Vietnam Photography Workshops

Grand Vietnam Photography Expedition

This 18-day photography expedition is an extensive journey across Vietnam, created for photographers who want to experience the country at its most visually diverse. From the mountains and waterfalls of the North to historic cities, traditional villages, fishing communities, sand dunes, wildlife, and the long central coastline, each stage is planned around distinctive subjects, seasonal conditions, and the best available light.

Personally led throughout by Tran Tuan Viet, the expedition combines carefully planned photography sessions with field guidance, local access, and the flexibility to respond to changing weather, light, and conditions. With a maximum of six photographers, the journey offers individual attention while keeping the group small enough to work efficiently in remote landscapes, villages, markets, and local communities.

Next Departure

Prices in USD · Twin-share basis

Single Supplement: +$1,200

From $11,950

Starts

Hanoi

Ends

Ho Chi Minh City

Duration

18 Days

Group Size

Maximum 6

Difficulty

Moderate

Expedition Leader

Tran Tuan Viet

Key Locations

Cao Bang · Waterfalls, mountain valleys, rivers, and rural landscapes
Ha Long Bay · Limestone seascapes, islands, and fishing life
Hanoi & Red River Delta · Street life, traditional crafts, villages, and local culture
Ninh Binh · Limestone karsts, rivers, rice fields, and rural landscapes
Mu Cang Chai · Iconic rice terraces, mountain villages, and highland landscapes
Hue, Da Nang & Hoi An · Imperial heritage, wildlife, historic streets, and coastal life
Central Coast · Fishing villages, salt fields, boats, and coastal landscapes
Ninh Thuan & Binh Thuan · Sand dunes, Cham culture, markets, and coastal life
Expedition Ends · Ho Chi Minh City

What to Expect

Personal Guidance · Individual photography guidance from Tran Tuan Viet throughout the expedition
Composition & Light · Refine perspective, focal length, layering, timing, and the use of natural light in the field
Visual Storytelling · Build stronger visual narratives through people, landscapes, culture, details, and everyday life
People & Environmental Portraits · Photograph people in the context of their work, traditions, and surroundings
Landscape & Coastal Photography · Work across mountains, waterfalls, rice fields, limestone formations, dunes, and coastlines
Street & Cultural Photography · Anticipate authentic moments in villages, markets, historic streets, and local communities
Conceptual & Directed Photography · Create intentional photographs through carefully planned subjects, positioning, and composition
Aerial Photography · Explore geometry, scale, pattern, and landscape structure from above where regulations allow
Field Techniques · Improve camera control, lens selection, timing, and adaptability across changing conditions
Image Review & Editing · Selected review sessions covering image selection, sequencing, RAW development, color, contrast, and presentation

What's Included

All planned photography sessions and local arrangements
Photography guidance from Tran Tuan Viet throughout the expedition
Site entry, permits, and photography model fees
5-star hotels and best available accommodation in remote areas
Private air-conditioned transportation with generous space for guests and photography equipment
24/7 private airport transfers and meet-and-greet service
One business-class domestic flight and one private boat journey
Three meals per day
All taxes and applicable fees

What's Not Included

International flights to and from Vietnam
Travel insurance
Camera and photography equipment insurance
Personal expenses, including snacks and alcoholic beverages
Additional food, drinks, services, or special requests outside the planned program
Optional gratuities for drivers, local models, and other local support staff
Any expenses not specifically listed under What's Included

Itinerary

Leave Hanoi for the mountains of Mu Cang Chai, with our first photography session among the rice terraces of Tu Le in the late afternoon and evening light.

Begin among the iconic Mam Xoi terraces at dawn, photograph H'Mong culture and the bamboo forest during the day, and finish with the sweeping curves of the Horseshoe terraces at sunset.

Travel back toward Hanoi, stopping at Duong Lam Ancient Village to photograph traditional architecture, village life, and enduring local crafts.

Photograph the extraordinary colors and patterns of a traditional incense village before returning to Hanoi for cultural photography and a water puppet performance.

Journey north to Cao Bang through dramatic limestone country, arriving at Ban Gioc Waterfall for our first photography session along the border landscape.

Photograph Ban Gioc in the soft morning light, explore an elevated viewpoint across the karst landscape, and end the day overlooking the remarkable Phong Nam Valley.

Begin at dawn among the layered mountains, rivers, and villages of Phong Nam before traveling to Ha Long Bay for an evening among its limestone seascapes.

Photograph Ha Long Bay in the early light before continuing into the Red River Delta for bamboo weaving, traditional soy sauce making, and rural village life.

Fly from Hanoi to Hue and settle into Vietnam's former imperial capital, preparing for the next stage of the expedition.

Explore the architecture and atmosphere of Hue's Imperial City, work with traditional portrait subjects, and photograph floating lanterns as evening falls over the river.

Begin with fishing life and reflections on a Hue lagoon, continue to the traditional paper flower village of Thanh Tien, then travel toward Ba Na Hills.

Photograph the Golden Bridge in the early morning, search for red-shanked douc langurs on the Son Tra Peninsula, then continue to Hoi An for an evening among its historic streets.

Begin with traditional ro fishing nets in the morning light, photograph fishermen repairing their nets, then follow the coast south to Phu Yen for traditional boats at sunset.

Photograph fishing communities along the Phu Yen coast, explore traditional coracle making, and work with craftsmen and village life throughout the day.

Start among the dramatic rock formations of Hang Rai, continue into Cham communities and everyday rural life, and finish with a shepherd and flock in the evening landscape.

Photograph the Nam Cuong dunes at first light with Cham portrait subjects, visit a traditional pottery village, and return to the dunes for local life in the late afternoon.

Begin among the dunes of Mui Ne, photograph traditional fish sauce production and local crafts, then continue to Ho Chi Minh City for the final evening of the expedition.

Photograph the energy of a local fish market at sunrise before returning to Ho Chi Minh City and transferring to Tan Son Nhat International Airport for departure.