The old town does half the styling for you. Its walls are ochre and mustard, its doors are teal and red, and the lanterns add every colour at once. What you wear only needs to sit well in that picture.
Colours that work on yellow walls
Plain, mid-strength colours photograph best: white, cream, soft pink, sky blue, sage green and deep red. They stand out from the walls without fighting them. Busy prints and neon tones tend to take over the frame, and black can look heavy in the midday sun.
- Couples: pick two colours that belong together rather than matching exactly, such as cream and blue.
- Families: one shared colour family, with one person in a stronger shade.
- Solo: one strong colour, kept simple from shoulders to hem.
Ao dai: rent one or bring your own
An ao dai turns the old town into a set. On the Ao Dai Photoshoot the dress is included, in your size and a colour you choose on the day. If you already own one, bring it: our photographers know how to make the long panels move.
Pastel ao dai look softest in the morning light. Red and gold come alive at dusk, when the lanterns go on.
Uyên, photographer
Shoes for the old town
You will walk about a kilometre on old stone and uneven pavement. Flat sandals or clean white trainers are perfect, and nobody sees them in most frames. If you want heels for a few photos, bring them in a bag and change at the spot.
With children
Comfort first: soft fabrics, no scratchy collars, and a spare top for the photo after the ice cream. Small children love wearing a conical hat for exactly two photos, so we bring one.
A short packing list
- Water and a small towel (the summer is humid)
- Sunscreen that does not leave a white cast
- A hair tie and a few pins
- Your outfit change, if you plan one
