Sun. Dec 22nd, 2024

Less than forty years since the savagery and slaughter of war, Vietnam is buoyant with hope. In a series of images, travel photographer Todd Weselake focuses on what life is like today in this resilient country—a land of breathtaking natural beauty with a unique heritage.

Text & photos by Todd Weselake

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Vong Canh hill & Perfume River (Huong River), Hue, Vietnam

Vietnam welcomed me in with a blur of beautiful smiles, exotic flavours, and intense scooter rides. Rising up from the devastation of the Vietnam War, the Vietnamese people have rallied with grace and resilience to embrace tourism to become one of the fastest-growing emerging economies in the world.

From the early morning food markets to the meals made at the hands of our homestay hosts, Vietnam offered, hands down, the best food out of any of the 30 countries I’ve visited. I was enticed by some of the freshest, tastiest, and most unique ingredients I’ve ever experienced. The 10 days I spent there were packed with authentic adventures and experiences of an enchanting and colourful culture.

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The rice and corn fields surrounding our local homestay offer a true sense of what living here in remote Vietnam is like.
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The local family at our homestay prepares a meal for us!
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Produce is bought and sold from all around Vietnam in the Mekong Delta.
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Making an art out of pineapple preparation.
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Life along the Mekong River.
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Downtown Saigon can get pretty busy.
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Early morning food markets can be found all around Vietnam.
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The scooter commute.
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The 3rd class section of the overnight train.
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A monk prays in silence.
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One can only imagine what these two have seen during their lifetime.
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Street side markets, offering whatever you want, real or fake. Hoi An
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Locals, from kids to adults, are always up for a conversation.
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Halong Bay.
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Often times, people will do their shopping after the sun sets to avoid the heat in the dry season.

By vivian