Mu Cang Chai Photo Tour

Mu Cang Chai Photo Tour Workshop
Arranging Incense Bundles Vietnam
Bamboo Basket Farmer
Sewing Net In Quang Nam
Colorful Sedge

Mu Cang Chai: a region famed for having some of the most spectacular rice terraces globally, and the ancestral home of the resilient H'Mong people. The Mu Cang Chai Photographic Journey is an exceptional experience tailored to enrich image-makers of every capability level. Under the expert leadership of Tran Tuan Viet, this expedition guarantees individual mentorship, empowering you to perfectly capture the breathtaking topography and deep cultural heritage of the area, thus ensuring a deeply meaningful and successful time behind the lens.

Instant Confirmation
Full License
Limousine Van
5-star Hotels
Drone Permit
Photography Guide

Expedition Overview

  • Duration: Seven days, six nights
  • Group Capacity: Maximum six participants
  • Starting Point: Hanoi
  • Conclusion Point: Hanoi
  • Physical Demands: Moderate
  • Lead Instructor: Tran Tuan Viet

Key Locations

  • Hanoi's ceramic road, popular incense village
  • Ancient Duong Lam settlement
  • Picturesque tea plantations, Tu Le valley
  • Traditional soy sauce processing area, woven bamboo craft village
  • Mu Cang Chai's celebrated rice terrace vistas
  • H'Mong corn storage structures, bamboo forest

Comprehensive Inclusions

  • Private coach transport, guaranteeing all window seating
  • Stays at 5-star standard hotels and luxury resorts throughout
  • Three standard meals provided daily
  • All entrance permits and model fees
  • Official tour license and drone flight permissions
  • Professional travel guidance and photography tutelage

Imaging Skill Sessions

  • Mastery of camera settings and functions
  • The artistry and technical rules of composition
  • Focus on Street and Portrait picture-taking styles
  • Specialized Landscape and Aerial (Drone) photography
  • Post-production and digital editing workshop

Lodging Details

  • All accommodations maintain a 5-star rating
  • Hanoi: Novotel Hanoi or comparable establishment
  • Phu Tho Province: Muong Thanh Luxury hotel
  • Mu Cang Chai District: Garrya resort
  • Hotel buffet breakfast service is included

Movement Logistics

  • Guaranteed window seats, complimentary bottled water
  • One 6-passenger premium vehicle
  • One 12-passenger executive van
  • Experienced professional drivers

Scheduled Trips

Month Year

Select a date to view trip details

Mu Cang Chai Photography Journey Schedule

Day 1 · Ha Noi

Our tour begins as we journey to the iconic incense village on the outskirts of Hanoi—a destination renowned for its mesmerizing visual tapestry....

Our tour begins as we journey to the iconic incense village on the outskirts of Hanoi—a destination renowned for its mesmerizing visual tapestry. In the early morning light, we photograph rows upon rows of vibrant red incense sticks that are meticulously arranged to dry in the sun, creating a surreal, almost dreamlike atmosphere.

Artisans dressed in traditional attire move gracefully through the colorful fields, offering powerful compositions that reflect the beauty, rhythm, and cultural heritage of Vietnamese village life.

This captivating scene provides a fitting finale to our journey, allowing participants to capture striking portraits, intricate textures, and powerful storytelling images. The tour concludes in the afternoon, filled with lasting memories and a portfolio rich with the spirit and soul of Vietnam.

After an inspiring shoot, we head to Hanoi for a welcome dinner, where we get to know each other over delicious local cuisine and toast to the adventure ahead.

Day 2 · Ha Noi

We start the day by exploring Hanoi’s famous Ceramic Road, capturing its intricate tilework as it glows in the morning light, with each piece telling a story of artistry and tradition....

We start the day by exploring Hanoi’s famous Ceramic Road, capturing its intricate tilework as it glows in the morning light, with each piece telling a story of artistry and tradition. Then, we travel to a traditional soy sauce village, where the air is rich with the aroma of fermentation, and skilled artisans practice age-old techniques. We capture the heart of this culinary craft, preserving its legacy through our lenses.

Later, we visit a bamboo fishing trap village, where we document the artistry of local craftsmen weaving intricate traps. Each moment reflects the deep connection between people, tradition, and nature. With a mix of textures, colors, and cultural narratives, today’s journey brings us deeper into Hanoi’s heritage, from ceramic artistry to culinary traditions and the craftsmanship of bamboo fishing traps.

We use the same 5-star hotel for this day.

Day 3 · Ha Noi

Our photographic odyssey continues as we venture south of Hanoi, where the serene beauty of the countryside awaits....

Our photographic odyssey continues as we venture south of Hanoi, where the serene beauty of the countryside awaits. In the morning, we head south of Hanoi for photography concepts featuring women sewing fishing nets and drying colorful sedge used to make traditional sleeping mats.

In the afternoon, we delve deeper into Vietnam’s rich cultural tapestry with a visit to the historic Duong Lam village, which stands as a living testament to the nation’s storied past. As we meander through its narrow, timeworn lanes flanked by ancient homes steeped in history, we engage with the warm and welcoming locals, whose stories breathe life into this timeless setting. With cameras in hand, we capture the village’s enduring charm, from weathered architectural details to candid moments of daily life. This day’s journey transitions from the vibrant pulse of Hanoi to the serene authenticity of the countryside, allowing us to craft a compelling visual narrative that encapsulates the heart, soul, and cultural depth of Vietnam.

Day 4 · Mu Cang Chai

Our group departs from Hanoi, chasing the first light over the Long Coc tea hills....

Our group departs from Hanoi, chasing the first light over the Long Coc tea hills. As the sun rises, we capture the rolling green landscapes bathed in golden hues before continuing toward Mu Cang Chai, where breathtaking terraced rice fields await.

In the late afternoon, we pause in the peaceful embrace of Tu Le valley, framing the day’s end with a stunning sunset over the lush countryside.

Day 5 · Mu Cang Chai

We begin the morning by photographing the impressive rice terraces at the Mam Xoi viewpoint under the soft morning light.In the afternoon, we visit a charming house adorned with hanging corn, capturing the rustic beauty of local life.We explore more breathtaking rice terraces, with each step revealing a mesmerizing patchwork of green fields against the towering mountains....

We begin the morning by photographing the impressive rice terraces at the Mam Xoi viewpoint under the soft morning light.

In the afternoon, we visit a charming house adorned with hanging corn, capturing the rustic beauty of local life.

We explore more breathtaking rice terraces, with each step revealing a mesmerizing patchwork of green fields against the towering mountains. Today’s journey is a true visual feast, showcasing the beauty and heritage of Mu Cang Chai.

Day 6 · Mu Cang Chai

We greet the day with a sunrise shoot over Lao Chai’s cascading rice terraces, where the soft morning light creates a magical scene....

We greet the day with a sunrise shoot over Lao Chai’s cascading rice terraces, where the soft morning light creates a magical scene. Later, we step inside a traditional H’Mong home, where golden corn hangs from the rafters, offering a glimpse into daily life.

After lunch, we continue capturing the breathtaking rice terraces, with each tier revealing stories of tradition and hard work. As the sun sets over the “Horse-shoe” terraces, we frame the day’s final light dancing on this natural masterpiece. From dawn to dusk, today’s journey is a perfect blend of culture and landscape.

Day 7 · Mu Cang Chai - Ha Noi

After an unforgettable journey through the majestic terraced mountains of Mu Cang Chai, where golden rice fields stretched endlessly beneath the clouds, we commence our return to Hanoi.The scenic drive offers a final opportunity to reflect on the profound beauty and experiences of the past week....

After an unforgettable journey through the majestic terraced mountains of Mu Cang Chai, where golden rice fields stretched endlessly beneath the clouds, we commence our return to Hanoi.

The scenic drive offers a final opportunity to reflect on the profound beauty and experiences of the past week. By afternoon, we arrive smoothly at Hanoi's Noi Bai International Airport, marking the official conclusion of our expedition. Here, we share heartfelt goodbyes, carrying with us cherished memories of an extraordinary adventure.

Your Tutor and Guide

Tran Tuan Viet
Tran Tuan Viet

Tran Tuan Viet is an expert image-maker and globally showcased visual narrator operating out of Hanoi. Since 2007, he has dedicated himself to capturing the Vietnam diverse geography and cultural heritage.

His pictures have appeared in publications such as National Geographic, Discovery Channel, Smithsonian Magazine, Google Arts & Culture, and campaigns for Apple and Samsung Worldwide. Viet holds the title of official Canon Ambassador, is a certified travel guide, and established Vietnam Photo Tours LLC in 2009.

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Vietnam Photography Tours LLC
Address: 120 Dinh Cong, Hanoi, Vietnam 100000
Business Registration license No. 0111276814
International Tour Operator license No. 01-3020 issued by Vietnam National Authority of Tourism.