Luminous Vietnam Photo Tour

  • icon-date15 DAYS
  • icon-date41 Meals

An unforgettable photographic journey across an incredible variety of landscapes and cultural and heritage destinations throughout the 2 regions, North and Centre Vietnam. From the little charm of Hanoi, to a vibrant beach city, and depth into the spectacular landscapes and rice terrace to the UNESCO World Heritage Sites, this journey will electrify any photographer’s great delight.

WE WOULD LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU

Whether you are curious about our services, travel information or an advise for your trip- We are ready to answer any and all questions

    Full Name*

    Email*

    Expecter length?*

    Area code*

    Phone number*

    Number of travelers*

    Destination(s)*

    Departure schedule?*

    Your special request

    • Set Departure Dates: June 16 – 30, 2025
    • Lead Photographer: David Lazar
    • Travel Planner: Diep Van

    Dear photographers,  please note that only major locations/dates are written in stone. All our photography tours are handcrafted to maximize the best image-making opportunities possible. There will be several happy surprises and great photo opportunities that happen along the journey depending on certain circumstances. Learn more: Photography tour Vietnam

    Day 1: Welcome to Vietnam! – Hanoi Old Quarter (D)

    On arrival at Noi Ba airport (Hanoi), 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 afternoon before we head out for a street shoot in the Old Town of Hanoi. At sunset time, we will position high-angle street scenes using tripods for twilight and motion blur action. After the shoot, enjoy a sumptuous Vietnamese Welcome Dinner follows in the evening with your companions.

    Day 2: Traditional custom – Ao Dai Elegance & Emerald water in Ha Long Bay (B, L, D)

    This morning, we will make our way to the Temple of Literature, the first university in Vietnam to meet our gorgeous models clad in the quintessentially Vietnam Ao Dai and start the shoot in manicured gardens and ancient architecture. After that, we will go to Ha Long Bay, the wonder of the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and sail along with spectacular landscapes with approximately 1600 limestone islands scattering the emerald green water surface and numerous natural caves. There will be drinks at the desk or interesting activities that support our photoshoot.

    Day 3- Sunrise Bay in Ha Long to Imperial Hue City (B, L, D)

    Awake early for sunrise in Ha Long Bay if you desire then get ready for shooting in the early morning with fishermen casting nets from small boats with the background of beautiful water and caves. Lunch will be served on the deck while cruising through a non-stop breathtaking view over the bay. Return to Hanoi for a short flight to the Imperial Hue City. After checking in to the hotel, the rest of the day is in your free time.

    Day 4: The Fisherman & The Emperor- Imperial Hue (B, L, D)

    The day starts at sunrise time to capture a fisherman casting their colorful nets and other activities related to his works. After breakfast, we will visit a traditional village to photograph the incense sticks making process with vivid colors. Delve into the extraordinary history at the gloriously exotic grounds of The Emperor Tu Duc’s tomb. There is a choice of sticking with the team or free short on your own as you wish in this area. Head to Thien Mu Pagoda and monastery before heading to Tam Giang Lagoon and surrounding villages for a sunset photo shoot.

    Day 5: QuintessentialAo Dai’ in the Imperial City to Hoi An- The town of Lanterns (B, L, D)

    Early morning finds us at the glorious grounds of the Imperial City with professional Ao Dai models. If you are on assignment for a travel or fashion magazine, you are in the perfect set! When the shoot is finished, the rest of the morning is at your free time to explore the ancient city. After lunch, we will drive from Hue to Hoi An following the famous Hai Van pass. This mountain pass is one of the world’s greatest coastal stretches. From the top, we can see jungle topped mountains slope down into the sea, shaping uninhabited bays, and forging waterfalls. Upon arrival in Hoi An, head over to the Central and visit the ancient Japanese Bridge. 

    Day 6: Fishing village – Dawn at the Old Town (B, L, D)

    The UNESCO World Heritage Site- Hoi An was once of the busiest port in the Southeast Asia sea ruled by the Champa Dynasty 15th to the 19th century.

    We will visit one of the fishing villages near the town where nests wriggling in silvery fish glinting in the morning sun. Stop by a colorful morning market on the way back to town. In the afternoon, join for a shoot at a small farming village and old town at twilight.

    Day 7: High skies and Low roads from Hoi An – Khanh Hoa (B, L, D)

    Sunrise shoot before heading to Da Nang for a short flight to the seaside resort in Nha Trang. After lunch, enjoy a scenic drive north from Nha Trang to Doc Let- unspoiled beauty with silky white sand and crystal-clear water. This afternoon, feel free to explore the beach and capture the surroundings on your own. Get back to the resort for dinner and have an early night to prepare for the most exciting shoots the next day.

    Day 8: Salt of the Earth in Khanh Hoa- Sea of Land in Phan Rang (B, L, D)

    The bright sunlight shines down on the glossy surface of the water, highlighting each small, elegant shimmer of salt like the tiny jewels of the natural sea makes creating the most beautiful salt fields in Vietnam. In the afternoon, find yourself at another great scene with vast sand dunes of the now vanishing Cham people.

    Day 9: Cham people in Phan Rang- Return to Hanoi (B, L, D)

    The day is highlighted with a beautiful fishing net weaving in the nearby village. Delve into the culture in Cham village in Phan Rang, visit a wonderful Cham family to feel their warm hospitality, and meet their daughter with her rare blue eyes. In the afternoon, we will take a flight back to Hanoi before heading to the north- the land of spectacular landscapes. If time permits, we will have our street photo captured in the Old Town.

    Day 10: Incense village in Hanoi & Endless tea hills in Long Coc (B, L, D)

    After enjoying your complimentary breakfast at our hotel, we will visit a colorful incense-making village on the outskirt of the city. Return to the center for lunch before hitting the road to the stunning tea plantations of Long Coc. Photograph the almost surreal landscapes, with local workers if we prefer. The day ends beautifully at our charming Muong Village Homestay where we will have our delicious home-cook meal.

    Day 11: Tea Hill in Long Coc- Rice terrace in Mu Cang Chai (B, L, D)

    Capturing the spectacular sunrise over the endless tea hill. When it comes to the right season, the hills are blanketed by fog and turn into a photographer’s delight. After spending a decent amount of time here, we will make our way to the most beautiful rice terrace in the country- Mu Cang Chai which a cultivated by tribal people, including Red Dzou (Giao), Nung, Tay, and H’Mong. The next setup for the shoot today is at the most spectacular rice terrace valleys. Return to our eco-hotel for dinner while enjoying the stunning view over the valley.

    Day 12: Rice Scapes in Mu Cang Chai to Tribal villages in Sapa (B, L, D)

    This morning, we will head to the second spot for the rice terrace to photograph the scenery from different angles. The shoot can be done with or without Black H’Mong or/ and Red Dzao people on the fields. After that, we will make our way to Sapa through a remarkably scenic mountain road. We will stop at some beautiful places for several outstanding landscape shoots and visit some villages along the way.

    Day 13: Photographers’ choice in Sapa – Bac Ha (B, L, D)

    It is a Photographer’s Choice photoshoot today. The option is likely to be in one of Vietnam’s vanishing tribal villages that is off the tourist path with rice terraces abound. Head back to Sapa center for lunch then hop on the bus to Bac Ha town where we can find the most interesting tribal village market tomorrow morning.

    Day 14: Colorful tribal market – Return to Hanoi (B, L, D)

    Morning shoot at Vietnam’s most colorful tribal market where you can find mountainous people wearing their traditional costumes and selling herbs, vegetables, and fruits from the region. Return to our hotel for lunch and off the road back to Hanoi. The rest of the day in Hanoi is your free time until we meet again for a farewell dinner at a nice local restaurant.

    Day 15: Farewell Hanoi (B)

    Enjoy one last hearty breakfast with our travel companions, spend more time exploring the beauty of Hanoi, or get stuck in a souvenir shop before getting transferred to the Airport where your journey with us ends.

    INCLUSIVE:

    • Photographer fees and top English speaking guide
    • All accommodation at 4* hotel and best one in remote area
    • In-country flights
    • Ground transportation (latest model mini van/bus with plenty of space)
    • Meals as mentioned in itinerary (B=Breakfast, L= Lunch, D= Dinner)
    • Plenty of bottled water
    • All entrance, zone, camera fees and setup fee
    • Local model (if has) & village donations
    • Visa approval letter (if needed)

    EXCLUSIVE:

    • International airfare
    • Single supplement
    • Drinks at meals & meals not mentioned in itinerary
    • Personal purchases….
    • Trip cancellation or medical insurance
    • Medical expenses
    • Gratuities for hotel porters, drivers or local guide
    • Vietnam visa stamp fee
    • Bank fees for both sides

    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!


    RELATED TOURS