Next Photo Tour of Vietnam dates: April 26th – May 9th, 2020
Terraced rice paddies, colorful local markets, ancient ruins, magical pagodas, and vibrant city life. Yes, Vietnam has it all and we’ll see all that and more on this photography tour.
14-day Northern Vietnam Photo Tour
- Where: Northern Vietnam
- When: April 26th – May 9th, 2020
- Who: You and 11 other photography enthusiasts.
- What: A 14-day photo tour of Vietnam, catering to photographing in the best light of the day, in the field practice in a fun small group setting, with a flexible schedule and customized photography tutoring to match the group members!
- Why: Total photography immersion, in a safe environment, with experienced professional photographers providing lots of hands-on help!
How much is this tour?
This tour is designed to offer you both adventure and comfort.
We stay in comfortable and clean rooms in properties with local character and style when possible. All your meals and in-country transport (bus, train) are included.
We also take care of little incidentals like water daily, tips, models, and snacks on the bus and train have all been taken care of for you for a smooth easy experience.
| Group Size | Price |
|---|---|
| 7 – 12 People Nice group size with a maximum of 12 people |
$4695 USD |
| 5 – 6 People Small group supplement will apply |
$4995 USD |
Maximum group size: 12
Remaining Spots: 0
This tour is currently closed for registrations but you can join the wait list to be notified if a spot opens, or when the next tour is available for booking.
Members of the wait list will be notified first when registration becomes available.
Click Here for the Waiting List
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This is less than many other Vietnam tours which include 15 – 20 people – please look at that when researching and comparing tours!
NOTE: We have set the maximum number of participants on this tour to 12. This allows for a small, intimate group in order to give you the best experience. This means you will have more time with the tour leader(s), and a really nice group size.
Single Supplement Price:
- Prices quoted are for double occupancy. NOTE: You will be paired with someone of the same gender if you do not have a travel partner and request a roommate – if one is not available you will be charged the single supplement.
- Price for a single room is an additional $895
Do you love to travel? If you are as obsessed with travel and photography as we are then you need to join us on this tour of Vietnam. Not only will you learn how to take better photographs, through the support of our expert photography leader, but you can rest assured you will travel to the best locations Vietnam has to offer.
NOTE: Our guide on this tour is also an award-winning Vietnamese photographer! So you get to learn from him and see a bit of his country through his eyes.
The Tour Exceeded My Expectations
I loved the Vietnam photo tour, very well organized, totally orientated to photography, as we all wanted it to be. We were given plenty of time to shoot to our heart's content, something that on an ordinary tour is certainly not the norm. An effort was made to show us the authentic Vietnam which I thought was important. It was a great experience and I hope in the future to be able to take another tour before I get too old for travel insurance!
The Best Light
This photography tour of Vietnam has been specially curated to make sure each day we are photographing in the best light possible.
Over the 14 days, you will learn the best time of day to photograph and how to overcome challenging lighting situations.
Expect fishermen at sunrise, rooftop sunsets, portraits of local people in traditional dress, and explorations into the magical blue hour.
The Best Locations
Where others might go in, we go around. Don’t expect the typical tourist locations.
This is a custom-designed travel tour, by a photographer, for photography enthusiasts. What you can expect is to see the real authentic Vietnam including visits to local villages, exquisite architecture, experiences with tribal people and bustling markets.
We have taken the time to ensure our tour allows you to experience the real Vietnam, and not just the picture-postcard version.
Less Rushed
Nobody likes to be rushed. On our photography tours, we take our time.
By keeping the group size small we can be more responsive to your individual needs. We want to make sure you have time to get the best photographs possible.
That means if you feel like some downtime or skipping a location to explore on your own, that’s not a problem. We are here to support your photographic passion, and if that means taking a break that’s fine by us!
Photographers love Vietnam
Do you want to perfect your landscape photography? How about Vietnam’s limestone islands, surrounded by crystal clear tropical waters as your backdrop.
This captivating Southeast Asian gem – incredibly diverse in the landscape – serves up the perfect spots to explore all the photo opportunities you’ve been craving.
Vietnam’s breathtaking countryside, lively cities, delicious street eats, fascinating history, and friendly locals make it one of the world’s most up-and-coming destinations, especially for photographers.
One-on-One Access to Your Tour Leader
Come along and join us on a journey through one of the safest and most awe-inspiring destinations in this part of the world.
Your tour leader is sure to work in some special surprises. Perhaps light painting or food photography are up your alley. We’ll add in some fun, offbeat photo outings to learn and practice specific skills and photo tricks.
We specially-design our tour as a small-group experience. You’ll have plenty of room to find just the right light and have easy one-on-one access to your experienced tour leader.
Improve Your Camera Skills
If you like photo vacations with an emphasis on improving your camera skills at the same time, a smaller group presents a greater chance you’ll learn what you came to – and then some!
Over the course of the tour, you will get help in areas you may be struggling with, in a small group setting.
This will help maximize your learning opportunities and give you time to get individual help in the field, ask questions, get your images reviewed and allow us to customize the tour dynamically based on guest needs and skill level.
Move Vietnam to the top of your photography list
Vietnam is bursting with astonishing natural beauty.
With dramatic countryside, vibrant cities, 3000 km of tropical coastline, fresh and delicious street food and fascinating culture. Vietnam is the unsung hero of Southeast Asia and one of the world’s most up-and-coming destinations. Vietnam is developing at a staggering rate, so now really is the time to go.
Over the centuries the different civilizations that have called Vietnam home have shaped the architecture, culture and, cuisine. Its rich and complex history is waiting for you to explore. From the French Quarter in Hanoi to the Imperial City every place tells a story.
Come along on this exciting, one-of-a-kind photo tour of Vietnam, designed by photographers for photographers of all levels. Vietnam provides the backdrop, all you have to do is take the photos. Will you join us?
Vietnam was my favorite of the 4 DPM Photo Tours/Workshops I've attended.
I had such a great time in Vietnam and would go back in a heartbeat.
My memory of the beauty of the country and the smiles of the people is very special. Being able to see parts of the country where other tours do not go has been a huge bonus and it was because of your care in tailoring a tour for photographers.
This is a tentative schedule, may not be exactly as shown here:
- Day 1 – Hanoi (D)
- Upon arrival in Vietnam’s capital city Hanoi, you will be met and transferred to your hotel, where you will check-in and relax for the afternoon.
- After the welcome meeting and orientation, we will head out to dinner at a local restaurant for some traditional Vietnamese cuisine. For those that want to get right to it, we’ll have an optional night photoshoot around the lake.
- Day 2 – Hanoi (B, L, D)
- After an early morning shoot at a local flower market, it’s back to the hotel for a delicious breakfast. The rest of the day will be spent exploring two nearby villages, one that does metalwork and another that specializes in pottery. You will likely not see another tourist all day, that’s how we roll!
- We’ll head back to Hanoi for blue hour and dinner near our hotel.
- Day 3 – Hanoi (B, L, D)
- Today we’ll visit and photograph the Temple of Literature and do a walking tour of the Old French Quarter of Hanoi. Later we’ll shoot sunset and blue hour at one of the temples.
- The evening meal will be a menu of local food to introduce you to some of Vietnam’s most popular dishes.
- Day 4 – Hanoi > Ninh Binh (B, L, D)
- The day will begin early with an optional trip to photograph Long Biên Bridge. The historic cantilever bridge connects Hoan Kiem and Long Bien across the Red River. It makes for a magical early morning photo shoot.
- Returning to the hotel for breakfast, we’ll collect our belongings and make our way to Ninh Binh where we’ll take a late afternoon boat ride to enjoy the fresh air and highlands. Dinner will be at the hotel.
- Day 5 – Ninh Binh (B, L, D)
- Our fifth day will be spent exploring all this area has to offer. The exact schedule will be determined by the group preferences but may include visiting a cave or two, roaming a local market, stop at a bird park with over 4000 birds, local fruit orchards, or going up the 450+ steps to see the view atop Flying Dragon mountain (optional).
- The evening will be time to relax at the hotel where you may choose to take a swim or get a spa treatment (not included).
- Day 6 – Ninh Binh > Hanoi > Lao Cai (B, L, D)
- After a short tour and jungle trek in the Cuc Phuong National Park we prepare for a day of traveling. After lunch, we will travel back to Hanoi by late afternoon.
- After dinner, we will be catching the overnight train to Lao Cai with luxury cabins featuring 2 berths each.
- Day 7 – Lao Cai > Can Cau > Bac Ha (B, L, D)
- Upon our train arriving in Lao Cai and after breakfast, we make our way to the Saturday Can Cau market. It’s nestled on a hillside in a remote area of Northern Vietnam and might be the highlight of the trip for you as it was for many people on the last tour.
- We’ll visit Hoang A Tuong’s castle at a local village before arriving at our homestay in Bac Ha for the night.
- Day 8 – Bac Ha > Sapa (B, L, D)
- After enjoying breakfast together at the hotel we will have time to wander the Sunday Bac Ha Market for a mid-morning photo shoot. You will see everything from fruit and vegetables to livestock and furniture (and everything else you can imagine) at this market.
- In the afternoon, we will travel to Sapa where we will spend the next few days.
- Day 9 – Sapa (B, L, D)
- Today we’ll spend the day exploring this unique region and will meet and photograph some of the local Red Dao and Black Hmong tribal people.
- Sunset over the rice terraces will give you an opportunity to get some spectacular photos and a chance to just breathe and take it all in. Dinner will be served in our eco-lodge retreat.
- Day 10 – Sapa (B, L, D)
- Today is a chance to visit more of the surrounding villages or you could choose to rest and relax at the lodge and just enjoy the quiet and beauty all around you.
- Day 11 – Sapa > Mu Can Chai (B, L, D)
- After enjoying sunrise at our lodge and breakfast together, we will travel to Mu Can Chai, a four hour drive through Tram Ton Pass. Witness some of the most stunning mountainous landscapes you’ll ever see. You’ll have the opportunity to photograph beautiful terraced fields, enjoy the fresh air and magnificent landscapes.
- Day 12 – Mu Can Chai (B, L, D)
- Today we will enjoy a scenic treck along the small paths and back roads hunting down the scenic rice paddy terraces the area is so well known for.
- Day 13 – Mu Can Chai > Hanoi (B, L, D)
- After checking out, we spend the day traveling back to Hanoi visiting some local villages along the way. These villages boast 15th-century houses, pagodas, statues, and sculptures such as the statue of Buddha and of the Eight Vajra Deities.
- Then it’s a bittersweet time as we’ll enjoy our final farewell dinner together before you fly home the next day (or continue your adventure in Vietnam).
- Day 14 – Travel Home (B)
- After enjoying breakfast at the hotel your transport awaits to take you to Hanoi airport to begin your journey home. Alternatively, you can choose to extend your trip, at your own expense, and stay on a few more days in Hanoi (we recommend a 1-2 night trip to Halong Bay).
I Hadn't Anticipated the Camaraderie Among the Group
The tour FAR exceeded my expectations - I expected that I would learn more about photography, which I did, but I hadn’t anticipated the camaraderie among the group and the friendship development.
I learnt new techniques, for example blue hour, street photography, portraits, light trails, and panning.
Not only does your photography improve on a tour, but also you experience the culture by mixing with locals. It’s not just a bus tour to visit the main sights
Your Photo Tour Leader:
Darlene Hildebrandt
Your photo leader for this Vietnam photography tour is Darlene. She is the creator of Digital Photo Mentor, a photography teacher, tour leader, traveler, and cat owner.
She has over 30 years of experience as a professional photographer, has been teaching photography since 2011 and has led over a dozen tours and 20+ workshops.
Darlene is a Fuji shooter but she speaks almost all other photography languages. Whatever your skill level and experience, she can help you unlock the next level and help you learn to take better photos.
Cost of Photo Tour of Vietnam
We have set the maximum number of participants on this tour to 12. This is less than many other Vietnam tours which include 15 – 20 people – please look at that when researching and comparing tours. Keeping the group sizes small allows for a smaller, more intimate group in order to give you the best experience.
This means you will have more time with the tour leader, and a really nice group size.
The minimum number of people required to run the tour is seven.
| Group Size | Price |
|---|---|
| 7 – 12 People Nice group size with a maximum of 12 people |
$4695 USD |
| 5 – 6 People Small group supplement will apply |
$4995 USD |
Maximum group size: 12
Remaining Spots: 0
Join the waiting list above to get notified early and grab a spot.
Single Supplement Price:
- Prices quoted are for double occupancy. NOTE: You will be paired with someone of the same gender if you do not have a travel partner and request a roommate – if one is not available you will be charged the single supplement.
- Price for a single room is an additional $895
The price of the tour includes:
- Airport pickup and return (airport transfers) on the start and end dates as indicated. If you arrive early or stay later you will be responsible for your own airport transportation. (We can arrange it for you if you wish at an extra cost.)
- 13 nights of hotel accommodations.
- 1-night train accommodations.
- Meals – 13 breakfasts, 13 lunches, and 13 dinners (includes non-alcoholic beverages and tips).
- Air-conditioned transportation – included driver, fuel, and insurance.
- Professional English speaking guide, licensed for tourism.
- Excursions (boat rides, train).
- Entrance fees to historical sites.
- Organized photo shoots as listed.
- Photography tutoring and help as needed, you just have to ask.
- Portage tips for bags.
The price DOES NOT include:
- Your flight or other travel to Vietnam
- Tips for your guide, driver, and tour leader
- Lunches on your free days or if meals if you arrive early
- Alcoholic beverages
- Personal spending
- Optional activities like spa treatments, etc.
Flights to Vietnam: We travel to Vietnam through Noi Bai International Airport, located 45 kilometers outside Hanoi city center. We have arranged transportation to our lodging in Hanoi for you if you arrive on the tour start date of April 26, 2020. We just need your flight arrival information to get you picked up at the airport.
Flights home from Vietnam: The tour ends and we depart from Hanoi so make your travel arrangements accordingly. Airport transfer is included if you fly out on the last day of the tour, May 9.
We had a great tour group!
The expenses for this trip were extremely reasonable. I feel that I got value and first hand experiences that would not have been in much pricier trips in fancy hotels.
The people that go on a tour like this are the type of people that I enjoy interacting with.
FAQs
What is the physical fitness level needed for this tour?
There are many stairs and hills and some of our accommodations do not have elevators. We also do a bit of walking/hiking in the Sapa area and there are some hilly areas (could be 3-5km, 1-2 hours) If you are in good health and fitness level you will be fine. But this tour is NOT recommended for people with mobility issues.
What if I don’t have a roommate but don’t want to pay the extra for a single?
If you request to share a room and we cannot match you with a roommate you will be required to pay the single supplement fee. We do our best to pair everyone up but due to gender mismatches, we may not always have equal numbers of males or females. You can certainly also bring a friend along to share (the same rate applies for them).
What photography skill level do I need to participate?
We encourage all skill levels to join us on this tour. It is not about what you know it’s about doing photography together, enjoying the adventure, and learning a few things along the way. Whatever your level you can get some tips from the tour leader. You don’t even have to be a photographer, but can come along and appreciate the relaxed pace of this tour.
Explore the country on this photo tour of Vietnam. Meet fellow photographers from around the world and make new friends.
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Thanks again for a marvelous trip
Photo tours are a great way to experience "aha" moments.
My first experience with Darlene was on her photography workshop in Drumheller, where the positive guidance provided encouraged me to join the Morocco and India photo tours. Because Darlene’s tours have the itinerary completely arranged, you can concentrate on the techniques and information she shares. AHA!
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Our Photo Tours & Workshops
Click here for our complete list of photo tours of Africa, Asia, and South America, and if you’d like more hands-on, photography education, you’ll love one of our workshops, held in Western Canada and Scotland (new locations coming soon, possibly Tuscany).