Vietnam Photo Tour
October 13 - 23, 2025
Vietnam, a land of breathtaking contrasts and timeless charm, captivates with its natural beauty and rich cultural tapestry. Join Jim for an extraordinary visual journey in one of Asia's most beautiful countries. Drones are welcome on this photography tour! (No drone license is required). Whether you are taking pictures from ground-level or from an elevated perspective, you will love Vietnam's stunning landscapes, warm and welcoming people, and super saturated color. The countryside is a patchwork of lush green fields interspersed with towering limestone karsts and meandering rivers. In villages like Hoi An, traditional stilt houses and ancient temples evoke a sense of timeless tranquility. This is a photo tour not to be missed!
What you will learn on this photo tour:
-- Using HDR at twilight
-- Focus stacking with telephotos for landscapes
-- Advantages of panos instead of wide angle lenses
-- How you can avoid using histograms all the time
-- How to use ND filters to eliminate people
-- Advantages of using manual exposure mode
-- Identifying S curves for strong compositions
-- Working with foreign models
ITINERARY
Day 1, October 13, Monday
Arrive in Hanoi, Vietnam (airport code HAN) on this day, and after clearing customs and immigration, you'll be promptly transferred to our 5-star hotel. Our adventure begins with a visit to the enchanting incense village. You'll have two amazing hours to capture its beauty through your lens. The dazzling and super saturated magenta, green, yellow, and red bundles of incense make outstanding images. This is an awesome drone shot as well. Excited over our first taste of award-winning photography, we return to the hotel to enjoy a welcome dinner and to get to know the other members in the tour. Jim recommends arriving one day early to recover from jet lag and to start the tour on the 13th refreshed and rested. Overnight Grand Plaza Hanoi Hotel, Hanoi.
Day 2, October 14, Tuesday
After breakfast we photograph Hanoi’s iconic ceramic road. It's colorful, artistic, and very graphic. Great photos here! We then explore the rich heritage of the Hung Yen's soy sauce village. We'll capture the traditional craftsmanship and time-honored techniques that define this culinary cornerstone. This is a good place to look for strong graphic design, leading lines, and striking patterns either from the ground or using a drone.
In the afternoon, our journey takes us to the bamboo fishing trap village. We'll witness the ingenuity and resourcefulness of the local communities as they weave intricate traps to catch fish. Overnight Emeralda Resort Tam Coc, Ninh Binh City
Day 3, October 15, Wednesday
We begin our morning in the enchanting Tam Coc valley, where we rise early to photograph the vibrant waterlilies in full bloom, their delicate petals contrasting beautifully against the limestone karsts and tranquil waterways. After breakfast, we travel to the historic Duong Lam ancient village, a living museum of traditional Vietnamese rural life, where we capture candid moments of locals tending to their daily routines amidst centuries-old houses and narrow alleys rich with cultural heritage.
In the afternoon we immerse ourselves in the village’s timeless charm, documenting its unique architecture and the warm hospitality of its residents before departing for Viet Tri City. Upon arrival in Viet Tri, we settle into our comfortable accommodations, reflecting on the day’s visual treasures while preparing for the adventures ahead. Overnight Muong Thanh Luxury Phu Tho Hotel, Viet Tri City
Day 4, October 16, Thursday
Leaving Viet Tri early in the morning, we set out for the picturesque Long Coc tea hills, arriving just in time to photograph the breathtaking sunrise as golden rays illuminate the rolling green slopes, casting a magical glow over the misty landscape. We then journey to the stunning Tu Le valley, renowned for its expansive rice terraces that cascade down the mountainsides like natural stairways, offering endless opportunities to frame the intricate patterns and vibrant hues of rural Vietnam.
Later we explore the valley’s charm, interacting with local farmers and documenting their harmonious connection with the land, culminating in a mesmerizing sunset shoot where the terraces shimmer under the fading light. Overnight Garrya Mu Cang Chai Resort, Mu Cang Chai Town
Day 5, October 17, Friday
The day begins at the breathtaking Mam Xoi viewpoint in Mu Cang Chai, where the sunrise bathes the rolling landscapes in a golden glow. We spend the day wandering through the stunning rice terraces of Mu Cang Chai, each vista revealing vibrant green fields framed by towering mountains.
Later we photograph the “Horse-shoe” rice terraces in beautiful light, capturing the last rays of light on the elegant curves of this agricultural marvel. Awesome photography! Overnight Garrya Mu Cang Chai Resort, Mu Cang Chai Town
Day 6, October 18, Saturday
This morning we say goodbye to the awe-inspiring landscapes we loved photographing. By afternoon, we board a flight to Hue. We then drive to our a luxurious 5-star hotel and get ready for some great night photography. Melia Vinpearl Hue Hotel, Hue City.
Day 7, October 19, Sunday
Enjoy a stunning day in Hue starting with the sunrise over the lagoon just outside the city. Next, explore the grand Imperial City alongside Vietnamese models dressed in traditional outfits, bringing authenticity and cultural depth to every photo. Admire the detailed architecture and bold colors of this UNESCO World Heritage Site as you capture its magnificence through your lens. Later, we capture fishermen casting their nets in time-honored fashion as the sun dips below the horizon. The day winds down with a tranquil lantern ceremony along the river during the captivating blue hour. Overnight Melia Vinpearl Hue Hotel, Hue City
Day 8, October 20, Monday
We begin the day early to capture the first light over the peaceful lagoon of Hue where fishermen glide across still waters — an ethereal setting. After sunrise, we visit the Thanh Tien paper flower village, where artisans craft vibrant blossoms by hand. The vivid colors and skilled hands at work provide a wonderful opportunity for both detail shots and environmental portraits. We also make a brief stop at the abandoned water park on the outskirts of Hue, an intriguing and surreal location.
Later, we journey to the ancient town of Hoi An. As golden hour approaches, we frame the historic riverfront bathed in sunset light. After dusk, the town comes alive with the glow of lanterns and the vibrant energy of the Hoi A night market. Capture the magic of Vietnam after dark. Overnight Wafaifo Hoi An Hotel, Hoi An City
Day 9, October 21, Tuesday
This early morning we capture the timeless artistry of local fishermen as they expertly cast their nets. Later, we have a portrait session with madam Song, the lady who dubbed as “most beatiful elderly lady of Vietnam”. We continue our day with our visit to a sewing net village, and a hidden place where workers collect colorful sedges to make sleeping mats. Overnight Wafaifo Hoi An Hotel, Hoi An City.
Day 10, October 22, Wednesday
Today we’ll visit a serene fishing village for a morning photography session. Local women, gracefully mending nets, seem to float on a cloud,
blending skill with the sea’s rhythm. These moments will create lasting memories and stunning photographs of coastal life. We then driving to Da Nang and overnight in an airport hotel.
Day 11, October 23, Thursday
Arrange your flight home at any time from DaNang's International Airport (code DAD), knowing you've taken amazing pictures of a very beautiful and amazing country.
Tour cost: $7990. Includes 10 nights lodging based on double occupancy in superior hotels, all ground transportation, two domestic flights, all meals, airport transfers, site entry fees, model fees, non-alcoholic beverages daily, services of an English-speaking local guide, photo instruction, and critiques on demand.
Single supplement fee (to have your own room): $990
Not included: International airfare, trip cancellation insurance, medical evacuation insurance, alcohol, visa, tips for guide and drivers.