Vietnam Summer Photo Tour

After settling into the hotel and attending a brief orientation about the exciting journey ahead, our photographic adventure kicks off with a vibrant visit to a picturesque incense village—a place deeply meaningful to me. One of my photographs from this village was showcased in the June 2017 issue of National Geographic, earning global acclaim for its stunning visual allure.

You have the chance to artistically capture the vibrant hues of bundled incense, the striking patterns of their arrangements, and the skilled craftsmanship of local artisans at work. This setting is ideal for both conceptual and documentary-style photography. Following this immersive shoot, we return to Hanoi, where the day wraps up with a warm welcome dinner—a perfect opportunity to unwind, bond, and share excitement for the inspiring journey ahead.

We kick off the day by photographing the bustling streets along Hanoi’s iconic ceramic road—a vast mosaic mural spanning kilometers, crafted to commemorate the city’s 1,000th anniversary. The vivid artwork and dynamic pulse of daily life create an electrifying setting for street photography, weaving together tradition and modern urban vibrancy.

Our photography group then shifts to the storied soy sauce village, where we capture the time-honored craftsmanship and traditional methods behind this culinary gem. As we dive into the village, the rich, savory aroma of soy fills the air, heightening the sensory experience and deepening our visual storytelling.

The adventure continues as we visit the bamboo fishing trap village. This tranquil, skilled community showcases the creativity and resourcefulness of local life. Here, we document artisans skillfully weaving intricate traps by hand, capturing fleeting moments that reflect the profound bond between people and nature through intimate, close-up narratives.

We start our morning photographing the vibrant waterlilies in full bloom, their delicate petals set against the dramatic limestone karsts and serene waterways, bathed in the gentle glow of dawn. After a hearty breakfast, we journey to the historic Duong Lam ancient village, a living testament to traditional Vietnamese rural life, where we capture candid moments of locals engaged in their daily routines amidst ancient houses and winding alleys steeped in cultural heritage.

As the afternoon unfolds, we dive deeper into the village’s timeless allure, documenting its distinctive architecture and the warm hospitality of its residents before heading to Viet Tri City. Upon arriving in Viet Tri, we settle into our cozy accommodations, reflecting on the day’s visual gems while gearing up for the adventures to come.

We depart Viet Tri early in the morning and 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. After capturing this serene spectacle, we 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.

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, eager to rest and anticipate the next day’s exploration of this iconic highland region’s dramatic scenery.

The day starts at the stunning Mam Xoi viewpoint in Mu Cang Chai, where the sunrise casts a golden glow over the rolling landscapes. We spend the day exploring the breathtaking rice terraces of Mu Cang Chai, each scene showcasing vibrant green fields framed by majestic mountains.

As the day draws to a close, we bask in the warm hues of sunset illuminating the “Horse-shoe” rice terraces, capturing the final rays of light as they sweep across the graceful curves of this agricultural wonder. Each photograph crafts a visual masterpiece, intertwining the brilliance of sunrise, the rich heritage of H’Mong traditions, and the timeless allure of the rice terraces—creating a day filled with the vibrant spirit of nature and culture in this captivating corner of Vietnam.

As our time in Mu Cang Chai draws to a close, we rise early, excited to embark on the next leg of our adventure. Carrying treasured memories of the stunning rice terraces, the warm hospitality of the H’Mong community, and the breathtaking landscapes, we bid a heartfelt farewell to this tranquil valley.

In the afternoon, we board a flight from Hanoi’s Noi Bai airport to Hue, smoothly transitioning to our next destination. Upon arrival, we check into a luxurious 5-star hotel in Hue, a peaceful retreat to unwind and reflect on the day’s unforgettable experiences.

We experience a vibrant day in Hue on our Vietnam summer photo tour, beginning with a breathtaking sunrise over the lagoon just outside the city. Then, we explore the majestic Imperial City alongside Vietnamese models in traditional attire, adding authenticity and cultural richness to every shot.

We marvel at the intricate architecture and vivid colors of this UNESCO World Heritage Site as we capture its grandeur through our lenses. Later, we photograph fishermen casting their nets in time-honored tradition as the sun sets below the horizon. The day concludes with a serene lantern ceremony along the river during the enchanting blue hour.

We start the day early to photograph the first light over Hue’s tranquil lagoon, where fishermen drift across calm waters beneath gentle morning skies—a dreamy setting ideal for serene landscape compositions. After sunrise, we visit the Thanh Tien paper flower village, where artisans handcraft vibrant blossoms. The vivid colors and skilled craftsmanship offer excellent opportunities for detailed close-ups and environmental portraits. We also make a short stop at the abandoned water park on Hue’s outskirts, a haunting and surreal location providing a striking contrast to the traditional scenes from earlier.

Later, we travel to the ancient town of Hoi An. As golden hour nears, we capture the historic riverfront bathed in soft, warm sunset light. After dusk, the town glows with the radiance of lanterns and the lively buzz of the Hoi An night market—a perfect setting for vibrant street photography, colorful bokeh, and atmospheric low-light shots that capture the enchanting spirit of Vietnam after dark.

We start your day with a captivating immersion, photographing the timeless skill of local fishermen as they masterfully cast their nets—a vivid scene rooted in Vietnam's rich cultural legacy. We engage with the cherished “Ro Cho” fishing tradition, passed down through generations, as we capture the expertise of a fisherman who is a veteran artisan with 46 years of experience.

Later, we enjoy a portrait session with Madam Song, the woman renowned as the “most beautiful elderly lady of Vietnam”. We continue our day with a visit to a sewing net village, and a hidden spot where workers gather colorful sedges to craft sleeping mats.

On the final day of our summer adventure, our photography expedition continues to capture the red-shanked douc langur, often called the "Queen of Primates" for its vibrant, multicolored appearance, including red lower legs, white forearms, a silver crown, red cheek hair, and a white tail. This critically endangered species, native to Indochina (Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia), is known for its unique, costume-like fur.

We wrap up our journey upon arriving at Da Nang International Airport by 12 p.m. Whether you choose to extend your stay to discover more of central Vietnam or head home, let your photographs be cherished reminders of this extraordinary nation.