North Vietnam Photography Tour 9D8N

Explore the enchanting landscapes of North Vietnam with our 9-day photography tour! From the bustling streets of Hanoi to the majestic rice terraces of Mu Cang Chai and Sapa, immerse yourself in the beauty and culture of this captivating region. Discover traditional villages, meet friendly ethnic minorities, and witness stunning vistas on this multi-day journey. Join us for an unforgettable experience filled with photography opportunities, homestays with local families, and the chance to create lasting memories. Book your North Vietnam Photography Tour now and embark on a truly immersive and rewarding adventure!

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Hanoi

Welcome to Hanoi! Today is your arrival day, and you'll have some free time to settle in and relax. Later in the afternoon around 3:30 pm, we'll gather for an orientation tour to get acquainted with the city and each other. We'll also have a photo review session to share some pre-adventure excitement. In the evening, we'll all come together for a delightful dinner, where we'll introduce the exciting journey ahead, taking us from Hanoi to the Chinese border.

Day 2: Hanoi

Our second day starts at the magnificent Long Bien Bridge, designed by Eiffel himself. This iconic bridge is a bustling hub for two-wheeled vehicles, pedestrians, and even a train passing through its center. After that, we'll take a leisurely walk around Hoan Kiem Lake, where locals love doing their morning exercises. Our exploration continues in the vibrant 36 old streets and guilds of Hanoi's historic old quarter. 

In the afternoon, we'll wander along Phan Dinh Phung Street, known for its stunning colonial houses and official buildings. We'll also make a stop at the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum before reaching the impressive Temple of Literature. The day ends with a delectable dinner, and we'll spend the night in Hanoi.

Day 3: Hanoi - Mu Cang Chai

Bright and early, we'll depart Hanoi to reach Mu Cang Chai by late afternoon. On our way, we'll make a visit to the charming traditional village of Duong Lam, where you'll see well-preserved houses dating back two centuries, providing a glimpse of the past Red River villages. As we continue, the scenery will become increasingly awe-inspiring, passing through stunning hilly landscapes, corn and manioc fields, and picturesque tea plantations. We'll reach Nghia Lo and be treated to our first views of rice terraces. The day concludes with dinner and a cozy homestay with a welcoming Thai family.

Day 4: Mu Cang Chai

Today, we'll be amazed by the breathtaking rice terraces of Mu Cang Chai, a site listed as Vietnam National Heritage. Throughout the day, we'll witness the H'mong people going about their daily lives and tending to the fields. Our morning will be spent visiting Lao Chai village, and in the afternoon, we'll be enchanted by the scenic beauty of the La Pan Tan "Rice Canyon." If time permits, we'll also explore the stunning rice fields of Che Cu Nha. Our day concludes with another memorable homestay and dinner with a Thai family.

Day 5: Mu Cang Chai - Sapa

We'll head to Sapa today, passing through the plains formed by the Nam Na River. Along the way, we'll make a stop at a traditional Thai village, offering stunning views of a vast rice field surrounded by majestic bamboo groves. The road to Sapa is a treat, winding through hills adorned with tea bushes, leading us to the Tram Uyen passage dominated by Fansipan Mountain, standing tall at 3143m. We'll capture these magnificent landscapes with several stops. Sapa, often referred to as "the city in the clouds," awaits us for dinner and a peaceful night's rest.

Day 6: Sapa - Muong Hum

Our morning will be spent leisurely strolling through the picturesque landscapes of Sapa Valley. Later, we'll head to Muong Hum, where equally breathtaking sceneries of rice fields and ridged mountain passages await. We'll have the opportunity to observe the daily activities of the region's ethnic minorities, with plenty of photo stops along the way. Our day concludes with a heartwarming homestay and dinner with a Giay family.

Day 7: Muong Hum

We'll kickstart the day by visiting the weekly market of Y Ty, located just across China on the other side of the valley. The road to the market and encounters with the locals will be truly inspiring. The market showcases an array of colorful costumes and headwear from various ethnic groups, including Ha Nhi, Phu La, and White Hmong. In the afternoon, we'll continue our exploration of the mountainous landscapes and charming villages surrounding Y Ty. Our day wraps up with a warm homestay and dinner with a Giay family.

Day 8: Muong Hum - Lao Cai - Hanoi

Wake up to the vibrant multicolor market of Muong Hum, which takes place every Sunday. Muong Hum is home to the Giay people, known for their flashy, colorful shirts. They are skilled traders, acting as intermediaries between the mountain ethnic groups and the Vietnamese living in the valley. We'll encounter various other ethnic minorities like the Black Hmongs, Red Dao women wearing their signature conical hats, Ha Nhi people, and White Hmongs. Before departing for Lao Cai, we'll take one last stroll to capture the magic of the market. In Lao Cai, we'll board a night train back to Hanoi.

Day 9: Muong Hum - Lao Cai - Hanoi

Upon arrival in Hanoi, we'll freshen up with a quick shower and have our final breakfast together. We'll then gather for a photography review, a Lightroom tutorial, and a debrief of our journey before bidding farewell to each other.