Vietnam Emerald North Photo Workshop
Our Emerald North of Vietnam Photo Tour is meticulously crafted for shutterbugs of every skill level. Embrace Vietnam's breathtaking autumn, a season blessed with perfect photographic light and ideal conditions. Under the expert guidance of Daniel Kordan and Tran Tuan Viet, you’ll unlock the secrets to capturing the soul of Vietnam's magnificent autumnal vistas, its pulsating cultures, and its storied historical heart. Elevate your photographic artistry as you traverse iconic landscapes, promising an expedition that is both profoundly enriching and visually unforgettable.
Tour Summary
- Duration: 10 days 9 nights
- Tour starts: Hanoi
- Ending place: Hanoi
- Difficulty: easy
- Group size: max 12 photographers
- Mentor: Daniel Kordan, Tran Tuan Viet
- Operator: Vietnam Photo Tours LLC
Destinations
- Tour starts: Hanoi City Center
- Incense village, Hanoi ceramic road
- Tea plantations, Mu Cang Chai rice terraces
- Ban Gioc waterfall, Cao Bang mountains
- Traditional villages in Hanoi, Hung Yen, Cao Bang
- Tour ends: Noi Bai Int'nl Airport
Inclusions
- 24/7 airport pick-up & drop-off
- 5-star hotels & resorts
- Private bus with 2-seat per photographer
- 3 standard meals per day
- Site entry fees & model fees
- Tour license & drone permits
- 5G eSIM for the entire trip
Meet our Mentors
Tran Tuan Viet
Tran Tuan Viet is an expert image-maker and globally showcased visual narrator operating out of Hanoi. Since 2007, he has dedicated himself to capturing the Vietnam diverse geography and cultural heritage.
His pictures have appeared in publications such as National Geographic, Discovery Channel, Smithsonian Magazine, Google Arts & Culture, and campaigns for Apple and Samsung Worldwide. Viet holds the title of official Canon Ambassador, is a certified travel guide, and established Vietnam Photo Tours LLC in 2009.
Daniel Kordan
Daniel Kordan is an internationally acclaimed visual creative, universally recognized among the finest landscape photographers working today. His portfolio, which includes features in National Geographic and collaborations with clients like Apple, coupled with his position as a Nikon Ambassador, highlights his exceptional skill and establishes him as an outstanding instructor.
This provides an exclusive occasion to acquire knowledge directly from such a respected expert, gaining deep perspectives from a genuine visionary. Enhance your image-making capabilities under his direction and immortalize the planets magnificence with unprecedented artistry.
Itinerary
Meet 8:00 am at Novotel Hanoi lobby. Arrive one to two days prior to acclimate and explore the Old Quarter's vibrant streets; we do not book accommodation. We depart promptly north towards Cao Bang Province's dramatic limestone landscapes. After a scenic lunch, we reach Ban Gioc Waterfall by late afternoon, a stunning cascade against...
Capture Ban Gioc waterfall in dawn's soft light. Visit Phat Tich Truc Lam Pagoda, its architecture complementing karst and rice fields. Explore Phong Nam Valley, observing Tay and Nung communities. Sunset offers opportunities for human elements within the landscape. We stay at Ban Gioc Saigon Hotel. A special permit is required for...
Capture dawn's atmospheric mist weaving through Phong Nam Valley's peaks and farms, perfect for telephoto shots. Explore God Eye Mountain's unique circular aperture amidst grasslands and grazing animals, ideal for drone perspectives. Photograph Vinh Quy Hill's rolling, cultivated slopes softened by evening haze for uncluttered...
Witness a final Cao Bang sunrise atop Vinh Quy Hill, refining compositions under new morning light amidst layered peaks. Descend from the highlands into the Red River Delta, observing the striking environmental transition. Arrive in Hanoi, check into your five-star hotel, and enjoy a farewell dinner. This journey showcases the...
Capture Hanoi's incense village heritage, focusing on artisans and vibrant scenes. Then, journey south to Ninh Binh. Explore the Trang An Landscape Complex, a UNESCO site, by traditional rowboat. Photograph limestone karsts reflected in still water, boats as leading lines, cave entrances, and the interplay of human scale against...
Before sunrise, we photograph Ninh Binh's blooming waterlilies in soft morning light. After breakfast, we travel to Duong Lam, an ancient village renowned for preserved architecture. Following lunch, we spend the afternoon documenting rural life and farmers at work. In the evening, we gather for dinner, sharing stories and...
Depart early for Long Coc's misty highlands. Witness rolling tea hills at sunrise, often shrouded in fog – a photogenic northern Vietnam landscape. Continue to Mu Cang Chai, stopping for lunch and the Tu Le viewpoint. Experience late afternoon light and sunset painting the valley with warm tones and dramatic shadows. Overnight at...
Begin with a motorbike journey to Mam Xoi viewpoint in Mu Cang Chai, a premier photography location. Capture mist-shrouded, curved rice terraces under soft morning light. After breakfast, visit a traditional corn house for insights into farming and rural architecture. In the afternoon, photograph nearby terraces as warm sunlight...
Sunrise in Lao Chai unveils golden, layered rice terraces, perfect for wide vistas and rural life close-ups. Next, explore Pung Luong's bamboo forest; light shafts create a mystical, contrasting photographic backdrop. After a local lunch, witness horseshoe-shaped terraces, a rare formation ideal for landscape shots. Golden hour...
Departing north, we begin the scenic drive back towards Hanoi. Absorb final, sweeping mountain vistas and terraced fields, capturing glimpses of vibrant rural life. Enjoy a relaxed morning at the luxurious Garrya resort before your transfer to Hanoi airport. This journey concludes around 4-5 pm. The resort offers stunning views,...
What to expect during this Photography Workshop
Master your camera’s full potential by command of the exposure triangle—aperture, shutter speed, and ISO—alongside advanced focus modes and lens selection. Apply core compositional principles like leading lines, layering, and light control to transform snapshots into intentional, high-impact imagery.
Develop the intuition to anticipate "the decisive moment" and weave compelling visual narratives. Focus on timing, mastering ambient light, and ethical subject engagement to create a cohesive photo essay that captures the essence of dynamic street environments.
Refine the art of photographing people, ranging from wide environmental portraits to intimate character studies. Learn to direct subjects naturally, harness available light, and build the rapport necessary to capture authentic expressions and cultural depth.
Capture the grandeur of the natural world by leveraging light, weather, and perspective. Master golden hour shooting, long-exposure techniques, and the use of optical filters to create a sense of scale and depth in breathtaking scenic vistas.
Unlock unique bird's-eye perspectives safely and legally. Our guided sessions cover meticulous flight planning, aerial composition, and safety protocols—with all necessary flight permits pre-arranged for a seamless creative experience.
Elevate your RAW files into polished masterpieces. Learn a professional non-destructive workflow including color grading, selective dodging and burning, and tonal adjustments to achieve a signature aesthetic using industry-standard software.