Vibrant Vietnam Photo Tour

Following hotel check-in and a concise orientation outlining the forthcoming itinerary, our photographic exploration commences with an immersive visit to an evocative incense village—a site of personal photographic significance. A photograph I captured in this village received international acclaim when it was featured in the June 2017 edition of National Geographic, highlighting the area's profound visual allure.

The day commences with a photographic exploration of the dynamic thoroughfares adjacent to Hanoi's renowned ceramic road. This expansive mosaic mural, extending for several kilometers, was commissioned to commemorate the millennial anniversary of this historic city. The vivid artistry of the mural, juxtaposed with the unceasing flow of daily activities, offers a vibrant backdrop for street photography, harmoniously merging tradition with contemporary urban cadences.

Subsequently, the photography group will delve into the rich cultural heritage of a traditional soy sauce village. The focus will be on documenting the meticulous craftsmanship and venerable techniques integral to the production of this essential culinary element. Immersion within the village environment is accompanied by the pervasive, savory aroma of soy, which augments the sensory experience and contributes depth to our visual storytelling.

Departing from the dynamic urban environment of Hanoi, our photography group embarks on an immersive cultural and visual expedition. The initial destination is the historic village of Duong Lam, a meticulously preserved settlement providing insight into traditional northern Vietnamese architecture and customs. Its venerable dwellings, constricted laneways, and scenes of local life present abundant opportunities for documenting authentic moments and textural details.

The photography group will commence an early morning session to capture the tranquil beauty of Tam Coc valley, characterized by its limestone karsts and serene waterways, often embellished with blooming waterlilies. The ethereal dawn mist and aqueous reflections cultivate a captivating ambiance, highly conducive to evocative landscape photography. Following breakfast, the group will embark on a significant yet rewarding transit northwest towards Mu Cang Chai, a preeminent Vietnamese destination renowned for landscape photography. En route, participants will observe the topographical transition from lowland rice paddies to striking mountainous terrain, presenting numerous impromptu photographic opportunities.

The day's photographic activities commence at the spectacular Mam Xoi viewpoint in Mu Cang Chai, as sunrise illuminates the undulating landscapes with a golden hue. The itinerary involves traversing the remarkable rice terraces of Mu Cang Chai, with each perspective offering views of verdant fields set against a backdrop of imposing mountains. As the afternoon progresses, our exploration will take us further into this exceptionally scenic region, where each step reveals new dimensions of its natural beauty.

As our engagement in Mu Cang Chai concludes, an early start prepares us for the subsequent phase of our itinerary. With lasting impressions of the captivating rice terraces, the gracious hospitality of the H’Mong people, and the breathtaking landscapes, we bid farewell to this tranquil valley.

The day commences with an early morning photographic session to capture the initial light over Hue's tranquil lagoon. Fishermen navigating the calm waters beneath gentle morning skies create an ethereal ambiance, ideal for serene landscape compositions. Following the sunrise shoot, the itinerary includes a visit to the Thanh Tien paper flower village, renowned for its artisans who meticulously handcraft vibrant blossoms. The striking colors and the artisans' skilled craftsmanship offer excellent opportunities for detailed photography and environmental portraiture. A brief visit is also planned to an abandoned water park on Hue's periphery, a unique and surreal location that provides a stark contrast to the day's earlier traditional settings.

The day's photographic exploration continues, presenting opportunities to document the traditional craft of grass mat-making, whose intricate patterns and textures are exceptionally suited for detailed close-up photography. This is followed by a scenic countryside excursion, leading to a waterside setting where traditional coracle boats, contrasted against the warm early morning light, offer compelling compositional subjects. During the day, there will also be opportunities to observe local fishermen engaged in the hand-sewing of large fishing nets, a distinctive cultural practice conducive to creating impactful environmental portraits and narrative imagery.

Begin your day with an unforgettable immersion, capturing the timeless artistry of local fishermen as they expertly cast their nets—a striking scene steeped in Vietnam’s cultural heritage. Engage with the treasured “Ro Cho” fishing tradition, handed down through generations, as we photograph the mastery of fisherman, a seasoned artisan with 46 years of experience.