"Hanoi is tied to my youth. It marks my first steps into cinema, where I dedicated myself to art," Yen said, explaining the photoshoot took place last weekend during a work trip from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi.

She visited one of the capital's oldest incense shops and the Hanoi - Winter 1946 bas-relief at Dong Xuan Market.

Yen was moved by the patriotic atmosphere of the streets adorned with national flags.

Every corner evoked memories of her youth, the actress shared.

The actress trained for seven years at the Vietnam Dance School, graduating at 17 before transitioning to acting in Tran Anh Hung's "Vertical Ray of the Sun".

Many older fans recognized her and took photos with her in front of the Hanoi Opera House.

Yen reunited with Bui Thac Chuyen (left), the director of "Adrift" which she starred in, and cinematographer Ly Thai Dung. In the film, she played Duyen, a young tour guide facing marital uncertainty.

The 43-year-old actress beat over 2,000 candidates to land the lead role opposite Michael Caine and Brendan Fraser in Phillip Noyce's "The Quiet American" (2001). Her filmography includes critically acclaimed and internationally recognized films like "Pao's Story" (2005), "Adrift" (2008), and "Floating Lives" (2010).

While she has acted less in recent years, Yen remains active in supporting the film industry. In 2023, she announced her return with a leading role in Leon Le's "Quan Ky Nam". She married businessman Calvin Tai Lam in 2012 and has three children.

Mai Nhat

Photos: Kim Banh Troi Nuoc