VIBRANT VIETNAM
A PHOTOGRAPHIC JOURNEY 2025,
21-30 SEPTEMBER
Embark on a journey through the visually stunning landscapes and culturally rich scenes of Vietnam with a photo tour like no other. Whether you are a professional photographer or an enthusiastic amateur, this guided excursion will provide you with the opportunity to capture the beauty and essence of this diverse country. From iconic landmarks to traditional villages, bustling city markets, and scenic rural areas, you will be transported to some of the most photogenic locations in Vietnam. With the guidance of experienced photographers, you will learn new techniques, receive feedback and critiques, and come away with a collection of stunning photos that showcase the unique character and beauty of this incredible country. Get ready to create memories and capture images that will last a lifetime with a Vietnam photo tour. The tour is led by legendary Vietnamese photographer – Trần Tuấn Việt.
Your Vietnam photo tour will begin in the charming capital city of Hanoi, where you’ll explore its bustling streets, bustling street markets, and historical landmarks, capturing the energy and life of this vibrant city. From Hanoi, you’ll travel to the stunning rural district of Mu Cang Chai, known for its breathtaking rice terrace fields and traditional Hmong villages. You’ll have the opportunity to photograph the rural beauty and traditional lifestyle of the region’s residents. Next, you’ll visit Da Nang, a coastal city renowned for its stunning beaches, colorful night markets, and unique bridges. Finally, you’ll end your journey in the charming ancient town of Hoi An, with its well-preserved Old Quarter, vibrant street life, and beautiful riverside scenery. With these diverse destinations, you’ll have a range of opportunities to capture the essence of Vietnam through your lens, from its bustling cities to its rural landscapes, and from its historical towns to its traditional villages.
Day 1,
21 September
A new adventure awaits as you arrive in the charming capital city of Hanoi. With visa on arrival now available for many countries and no quarantine needed, choose from a range of airlines such as Vietnam Airlines, VietJetAir, or Bamboo Airways to make your arrival convenient and comfortable. Aim to arrive between 8-9 AM local time, to maximize your time and allow for a seamless start to your photo tour. It is highly recommended to arrive a day earlier, on 19 September though, to relax and get acclimated. We’ll provide a hotel recommendation so you can stay at the same place.
Meeting 1:00 pm hotel lobby. Please have lunch before the meeting time.
We’ll begin our journey with a visit to the traditional incense village of Hanoi, where artisans have been hand-crafting incense sticks for generations. This unique and vibrant location provides a feast for the eyes, you can either use your camera or a drone to make a top bird-eye view of the iconic scene! Get ready to create award winning images that are truly special and that will evoke the senses long after you’ve left this magical place.
In the afternoon we’ll travel back to Hanoi and have first welcome dinner together.
Dinner included first day.
Day 2
The new day brings with it an exciting opportunity to capture one of the most beautiful photography spots around Hanoi.
In the morning we move to a soy sauce makers village. You will see not just the process that was preserved in generations but also capture stunning colorful images inside a very authentic yard.
In the afternoon we’ll travel to the traditional bamboo fishing village in Hung Yen province, where we’ll have the opportunity to observe and capture the timeless art of fishing with bamboo baskets. This charming and tranquil village is nestled amidst rolling hills and tranquil waters, and provides a glimpse into a way of life that has remained largely unchanged for generations.
Here you will meet master Luong Son Bac.
In the tranquil heart of Vietnam’s countryside, a remarkable artisan, Mr. Luong Son Bac, at the tender age of 80, is a living embodiment of time-honored traditions. With hands weathered by the years, he skillfully crafts the “Đó,” a fishing basket intricately woven from bamboo, a craft passed down through generations.
The story of the Đó begins at an early age for Mr. Luong Son Bac. He recalls, “I started weaving these baskets when I was just 10 years old.” Each basket, a testament to his unwavering dedication, is a work of art in its own right, a labor of love passed down through the ages.
In the bustling markets of Vietnam, the Đó is more than just a basket; it is a symbol of heritage and a connection to the ancient ways of fishing. These finely woven baskets, each a unique masterpiece, can be found at prices ranging between 20,000 and 40,000 VND (equivalent to 1-2 USD), a small sum for an enduring piece of history.
Yet, the story doesn’t end with the weaving. After each basket emerges from the hands of a skilled knitter, it undergoes a transformative process. In the dimly lit kitchens of Vietnam’s rural homes, the Đó is gently smoked, a ritual to safeguard against of termites and insects. This step, a vital part of the process, ensures that these baskets will stand the test of time.
Remarkably, it takes approximately 60 minutes for a skilled knitter to complete one of these intricate pieces. Each minute represents a lifetime of dedication, a story etched into the very carcass of these baskets, woven together by history and a deep connection to the land.
In the hands of Mr. Luong Son Bac and artisans like him, the Đó remains a living testament to the enduring spirit of Vietnamese culture. As he weaves, he weaves the past into the present, creating a bridge between generations and preserving a craft that has withstood the test of time. The Đó is more than a fishing basket; it is a piece of history, a cultural treasure that continues to tell a story of dedication, craftsmanship, and heritage.
After a day filled with discovery and wonder, we’ll return to our hotel in Hanoi, refreshed and rejuvenated after stay at 5 star hotel, and ready to continue our journey through the heart of Vietnam.
Day 3
We set out on an early morning (3 am) journey to the picturesque village of Tea Plantations, a mere two-hour drive from Hanoi. Here, we’ll have the opportunity to capture the breathtaking beauty of the tea hills, surrounded by lush green landscapes and rolling hills. After soaking in the beauty of this idyllic location, we’ll embark on a seven-hour journey to the heart of the northwest region, to the breathtaking district of Mu Cang Chai.
As we travel through the region, we’ll make a stop at Tu Le valley, where you’ll have the chance to capture the stunning beauty of the valley, with its rolling hills, picturesque rivers, and rolling terraced fields. As the sun sets, we’ll arrive in Mu Cang Chai, where we’ll spend the night in a cozy hotel, surrounded by the serene beauty of the rural landscape. Get ready to create unforgettable memories and stunning images as we delve deeper into the heart of Vietnam. Be prepared for a long drive today, almost 6-7 hours!
Day 4
On this memorable day, we rise early and embark on a journey to the heart of the northwest region. Setting out at 4 AM, we’ll move to a parking area and transfer to a short bike trip to one of the most iconic vistas of Mu Cang Chai, the Mam Xoi viewpoint. As the dawn breaks and the sun rises, you’ll have the chance to capture the breathtaking beauty of Mu Cang Chai in all its glory, surrounded by lush green landscapes, rolling hills, and the picturesque rice terraces.
With a camera in hand, you’ll experience the most breathtaking views of Mu Cang Chai as the morning light casts its golden glow over the rolling hills and the mist lifts from the valleys below. As the morning progresses and the day begins to fill with tourists, we’ll savor the serenity and beauty of this idyllic location until 8 AM, when it’s time to continue our journey. Get ready to create unforgettable memories and stunning images as you witness the breathtaking beauty of Mu Cang Chai.
After a memorable morning capturing the breathtaking beauty of Mu Cang Chai, we return to the hotel for a well-deserved breakfast. Refreshed and reinvigorated, we embark on the next stage of our journey, traveling up to the home of the H’Mong ethnic people.
With a camera in hand, we’ll capture the picturesque beauty of their traditional homes, surrounded by fields of golden corn. As we interact with these friendly and welcoming people, we’ll have the opportunity to capture their portraits and gain a deeper understanding of their unique culture and traditions. We’ll spend the next two hours capturing the beauty of this idyllic location before returning to our hotel for a delicious lunch.
As the afternoon progresses, we’ll visit the magnificent bamboo forest of Mu Cang Chai, surrounded by rolling hills and serene landscapes. This breathtaking location offers the perfect opportunity to capture the beauty of nature in all its glory, surrounded by towering bamboo trees, rustling leaves, and the gentle sounds of the forest.
Day 5
The new day brings new adventures and opportunities for stunning photography. As the sun rises, we’ll set out to capture the magnificent steps of the rice terraces, surrounded by lush green landscapes and rolling hills. The morning light provides the perfect opportunity to create images that are truly breathtaking and unforgettable.
After our morning shoot, we’ll move on to another charming village where we’ll have the chance to capture the beauty and traditions of the H’Mong people. With their vibrant customs and colorful attire, they provide a rich tapestry of photographic subjects that are sure to delight and inspire.
As the afternoon progresses, we’ll ascend to a high hill where we’ll capture the stunning beauty of the rice terraces as the sun sets, casting its golden light over the rolling hills and the verdant landscapes below. After a satisfying dinner, we’ll move on to the Mam Xoi viewpoint, where we’ll have the chance to capture the magnificent beauty of the milky way as it rises over the iconic rice terraces of Mu Cang Chai.
Day 6
Mu Cang Chai is so wonderful that it deserves 3 nights total stay! We have one extra day for the weather because it is quite unpredictable in this region – to have a plan B!
