30 Years Ago, Dutch Photographer Captured Old Hoi An, Locals Moved to See Themselves

The black-and-white photos of Hoi An from thirty years ago have unexpectedly become an emotional bridge between the past and the present. Dutch photographer Frank van den Berge, during his trip to the ancient town in the 1990s, captured everyday moments of the local people. Recently, when the photo collection was shared, many Hoi An residents were surprised to recognize relatives, neighbors, and even themselves in those frames.

The photos recreate a Hoi An completely different from its bustling, tourist-packed appearance today. Empty streets, old bicycles, moss-covered houses untouched by renovation – all exude a sense of peace and rawness. For local residents, seeing again the faces or daily scenes of their parents or siblings in their youth is a deeply moving experience, evoking memories they thought had been sleeping.

The photo collection also holds valuable documentary value, showing Hoi An's remarkable transformation from a quiet town into one of Vietnam's top tourist destinations. Exhibition visitors not only admire the photography but also have the chance to recount together the story of a community that is changing every day, while appreciating more the cultural values that remain preserved.