In the bustling urban landscapes of Vietnam, motorbikes reign supreme. Photographer Hans Kemp, captivated by this phenomenon, has dedicated years to documenting the incredible loads these bikes carry, offering a unique glimpse into Vietnamese daily life. Arriving in Vietnam in 1991, just before the vibrant Tet holiday, Kemp was immediately struck by the sheer volume of motorbikes navigating the crowded streets.
“I couldn’t believe my eyes,” Kemp recounted. “There was an incessant stream of motorbikes on the road in front of me. There were entire families on a bike, guys in suits, girls dolled up. I stood there mesmerized, intoxicated by this all-permeating scent of petrol mixed with perfume, sound, color, and motion. There was an incredible vibrancy to it all.” This initial encounter ignited a passion in Kemp, leading him to relocate to Ho Chi Minh City in 1995 and further explore this captivating aspect of Vietnamese culture through his lens.
A motorbike rider in Vietnam carrying a large load of pink fabric rolls, showcasing the diverse cargo transported on bikes.
Initially working in commercial photography, Kemp’s focus shifted in 2000 when a client requested images of motorbikes. This assignment proved to be a turning point. “I took some images and it really hit me how amazing this part of life in Vietnam was,” he explained. “This small job was like the seed and it really rooted in my head that this was a great and unique part of everyday life. I had to document it.” This realization sparked the journey that would culminate in his acclaimed book, Bikes of Burden.
Vietnamese street photography capturing a motorbike heavily laden with white goods, highlighting the common sight of overloaded bikes in urban areas.
For two years, Kemp immersed himself in the vibrant streets of Vietnam, often riding pillion on a Honda Super Cub, seeking out extraordinary scenes for his project. He ventured beyond the major cities, exploring diverse regions to capture the wide array of goods transported by motorbikes. “We would hit the streets, just cruising and spotting and when we saw a bike covered in what looked like a hundred alive and quacking ducks we would do a U-turn, catch up with the bike and I would try to photograph it while driving parallel at high speed,” Kemp described, illustrating the dynamic and spontaneous nature of his photography.
Image displaying a motorbike in Vietnam carrying an assortment of colorful balloons, demonstrating the variety of items transported.
Despite mastering the art of capturing fast-moving subjects from another motorbike, some moments remained elusive. Traffic congestion, speed, or positioning sometimes prevented Kemp from getting the shot he envisioned. Occasionally, ethical considerations also played a role in his decisions. He recalls one such instance: “In one particular instance I decided it was wise to refrain from taking a photograph. It was a prisoner on transport seated between two policemen in olive green uniforms, the rear one with an AK-47 slung over his shoulder. I can still see the scene in front of my eyes, and I now wish I’d been a little more daring,” he reflected, highlighting the complexities of street photography.
Black and white image of a motorbike transporting cages, possibly containing animals, in Vietnam, emphasizing the raw and candid nature of street scenes.
Years later, Kemp revisited Vietnam to create new images for an updated edition of Bikes of Burden. While acknowledging the modernization of Vietnamese cities and the increasing presence of cars, he observed that motorbikes remain a vital part of the transportation landscape. “Seeing this unique species alive and kicking and swirling through Vietnam’s traffic, still vigorous and proud after so many years made me realize that they could very well be there to stay. Recalling that first day out on the pavement in [Ho Chi Minh City], it was a reassuring thought indeed,” Kemp concluded, emphasizing the enduring legacy of motorbikes in Vietnam and the continued relevance of his photographic documentation.
A motorbike carrying an enormous stack of what appears to be styrofoam boxes in Vietnam, illustrating the impressive carrying capacity of these vehicles.
Close-up image showing the intricate details of items being transported on a motorbike, possibly flowers or plants, demonstrating the delicate cargo carried.
Image depicting a motorbike rider struggling to balance a precarious load of tall metal objects, highlighting the challenges and skills involved in motorbike transportation.
A motorbike in motion carrying a massive bundle wrapped in plastic, obscuring the rider, showcasing the scale of some loads.
Image of a motorbike parked and loaded with caged chickens, a common scene in Vietnam, representing the transportation of live animals.
Through his compelling Images Of Motor Bikes, Hans Kemp provides a captivating and insightful look into Vietnamese culture and the remarkable adaptability of its people in utilizing these ubiquitous vehicles for transport. His work serves as a testament to the enduring spirit of Vietnamese street life and the vital role motorbikes play within it.
