BIKES OF BURDEN
Tuesday, June 24, 2025
Written by BEN TO THE SON
A wild ride through Vietnam’s motorbike madness — as seen by Dutch photographer Hans Kemp. His iconic photo book Bikes of Burden captures the everyday chaos of two-wheel transport: pigs, gas tanks, trees, and more, all balanced on a single Honda.
Shot across Vietnam in the mid-90s while Kemp cruised the streets on his own Super Cub, this series isn’t just about bikes — it’s about rhythm, hustle, and survival. A visual love letter to the street smarts of Saigon and beyond.
The project earned global praise, landing Kemp exhibitions at the Asian Art Biennial and a permanent spot at the National Taiwan Museum of Fine Arts. For anyone curious about Vietnam’s pulse — this one’s a must.
*Photographed by Hans Kemp, 1995
