Hai’s collection of Hai Phong City has over 300 colorful photos depicting the beauty of nature and local people. The series reportedly reminds many city-dwellers of the simple things that belong to their childhood and the modern and civilized images that make them proud.

Hai admitted to Vietnamnet that he used to think of Hai Phong locals as straightforward, hot-tempered and a little arrogant people. However, his stereotype gradually changed as he has more opportunities to explore the city and its people.

“It turns out that Hai Phong is a colorful place. Hai Phong people are friendly and approachable. As a photographer, I always observe how people react as they get photographed by a stranger,” Hai said. “From the grocer to cycle drivers, they are all smiley in front of my camera, which gives me a sense of warmth and affectionate in them.”

Photo courtesy of Hai LeCao/ via Vietnamnet

Image of Hoang Van Thu bridge - the most stunning bridge in Hai Phong. It’s famous for its shape which replicates a "sea bird" in the dawn.

Photo courtesy of Hai LeCao/ via Vietnamnet

Photo courtesy of Hai LeCao/ via Vietnamnet

Hai Phong Iron Market seen from above. In the 1980s and 90s, it was the most famous and busiest wholesale market of the city. The place is the fond memory of generations of Hai Phong people.

Photo courtesy of Hai LeCao/ via Vietnamnet

Located on the central street of Nguyen Tri Phuong, Hai Phong Post Office is at the heart of a unique architectural works which were mostly influenced by colonial architecture.

Photo courtesy of Hai LeCao/ via Vietnamnet

The vibrant coastal life and untouched sea and island areas are also the highlights of Hai’s photo series.

“Without the bustling scenes of the harbor, with ships full of goods navigating the different directions, the picture of Hai Phong would be incomplete,” Hai said.

The photographer often travels from the city center to Cat Hai, Cat Ba. This route, he said, is normally busy with container shipments lining one after another. However, as the city is undergoing social distancing period, this crowded scene has disaapeared, giving Hai an opportunity to admire the brilliant sunset.

Photo courtesy of Hai LeCao/ via Vietnamnet

The quiet, loving port city in the sunset

Photo courtesy of Hai LeCao/ via Vietnamnet

“I feel so lucky I am able to live in a land full of freedom and romance, even when the Covid-19 pandemic turns the world upside down,” Hai once shared on his Facebook account.

Photo courtesy of Hai LeCao/ via Vietnamnet

Photo courtesy of Hai LeCao/ via Vietnamnet

Breath-taking view of sunset

Photo courtesy of Hai LeCao/ via Vietnamnet

There's no dust or vehicle horns like in the city

Photo courtesy of Hai LeCao/ via Vietnamnet

but only the laughing of children and the voice of fishermen calling each other

Photo courtesy of Hai LeCao/ via Vietnamnet

Photo courtesy of Hai LeCao/ via Vietnamnet

A bird-eye view of Cat Hai village which has been famous for its long-stranding tradition of making fish sauce

Photo courtesy of Hai LeCao/ via Vietnamnet

A local woman takes care of the fish sauce jars

Photo courtesy of Hai LeCao/ via Vietnamnet

Lan Ha Bay is one of the must-visit destinations near Hai Phong.

Photo courtesy of Hai LeCao/ via Vietnamnet

Phu Long Mangrove Forest looks immense as seen from above

Photo courtesy of Hai LeCao/ via Vietnamnet

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