Vietnam Through the Lens: A 16-Day Immersive Photography Tour

Upon arrival at Tan Son Nhat International Airport, our team will welcome and transfer you by bus to Can Tho in the Mekong Delta.

Evening: Free time for rest or a short evening stroll.

Overnight in Can Tho.

Start early with a transfer to the Cai Rang Floating Market, the largest and most iconic in the Mekong Delta. Cruise by motorboat among bustling boats trading tropical produce and enjoy a floating breakfast served fresh on the river, including Vietnamese coffee and sweet, juicy fruits.

Continue your journey to Chau Doc, a culturally rich town near the Cambodian border. Explore the lively Chau Doc Market, known for its local specialties and vibrant atmosphere. Visit revered pagodas and ascend Sam Mountain for panoramic views over rice fields and villages.

In the afternoon, immerse yourself in the untouched beauty of Tra Su Cajuput Forest. Travel by speedboat and rowboat through lush, duckweed-covered waterways, home to diverse birdlife and serene natural vistas. Climb the observation tower for sweeping views of the flooded forest.

Overnight in Chau Doc.

Option 1 – Culture & Scenic Drive Back to Saigon
Start your day with a peaceful boat cruise through Chau Doc’s floating villages to witness basa fish farming, a unique aquaculture tradition crucial to Vietnam’s exports. Visit a nearby Cham village, where you’ll explore a local mosque and learn about the Cham people’s rich culture, Islamic heritage, and daily life.

After hotel check-out, begin a scenic drive back to Ho Chi Minh City. Cross the Vam Cong ferry, pass through the flower-filled town of Sa Dec, and stop in My Tho for a tasty lunch featuring Mekong specialties. Arrive in Saigon by late afternoon, with time to relax before a hosted dinner.

Option 2 – Sunrise Photography & Urban Discovery
Wake early to capture the golden sunrise over the Mekong, with opportunities to photograph traditional fishing scenes, misty river landscapes, and local life stirring on the water. After breakfast and check-out, depart for Ho Chi Minh City.

In the afternoon, dive into the city’s Chinese-Vietnamese heritage with a visit to Cholon, Saigon’s bustling Chinatown. Explore the vibrant traditional Binh Tay Market and the 150-year-old Thien Hau Pagoda, filled with incense smoke and intricate carvings that honor the sea goddess Mazu.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Depart Ho Chi Minh City after breakfast for Mui Ne, a coastal town known for its sand dunes, salt farms, and traditional fishing culture. Stop along the way to photograph striking salt fields, where shimmering white mounds contrast beautifully with the blue sky.

In Mui Ne, visit the scenic Fairy Springs, a shallow stream flowing through colorful sandstone formations and lush greenery—a peaceful, photogenic landscape.

As evening nears, head to the Mui Ne harbor, where vibrant fishing boats glow under the golden light of sunset—an iconic photo stop.

After sunset, continue to Phan Rang for hotel check-in and dinner.

Overnight in Phan Rang.

Start early with a visit to Phan Ri Cua, a vibrant fishing village alive with morning activity as boats return with their catch. Capture dynamic scenes of coastal life and sunrise-lit seascapes perfect for documentary photography.

Continue to Ca Na Port, a striking location for seascape photography, where rugged fishing structures meet dramatic coastal views.

Return to Phan Rang to explore Bau Truc Pottery Village, one of Southeast Asia’s oldest craft villages. Here, members of the Cham ethnic minority create and display traditional pottery—offering rich opportunities for cultural portraits and street photography.

In the afternoon, travel along the scenic coastline to the peaceful shores of Doc Let, where you’ll check in and enjoy a relaxed evening by the beach.

Overnight in Doc Let.

Rise early for a sunrise photography session at the stunning Hon Khoi Salt Field, one of Vietnam’s most beautiful. Capture the dramatic reflections across the salt pans and local workers in traditional conical hats harvesting salt—perfect for landscape and cultural shots. After the shoot, enjoy breakfast and relax before lunch.
In the afternoon, head to Nha Trang, a vibrant coastal city known for its palm-lined beaches and turquoise waters.
The rest of the day is free to relax by the beach, explore Nha Trang, or review your impressive photo collection.
Overnight in Nha Trang City.

Start with a half-day city tour of Nha Trang, blending history, artistry, and local culture:

• Stone Church (Nha Trang Cathedral) – A French Gothic-style church offering panoramic city views.

• XQ Historical Village – Discover exquisite silk embroidery art, showcasing Vietnam’s rich heritage.

• Long Son Pagoda – Visit the majestic white Buddha statue and intricate dragon mosaics.

• Ponagar Cham Towers – Ancient towers dating back to the 7th century, reflecting the region’s spiritual history.

• Dam Market – Explore the bustling market for local snacks and unique souvenirs.

After lunch, enjoy free time before a transfer to Cam Ranh Airport for your flight to Da Nang. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel in Hoi An.
Overnight in Hoi An.

Begin your day with a magical sunrise boat trip on the peaceful river near Hoi An—an unforgettable photography opportunity as local fishermen cast their nets into the golden morning light. This tranquil moment offers not only stunning visuals but also rare, authentic glimpses into riverside life, made possible through our strong local connections.

Then, dive into the charm of Hoi An Ancient Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famed for its timeless beauty and cultural richness. Stroll the lantern-lit streets and discover iconic landmarks such as:

• Temple Kwan – A serene tribute to a legendary general, showcasing Chinese architectural grace.

• Phuc Kien Assembly Hall – A richly decorated temple honoring the sea goddess Thien Hau.

• Tan Ky & Phung Hung Ancient Houses – Elegant homes reflecting a blend of Vietnamese, Japanese, and Chinese influences.

• Japanese Covered Bridge – Hoi An’s most photographed site, steeped in history and charm.

• Cultural Showrooms – Watch live demonstrations of traditional crafts, music, and performance arts.

As the sun lowers, we bid farewell to Hoi An and take a scenic drive to Hue, Vietnam’s former imperial capital, where centuries of royal history and architectural splendor await.

Overnight in Hue.

Rise early for a memorable morning photography session in Dam Chuon Village, part of the scenic Tam Giang Lagoon system. The drive to the lagoon takes you through peaceful country roads lined with old bamboo groves, rice paddies, vegetable gardens, and tall pine trees—each offering fantastic photo opportunities that beautifully capture rural life in Central Vietnam. After the photo session, return to the hotel for breakfast.

Mid-morning, visit Thuy Xuan Village, renowned for its traditional incense and conical hat making. This vibrant, fragrant village offers a burst of color and cultural immersion—perfect for capturing unique portraits and detailed artisan shots. Observe locals handcrafting sandalwood and cinnamon incense and weaving the iconic Hue-style conical hats, all in a setting filled with the rich aroma of heritage.

In the afternoon, head to Tam Giang Lagoon, where you’ll be treated to the golden hour light reflecting off vast waters, dotted with fishing nets and boats. This is a must-visit spot for landscape lovers and an essential part of any Vietnam photo tour.

As the sun begins to set, we transfer to Phu Bai Airport for a short flight to Hanoi, the capital city of Vietnam.

Overnight in Hanoi.

We depart Hanoi to Quang Phu Cau Village, a hidden gem in Northern Vietnam and a favorite among travel photographers. This traditional craft village is famed for its vibrant incense-making industry, where locals prepare, dye, and dry thousands of red-tipped incense sticks in symmetrical patterns. The striking contrast of red and gold hues, coupled with local artisans in traditional attire, provides extraordinary composition opportunities for cultural and portrait photography.

After capturing the essence of this unique trade, enjoy lunch before we continue our journey to Ninh Binh, known for its limestone karsts, serene rice paddies, and ancient temples—a region often dubbed “Halong Bay on land.”

In late afternoon, take a peaceful rowboat ride through Van Long Nature Reserve, gliding along still waters surrounded by towering cliffs and mirrored reflections—perfect for serene, dreamlike landscape shots.

Next, enjoy a leisure walk through lush rice fields to reach the Thai Vi Temple, a tranquil site rich in history and elegance. We’ll arrange a special portrait session with the elderly temple guards, lined up in ascending order in their traditional robes—a powerful image blending reverence, history, and cultural legacy.

Overnight in Ninh Binh.

After breakfast, we leave Ninh Binh and head north to visit two charming rural gems— Ban Village and Thu Sy Village, where time seems to stand still and Vietnam’s traditional craft culture thrives.

Our first stop is Ban Village, a quiet countryside location perfect for observing local daily life and traditional Vietnamese architecture. Then, we move on to Thu Sy Village, famed for its centuries-old tradition of weaving bamboo fish-pots.

As you stroll along narrow lanes shaded by bamboo groves and brown-tiled houses, you’ll see elderly artisans sitting on low stools, weaving fish-pots in front of their homes. During post-harvest months, these skilled villagers weave all day, creating wonderful opportunities to capture authentic rural portraits and scenes of community life.

This tranquil and nostalgic setting is a highlight for street-life and craft photography. By late afternoon, we return to Hanoi.

Overnight in Hanoi.

An early start today as we depart Hanoi at 4:00 AM with breakfast boxes prepared. We journey northwest, heading deep into Vietnam’s mountainous countryside to the stunning Long Coc Tea Hills, often hailed as one of the most picturesque tea plantations in Vietnam. Here, hundreds of gently rounded green hills stretch like waves under a soft morning mist—creating a surreal, almost mystical landscape. As the first golden rays of sunlight pierce through the fog, the tea hills transform into a photographer’s dream. Capture this serene and cinematic scene while observing villagers beginning their day among the rows of tea bushes. It’s a perfect opportunity for documenting rural life and tea-farming activities in a peaceful, ethereal setting.

After your morning shoot and a brief rest, we continue the drive through northern Vietnam’s dramatic scenery, arriving at Tu Le, a charming valley nestled at the base of the legendary Khau Pha Pass—one of the four most magnificent mountain passes in Vietnam. Tu Le is not only renowned for its terraced rice fields and misty pinewoods, but also as the cultural home of colorfully dressed ethnic minorities such as the Hmong, Dzao, and Thai. You’ll have the chance to photograph smiling villagers, shy children, and graceful women in traditional dress, all set against the grandeur of the surrounding mountains.

If energy and daylight allow, head out for a sunset photo hunt, capturing the last light cascading over this majestic landscape.

Dinner and overnight at a hotel in Tu Le.

Wake up early this morning for a sunrise photo session at one of Tu Le’s most scenic viewpoints. As the first light gently unveils the valley, Tu Le reveals itself in all its charm—golden rice fields, steaming streams, and the soft aroma of ripened rice fill the air. This tranquil setting, with its soft morning glow, is perfect for capturing rural landscapes and daily life. Before crossing the majestic Khau Pha Pass, also known as the “Horn of Heaven,” take time to photograph this winding mountain road draped in mist and bordered by lush greenery and towering peaks.

After lunch, we depart for Mu Cang Chai, a stunning 2-hour journey through the heart of northern Vietnam’s mountain country. This region is famed for its UNESCO-recognized rice terraces, offering some of the most iconic landscapes in all of Vietnam. In the afternoon, we explore a series of breathtaking locations:

• La Pan Tan – home to mesmerizing terraced fields carved by the Hmong people.
• Mam Xoi Hill – the crown jewel of rice terrace photography, especially from above.
• Horseshoe-shaped fields in Sang Nhu Village – a unique and rare perspective.
• Lao Chai Village – a peaceful community offering candid street-life and portrait opportunities.

Note: At Mam Xoi and Horseshoe fields, we’ll take local motorbike taxis (Xe Om) to reach the best viewpoints. If the trail becomes too muddy or slippery, we recommend walking to ensure safety.

Dinner and overnight in Mu Cang Chai.

Early this morning, we venture out to Kim Noi Village, a quiet and scenic area perfect for capturing authentic daily life and morning light across the rice terraces.  Next, embark on a scenic drive and a short trek to Han Xung Village, home to the Black H’mong people. This hidden gem offers breathtaking views of towering mountains, remote hill tribe houses, and layered terraced fields that stretch endlessly into the distance.

Continue to La Pan Tan commune, where we walk along buffalo trails and village paths for a more immersive experience. Here, you’ll witness the rhythm of daily life and interact with friendly ethnic locals, offering rich moments for portraiture. This area is also home to some of the most dramatic rice terraces in all of Vietnam.

After lunch, we depart Mu Cang Chai for Sapa that winds through some of the most beautiful mountain passes in the country.

Along the way, you’ll stop for photos at the lush tea plantations of Than Uyen, capture the striking Chu Va Mountain, cross the legendary Tam Ton Pass and visit the Heaven Gate, where the views over the Hoang Lien Son range are simply unforgettable. We may pause at Silver Waterfall, cascading down the mountainside—a perfect long-exposure shot opportunity. Then, we’ll arrive in Sapa in the late afternoon.

Dinner and overnight in Sapa.

We’ll rise early to explore the breathtaking Muong Hoa Valley, considered one of the most stunning landscapes in all of Vietnam. The valley is home to some of the country’s most iconic rice terraces, carved into the hillsides by generations of ethnic minorities. Our journey begins with visits to Y Linh Ho, Lao Chai, Ta Van, and Giang Ta Chai Villages, scattered along the valley floor. These villages are inhabited by the Black H’mong, Giay, and Red Dao people, whose daily routines and traditional clothing offer rich material for both portrait and documentary photography.

You’ll have endless opportunities to:

• Capture the soft morning light illuminating the lush terraces.
• Document the cultural rhythms of ethnic life—children walking to school, farmers tending the fields, women carrying baskets of produce.
• Walk along village trails and suspension bridges, gaining access to more remote perspectives of the valley.

Lunch at a convenient local spot.

In the afternoon, we drive to Bac Ha, a quiet town tucked into the highlands and known for its vibrant ethnic culture. Before the day ends, we visit the historical H’mong King’s Palace, constructed in 1914 and completed in 1921. This intriguing site offers a glimpse into the political and cultural power of the H’mong people during the colonial era—along with unique architectural photography opportunities.

Dinner and overnight at a hotel in Bac Ha.

After breakfast, we begin our final adventure with a visit to the vibrant Bac Ha Market—one of the most fascinating open-air markets in northern Vietnam. Held every Sunday, this market is a cultural crossroads, drawing locals from surrounding highland villages.

You’ll have a rich array of photographic opportunities here:

• The colorful Flower H’mong, known for their intricate and vividly embroidered costumes.
• A bustling marketplace filled with livestock trading, traditional crafts, and local produce.
• Scenes of tribal interactions, as eight ethnic groups, including H’mong, Tay, Phu La, and Dao, gather to trade and socialize.
• A strong presence of Chinese traders, adding to the market’s unique atmosphere—especially visible in the booming dog and animal trade.
• Horseback arrivals are common, as villagers transport their goods from remote mountainsides—adding yet another layer of authenticity and visual intrigue.

Following the market, we begin our scenic return drive to Noi Bai International Airport.

Enjoy free time at leisure to reflect on your unforgettable photographic journey through Vietnam—its landscapes, people, and enduring traditions.

Goodbye—and see you again soon!