Photos of Ha Long Bay from the 19th century were put on display for the first time in downtown Ha Long city in the northern province of Quang Ninh on April 29 evening.
The collection, mostly taken by French experts between 1885 and 1950, belongs to Hanoi-based retired history teacher Doan Thinh and his son, architect Doan Bac. There are about 150 photos of Ha Long Bay taken from airplanes, mountain peaks and boats, as well as images of people living in the bay.
"Early photos by French in Viet Nam are important historical material," noted leading historian Duong Trung Quoc, adding that the collection is among the most valuable materials recording French people's life in Viet Nam.
The exhibition also features 100 bottles of Da Lat wine bearing photos from the collection, which will be auctioned to raise funds for needy children in the province.
It is a key event in the annual Carnival Ha Long, which started on April 25 and lasts until May 1.
Thinh and Bac have gathered old photos from various regions for the past 10 years. They displayed their collection of old Hanoi in 2010, during the celebration of the1,000th anniversary of Thang Long-Hanoi.