In the north along the Chinese border Vietnam possesses an unmatched variety of tropical scenery. In the north west, Bac Ha market and Sapa which is nestled among the emerald rice paddies, pine forest and high mountains covered in lush tropical vegetation. Down in the valleys the Sunday market where we’ll be able to photograph up to 6 different minority groups (Red Dzao, Flower Hamong, Black Hamong, Han, Xa Fang and Thai).
In the North Eastern Vietnam the limestone cliff towers evoke the landscape of Guilin China. Dozens of sea stacks, caves and uninhabited islands ringed with empty beaches dot the waters of Halong Bay.
South from Ha Long Bay lazy rivers wind through narrow valleys green with rice paddies and bracketed by towers and vertical stone walls. Rare wildlife finds refuge in the mountainous jungle parkland. Village life follows the rhythms of centuries. Farmers sell their wares in Tom Coc markets, cultivate their land or tend to livestock. After our final day we will return to Ha Noi to catch our flights home.
Photo Credit: Gavriel Jecan
Led by Art Wolfe
Assisted by Gavriel Jecan
Limited to 10 participants
Transportation and Accommodation
All meals, lodging, and transportation specified on the itinerary are included. You will be responsible for your flight to and from Ha Noi, Vietnam.
Itinerary
Shooting schedules have the ability to be altered to effectively cater to the photographic desires of the group, as well as to adapt to changeable weather conditions.
Day 1 May 20, 2024 Meet for Lunch and afternoon in Old Ha Noi
The Old Quarter is the name commonly given to the historical civic urban core of Hanoi, Vietnam, located outside the Imperial Citadel of Thăng Long. This quarter used to be the residential, manufacturing and commercial center, where each street was specialized in one specific type of manufacturing or commerce.
This evening there will be a welcome dinner with Art Wolfe and Gavriel Jecan. (D)
Lodging: MC Hotel Old Ha Noi
Day 2 Depart for Mu Cang Chai
Mu Cang Chai is located in the Yen Bai Province of Vietnam in the northwest region, nestled in the Hoang Lien Son Mountain Range. It is famous for the stunning rice terraces that spread across the rolling hills, creating a landscape that changes with the seasons. (B, L, D)
Lodging: Mu Cang Chai Resort
Day 3 Mu Cang Chai
Continuing our adventure in Mu Cang Chai, which is renowned for its breathtaking scenery and is considered a photographer’s paradise. The rice terraces, rolling hills, verdant landscapes, and traditional villages create a visually stunning destination. (B, L, D)
Lodging: Mu Cang Chai Resort
Day 4 Mu Cang Chai
Sapa is a place of natural beauty, with cascading rice terraces, misty valleys, and majestic peaks. It is also a cultural hub, home to several ethnic groups (B, L, D)
Lodging: Bamboo Hotel
Day 5 Sapa – Bac Ha
Bắc Hà is a rural district of Lào Cai province in the Northeast region of Vietnam. It is the capital of the region of the Flower Hmong, one of the 54 minorities of Vietnam and one of the six groups of Hmong people. (B, L, D)
Lodging: Bac Ha Lodge retreat
Day 6 Bac Ha
Bac Ha Market is one of the biggest and most well known in all of North Vietnam. The energy and colour of the Flower Hmong People give the area a unique vibrancy. Bac Ha Market is at its finest very early as the local minority tribes bring their livestock, wares and rice wine to sell each week.
(B, L, D)
Day 7 Bac Ha – Ha Giang
Ha Giang is on Vietnam’s most northerly regions with a unique geographical makeup and diverse range of cultures. The mountainous area with towering limestone peaks, share a 270 km border with neighboring China and plays host to the border crossing at Thanh Thuy.
Ha Giang is a photographer’s paradise. Capture the awe-inspiring landscapes, colorful ethnic costumes, and daily life moments while exploring the region. (B, L, D)
Day 8 Ha Giang Hemp harvest and rural landscapes
The Ha Giang Loop is renowned for its stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage. Among its many hidden treasures is the humble hemp plant, often mistaken for cannabis due to its visual similarity. However, hemp is a distinct and versatile plant that plays a crucial role in traditional and modern fabric production in Ha Giang. (B, L, D)
Day 9 Ha Giang- Ha Noi
This day will be spent photographing the historic French Quarter of Hanoi.
French Quarter Hanoi is a historic neighborhood in Vietnam’s capital city that was built during the French colonial period. The area features beautiful French architecture, leafy boulevards, and luxurious boutiques, making it a popular destination for both tourists and locals. It is a must-see destination for anyone visiting Hanoi. (B, L, D)
Day 10 Ha Noi Incense Village
In the morning, Literature Temple in the afternoon and shopping before departing for home next day. The Incense Stick Village is located in Quang Phu Cau Commute, Ung Hoa District, which is roughly 35 kilometers from the center of Hanoi.
The Temple of Literature was founded in 1070 by Emperor Ly Thanh Tong to worship Chinese philosopher Confucius. It then became the first university of Vietnam, also known as the Imperial Academy. Until the colonial period, it had been open for over 700 years and taught hundreds of renowned scholars. (B, L, D)
Day 11 May 30 – Depart for home
Services Included
- Accommodations (twin sharing basis) as indicated above in the itinerary. If you wish to upgrade to a single room, the single room supplement fee is $500.
- Meals (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner).
- Mineral water 2 bottles/person/day. in the car and extra in the room
- Two private, modern & comfortable air-conditioned vehicles with a drivers (will use 2 if the group is larger then 6 participants)
- Entry fee for all mentioned sites for visit.
- Qualified local tour guides during the whole trip
*Note: We will make every effort to connect you with a roommate should you like to share a room. However, if we’re unable to make a match, the single supplement will apply.
Services Not Included
- Any international Airfare, travel insurance or medical insurance. (We feel travel insurance is important for a worry free trip)
- Anything not mentioned in inclusion above.
- Tipping to accompanying escort is not included in our quote. (10 USD per day for the local guide and 3 USD per day per each driver)
- Any expenditure of personal nature like alcoholic drinks, Fruit shakes, sodas, laundry, telephone calls, or internet
- Anything ordered from room service at any hotel including mineral water (other than what being offered by the hotels on their compliment).
- Any sudden increase in price due to steep hike in fuel cost, change in government tax policy or for any reason beyond our control like acts of god, natural calamity, law and order situation, riots etc and any forced change in itinerary for any unforeseen situation or reason beyond our control.
- Early arrival accommodation
- Laundry services