a valuable document to help readers learn more about Hanoi before the Doi Moi (Renewal) period, said Nguyen Quang Thieu, vice chairman of the Vietnamese Writers’ Association.
“Moments captured in Ramsden’s photos are eternal in Hanoians’ minds,” said Thieu.
“We can feel the peace in life and the tranquillity in people’s souls.”
Quoc, a historian, stressed that each photo of Ramsden is a witness of Vietnamese history, even though he just captured the landscape and daily life of ordinary people in the society.
✤ “I believe that each reader looking at his photos will find a part of his/her memory,” he said.-VNA
The Ky Uc Ha Noi (Hanoi Memories) programme that opened at the Thang Long royal citadel in Hanoi on December 30 night brought back the congenial atmosphere of old Hanoi to the dwellers of all ages.
Thirty pictures exposing the essence of the night in Hanoi and Hue through the lens of Sebastien Laval will be on display at Sofitel Legend Metropole hotel in Hanoi from April 14 – 24.
Nguyen Trong Nha Uyen has made history for Vietnam’s dancesport by clinching a bronze medal in the solo Latin category at the WDSF World Championship 2025 in Germany.
The ambassador noted that among the 300,000 Vietnamese residing in the RoK, around 3,000 are living in Pyeongtaek and contributing actively to the local economy. Ho expressed his hope that the local authorities will continue support the overseas Vietnamese community in the city.
This is the first time since the adoption of the Convention that a country has served two consecutive terms on the Committee. The outcome shows the trust and recognition that member states have given Vietnam for its efforts and achievements in carrying out and promoting the Convention, as well as for its active role, strong standing, and growing credibility at UNESCO.
Quang Duc pottery is known for its wide range of forms, including wine bottles, jars, lime pots, vases, plant pots, incense burners and candle stands. Decorative motifs are equally rich, featuring mythical creatures, pastoral scenes, floral patterns, deer, peacocks, bats and more.
Vietnam’s cinematic appeal lies in its diverse settings, from terraced mountains and limestone karsts to bustling markets and ancient towns. Its mix of ethnic vibes, buzzing street life, and old traditions gives directors a goldmine for storytelling.
The Vietnamese team will gather on June 26 in Ba Ria-Vung Tau, where they will train until July 14 before departing for Indonesia for the ASEAN U23 Championship 2025, which runs from July 15 to 29. Vietnam will face Laos on July 19 and Cambodia on July 22 in the group stage.
The exhibition showcases more than 100 valuable documents and artifacts, divided into two main parts: “Journalist Nguyen Ai Quoc – Ho Chi Minh” and “President Ho Chi Minh – Founder and Mentor of Vietnamese Revolutionary Press.” This is an opportunity to recall the late leader’s journalism journey and affirm his exceptional role in founding and guiding the revolutionary press in Vietnam.
For the first time, the World DanceSport Federation (WDSF) has granted Vietnam hosting rights for the two championships, including the Asian women’s solo category, which debuts this year as an officially recognised event.
Eight teams will join the tournament, divided into two groups. Group A features Vietnam, the Philippines, Sichuan Club (China), and Australia, while Group B consists of Vietnam U21, Korabelka Club (Russia), Taiwan (China), and U21 Thailand.
Despite strong home support and high expectations, Vietnam were unable to overcome the defending champions, who secured their third consecutive win over Vietnam in a regional final, following previous victories in 2014 and 2023.
The event, part of Vietnam’s cultural diplomacy strategy through 2030, was jointly organised by the Vietnamese Embassy in Venezuela and USM’s Faculty of International Relations. It attracted thousands of students from universities across Venezuela.
For the first time, Vietnamese audiences will have the opportunity to experience the ballet masterpiece "Don Quixote" in its original version by renowned choreographer Marius Petipa.
The contest carried deep meaning as it was the first time the life of Vietnamese women abroad had been highlighted as the central theme, said poet and writer Nguyen Quang Thieu, Chairman of the Vietnam Writers’ Association.
The event formed part of Vietnam’s ongoing campaign to seek UNESCO World Heritage status for the complex at the 47th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee, scheduled to take place in Paris in July.
Creative cultural festivals are fast emerging as a new catalyst for tourism development in Vietnam, as localities increasingly invest in these vibrant events on a more systematic and larger scale.
This marks the first time Vietnam has hosted a continental-level Muay event which will feature competitions across 28 weight categories in combat and eight performance categories.
Coming to the Vietnamese booth, visitors had the chance to take part in a bamboo dance, a workshop on painting woven bamboo or rattan, or quizzes about Vietnam.
The photo taken by John Ramsden during his worked in Vietnam during the early 1980s. (Photo: VNA)
