Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What camera gear should I bring?

Tran Tuan Viet personally recommends a wide-angle lens (16–35mm) for landscapes and architecture, a mid-range zoom (24–70mm or 24–105mm) for street and portrait work, and a telephoto lens (70–200mm) for isolating subjects. For wildlife or compressed mountain scenes, longer focal lengths (100–500mm) are beneficial. A sturdy tripod, spare batteries, and sufficient memory cards are essential.

Q: Should I bring filters?

Yes. A Circular Polarizer (CPL) is extremely useful for reducing glare and enhancing colors in rice terraces and coastal scenes. Neutral Density (ND) filters are recommended for waterfalls, rivers, and long exposures during sunrise or blue hour sessions.

Q: Can I use a drone during the tour?

Drone photography is possible in approved areas. As a licensed tour operator, we assist with necessary permits when required. However, drone use is restricted in major cities, military zones, and certain protected areas. Advance registration details must be submitted before departure.

Q: Do I need to bring a laptop?

Bringing a laptop is highly recommended. Viet often conducts optional image review and editing discussions during downtime, focusing on storytelling, color grading, and refining your visual style. A portable backup drive is also strongly advised.

Q: What makes Tran Tuan Viet’s Vietnam photo tours different?

Every tour is personally led by Tran Tuan Viet — a National Geographic contributor and Canon Ambassador — not outsourced to assistants. With over 18 years of professional experience, Viet combines artistic expertise with deep cultural understanding. The focus is on light, access, storytelling, and meaningful local interaction rather than mass tourism.

Q: How many participants join each tour?

Group size is strictly limited to a maximum of 6 participants. This ensures flexible positioning, better shooting angles, and personalized one-on-one guidance throughout the journey.

Q: Are tours suitable for beginners?

Yes. Beginners receive hands-on support with exposure, composition, and camera settings. Advanced photographers benefit from deeper discussions on visual narrative, subject connection, and portfolio development. The workshop environment supports all skill levels.

Q: What does a typical photography day look like?

We follow the light. Most days begin early with a sunrise session, followed by breakfast and rest or travel. Afternoon and sunset sessions focus on golden light and authentic daily life moments. Evenings are reserved for dinner and optional image review discussions led by Viet.

Q: How physically demanding are the tours?

The itineraries are designed to be comfortable and accessible. We avoid strenuous trekking and focus on visually rewarding locations reachable without extreme physical effort. Any short walks are taken at a relaxed pace.

Q: When is the best time to photograph Vietnam?

Vietnam offers year-round photography opportunities. Northern regions are generally ideal from September to April for cooler temperatures and layered landscapes. Southern Vietnam is best during the dry season (November–April). Central Vietnam typically has favorable conditions between March and August. Each tour is scheduled according to optimal seasonal light.

Planning a Vietnam photo tour with Tran Tuan Viet is more than booking a trip
It’s joining a professionally guided photographic journey led by one of Vietnam’s most internationally recognized photographers.

To help you prepare, we’ve organized our most frequently asked questions into four key categories:

Camera Gear & Equipment – Lenses, drones, filters, and protecting your gear.
Tour Experience & Itinerary – Group size, skill level, daily schedule, and locations.
Travel & Logistics – Visa, safety, weather, accommodation, and local arrangements.
Booking & Policies – What’s included, payments, insurance, and private tours.

Camera Gear & Equipment

What camera gear should I bring?

Should I bring filters?

Can I use a drone during the tour?

Do I need to bring a laptop?

Tour Experience & Itinerary

What makes Tran Tuan Viet’s Vietnam photo tours different?

How many participants join each tour?

Are tours suitable for beginners?

What does a typical photography day look like?

How physically demanding are the tours?

Travel & Logistics

When is the best time to photograph Vietnam?

Do I need a visa to enter Vietnam?

Is Vietnam safe for photography travel?

What type of accommodation is provided?

Can you accommodate dietary restrictions?

Booking & Policies

What is included in your Vietnam photography tours?

What is not included?

Are tours guaranteed to depart?

Do you offer private or custom photography tours?

What is your cancellation policy?

Still have a question?

If you don’t see the answer you’re looking for, feel free to contact us. Tran Tuan Viet and his team are happy to assist you in planning the right photography journey in Vietnam.