Hanoi – Halong Bay – Hue – Hoi An – Danang
11 DAYS / 10 nights
An incredible photographic journey into the cultural heart of Vietnam. We take our time and photograph all the amazing crafts this country has to offer. We also eat at some of the best restaurants, the food is fresh and incredibly delicious. Vietnamese done well is one of the best cuisines on the planet. From the craft villages of Hanoi to the scenic beauty that is Halong Bay, a World UNESCO Natural Heritage Site, to the ancient capital of Hue, the prettiest town in all south-east Asia Hoi An where we will have access to two models over two days. We’ll also photograph the famous fishermen casting their nets and the women who mend these gigantic nets. If you have a drone, be sure to bring it. Drones under 250gr, such as the DJI Minipro 3 & 4 are allowed. Then lastly we’ll finish up at the coastal city of Danang, for fishing boats and some temple photography along the gorgeous coastline. My tours are always favored by women photographers, though men are welcome.
Day 1 Hanoi
Arrive Hanoi, private airport transfers, check into hotel, afternoon walk, group dinner.
Day 2 Hanoi
We’ll be up early to start our craft village photography sessions. These will provide you the perfect opportunity to shoot portraits creatively, environmentally-staged and guided by our team from Vietnam. First up is the incense village, then lunch at a local restaurant, followed by a visit to the fish trap village. Take your time and get the compositions you desire. The evening will be spent exploring the market streets of Hanoi and we’ll go to the famous Beer Street for dinner.
Day 3 Wednesday Hanoi
Again we spend the day with our photography guides from Vietnam, and this morning we’re up early again to visit the soy sauce village. The patterns and symmetry of the ceramic jars are so photogenic, and of course there will be opportunities to shoot the workers at their craft. It’s incredible in Vietnam how certain villages are dedicated to the production of just one item. Afterwards we will head back to Hanoi for a rest before our fixer collects us for a 2 hour guided photo walk through the streets of Hanoi. Here he will assist in pointing out all the amazing spots.
Day 4 Ha Long Bay
This morning, we are picked up for our transfer to Ha Long Bay. Today you will cruise the bay featuring thousands of limestone karsts. This is an all inclusive (L,D,B) cruise (except alcohol). There are fantastic opportunities to shoot from the ship’s deck at golden hour, sunset and sunrise.
Day 5 Hue
Travel day – around 11am we will leave the ship and catch our shuttle to Hanoi’s airport for our flight to Vietnam’s ancient capital, Hue. This afternoon is free time for shopping and exploring the streets. Hue has a “walking street” with many good restaurants and we’ll visit one for dinner.
Day 6 Hue
After breakfast we’ll head out into the countryside for some photography opportunities, rice fields, fishermen’s nets, the local wetlands, etc. We’ll visit the ancient citadel this afternoon and take a cyclo back to the hotel before going for dinner.
Day 7 Hoi An
This morning we take a private transfer to Hoi An, SE Asia’s prettiest ancient town. After check in and a short rest we’ll meet up with our Vietnam team for a visit to the net-mending village, capture award-winning photos here of locals mending huge nets (if you have a drone bring it). Next, we’ll head to the mouth of the river to photograph fishermen with their traditional nets. This outing is definitely a highlight of the trip. For dinner we’ll go to a restaurant famous for its extremely delicious local cuisine.
Day 8 Hoi An
We’ll wake early for a model shoot along the banks of the Thu Bon river and many beautiful Hoi An backdrops. Sunrise offers lovely soft lighting and we’ll shoot a model in her local dress the ao dai. Next up breakfast, then we’ll head out of town to an organic vegetable farm, Tre Que. This garden supplies herbs and vegetables to many of the restaurants in the town. The lunch here will blow your mind, the pinnacle of Vietnamese food. This evening we’ll take a boat ride on the river among the hundreds of lanterns.
Day 9 Hoi An
Today we’re up early again with a visit to My Son, the ancient ruins of the Champa Kingdom, which ruled here and in parts of Laos and Cambodia from the 4th to 13th Centuries. This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A model in local dress will be arranged for this outing. The afternoon is set aside as free time for shopping as there is a lot to buy and peruse here. If shopping isn’t your thing you could rest in the hotel, or walk about the old town looking for compositions. We’ll meet for dinner at a pre-arranged time in the lobby of our hotel.
Day 10 Danang
Our last full day on tour. We take our private transfer to the coastal city of Danang, somewhat akin to Australia’s Gold Coast. En route we’ll visit a village famous for coconut boats. We’ll take a ride through the palm forest and photograph a local fisherman throwing his cast net. It’s a fun way to spend an hour or so, and get some interesting photos. After check in we’ll head to Linh Ung pagoda for sunset.
Day 11
Departure day, but first a sunrise walk along the beach. If we’re lucky we’ll see some little Vietnamese boats (coracles) launch into the water, this can make for a beautiful image if the sunrise is a goodie. Next, breakfast then freshen up in your room before check out and we head to the airport for our flights onwards and/or home.
*Note the tour starts in Hanoi and ends in Danang
Notes
What’s Included?
*all accommodation (twin share)
*single supplement available (+US$450) except Ha Long Bay cruise (only twin share)
*all ground transportation
*one domestic flight Hanoi to Hue
*all activities mentioned
*all meals & drinks (except alcohol)
*permits & entry fees
What’s NOT Included?
* visa for Vietnam (online eVisa)
* international airfares to and from Vietnam
*travel insurance (mandatory)
*alcoholic drinks and snacks
**The tour requires a minimum of 4 to go ahead
** If single supplement is requested payment is due at time of booking
** A one on one tour requires + USD 1450
About the Author
