Photograph Vietnam's finest locations on a unique 18-day expedition, guided by National Geographic contributor and Canon ambassador, Tran Tuan Viet. This bespoke one-on-one journey explores the nation's varied splendor—from the northern highland terraces to the southern waterways—offering unparalleled access and professional mentorship.
Journey Overview
Duration: 18 days, 17 nights dedicated to high-end photography
Transport: Private luxury vehicle, internal business class flight, and exclusive cruises
Group Size: 1 Photographer + 1 Companion (non-shooter at 50% discount)
Start/End: Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City
Exertion: Moderate, customized to your pace
Operator: Vietnam Photo Tours LLC
Destinations Explored
An exhaustive visual narrative spanning the entire country:
North: Mu Cang Chai, Cao Bang (Ban Gioc), Ha Long Bay, Ninh Binh
Central: Hue, Da Nang (Ba Na Hills), Hoi An, Phu Yen
South: Ninh Thuan, Mui Ne, Ho Chi Minh City
Vietnam Unfiltered: The Ultimate 1-on-1 Portfolio
The Expedition Philosophy
This is not a tour; it is a professional commission for your portfolio. Spanning 18 days, this one-on-one expedition is the most comprehensive photography experience in Vietnam. You will have the undivided attention of Tran Tuan Viet to master everything from technical precision to the nuances of visual storytelling. We move with the light, bypassing the tourist trails to find the "soul" of Vietnam—the mist on the Mu Cang Chai terraces, the thunder of Ban Gioc, and the quiet dignity of the Cham pottery villages. Every location is chosen for its specific visual weight and cultural significance.
Professional Services: You are supported by a private helper for your gear, 5G connectivity, and a business-class domestic flight. Accommodations are strictly 5-star properties or the most prestigious boutique lodges in remote areas. We handle all drone permits and model setups, leaving you free to focus entirely on the frame.
From Highland Mists to Imperial Shadows
The journey begins in the North, where we chase the "golden hour" across the world’s most dramatic rice terraces in Mu Cang Chai. We then navigate the karst landscapes of Cao Bang to capture Ban Gioc Waterfall—not just as a landscape, but as a study in movement and power. Transitioning to Central Vietnam, the narrative shifts to history. In Hue, we utilize exclusive access to the Imperial Citadel and arrange private sessions with Ao Dai models and river fishermen at dusk. This segment focuses on "Architectural Symmetery" and "Environmental Portraiture," blending human grace with ancient stone.
The Coastal Rhythm and Southern Light
As we head South along the coast, the light changes. We document the unique "coracle" boat culture in Phu Yen and the V-shaped fishing nets of the Central coast. In the sand dunes of Phan Rang and Mui Ne, we focus on "Graphic Minimalist" photography—using the shadows of the dunes and the silhouettes of Cham people to create timeless, high-contrast imagery. The expedition concludes in the vibrant, high-energy environment of Ho Chi Minh City, where we balance modern urban sunsets with the delicate beauty of waterlily harvests in the nearby wetlands.
Tran Tuan Viet, a professional photographer and internationally published visual storyteller based in Hanoi. Since 2007, Viet has passionately documented the landscapes and culture of Vietnam.
His photographs have been featured in National Geographic, Discovery, Smithsonian, Google Arts & Culture, Apple, Samsung Global, etc... Viet is an official Canon Ambassador, a licensed tour guide, and founder of Vietnam Photo Tours LLC since 2009.
Absolutely. As a 1-on-1 tour, we can adjust the pace or spend more time in specific regions (e.g., more mountains or more coastal life) based on your portfolio goals.
What level of mentoring is provided?
You get full access to Tran Tuan Viet’s workflow—from scouting and lighting to post-processing and storytelling. It is a deep-dive apprenticeship.
How do we handle the single flight?
The domestic flight from Hanoi to Hue is included and upgraded to Business Class for your comfort and extra baggage allowance for camera gear.
Is a gear assistant always present?
Yes, a dedicated assistant will help carry tripods, lenses, and assist with drone management, allowing you to focus purely on the creative process.
How are drone permits handled?
We manage all official paperwork. You simply provide your drone serial number 3 months in advance, and we ensure you can fly legally in all permitted zones.