Vietnam Autumn Photo Tour

After checking into your hotel and joining a quick orientation about the exciting adventure ahead, we kick off our photography tour with a visit to the enchanting incense village—a spot that holds a special place in my heart. One of my photos from this village was featured in the June 2017 issue of National Geographic, earning global recognition for its stunning visual beauty.

You will have the chance to creatively capture the bright colors of bundled incense, the striking symmetry of the arrangements, and the skilled artistry of local craftsmen at work. This location is perfect for both conceptual and documentary-style photography. After this enriching session, we head back to Hanoi, where the day concludes with a warm welcome dinner, providing a great opportunity to relax, connect with others, and discuss the inspiring journey that lies ahead.

We begin the day by capturing the bustling streets along Hanoi’s iconic Ceramic Road—a massive mosaic mural that stretches for kilometers and was created to celebrate the city’s 1,000th anniversary. The vibrant artwork and constant movement of daily life provide an energetic setting for street photography, blending tradition with modern urban rhythm.

Our photography group then transitions to the rich heritage of the soy sauce village, where we capture the traditional craftsmanship and time-honored techniques that shape this culinary cornerstone. As we immerse ourselves in the village, the air becomes infused with the savory aroma of soy, enhancing the sensory experience and enriching our visual narrative.

The journey continues as we head to the bamboo fishing trap village. This quiet, skilled community showcases the ingenuity and resourcefulness of local life. Here, we capture fleeting moments of artisans weaving intricate traps by hand, highlighting the deep, symbiotic connection between humanity and the natural world through thoughtful, close-up storytelling.

We begin our morning to photograph the vibrant waterlilies in full bloom, their delicate petals contrasting beautifully against the limestone karsts and tranquil waterways under the soft dawn light. After a hearty 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.

As the afternoon unfolds, 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.

We leave Viet Tri early in the morning and head to the picturesque Long Coc tea hills, arriving just in time to photograph the breathtaking sunrise as golden rays illuminate the rolling green slopes and cast a magical glow over the misty landscape. After capturing this serene spectacle, we journey to the stunning Tu Le valley, which is 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.

As the day progresses, we explore the valley’s charm by 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. After soaking in the evening’s beauty, we travel to Mu Cang Chai, where we rest and anticipate the next day’s exploration of this iconic highland region’s dramatic scenery.

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, with each vista revealing vibrant green fields framed by towering mountains.

As the day winds down, we soak in the warm glow of sunset illuminating the “Horse-shoe” rice terraces, capturing the last rays of light as they dance across the elegant curves of this agricultural marvel. Each photograph weaves a visual symphony, blending the radiance of sunrise, the rich heritage of H’Mong traditions, and the enduring charm of the rice terraces—creating a day infused with the vibrant essence of nature and culture in this enchanting corner of Vietnam.

As our time in Mu Cang Chai nears its end, we rise early, eager to embrace the next chapter of our journey. Carrying cherished memories of the mesmerizing rice terraces, the warm hospitality of the H’Mong community, and the awe-inspiring landscapes, we say a heartfelt goodbye to this peaceful valley.

By afternoon, we board a flight from Hanoi’s Noi Bai airport to Hue, seamlessly transitioning to our next destination. We then settle into a luxurious 5-star hotel in Hue, a serene haven to relax and savor the day’s unforgettable moments.

We enjoy a stunning day in Hue on our Vietnam fall photo tour, starting with the sunrise over the lagoon just outside the city. Next, we explore the grand Imperial City alongside Vietnamese models dressed in traditional outfits, bringing authenticity and cultural depth to every photo.

We admire the detailed architecture and bold colors of this UNESCO World Heritage Site as we capture its magnificence through our lenses. 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.

We begin the day early to capture the first light over the peaceful lagoon of Hue, where fishermen glide across still waters under soft morning skies—an ethereal setting perfect for serene landscape compositions. 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 offering striking contrast to the traditional scenes earlier in the day.

Later, we journey to the ancient town of Hoi An. As golden hour approaches, we frame the historic riverfront bathed in soft, diffused sunset light. After dusk, the town comes alive with the glow of lanterns and the vibrant energy of the Hoi An night market—a perfect opportunity for street photography, colorful bokeh, and atmospheric low-light captures that celebrate the magic of Vietnam after dark.

We begin your day with an unforgettable immersion, capturing the timeless artistry of local fishermen as they expertly cast their nets—a striking scene steeped in Vietnam’s cultural heritage. We engage with the treasured “Ro Cho” fishing tradition, handed down through generations, as we photograph the mastery of a fisherman who is a seasoned artisan with 46 years of experience.

Later, we have a portrait session with Madam Song, the lady dubbed as the “most beautiful elderly lady of Vietnam.” We continue our day with a visit to a sewing net village and a hidden place where workers collect colorful sedges to make sleeping mats.

On the last day of our journey, we visit a serene fishing village for a morning photography session. Local women gracefully mend nets and seem to float on a cloud, blending skill with the sea’s rhythm. These moments create lasting memories and stunning photographs of coastal life.

We conclude our journey upon arriving at Da Nang International Airport by 3 p.m. Whether you extend your stay to explore more of central Vietnam or depart for home, let your photographs serve as lasting memories of this amazing nation.