Rare sketches of rural life in northern Vietnam 20th century
Hustle life in Quang Ninh late 20th century | |
A French tourist draws Vietnam unique beauties his way | |
Vietnamese returnee student's inspirational sketches of quarantine life |
Before the advent of modern technology and the Internet, Vietnamese people's life was way simpler, filled with craftsmanship, camaraderie and just some good old fashioned loincloths.
The illustrations were archived by BnF digital library Gallica, a French-based digital library aiming at preserving French written heritage, according to Urbanist Hanoi. The 10 sketches below portray the everyday life of past some 100 year ago Tonkinese - residents of what is now northern Vietnam.
The works still retain much of their original brushwork and sketches after almost a century, have made a deep impression on culture lovers, especially those into ancient values.
![]() |
A family having lunch at a street vendor |
![]() |
Two jewelers are focusing on their work |
![]() |
Two cobblers doing their task |
![]() |
Buffalo plowing on the field is an iconic image of northern Vietnam, whether it's in old days or at present time |
![]() |
A couple scooping water into their farm. Farming is the main livelihood of many households at that time |
![]() |
Carpenters making products from wood |
![]() |
A barbershop in the past |
![]() |
A couple in Vietnamese old costume milling rice for everyday meals |
![]() |
A barber cleaning a client's earwax |
![]() |
Two men enjoying smoking |
![]() | Sketches show how lives of Hanoians go on amid Covid-19 pandemic Artists of Urban Sketchers Hanoi have depicted 400 sketches showing how actively are lives of people in Hanoi going on when the whole community is ... |
![]() | Blossoming ablaze red bombax ceiba paints Thay Pagoda a highlighted sketch. The amazing red color of bombax ceiba blossoming in front of the gate of the ten-century-old Thay Pagoda has become the iconic beauty in March ... |
![]() | Bilingual sketch book on Hanoi published A Vietnamese-English language book featuring more than 200 sketches of Hanoi’s streets along with emotional essays about the capital city has been published. |
Recommended

How To Get Around And The Best Spots To View The 80th National Day Parade Rehearsal

Airfares to Hanoi Soar Ahead of September 2 Holiday, Peaking Near VND 7 Million

From August 15, 2025: Visa Exemption for Citizens of 12 Countries Visiting Vietnam for Tourism

Australian Tourist Praises Vietnamese Warmth For A Perfect Holiday Experience

Recycled Colored Glass Transformed into Artworks

Vietnam-Türkiye Tourism Product Development Alliance Debuts

New Book About Da River by French Historian Released
