Vietnam Photography Tour With Northern Journey

Welcome to Hanoi, Vietnam’s captivating capital, where the charm of its French colonial history mingles seamlessly with the energetic buzz of modern Asia. In this city, you’ll discover a blend of traditional architecture, serene lakes, and the constant movement of countless motorbikes, alongside a thriving cosmopolitan scene with trendy restaurants and boutiques.

You will be met on arrival at Hanoi International Airport with a welcome signboard with your name on it and a private transfer to your selected hotel, allowing you to settle in and start exploring the city at your own pace, either by enjoying the hotel amenities or venturing out for your initial taste of Hanoi’s unique atmosphere.

Overnight in Hanoi.

Get up early and discover the other side of Hanoi and Hanoians, witness the fruit sellers set up their wares and the children head to school in their crisp white uniforms, and practice Tai Chi daily in most of Hanoi’s parks.

In the early morning, We begin the morning with a visit to Quang Ba flower market – famous flower market where hundreds of different kinds of flowers are being sold in bulk to the flower shop keepers. From there, continue to transfer to Long Bien bridge, where, underneath, is one of the biggest and busiest fruit markets of Hanoi – Long Bien Market. Both these markets are only seen in the early morning.

Next, we will travel on foot and watch the Old Quarter come to life. You will see street-side markets preparing for the morning. We’ll also make our way to Hoan Kiem Lake to witness, and maybe even take part in, people, young and old, exercising, doing Tai Chi, and jogging. As the sun rises, and the light becomes perfect, take every opportunity to snap some of the best photos of your trip. Afterward, return to your hotel for a late breakfast and some free time to rest.

In the afternoon, transfer to see Ho Chi Minh Complex and Ba Dinh Square, a pilgrimage site (view from outside). Then, continue to the millennia-old Temple of Literature and explore its role in the country’s past, as both a university and a Confucius temple.

Then, transfer to West Lake and enjoy golden hour photography. Depending on the season, you can photograph the sun setting over the water, with a chance to see Tran Quoc Pagoda lit in soft evening light.

Overnight in Hanoi.

After breakfast, you will leave the bustling Hanoi behind and venture your way for 6 hours to the very northern tip of Vietnam: Ha Giang. Stop en-route for photo shooting at times when passing through many of the magnificent views along the way.

Lunch will be served in a local restaurant en route and continue your drive further to Ha Giang.

Arrive Ha Giang in the afternoon and check in to the hotel.  After that, you will head out to visit Thon Tha, a small village situated in Phuong Do Commune. It has a tiny population of about 550 people. Only a total of 90 homes make up the whole neighborhood, traditional stilt houses made from wood and bamboo and with a palm-thatched roof.

Wander the footpaths and rice fields, chat with locals, and photograph the wooden homes with palm-thatched roofs, children playing, and farmers tending their crops. Thon Tha Village is perhaps one of your best manifestations of provincial, traditional life.

Overnight in Ha Giang.

After breakfast in the hotel, you will depart Ha Giang and take a five-hour road journey to Dong Van. You will pass by Quan Ba Town and have a chance to meet the Dao, Tay, and H’Mong ethnic minority.

Continue to drive to Yen Minh town, home to pine forests, terraced fields, and lush tropical jungles. Along the way, you will see the huge green mountains with the roads hugging the curves and edges. Villages and houses high up amongst the side of the mountains.

When you get closer to Dong Van, pay a visit to Sa Phin Valley in Lung Phin Commune. Here you will explore the H’mong Palace which once belonged to the “King of the H’mong Tribe” and was constructed by the French and Chinese architects, leading to an interesting fusion of styles.

Arrive in Dong Van in the late afternoon and check into your hotel. The District of Dong Van is largely rural, with ethnic minorities living in the rugged mountains around the city. This town is famous for its Sunday market.

Overnight in Dong Van.

Start your trip after breakfast. The tour guide will take you out to explore Dong Van’s Sunday Market, one of the most unique marketplaces in the far north. Once a week, buyers and sellers who are mostly ethnic minorities from the surrounding hills, including the Hmong, Tay, Nung and Hoa ethnic groups, flood into Dong Van for trade.  Some come from miles away, walking on the side of the highway carrying goods on their back. Still, by 5 AM the market is already alive with sounds of motorbikes and the smell of fresh Pho.

(If it is not Sunday, your itinerary will be adjusted to visit the Lui Market.)

After exploring the market, you will take a short trek to Pu Lo, a French fortress built in 1890, located on a hill above the town.

Leaving Dong Van, you will be driven back to Ha Giang. Today you will make your way through the spectacular Ma Pi Leng Pass, the scenic journey down through rugged outcrops to the beautiful town of Meo Vac, inhabited by different ethnic minorities including the H’mong, the King, Tay and Dzao. Most ethnic groups have maintained their culture untouched from the outside world.

To show you the full beauty of the pass, we will ride down the breathtaking Sky Path to admire the scenery of the whole valley and the Nho Que River. Then ride to see the panorama of Ma Pi Leng Pass and take unforgettable pictures. Standing on the peak of the pass, you will feel overwhelmed by the majestic space of mountains and rivers.

After lunch, you will continue your road drive to Ha Giang. Arrive at hotel in the late afternoon and check into your room. The remainder of the day will be at your leisure.

Overnight in Ha Giang.

After breakfast and check out of the hotel.  Your guide and driver will pick you up and then transferred back to Hanoi.

If you wish to stop at any point to take pictures, simply inform the driver and he will make sure you get the chance.

Lunch will be taken at a local restaurant along the way.

Arrive in Hanoi in the late afternoon and check into your hotel. The balance of the day is at your leisure.

Overnight in Hanoi.

After breakfast, our guide will meet you at your hotel for the trip to Ninh Binh, followed by a 2.5-hour drive to explore the enchanting Ninh Binh region.

Your first stop is the historic Hoa Lu Ancient Citadel, where you’ll visit the Dinh King Temple and Le King Temple, immersing yourself in Vietnamese history and culture.

Enjoy lunch at our restaurant with the great local cuisine.

In the afternoon, leave for the Trang An Grottoes, an outstanding natural beauty of majestic limestone massif at 20 square kilometers, rising dramatically out from rice paddy fields. Deep into the linked chains of towering mountains are pristine places of mystical valleys, numerous freshwater ponds, and jungle.

Take a leisurely sampan ride down a small canal to explore the Trang An eco-tourism complex (a UNESCO World Heritage site), and its staggering karst landscapes, replete with secret grottoes, towering peaks, and tranquil streams. Board a sampan for a journey through Trang An’s spectacular network of caves, archways, and grottoes, including Lam Cave, Vang Cave, Dai Cave, Thanh Truot Cave, etc.

Continue on to Mua Cave for a short hike (nearly 500 steps) leading to an incredible viewpoint where you can enjoy the spectacular sight of the Ngo Dong River winding around the towering limestone mountains — a perfect spot to watch the sunset over the peaceful landscape.

Overnight in Ninh Binh.

After breakfast at your hotel, you leave Hanoi for Halong Bay. The journey is through the rich farmlands where you can observe everyday life of Vietnamese villagers. Arriving in Halong Bay in the late morning and you will board a traditional “junk” boat. You will begin a relaxing and unforgettable cruise around the breathtaking and unique limestone karsts and islets. A delicious fresh seafood lunch will be served as you cruise this spectacular bay, a UNESCO listed site.

Notes: The program may differ slightly based on the junk cruise’s itinerary.

Towards the end of the day the boat sets anchor for the night. Enjoy watching the sunset from the deck. As the sun sets over the bay, dinner is served with fresh seafood, salad, and fruit. You will spend the night in your private cabin aboard the Junk in Halong Bay.

Overnight on boat, private en-suite cabin.

Begin your day with the serene practice of Tai Chi, a local custom that eases you into the morning. Join a ‘Local Specialist’ on the deck of the Junk boat amidst the exquisite natural surroundings. There’s time for an early morning swim at one of Halong Bay’s peaceful beaches, and for the more adventurous, take a kayak and paddle through the Dark and Bright Caves, admiring the glistening stone walls.

Return to the junk boat, check out of your cabin, and savor a sumptuous brunch buffet as you cruise back to port. Disembark around midday for your return journey to Hanoi.

Overnight in Hanoi.

Your final morning is designed for relaxation or more exploration. Depending on the departure time of your flight, our private driver will be ready to pick you up from your hotel and transport you to the airport for your outbound journey.

As we bid you farewell, we extend our best wishes for a safe and pleasant flight departure. This marks the end of your tour, and we hope you carry the memories of your journey with you for years to come.