Vietnam Photography Tour 20-30 September 2024

The dawn of a new day brings an exhilarating opportunity to capture the beauty of one of Hanoi's most enchanting photography spots.

In the morning, we'll set our course for a traditional soy sauce makers' village. Here, you'll witness not only a time-honored process preserved across generations but also have the chance to capture vivid and colorful scenes within an authentically rustic courtyard.

As the day unfolds, we'll venture to a traditional bamboo fishing village nestled in the tranquil landscape of Hung Yen province. This idyllic setting provides a unique opportunity to observe and photograph the age-old art of bamboo basket fishing. Surrounded by rolling hills and serene waters, this charming village offers a glimpse into a way of life that has remained virtually unchanged for generations.

It is in this serene heartland of Vietnam's countryside that we'll have the privilege of meeting a remarkable artisan, Mr. Luong Son Bac, who, at the venerable age of 80, embodies time-honored traditions. With hands weathered by the passage of years, he skillfully crafts the "Đó," a fishing basket intricately woven from bamboo—a craft passed down through the ages.

Mr. Luong Son Bac's journey with the Đó began at a tender age, as he fondly 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 handed down through generations.

In the bustling markets of Vietnam, the Đó is more than a mere basket; it is a symbol of heritage and a connection to ancient fishing traditions. 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 a piece of enduring history.

But the story doesn't conclude with the weaving. After emerging from the skilled hands of a knitter, each basket undergoes a transformative process. In the dimly lit kitchens of rural Vietnamese homes, the Đó is gently smoked—a ritual to protect against termites and insects. This essential step ensures that these baskets will withstand the test of time.

Remarkably, it takes approximately 60 minutes for a skilled knitter to complete one of these intricate pieces. Each minute symbolizes a lifetime of dedication—a story etched into the very framework of these baskets, woven together by history and a profound connection to the land.

In the hands of Mr. Luong Son Bac and artisans like him, the Đó stands as 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 narrate a story of dedication, craftsmanship, and heritage.

After a day filled with discovery and wonder, we'll return to our 5-star hotel in Hanoi, refreshed and invigorated, ready to embark on the next leg of our journey through the heart of Vietnam.

We rise early on this day to catch the sunrise and head to the heart of the northwest region. We check out at 2AM and the hotel will prepare breakfast for us.  We will enjoy our breakfast at Long Coc after capturing sunrise.  We 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 sun rises, we will capture the stunning beauty of Mu Cang Chai surrounded by lush green landscapes, rolling hills, and rice terraces that look like green and golden stairways. With your camera in hand, you'll be able to capture the dazzling views of Mu Cang Chai as the morning light casts a glow over the colorful hills below.

After capturing the sunrise, we'll take in the scenes of Mu Cang Chai until 8 AM, when we'll continue our journey. From there, we'll then travel to the home of the H'Mong people, where you'll have the opportunity to capture their traditional houses surrounded by fields of golden corn. As we engage with these friendly and welcoming people, you'll be able to capture their portraits and gain a deeper understanding of their unique culture and traditions. We'll spend the next two hours capturing the charm of this idyllic location before returning to the hotel for lunch (we did all that and it's only lunch!).

In the afternoon, we'll explore the magnificent bamboo forest of Mu Cang Chai. This breathtaking location provides the perfect opportunity to take a walk in a unique environment and finding opportunities for photography. We'll be surrounded by towering bamboo trees, rustling leaves, and the gentle sounds of the forest.

On this unforgettable day, we greet the early hours and embark on a journey deep into the heart of the northwest region. Our adventure begins at 4 AM as we proceed to a designated parking area, where we'll transition to a short bike ride to reach one of Mu Cang Chai's most iconic vistas, the Mam Xoi viewpoint. As the first light of dawn emerges and the sun graces the horizon, you'll have the privilege of capturing the awe-inspiring splendor of Mu Cang Chai in its full grandeur. This breathtaking landscape envelops you with its vibrant green expanses, undulating hills, and the captivating rice terraces that stretch as far as the eye can see.

With your camera at the ready, you'll bear witness to the most spellbinding views of Mu Cang Chai, as the morning sun bathes the rolling hills in a golden hue and the mist gracefully dissipates from the valleys below. As the day gradually unfolds and more visitors arrive to partake in this spectacle, we'll savor the serenity and magnificence of this idyllic spot until 8 AM when we'll continue our expedition. Brace yourself for an opportunity to craft indelible memories and capture stunning imagery as you immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of Mu Cang Chai.

Following this remarkable morning of capturing Mu Cang Chai's breathtaking beauty, we retreat to our hotel for a well-earned breakfast. Reinvigorated and rejuvenated, we embark on the next phase of our journey, venturing toward the heart of the H'Mong ethnic community.

Camera in hand, we'll immortalize the picturesque charm of their traditional dwellings, framed by fields of golden corn. Engaging with these warm and hospitable locals, we'll have the chance to capture their portraits and gain deeper insights into their distinct culture and time-honored traditions. We'll spend the ensuing two hours documenting the splendor of this idyllic locale before returning to our hotel for a delectable lunch.

As the afternoon unfolds, our path leads us to the magnificent bamboo forest of Mu Cang Chai, nestled amidst rolling hills and serene landscapes. This awe-inspiring locale provides the perfect canvas to immortalize the wonders of nature in all its glory, surrounded by towering bamboo trees, whispering leaves, and the tranquil melodies of the forest.

A fresh day dawns, bringing with it new adventures and captivating photographic opportunities. With the sun ascending, we eagerly set forth to capture the breathtaking vistas of the rice terraces, framed by lush green panoramas and undulating hills. The morning's gentle light offers an ideal canvas for crafting images that are not only awe-inspiring but also etched into memory forever.

Following our morning photography session, we'll journey onward to yet another enchanting village, where we'll immerse ourselves in the beauty and traditions of the H'Mong people. Adorned in their vibrant customs and colorful attire, they present a rich mosaic of photographic subjects that promise to captivate and ignite inspiration.

As the afternoon unfolds, we'll ascend to a lofty hilltop vantage point, poised to capture the mesmerizing beauty of the rice terraces bathed in the golden glow of the setting sun. This celestial display will cast its radiant light over the rolling hills and the lush landscapes below. After a fulfilling dinner, our next destination will be the Mam Xoi viewpoint. Here, we'll seize the opportunity to immortalize the enchanting splendor of the Milky Way as it ascends above the iconic rice terraces of Mu Cang Chai, creating a truly magical photographic experience.

The enchantment of Mu Cang Chai is so profound that it warrants a total of three nights for your stay! We've allocated an additional day to account for the unpredictable weather in this region, ensuring we have a contingency plan in place.

As our time in Mu Cang Chai draws to an end, we eagerly rise with the early morning light, ready to continue our journey. We bid farewell to the serene valley, carrying with us cherished memories of the magnificent rice terraces, the warm hospitality of the H'Mong people, and the awe-inspiring beauty that enveloped us throughout our stay. 

While en route to Yen Bai, the provincial capital, we'll have a chance to reflect upon the incredible experiences we've enjoyed thus far and eagerly anticipate the adventures that await us in the days ahead. 

In the afternoon, our journey continues with a flight from Hanoi to Da Nang, departing from Noi Bai airport. We'll settle into a luxurious 5-star hotel in the captivating lantern-lit city of Hoi An for a delightful two-night stay.

Our day commences with a journey of exploration, aimed at capturing the exquisite beauty and rich traditions of Vietnam through the lens of our cameras. In the early morning hours, we begin by immersing ourselves in the artistry of local fishermen as they expertly cast their expansive nets—a timeless and captivating representation of the region's culture. This unique opportunity allows us to encapsulate the genuine essence of the local populace and their way of life.

Known as "Ro Cho," this distinctive method of fishing involves nets fashioned like floating houses, and it's not merely about aesthetics. During our expedition, we have the privilege of documenting Mr. Muoi, who has honed this skill for an astounding 46 years!

Following this remarkable experience, we shift our focus to a portrait session with an elderly lady affectionately known as "the most beautiful elder of Vietnam." Her elegance and grace epitomize the spirit of the nation, and her story is one that merits being immortalized and shared.

Our photographic journey continues as we capture the vibrant scenes of grass mat-making and embark on a delightful ride to photograph the classical coracle boats, affectionately referred to as "coconut boats."

As the day unfolds, brimming with a kaleidoscope of colors, we conclude our adventure with an authentic dinner featuring delectable Vietnamese cuisine in the charming town of lanterns, Hoi An.

Our day embarks on a journey of discovery, dedicated to capturing the beauty and tradition of Vietnam through the lenses of our cameras. As the early morning sunlight bathes the tranquil streets of Hoi An, adorned with its vibrant yellow walls and locals in traditional Vietnamese attire, we commence our exploration. Following a delightful breakfast at our luxurious 5-star hotel, we take a moment to rejuvenate and check out. Navigating through Hoi An's charming yet narrow streets, we rely on a special electric car shuttle to reach our bus parking area, as the use of larger vehicles is prohibited within the town. Visitors often traverse these cobblestone lanes on foot or by bicycle.

Our photographic journey, a tapestry woven with the rich culture, history, and natural splendor of Vietnam, propels us to our next destination, the imperial city of Hue, where we'll spend one night.

Upon arriving in Hue, we are welcomed by the lively streets and enchanting architecture that define this exceptional city. In the afternoon, we embark on an unforgettable photo tour, commencing with a visit to the riverbank. Here, we are met with a mesmerizing spectacle—a shimmering river bathed in sunlight, mirroring the vibrant hues of the city, while floating candles contribute to the enchantment of the moment. This serene vista provides us with a perfect opportunity to encapsulate the essence of Hue through our camera lenses.

Next, we turn our attention to the skilled hands of local fishermen as they cast their nets, securing their day's catch. Through our photography, we capture their laughter and conversations, epitomizing the vibrant spirit of this bustling city. These moments encapsulate the beauty of life and the simple joys that can be discovered in the most unexpected corners of the world. Later, we partake in capturing a floating candle offering ceremony from a boat on the Huong River. Both events will be skillfully documented from the vantage point of a bridge.

This meticulously designed photo tour itinerary is crafted to showcase the multifaceted beauty of Hue. Every step of the way, we are surrounded by awe-inspiring vistas and unforgettable encounters. As the day draws to a close, we return to our accommodations with a treasury of photographs that narrate the tale of our journey and the enchantment of this unforgettable city.

Our day commences with an enlightening journey of discovery as we explore The Imperial City of Hue, a distinguished UNESCO Heritage site. Within its ancient walls, we are enveloped by the opulent history and cultural legacy of this magnificent city. In the morning, we seize the opportunity to capture poignant scenes featuring Vietnamese girls adorned in traditional attire—a resplendent and enduring embodiment of their cultural heritage.

Following a hearty breakfast and a moment of reprieve, we bid adieu to our hotel and make our way to Hue airport for a flight bound for Ho Chi Minh City. In this vibrant and contemporary metropolis, pulsating with energy, we settle in for a one-night sojourn.

"Tranquil Waterlily Day Photography Tour in Long An" Embark on a captivating day-long photography tour to Long An, a serene haven just a short drive away from the bustling Ho Chi Minh City. This excursion offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the natural splendor of the Long An countryside and capture exquisite photographs of women harvesting waterlilies in their pristine habitat. These waterlilies are later sold at the market and are used both as a culinary ingredient for hotpot and for decorative purposes. Our journey commences with an early morning departure from your hotel in Ho Chi Minh City, ensuring you're well-equipped with your photography gear. We provide comfortable transportation to Long An, allowing you to relish the scenic landscapes as the countryside awakens with its rustic charm. Upon arrival in Long An, we'll head straight to the waterlily fields in the Mekong Delta, providing you with the opportunity to explore and capture the delicate beauty of these aquatic flowers. The morning light paints a serene and tranquil backdrop for your photography, offering an ideal atmosphere to capture stunning shots. After our photography adventure, we'll return to Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) and enjoy a leisurely lunch at a local restaurant. This will be a chance for you to review and share your best shots from the day. The tour concludes at 3:00 PM at HCMC airport or at any hotel in the city, leaving you with the rest of the day to further explore the city, relax, and review the photos you've captured on this memorable day. This meticulously designed photo tour itinerary is not just a journey of discovery; it's a celebration of the beauty of Vietnam and a testament to the power of photography in capturing and preserving the enchantment of our experiences. From the iconic Golden Bridge to the breathtaking landscapes and cultural riches of this magnificent country, every step of the way has been a voyage of wonder and beauty. You can book your international flight on this day, starting from 7 p.m., or on any subsequent day if you wish to extend your stay and explore at your own pace.