
November 2-10, 2023
October 29 - November 6, 2024
Extension Available
Architecture Photography
• 9 Days or 11 Days
• Only 4 - 8 Guests
• Photographer | Guide
• 4 or 5-Star Hotels
• Breakfasts
• 4 Lunches & 2 Dinners
• 2 Domestic Flights
• 2 Nights Victoria Express
• Local Transportation
VIETNAM
Hanoi, Sapa, Hoi An, Ho Chi Minh City, Ha Long Bay
BHUTAN
THAILAND
VIETNAM
CAMBODIA
NEPAL
This is not your father’s Vietnam. Come experience the magic of this land.
This is not your father’s Vietnam. Things have changed, and fast. Vietnam is one of SE Asia’s fastest growing economies, and our visit here will show plenty of evidence of that. But there is also lots of history on display in Old Vietnam, with substantial French colonial influence, and remnants of the American War everywhere.
This impressively resilient country will surprise you at every corner. Not only is it physically beautiful (amazing beaches, rice fields carved from mountains), but it’s also historically fascinating, and the people have a charm about them that will leave you with photographs and memories forever.
The Vietnam that is emerging today may well surprise you. It’s found a way to embrace its history will still managing to grow at a pace that is envied all over SE Asia. We will experience the legendary Vietnam hospitality, bear witness to its beautiful people, and breathe in its culture through historical sites and incredible beauty. With 1000-year-old cities that appear both ancient and incredibly modern at the same time, it’s easy to see how this country will become one of the most important places in the region.
What you think you knew about Vietnam will be changed by your journey with us. You will come away with a new belief that Vietnam is a changed country. Join us on this adventure, and see why Vietnam has become THE place to visit in Asia.
This adventure is designed not only to guide you to the most photogenic locations carefully planned for the best light, but to aid you in mentally visualizing a scene before capturing the decisive moment. Our aim is to raise your awareness and spark your creativity so that you not only go home with images to be proud of, but use your new found skills to improve and expand your photographic technique in general. Apart from the technical aspect of learning your camera settings and capabilities, you will learn how to turn an ordinary image into an extraordinary image by using your own creativity.
In addition, you will become knowledgeable on how to survey the landscape, utilize and approach your environment, photograph people indigenous to the region and the cultural considerations and challenges of photographing in a foreign country. Our time together will include individual and group discussions, inspiring ideas and great fun. Join us in Vietnam for the adventure of a lifetime.
The Vietnam that is emerging today may well surprise you. It’s found a way to embrace its history will still managing to grow at a pace that is envied all over SE Asia. We will experience the legendary Vietnam hospitality, bear witness to its beautiful people, and breathe in its culture through historical sites and incredible beauty. With 1000-year-old cities that appear both ancient and incredibly modern at the same time, it’s easy to see how this country will become one of the most important places in the region.
What you think you knew about Vietnam will be changed by your journey with us. You will come away with a new belief that Vietnam is a changed country. Join us on this adventure, and see why Vietnam has become THE place to visit in Asia.
This adventure is designed not only to guide you to the most photogenic locations carefully planned for the best light, but to aid you in mentally visualizing a scene before capturing the decisive moment. Our aim is to raise your awareness and spark your creativity so that you not only go home with images to be proud of, but use your new found skills to improve and expand your photographic technique in general. Apart from the technical aspect of learning your camera settings and capabilities, you will learn how to turn an ordinary image into an extraordinary image by using your own creativity.
In addition, you will become knowledgeable on how to survey the landscape, utilize and approach your environment, photograph people indigenous to the region and the cultural considerations and challenges of photographing in a foreign country. Our time together will include individual and group discussions, inspiring ideas and great fun. Join us in Vietnam for the adventure of a lifetime.
Group Size
4 – 8 Guests
Experience | Difficulty
- Beginner, amateur, enthusiast and semi-pro photographers
- DSLR, mirrorless, compact or iPhone cameras
- Busy schedule
- Travel by walking, car or minibus
- Moderate elevation changes and lots of walking
- (non-photographers also welcome)
Weather | Sun
March – Temps 90/76 F 30/23 C Sunrise 6:00 | Sunset 6:00 (18:00)
October/November – Temps 86/74 F 33/24 C Sunrise 6:00 | Sunset 5:30 (17:30)
Includes
- Travel, landscape, seascape, architecture, and people photography
- Professional photographer | guide
- Local guide
- Photo walks & discussions
- Small group size (4 – 8 guests)
- 9 or 11 days
- 4 or 5-star hotels
- Breakfasts
- 4 Lunches and 2 Dinners
- 2 Nights on the luxurious Victoria Express train to Sapa
- 2 Domestic flights
- Local transportation
Travel Information
Arrival airport: Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), Vietnam (SGN) – Transfer to hotel: 1 hr
Departure airport: Hanoi, Vietnam – Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) – Transfer to hotel: 45 min
Our adventure begins at 11 AM on the first day and ends at noon on the last day.
Travel Visa: A visa may be required depending on your nationality. Go to Visa Map to find out.
Accommodations
Hanoi – Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi, Hotel de L’Opera or similar
Ho Chi Minh City – Intercontinental, An Lam Saigon River, or similar
Hội An – Boutique Hội An Resort Hotel or similar
Sapa – Victoria Express Train
Sapa – Victoria Sapa Resort & Spa or similar
Ha Long Bay – Finest Yachts available
Helpful Links
> Vietnam – Hoan Kiem Lake – by Ian Robert Knight
> Legend of the Hotel Metropole – by Michael Chinnici
> Hmong Hill Tribes – by Ian Robert Knight
> Vietnam Day in the Life – A Focus on Hanoi – by Ian Robert Knight
> Photographing People in Asia – by Ian Robert Knight
> UNESCO Sites in Asia – by Ian Robert Knight
> Coffee Around the World – by Ian Robert Knight
> Cruising Ha Long Bay – by Ian Robert Knight
Vietnam Prices & Dates
Adventure | Price | REGISTER |
---|---|---|
From: $8,395 | ||
From: $8,795 |
Vietnam & Ha Long Bay Prices & Dates
Adventure | Price | REGISTER |
---|---|---|
From: $11,495 | ||
From: $11,995 |

Photographer Leader
Michael Chinnici
November 2-10 (12), 2023
October 29 – November 6 (8), 2024

Photographer Leader
Lopamudra Talukdar
November 2-10 (12), 2023
October 29 – November 6 (8), 2024
*All prices are per person and based on double occupancy. Please select single occupancy for a private room. For your convenience, we offer optional early arrival and late departure accommodations so you can extend your stay before or after the trip. We typically stay in upscale boutique hotels in the 4 and 5-star category. Not all destinations offer these types of properties. We look for unique hotels that offer cultural, historic, and/or authentic features. Depending on the size of the group, smaller boutique hotels may have limited room inventory. In some countries or in remote locations, we may be limited to lodges or branded chain hotels. In Cuba, we stay in upscale family-owned Casas (bread & breakfasts). On all of our tours, breakfast is almost always included, but not guaranteed. Meal categories listed include (B) for breakfast, (L) for lunch, and (D) for dinner.
ITINERARY
VIETNAM 9 DAYS
Day 1 | Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)
We meet in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam’s biggest southern city. After we are settled into our classic hotel in the city centre, we will discuss PWA’s “10 guiding principles of photography” as well as our “The Art of Seeing” photographic technique.
During our “Welcome Dinner” in one of Ho Chi Minh City’s best French-Vietnamese restaurants, we will have informal discussions about what our guests are trying to achieve in their photography, subject matters, styles and techniques.
A walking tour of the downtown area at night will allow us to shoot the crowded city streets and abundant late day activities. (D)
Day 2 | Ho Chi Minh City - Palace - Cathedral - Eiffel's Post Office
There is a lot to see in Ho Chi Minh City, particularly historical districts and buildings. Among the highlights would be the Reunification Palace, the Notre Dame Cathedral, and the Central Post Office that was designed by Gustave Eiffel (remember the French influence?). We will also have a chance to visit one of the large open markets as well. We will venture up to the observation deck of Bitexco Financial Tower. With breathtaking views of the city and surrounding areas, it’s a fitting tribute to the modern Vietnam that lives today. (B)
Day 3 | Ho Chi Minh City - Hoi An (flight)
We head to the HCMC airport in the morning, and take a short flight to Danang. After our arrival in Danang, it’s a quick 40 km journey through the beautiful countryside to Hoi An, on the central coast, where we will settle into our hotel on the waterfront.
Hoi An is a UNESCO world heritage site, and maintains much of its old charm from when it was one of the busiest ports in all of Asia, centuries ago. The market and harbor at night are highlights for photographs. We’ll catch Hoi An at blue hour, when it looks it’s best. In the evening, we’ll get a chance to share our photos and discuss techniques with one another. (B)
Day 4 | Hoi An - Sapa (flight, train)
We have the morning to explore more of Hoi An, and after lunch have a flight up to Hanoi. From there, we will catch a luxurious overnight train to Sapa, a small mountain village near the border with China.
Sapa is a strong contrast to the bustling life of large cities in Vietnam. In Sapa, we will have wonderful opportunities to see ancient village life among the hill tribes. This village of roughly 7000 is at a high elevation and boasts beautiful landscapes filled with terraced rice paddies. It’s considered the most picturesque in the region. Because of the elevation, it’s a pretty wet climate and rain and fog is abundant during much of the year. Expect to see some of the most beautiful parts of inland Vietnam here. (B)
Day 5 | Sapa - Hill Tribes
Our first full day in Sapa will concentrate on photographing the Hill Tribes in the villages around the area. There are many ethnic minorities in this part of Vietnam, many of which are not seen anywhere else. Rural life here dates back centuries and generations, and its etched on the faces of the locals and their children. Our evenings will be spent in comfort in our hilltop hotel, overlooking the Sapa valley, and allow us to share our experiences and photographs. (B)
Day 6 | Sapa - Rice Terraces & Villages
Our second day in Sapa will allow us to spend time seeking out the best views of the terraces that layer the hillsides of this region. Taking a journey through the mountainous community to visit markets and interact with colorful locals, will provide you with images you will always cherish. It’s the people of Sapa that will be what you remember the most from your time here. (B)
Day 7 | Sapa - Markets - Hanoi (train)
Our final day in Sapa will allow us to spend time in a local market with the Hmong people, in their colorful dress. So much of their culture is centered around traditional family roles, farming and selling their produce. We’ll venture up the mountainside in search of the best views overlooking the terraced rice fields, carved out centuries ago. Tonight, we will embark on the journey south by the overnight train to bring us back to Hanoi, arriving rested and ready for the day ahead. (B)
Day 8 | Hanoi - Old Quarter - French Quarter
Our day in Hanoi will be filled with a lot of amazing images from the streets of this cosmopolitan city. We will get to explore both the Old Quarter and French Quarter, along with West Lake, the HCM mausoleum, and the notorious Hanoi Hilton prison. Seeing this city by day will open up many opportunities to see the modern and the colonial city scenes. Hanoi is a very modern city with a long history that is clearly evident.
After returning to our hotel, we prepare for a festive “Farewell Dinner” at one of Hanoi’s best restaurants. Here we will discuss the events of the trip, share our favorite photos and enjoy the fun and laughter. (B) (D)
Day 9 | Hanoi
Our journey comes to an end today, but only after we have one last chance to observe the charm of this wonderful city. Hanoi awakens early, and the streets are buzzing by sunrise. Locals are exercising on the streets, alone and in groups. Food vendors are everywhere, and we will be too. A farewell to our guests over breakfast and a chance to exchange contact information and share some of the photographs we’ve experience over the past 9 days. (B)
We suggest you consider extending your stay and enjoy a 3-day extension on a replica junk in beautiful Ha Long Bay and make good use of all the photographic techniques you have learned on our amazing photo adventure. See extension information below.
HA LONG BAY 3-DAY EXTENSION
Ha Long Bay Info
Ha Long Bay, in the Gulf of Tonkin, includes some 1,600 islands and islets, forming a spectacular seascape of limestone pillars. When it comes to scenery, Halong Bay can just be described as a ‘wow’. Known for its thousands of rocks and caves emerging out of emerald water, Halong Bay has won numerous world recognitions as well as charmed millions of visitors throughout the years. As you slowly explore the Bay, you will go from one surprise to another: one cannot stop asking himself/herself ‘how could nature have gifted humans such a wonder!’. We stay in some of the finest yachts (Vietnamese Junks) in Ha Long Bay.
Includes:
Travel, landscape, architecture and people photography
Professional photographer | guide
Photo walks & discussions
Replica Junk (Yacht) – Ha Long Bay
Various meals included on Junk
Local transportation
Day 1 | Hanoi - Ha Long Bay
After breakfast in Hanoi, we head to Ha Long Bay. The journey to Hạ Long Bay will be done by motor coach, in about 3 hours. By lunch time we will embark on our Junk for a 2-night cruise through the impressive Hạ Long Bay, and the more than 3000 limestone karst islands. We will have time to relax on this replica of the ancient junks that sailed these waters for centuries. Many of the islands we will see have lakes, beautiful beaches and caves for exploring. These islands are among the most popular areas for visitors to Vietnam, and no trip to this part of Asia is complete without photographs of these iconic waters. (B)
Day 2 | Ha Long Bay
Our second day on the cruise will allow us to explore some of the islands that dot the waters of Ha Long Bay. Caving and kayaking are options to consider. There is so much to photograph in this part of Vietnam, and there is no better way to see it than by a relaxing cruise. (B)
Day 3 | Ha Long Bay - Hanoi
On our final day, after a leisurely sail through the islands, we disembark the Junk at mid-day and take our coach back to Hanoi, where we say goodbye to an amazing 11 days, taking with us photographs to cherish and new friendships to remember. (B)
(B) Breakfast, (L) Lunch, (D) Dinner, (E) Excursion
May all who come as guests... leave as friends®

OPTIONS AND BENEFITS
Pricing
All prices are per person and based on double occupancy. Please select single occupancy for a private room. For your convenience, we offer optional early arrival and late departure accommodations so you can extend your stay before or after the trip. We typically stay in boutique hotels in the 4-star category. Not all destinations offer these types of properties. We look for unique hotels which offer cultural, historic and/or authentic features. Depending on the size of the group, smaller boutique hotels may have limited room inventory. In some countries or in remote locations, we may be limited to lodges or branded chain hotels. Breakfast is included only if included in our room rates.
Private Guided Adventures
We offer amazing private guided photo adventures, cultural tours and vacations for individuals, couples, families and groups. We can customize any of our published adventures, as well as others, to meet your individual needs, schedule, budget and interests. This may include the finest 5-star accommodations, business-class travel, and private guides and fixers who are able to make the impossible possible. If you are not interested in a photo-centric vacation, but you love our approach to private travel, we will be happy to design and deliver an amazing adventure focused on travel, culture and cuisine. Click here to request a quote. Feel free to call us at 1-888-834-0288 or contact us for more information.
Travel Insurance
We offer travel insurance through the internationally recognized Travelex Travel Insurance Company, as well as evacuation and medical transportation insurance through MedJet, one of the best in the industry.
The cost for travel insurance can be as low as 4% of the total trip cost, depending upon age and other factors. Knowing you have trip cancellation coverage can make a big difference should you have to cancel for some unforeseen reason. Travelex Insurance Services is a BBB Accredited business with an A+ rating. Click here to learn more about why you should consider travel insurance.
Rewards Program
Start earning points today and SAVE $200 - $900 off future trips!
Simply register for one of our amazing photo adventures and begin earning points today!
How The Program Works
For every adventure reservation you make with Photo Workshop Adventures, you earn valuable points which you can redeem on your next trip. This is a great way to save up to 8% off future trips. Our Rewards Program is designed with three tiers: Orange, Gold and VIP Members. Points may be applied towards balance payments on your next trip, or you may choose to accumulate points for a free trip in the future.
ORANGE REWARDS
All guests begin with our Orange Rewards Program (Level 1), which earns 4 points for every dollar you spend. You begin earning points immediately after your first trip. A $5,900 spend earns 23,600 points with a value of $236 USD.
GOLD REWARDS
With our Gold Rewards Program (Level 2), you earn 6 points for every dollar you spend. Orange Members who reach 120,000 accumulated lifetime* points (approx. 4-6 trips), automatically move up to Gold Rewards. A $5,900 spend earns 35,400 points with a value of $354 USD.
Additional Gold Benefits:
- Earn up to double points during promotional events
- Advance notifications for upcoming adventures and special offers
VIP REWARDS
With our VIP Rewards Program (Level 3), you earn 8 points for every dollar you spend. Gold Members who reach 350,000 accumulated lifetime* points (approx. 8-12 trips) move up to VIP Rewards. A $5,900 spend earns 47,200 points with a value of $472 USD, (8+/-% discount).
Additional VIP Benefits:
- Earn up to double points during promotional events
- Advance notifications for upcoming adventures and special offers
- Ability to Gift or Transfer points to others
- Receive complimentary airport transfers at the destination location*
Redeeming Your Points
Redeeming your points couldn’t be easier. You can always log in to your account to check your points balance. When you are ready to book your next trip, register and pay your deposit. When you go to pay your balance you will be given the option to apply your points and receive a discount.
THINK ORANGE Magazine
Subscribe to our Think Orange Magazine and eNews. THINK ORANGE is a wonderful mix of stories and tips related to travel, photography, adventure, culture, art, technology, cuisine, lifestyle, people and more. Our objective is to immerse you in a world you may only fantasize about. Raise your awareness and inspire your creativity. Perhaps even help make you a better photographer. We deliver similar experiential experiences that our guests enjoy on our photo adventures. Like all of our adventures, our blog is “photo-centric”, while also allowing you to experience all the nuances and cultural aspects of travel and adventure. Welcome to our world. We hope you enjoy. Our eNews is a great way to receive information about upcoming photo adventures, exciting new destinations, photography tips, special offers and more. Subscribe today!
Gift Cards
Give someone you know a Gift Card, good toward any of our Photo Adventures, Photo Tours, Private Guided Tours, Online Courses, Prints or Merchandize. Our beautifully personalized eGift Cards and Certificates are delivered to you electronically. They are fully transferable and have a 2 year expiration date. They are available in any amount from $100 to $5000. It makes a great gift for anyone who loves photography, travel or adventure. Order now, or email for more information.