Indochina Unleashed: A Photographic Odyssey

  • icon-date18 DAYS

Welcome to the Indochina Unleashed Photography Tour! A 18-day photographic odyssey through the timeless beauty of Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam

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    Welcome to the Indochina Unleashed Photography Tour!

    Embark on an 18-day photographic odyssey through the timeless beauty of Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam. This tour is designed for those who seek to capture the soul of Indochina through their lenses. From the ancient temples of Angkor to the serene waters of Ha Long Bay and the vibrant streets of Saigon, each day presents a new canvas of cultural splendor and natural wonder.

    Accompanied by expert guides, delve into the heart of each destination, discover hidden gems, and immortalize the essence of these enchanting lands.

    Perfect for professional photographers and enthusiastic hobbyists alike, this odyssey promises a treasure trove of visual narratives, waiting to be captured by your camera and preserved in your memories.

    Explore your itinerary:

    Day 1: The Prelude in Siem Reap

    Your adventure begins with a warm welcome at Siem Reap, setting the stage for the marvels that await. Relax and rejuvenate before a delightful evening of camaraderie and Cambodian cuisine.

    Day 2: Angkor’s Forgotten Chronicles

    Traverse through the untrodden paths of Angkor’s lesser-known sanctuaries, documenting the symbiosis of nature and stone. A traditional village and a serene sunset cruise await to complete the narrative of your day.

    Day 3: Angkor Wat’s Dance of Light and Shadow

    Master the interplay of light and crowds in the heart of Angkor Wat. Seize the elusive quiet of dawn at this iconic sanctuary, finding solace and splendor in hidden corners.

    Day 4: Angkorian Secrets and Luang Prabang Bound

    Rediscover the tranquility of Angkor’s forest temples and the cultural rituals along the way. As the afternoon fades, take flight to Luang Prabang, the town of heritage and hallowed traditions.

    Day 5: Luang Prabang’s Ceremonial Dawn and Nature’s Palette

    Witness the almsgiving procession in the soft morning light, followed by an expedition to the majestic Kuang Si Waterfalls, capturing nature’s masterful artwork.

    Day 6: Mekong’s Gentle Titans and Artistic Pursuits

    Engage with the majestic elephants of the Mekong and the artisans of Luang Prabang. A day to bond with nature’s giants and refine your artistic expression.

    Day 7: From Laos to Hanoi’s Bustling Heart

    Document the morning’s spiritual essence and bid farewell to Luang Prabang. Upon arrival in Hanoi, the city’s historic core unfolds in the twilight, culminating with a delectable welcome dinner.

    Day 8: Hanoi’s Rustic Charm to Ha Long Bay Natural Wonders

    Discover Hanoi’s artisan villages before setting sail through the awe-inspiring Ha Long Bay, capturing the dance of light over its iconic karst landscapes.

    Day 9: Ha Long Bay’s Dawn to Hue’s Imperial Echoes

    Embrace the morning aboard a junk in Ha Long Bay, then transition to the regal atmosphere of Hue, where the past whispers stories of glory and grandeur.

    Day 10: Hue’s Daily Rhythms to Sunset Serenades

    From the fishermen’s dawn to the solemnity of royal tombs and the spiritual Thien Mu Pagoda, the day in Hue is a blend of vibrant life and historical depth, ending with a sunset shoot by Tam Giang Lagoon.

    Day 11: Hue’s Regal Past to Hoi An’s Illuminated Evenings

    Adorned in tradition, capture the beauty of Hue’s quintessential ‘Ao dai’, then journey through breathtaking landscapes to Hoi An, a town alight with lanterns and steeped in history.

    Day 12: Hoi An’s Coastal Dawn to Countryside Mosaic

    The fishing villages of Hoi An offer a canvas of maritime heritage at dawn, while the afternoon invites you to rural settings, contrasting the morning’s coastal charm.

    Day 13: Hoi An’s Sunrise to Doc Let’s Tranquil Shores

    Begin with a tranquil sunrise in Hoi An before soaring to the seaside allure of Nha Trang, ending the day in the serene embrace of Doc Let’s pristine beaches.

    Day 14: Salt of the Earth in Hon Khoi, Sea of Sand in Phan Rang

    The salt fields of Khanh Hoa glisten under the sun, while the afternoon unveils the cultural landscape of Phan Rang, home to the storied Cham people.

    Day 15: Cham Heritage to Mekong Delta’s Living Rhythms

    A morning with the Cham people is followed by a journey into the vibrant lifeblood of Vietnam, the Mekong Delta, capturing its dynamic essence.

    Day 16: Mekong Delta’s Blooms and Sa Dec’s Floral Symphony

    Engage in the poetic harvest of water lilies before exploring Sa Dec’s floral haven, leading to Can Tho’s bustling vibrancy.

    Day 17: Can Tho’s Market Melodies to Saigon’s Soiree

    Choose your own adventure in Can Tho’s floating markets or peaceful villages. As evening falls, celebrate the journey’s end with a farewell dinner in Saigon.

    Day 18: Saigon’s Departure – The Journey Continues

    Reflect on your voyage through Saigon’s lively streets before departing for home, your camera rich with images and your heart full of stories.

    DETAILED ITINERARY:

    Day 1: Arrival in Siem Reap (Camboida)

    On arrival at Siem Reap (Cambodia) airport, our guide & driver will pick you up and then transfer you to the hotel to drop off luggage and get some rest. An orientation meeting will be held in the late afternoon before we head out for a sumptuous Welcome Dinner followed in the evening with your companions.

    Day 2: Angkor’s Hidden Sanctuaries – the Path Untaken

    Embark on a day back in time to explore the architectural predecessors of Angkor, hidden jewels of the Khmer empire awaiting our discovery. Shrouded in the embrace of ancient tree roots, reminiscent of the mystique of Ta Prohm but untouched by the typical mass tourist, these temples offer a pure photographic haven. Today, we’ll capture the essence of these sacred spaces alongside the daily lives of local dwellers and the serene monks who call these places home.

    Our day’s adventure will be punctuated by a journey through a traditional delta village, culminating in a peaceful sunset photo cruise—a fitting end to a day filled with authentic exploration and timeless imagery.

    Day 3: Angkor Wat Central – Mastering the Art of Crowds and Light

    Today’s expedition delves into the pulsating heart of Angkor Wat, where we will master the art of capturing stunning images amidst the dynamic ebb and flow of its visitors. Our approach is strategic and creative, moving counter to the crowd to uncover the most compelling photographic opportunities.

    For the early risers eager to photograph the iconic Angkor Wat at dawn, we set out in the pre-dawn silence to claim the most coveted vantage points. As the day unfolds, we’ll guide you to a secret locale that offers a unique perspective on the sunrise, allowing for a tranquil and unorthodox experience of this ancient wonder.

    Day 4: Angkor Wat & Beyond – Intimate Encounters with Time and Tradition – Luang Prabang

    Today we retrace the serene path less taken to uncover Angkor’s secluded forest temples, where the whispers of history are as vivid as the surrounding nature. Here, in the company of local monks, we’ll capture moments of tranquility away from the well-trodden routes. As we meander through rural villages, we’ll experience the genuine rhythms of Khmer life, readying our lenses for those spontaneous shots that tell a deeper story.

    The day’s journey circles back for an afternoon at the iconic Bayon, with its enigmatic stone faces demanding our attention. And just out of the typical tourist’s view, we’ll find a hidden gem: monks bestowing water blessings upon locals and their vehicles—a unique cultural ritual waiting to be immortalized through your camera.

    An evening flight will deliver us to Heritage Town of Luang Prabang

    Day 5: Luang Prabang – A Tapestry of Ceremonial Hues and Cascading Waters

    As dawn unfurls its gentle light over Luang Prabang, witness a moving sea of saffron as hundreds of monks emerge in solemn procession, a daily tradition of almsgiving that paints a living portrait of Buddhist devotion. Capture this poignant moment before we journey to the majestic Kuang Si Waterfalls. Here, amidst the lush rainforest, the falls cascade into turquoise pools, creating natural masterpieces ideal for experimenting with silky slow shutter speeds. Enjoy a tranquil lunch by the waters, then visit a quaint Hmong village, a treasure trove of culture and simplicity. The remainder of the day is yours to explore or to continue capturing the enchanting streets of Luang Prabang through your lens.

    Day 6: Luang Prabang – Gentle Giants and Creative Reflections

    The morning greets us with a heartwarming scene by the Mekong River: a gathering of mahouts and their magnificent Asian elephants, ready for their morning rituals. In this private setting, away from the public eye, capture the gentle interplay between these majestic creatures and their caretakers during their bath—an intimate moment reserved for our lenses. Among them is the rare White Elephant of Laos, known for its distinct personality and charm. Post photography, enjoy the unique experience of feeding and bonding with these rescued elephants, a moment of connection that goes beyond the camera. The remainder of the day is a canvas of leisure in this tranquil town.

    Day 7: Luang Prabang Departure & Hanoi’s Urban Tapestry

    Awaken to the spiritual procession of monks along the Mekong, their orange robes a vivid contrast against the river’s calm. Seize the opportunity to photograph this serene morning ritual before they return to the monastery, a moment of peace in the early light. After a freeform river life photoshoot, we’ll say farewell to Luang Prabang and set off for Vietnam’s vibrant capital.

    Arriving in Hanoi, you’ll be whisked away to your hotel for a brief respite. Should time allow, we’ll dive into the heart of Hanoi’s Old Town, a bustling maze of history and culture, perfect for street photography. As dusk falls, we’ll chase the golden hour, capturing high-angle scenes as the city transitions from day to night, with the bustling streets providing a canvas for motion blur and twilight hues.

    The day concludes with a warm Vietnamese Welcome Dinner, a feast for the senses and a celebration of the journey ahead.

    Day 8: Hanoi to Ha Long Bay’s Luminous Seascape

    As daylight emerges, we’ll depart Hanoi for the rustic outskirts where the timeless craft of soy sauce brewing comes to life. Witness a traditional village scene: rows of earthen jars under the watchful eyes of artisans in iconic conical hats—a vibrant tableau of Vietnam’s culinary heritage.

    From there, we journey to the ethereal beauty of Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famed for its emerald waters and the surreal silhouettes of over 1600 limestone islands. Aboard our junk, we’ll weave through this dreamscape, capturing the essence of Ha Long’s majestic tranquility. As we sail, engage in photographic explorations, complemented by the ship’s offerings, and find inspiration in the bay’s myriad natural caves and islets, each a story waiting to be told through your lens.

    Day 9: Dawn’s First Light on Bay –  Hue’s Imperial Majesty

    Greet the day aboard our junk in Ha Long Bay, where the early risers among us can capture the serene majesty of sunrise spilling over limestone cliffs. The morning’s calm presents a perfect moment to photograph the ballet of fishermen casting their nets, a timeless scene set against the backdrop of tranquil waters and mystical caves.

    As the sun climbs higher, savor a lunch on deck, surrounded by the bay’s endless splendor. Post this visual feast, we’ll return to Hanoi to embark on our flight to Hue, a city echoing Vietnam’s imperial past. Once settled in your hotel, the remainder of the day is yours to relax or explore—the streets of Hue offer their own quiet narratives for those who wish to wander and discover.

    Day 10: Imperial Hue – From Fishermen’s Dawn to Royal Dusk

    As the new day paints the sky with its first blush, we position ourselves to capture the daily rituals of Hue’s fishermen. The vibrant dance of nets cast into the water promises a mosaic of motion and color. With the morning’s first light captured, we’ll venture into a village where the air is perfumed with incense, and artisans shape vivid sticks destined for temples and shrines—a visual feast of tradition and craft.

    Sustained by breakfast, we’ll explore the historical splendor of Emperor Tu Duc’s tomb, an opulent testament to Vietnam’s royal heritage. Here, you can choose to stay with our guide or wander at your leisure, finding your own stories in the tomb’s grandeur.

    The day’s journey continues to the revered Thien Mu Pagoda, standing as a beacon of spirituality before we venture out to Tam Giang Lagoon. As the sun begins its descent, we’ll be amidst the local villages to capture the lagoon’s tranquil waters and skies ablaze with the day’s final act—a sunset photo session that promises to be as memorable as it is magical.

    Day 11: From Hue’s Regal Past to Hoi An’s Lantern-Lit

    Within the storied walls of Hue’s Imperial City, we’re presented with a scene straight from the pages of history, adorned with the elegance of the Ao Dai. The models draped in Vietnam’s national garment offer a perfect subject against the backdrop of regal architecture, creating a vibrant fusion of tradition and style for your photography portfolio.

    Later, we embark on a scenic drive to Hoi An via the Hai Van Pass, a coastal route renowned for its breathtaking vistas. Here, where the mountains cascade into the sea, we’ll pause to appreciate views of untamed bays and cascading waterfalls—a drive to remember.

    As we arrive in Hoi An, a town celebrated for its quaint beauty and atmospheric streets, we’ll explore its heart, including the revered Japanese Bridge, an emblem of the town’s multicultural heritage. Here in Hoi An, every lantern-lit alley and ancient façade tells a story, inviting you to capture its unique charm as the day transitions to night.

    Day 12: Hoi An’s Maritime Heritage and Rustic Charm

    Dawn ushers us to the edges of Hoi An. Here, we will capture the morning’s first light reflecting off the catch of the day, creating a dynamic scene of life and livelihood intertwined. The market awaits afterward, offering a kaleidoscope of opportunities to photograph the vibrant hustle and trade of daily life.

    By afternoon, we’ll explore a small farming village, where the rhythms of agricultural life provide a stark contrast to the morning’s coastal scenes.

    Day 13: Dawn’s Light to Doc Let’s Coastal Serenity

    Our day begins in the quietude of Hoi An’s early hours, where the first light offers a serene setting for a sunrise photoshoot, casting a gentle glow over the ancient town. As the sun ascends, we’ll transition from the old-world charm to the modern vibrance of Da Nang, boarding a brief flight that will whisk us away to the coastal allure of Nha Trang.

    Post-lunch, we embark on a scenic journey northward, where the uncharted beauty of Doc Let beckons. Here, the beaches are a pristine canvas of white sand edged by the clear azure of the sea. Spend the afternoon at leisure, exploring and capturing the Doc Let’s shores at your own rhythm. Rest is essential, for tomorrow promises to be a day full of photographic ventures and awe-inspiring captures.

    Day 14: Salt of the Earth in Khanh Hoa – Sea of Sand in Phan Rang

    Today we are graced with the dawn’s early light illuminating the salt fields of Doc Let, where the land mirrors the sea, each salt crystal sparkling like a diamond on the water’s surface. The fields become a shimmering tableau under the sun, a testament to the harmony between nature and the hard work of the salt farmers. Capture this radiant landscape before transitioning to the contrasting scenery of Phan Rang’s vast sand dunes, a landscape deeply connected to the heritage of the Cham people, whose stories are etched in the grains of time.

    Day 15: Cham Culture and Mekong Delta’s Lifeways

    Awake with the sun for a cultural journey into the lives of the Cham people in Phan Rang. Here, the environment and the people are inseparable, and your lens will bear witness to their daily lives and rich traditions against the backdrop of the dunes.

    After returning to the hotel, we’ll savor a leisurely breakfast and pack for our next flight to Saigon. The afternoon ushers us to Moc Hoa in the Mekong Delta, a place where life is rhythmically tied to the river, offering a new chapter of stories to be captured and told through your photography.

    Day 16: Mekong Delta:  Water Lilies and  Floral Abundance

    Our journey through the Mekong Delta continues as we join the locals in the delicate art of harvesting water lilies, a practice as poetic as it is picturesque. Amidst the verdant fields, capture the grace of harvesters adorned in traditional Vietnamese attire: the iconic conical hats, “khăn rằn” scarves, and “Áo Bà Ba” shirts. This tableau of local life against the soft morning light creates a stunning visual narrative of the Delta’s cultural richness.

    After a leisurely breakfast and a moment of relaxation at the hotel, we pack our gear and set out for Sa Dec. This tranquil town, with its tree-lined avenues and colonial villas, is a quiet testimony to the region’s past. Sa Dec’s flower market, the largest in the Mekong Delta, is a living mosaic of color and fragrance, where 600 hectares bloom with flowers and ornamental plants—a feast for the senses and the cameras.

    The day culminates in Can Tho, where the vibrancy of Southern Vietnamese lifestyle is most palpable.

    Day 17: Can Tho’s Floating Market – Saigon’s Farewell

    As the Mekong Delta awakens, you are offered the freedom to embrace Can Tho as you wish. You might choose to drift through the bustling Phong Dien floating market, where boats brim with produce, providing a floating feast of colors and activities perfect for photography. Alternatively, a leisurely stroll through the nearby villages offers a glimpse into the daily life along the river, or perhaps you may prefer to relish a few extra moments of rest before our journey continues.

    In the afternoon, we bid adieu to the Delta’s tranquil waters and set our course for the pulsating heart of Vietnam—Saigon. Here, amidst the urban energy, we’ll gather for a farewell dinner, a time to share stories, reminisce about our shared experiences, and celebrate the end of an unforgettable photographic journey with your fellow adventurers.

    Day 18: Saigon’s Parting Moments – Home Sweet Home

    On this final day, Saigon is yours to savor. You may choose to wander through the city’s vibrant streets one last time, capturing the essence of its dynamic spirit, or simply relax and reflect on the experiences that have filled your camera and enriched your soul.

    When it’s time, we’ll provide a seamless transfer to the airport, ensuring you carry home not just images, but the stories and memories that have become a part of you. Safe travels, and may your next adventure be just as extraordinary.

    INCLUSIVE:

    • Photography guide & tutor in English speaking
    • All accommodation as itinerary
    • In-country flights, airport & ground transport in the latest model
    • International flight: Siem Reap – Luang Prabang & Luang Prabang – Hanoi
    • Meals as mentioned in the itinerary
    • Plenty of bottled water & refresh towels throughout
    • All entrance, zone, and camera fees
    • Local model & village donations

    EXCLUSIVE:

    •  International airfare to Cambodia & out of Vietnam
    •  Personal purchases (drinks in meals or hotels, laundry….)
    • Medica travel insurance & Medical Expenses
    • Gratuities for hotel porters, drivers, or photography guide
    • Cambodia, Laos & Vietnam visa fee

    Gallery:

    Reviewed by

    Diep Van

    Phone: +84901166884

    Email: diep.van@ftripvietnam.com

    Diep Van

    Founder & Photography Guide

    Specialties: Culture, landscape, portrait, hiking, active and adventurous tour

    Besides my unlimited passion for traveling, a professional tour guide for over a decade, I have been taking photographs since sitting at Hanoi of the University of Culture in the early 2000s. Photography started as a hobby but it was seriously taken due to my work relations and my significant passion for the beauty of our world, especially in Southeast Asian parts such as Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, and Myanmar.

    Within a few years of taking photographs, my works began to be recognized by many reliable international publications such as AFAR Travel, The Times, and The Daily Telegraph newspaper. In addition, I continuously add to my growing profile by winning numerous major awards: 3rd Position of The Independent Photographer 2018, 1st Position of Amateur Photographer of the year 2018, Grand Prize Winner of the AFAR Travel Photography 2019, and a Gold Award of San Francisco Bay International Photography 2020.

    I photograph a wide variety of subjects, from travel to landscapes to street scenes. I enjoy documenting the East’s rich cultural heritage and its land soaked in glorious sunrise or sunset light in remote and secluded spots. And, I am very happy to share my knowledge and experience with you. You can visit Luminousvietnamtour to explore tour!


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