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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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.

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)

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) 

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)