Join us for a 10-day photographic journey through Vietnam, a country where ancient traditions, layered history, and striking landscapes offer endless visual rewards. From vibrant cities to remote mountain villages, this immersive experience is designed for photographers who want to go beyond the surface and engage deeply with Vietnam’s culture, people, and light.

Led by photographer and guide Tran Tuan Viet and accompanied by Leica Specialist Peter Dooling, this 6 person workshop is designed for photographers who want to connect with the landscape and people of Vietnam while refining their technical and creative skills.

Our journey begins in Hanoi, Vietnam’s captivating capital. Here, old-world charm and modern life coexist in a dynamic visual rhythm. We’ll photograph traditional craft villages just beyond the city, including the vividly colored incense village and the bustling ceramic road, where generations of artisans continue time-honored practices. From quiet moments in rural communities to the energetic pulse of Hanoi’s streets, you’ll begin building a portfolio rooted in authentic cultural storytelling.

Traveling south, the landscape opens dramatically in Ninh Binh, where limestone karsts rise from emerald rice fields and winding waterways. This region offers classic Vietnamese scenery with a sense of scale and calm that invites thoughtful composition. From there, we continue into the mountains toward Mu Cang Chai, home to Vietnam’s most iconic rice terraces. September brings these sculpted hillsides to life, glowing with golden tones at sunrise. We’ll rise early to photograph first light over the terraces, visit small villages, and explore remote corn houses and bamboo forests, experiencing daily life far from the tourist trail.

Midway through the workshop, we fly to Hue, the former imperial capital. Along the Perfume River and within historic neighborhoods, we’ll focus on quieter, human-centered stories—flower-making villages, fishermen at work, and floating candles at dusk. Hue’s understated beauty and cultural depth provide rich opportunities for layered, emotionally resonant imagery.

We conclude our journey in Hoi An, a town known for its timeless atmosphere and beautiful light. From the iconic fishing nets of Cua Dai to lantern-lit streets and traditional craft workshops, Hoi An offers a gentle, poetic ending to the trip. As we depart from Da Nang on the final day, you’ll leave with a strong, cohesive body of work, and a deeper connection to Vietnam, shaped by meaningful encounters and moments shared along the way.

This workshop balances iconic locations with thoughtful pacing, allowing you to photograph the Vietnam in depth while refining your creative vision. While other cameras are certainly allowed on this trip, the focus is on Leica camera systems and learning how to use them to their full potential.

• Experience a carefully curated small-group journey through northern and central Vietnam, designed specifically for photographers seeking authentic experiences and meaningful visual storytelling
• Explore the historic streets, vibrant craft villages, and artisan communities of Hanoi, from incense-making and paper flowers to soy sauce and woven mats
• Photograph dramatic limestone karsts and waterways in Ninh Binh, with sunrise and sunset shoots in some of Vietnam’s most photogenic landscapes
• Access the legendary Mam Xoi viewpoint by motorbike and capture Vietnam’s most iconic rice terraces at peak color in Mu Cang Chai, including the stunning horseshoe-shaped terraces in golden evening light
• Create environmental portraits in remote villages and connect with local communities far from the tourist trail
• Experience the imperial atmosphere of Hue and the lantern-lit streets of Hoi An Ancient Town, with evening sessions photographing floating candles and candlelit temples
• Capture fishermen casting enormous traditional fishing nets near Hoi An at dawn
• A strong mix of landscape, travel documentary, portrait, and cultural photography opportunities, with personalized instruction and plenty of one-on-one guidance throughout

In late September, much of Vietnam is transitioning from late summer into early autumn, and the weather can vary noticeably between the north and central regions. In Hanoi and nearby Ninh Binh, you can expect warm, humid days with temperatures typically in the mid-70s to mid-80s°F (24–30°C). This period still falls within the tail end of the rainy season in northern Vietnam, so short, occasional showers or passing thunderstorms are possible, often in the afternoon or evening, though they are usually brief. As the journey continues south to Hue and Hoi An, conditions remain warm and tropical, with similar temperatures but a higher chance of rain, as central Vietnam begins to enter its wetter season. Rain typically arrives in bursts rather than all-day storms, and there are still plenty of bright intervals between showers. Lightweight clothing, a good rain jacket, and breathable fabrics will keep you comfortable while exploring the region’s cities, countryside, and coastal landscapes.

International travelers will arrive in Hanoi via Noi Bai International Airport (HAN), the primary gateway to northern Vietnam. The tour will begin at 2:00pm at the Intercontinental Hanoi Landmark 72. At the conclusion of the tour, participants will depart from Da Nang via Da Nang International Airport (DAD), located about 45 minutes from Hoi An. We will arrive at the airport at about Noon, so book your flight at 3:00pm or later.

In order to capture the best light and atmosphere, some of our shoots will begin early; sometimes before sunrise.

This is a great trip for drone photography should you wish to bring one. Our local guide Viet has a permit for the group and you can get some very creative compositions from above.