(VNF) - Photos capture Vietnamese people and their lives between 1981 and 1988 when Michel Blanchard worked in Vietnam and photos from times he returned to Vietnam.

Hanoians go to markets to shop for the Lunar New Year. (Source: Michel Blanchard)

Vietnam was liberated 40 years ago, but the country opened its doors to foreign tourists 15 years after, due to difficulties caused by war and sanctions imposed by the US and its allies, said Blanchard.

Photographer Michel Blanchard. (Photo: Internet)

Working at AFP News Agency’s Office in Vietnam from 1976 to 2006, Michel Blanchard was bureau chief of AFP in Hanoi for two years, from 1981 to 1983. He continued to visit Vietnam for over ten years as a writer of travel guides, first appeared on the region after the war.

Residents near Nui Truc Lake.

Hang Dao street in 1988.

Duong Thanh street in winter of 1984.

A “mobile photography studio” at Thong Nhat park.

Cha Ca street in 1984.

Vendor coffee.

Old electric train at Dinh Tien Hoang street in 1983.

Hoa Phuong Do (red poinciana) blossoms at Thien Quang Lake in 1983.

Minh Phuong