“Saigon in red” is my personal photo project from my home town. I would like to share some perspectives on our city at this time. It has changed and is different from what you may know about us from before VietNam’s war. Our city is changing and growing with the appearance of big buildings and new iconic landmarks. That leads to the combination of old and new things in our lifestyles and culture. Red is also the colour that represents our country, so I think the IR Chrome filter provided the right material for this photo project.
People’s Committee Building and French Colonial Architecture
The People’s Committee Building Saigon in central Ho Chi Minh City features well-preserved French colonial architecture in a spacious garden landscape. Originally constructed as a hotel in 1898 by French architect Gardes, it now serves as a city hall and one of the city’s most iconic landmarks.
Nguyen Hue Walking Street and Downtown Contrast
Nguyen Hue walking street is a broad walking promenade in the middle of District 1 city centre. This pedestrian area is flanked by some beautiful French colonial architectural wonders like the People’s Comittee, the Rex Hotel and a luxury shopping mall.
In the downtown there are always many different and opposite activities. People sell street food and souvenirs on the street next to luxury hotels and restaurants.
Street Food, Motorbikes, and Everyday City Life
Street food in Vietnam is also a cultural feature. Locals and foreigner also love to enjoy it.
In Vietnam, motorbike transportation is the most common and creates many jobs. People also like to ride motorbikes because it is convenient, fast and low cost.
Shade, Cleaning Workers, and Urban Routine
Normally, the weather in Vietnam is hot, so people like to sit in big trees like this one.
It is also important to keep the the city clean. You can easily see cleaning workers working in the street like this.
East-West Highway and Modern Development
The East-West Highway is the most modern road running through downtown Ho Chi Minh City in an east-west direction. This is a strategic route which helps promote the economic development in Ho Chi Minh City in particular and the entire southern region, southern central and the Central Highlands in general.
Pagodas and Cultural Spaces in Saigon
Phap Hoa Pagoda (Lotus Pagoda) Buddhist pagodas is one of the oldest and most famous in Saigon. This is also a cultural and spiritual location that is important to the people of Vietnam.
Viet Nam National Pagoda is located in one of the most crowded streets in the city. The street is usually filled with passengers and vehicles. In the city it was common for there to be such a big temple like this.
Saigon In Red Infrared Photography FAQs
What Is Saigon In Red About?
Saigon in Red is Dzung Tran’s personal infrared photo project from his hometown, Saigon / Ho Chi Minh City. The essay shows how the city is changing and growing while combining old and new parts of Vietnamese lifestyle and culture.
Why Is The Project Called Saigon In Red?
Dzung Tran explains that red represents Vietnam, which made the IR Chrome filter a good fit for the project. The filter supports the visual idea by turning the city’s infrared scenes into a red-toned interpretation of Saigon.
Which Landmarks Are Featured In Saigon In Red?
The essay includes places such as the People’s Committee Building, Nguyen Hue walking street, the East-West Highway, Phap Hoa Pagoda, and Viet Nam National Pagoda. These locations show both colonial architecture, modern infrastructure, and spiritual spaces in the city.
How Does The Essay Show Everyday Life In Saigon?
The post highlights street food, motorbike transportation, people sitting under large trees in hot weather, and cleaning workers keeping the streets clean. These everyday details balance the city’s iconic landmarks with normal urban life.
What Makes Saigon In Red A Strong IR Photo Essay?
The essay works because it uses infrared color as part of the story, not only as an effect. IR Chrome connects Saigon’s red visual identity with scenes of colonial buildings, modern roads, street vendors, motorbikes, temples, and fast city growth.
