The streets of Hanoi have changed dramatically over the past three decades, but a remarkable collection of photographs offers visitors a glimpse of the Vietnamese capital as it was in the 1990s.
As part of its 125th anniversary celebrations, the iconic Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi has acquired 16 signed, limited-edition photographic prints by British photographer Andy Soloman, documenting the people, traditions, and everyday moments that defined the city during a period of transformation.
The collection, known as The Soloman Metropole Collection, is being presented in an exhibition titled Hanoi: Traces of Time, running from October 9 through December 9, 2026.
Through intimate black-and-white images of markets, streets, schools, factories, and local residents, the exhibition offers a fascinating perspective on Vietnam’s history while celebrating the enduring character of Hanoi.
Capturing the Spirit of Hanoi in the 1990s
British photographer Andy Soloman first arrived in Hanoi in October 1992, when he was 30 years old and working as a photojournalist from London.
During his travels across Vietnam, he became particularly fascinated by Hanoi, documenting the city’s streets and daily routines through photographs that captured both ordinary moments and the changing rhythms of urban life.
His images reveal a city shaped by tradition, community, and the unmistakable energy of its residents.
Among the works featured in the exhibition are Early Morning Exercise (1992), Cyclo Drivers in Hanoi’s Old Quarter(1992), and Dong Xuan Market (1992).
Other photographs, including Mid-Autumn Festival Vendor (1997), Vietnamese Heroic Mothers (1997), and Bia Hoi Delivery by Cyclo (1997), explore different aspects of Vietnamese culture, from local celebrations to familiar scenes of everyday commerce.
Together, the photographs create a visual journey through a Hanoi that many contemporary travelers may find difficult to imagine.
The collection highlights the importance of street photography in preserving cultural memory, capturing gestures, expressions, and moments that might otherwise disappear as a city evolves.
A Photographer’s Enduring Connection to Vietnam
For Soloman, the exhibition represents more than a retrospective of his early work. It also reflects a personal connection with Vietnam that has continued for more than 30 years.
After living and working in Hanoi, he joined Reuters in 1997, further developing his career in photojournalism.
Today, he divides his time between the United Kingdom and Vietnam, concentrating on travel and fine-art photography.
His ongoing project, Continuum: Vietnam, takes this relationship a step further by revisiting people he photographed during his earliest travels in 1992 and 1993.
The project explores the passage of time through personal encounters, reconnecting with individuals whose lives were captured decades earlier.
For visitors to the exhibition, this perspective adds another dimension to the photographs. Rather than simply documenting historical scenes, Soloman’s work invites viewers to consider the stories of the people within them and how their lives may have changed.
The 16 photographs acquired by the Metropole have been produced as archival prints on Ilford Galerie Gold Fibre Pearl photographic paper. Each is individually editioned, signed, mounted, and framed, forming part of the hotel’s permanent art collection.
Celebrating 125 Years of Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi
The exhibition forms part of a milestone year for one of Vietnam’s most recognizable luxury hotels.
Opened in 1901, Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi has long been associated with the city’s cultural, social, and diplomatic history.
Over the decades, the landmark hotel has welcomed prominent writers, artists, ambassadors, royalty, and international dignitaries.
Its distinguished guests have included Graham Greene, Charlie Chaplin, and Somerset Maugham, whose names are commemorated in three of the hotel’s signature suites.
Today, the property combines its historic architectural character with contemporary luxury, maintaining its position as a significant landmark in the heart of Hanoi.
The acquisition of Soloman’s photographs reflects the hotel’s continuing interest in preserving and presenting the cultural history of Vietnam.
George Koumendakos, General Manager of Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi, described the collection as an important addition to the hotel’s anniversary celebrations and its growing engagement with Hanoi’s artistic heritage.
The photographs will remain part of the hotel’s permanent holdings beyond the temporary exhibition, ensuring that these perspectives on Hanoi’s past have a lasting home within the historic property.
Where to Stay: Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi
For travelers planning a visit to Hanoi, Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi offers an opportunity to experience one of the city’s most celebrated historic hotels.
Located in central Hanoi, near the French Quarter and within easy reach of Hoan Kiem Lake and the Old Quarter, the property provides a convenient base for exploring the Vietnamese capital.
The hotel features 358 rooms and suites across two distinctive wings.
The original Heritage Wing dates back to 1901, while the neoclassical Opera Wing offers another interpretation of the hotel’s timeless elegance.
Dining options include Le Beaulieu, known for its contemporary French cuisine, and Spice Garden, which highlights Vietnamese culinary traditions.
Guests can also enjoy afternoon tea at Le Club Bar, cocktails at angelina, or a relaxed drink at the Bamboo Bar beside the hotel’s outdoor swimming pool.
Additional facilities include Le Spa du Metropole, a fitness center, gardens, and an outdoor pool.
Beyond the hotel, visitors can explore Hanoi’s historic neighborhoods, traditional markets, temples, museums, and thriving contemporary arts scene.
Explore accommodations: Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi on Booking.com
Experience Hanoi: Traces of Time
For visitors interested in photography, history, and Vietnamese culture, Hanoi: Traces of Time provides an opportunity to discover an earlier chapter in the city’s story.
The exhibition is on display at Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi through December 9, 2026, as part of the hotel’s 125 Years of a Legend anniversary program.
By bringing together historic photography and one of Hanoi’s most significant heritage hotels, the exhibition offers a thoughtful reminder that the identity of a destination is shaped not only by its buildings and landmarks, but also by the everyday lives of its people.
For travelers exploring Hanoi today, Soloman’s photographs provide a compelling invitation to look beyond the city’s familiar attractions and discover the stories that continue to define Vietnam’s capital.
Exhibition Dates: October 9 – December 9, 2026
Location: Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi, 15 Ngo Quyen Street, Hanoi, Vietnam
More Information: Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi – 125th Anniversary
Photographer: Andy Soloman – Hanoi: Traces of Time
