Northern Vietnam – 20 – 30 Sept 2026

10-day photo tour in Northern Vietnam

Starts: September 20th, 2026. Pick up at Hanoi Airport.

Ends: September 30th, 2026. Drop off at Hanoi Airport.

From the vibrant heart of Hanoi to the mystical mountain terraces of Hoang Su Phi, Lao Cai, and Yen Bai, this photography odyssey beckons those who hunger for more than mere images — it calls to photographers who seek stories, soul, and profound connection through their lens.

Your Photographic Journey

Hanoi – We will guide you through the labyrinthine streets of the Old Quarter where centuries-old stories unfold in every frame. Capture the morning symphony of motorbikes and market calls, the graceful dance of vendors balancing their wares, the quiet devotion at neighbourhood shrines, and the timeless interplay of shadow and sunlight that transforms ordinary corners into visual poetry.

Hoang Su Phi – Here, generations of Red Dao and Hmong hands have sculpted living art from mountain slopes, creating terraced amphitheaters that cascade like green waterfalls into misty valleys. Each level tells a story of resilience and harmony, where agriculture becomes architecture and the boundary between human creativity and natural wonder dissolves completely.

Lao Cai & Yen Bai – Venture into Vietnam's hidden highlands where time moves differently and traditions run deeper than memory. These remote valleys harbor communities whose daily rhythms follow ancient patterns, offering photographers rare glimpses into authentic mountain life framed by soaring peaks and pristine wilderness that photography can barely contain.

Beyond the Frame – Meaningful conversations with local artisans, contemplative moments in mountain stillness, the rich flavors of meals shared with families, and the profound satisfaction of traveling with purpose and presence.

Your Complete Photography Experience

Expert Mentorship – I  will provide daily guidance, creative inspiration, and those precious moments of shared discovery that transform ordinary scenes into extraordinary photographs.

Culinary Immersion – Every meal included, from traditional meals to intimate home-cooked food in mountain villages.

Seamless Travel – Private transportation with a skilled local driver ensures comfort, flexibility, and access to hidden locations off the beaten path.

Authentic Stays – Thoughtfully selected guesthouses and lodges that offer character, comfort, and genuine connection to each destination.

Ethical Encounters – All cultural interactions arranged through Vietnam in Focus, ensuring respectful, meaningful exchanges that benefit local communities.

Who Should Join This Journey

This tour welcomes both accomplished photographers and passionate travellers who see the world through a creative lens. My contemplative approach to visual storytelling emphasizes feeling before seeing, encouraging participants to discover the emotional essence of each moment before capturing it.

A Message from Paulo Silva

"Vietnam is not just a destination. It is a sensory dialogue, between light and shadow, silence and song, tradition and transformation. 

This tour is my invitation to walk slowly, to wait for the wind, to honour the people, and to return with photographs that matter."

Photography Focus:

Street and documentary photography in Hanoi, including the Thieves Market, Train Street, and outlying craft villages

Lush rice terrace landscapes at the beginning of harvest season

Tribal farmers at work in the fields

Ethnic minority life, bustling tribal markets, and traditional montagnard culture

Designed for enthusiast-level photographers

Maximum group size: 6 guests

Leadership & Support:

Paulo Silva – lead photographer and tutor throughout

Vietnam in Focus – Logistical support from our Operations team and on-tour assistance from one of our experienced bilingual photographer-guides.

Included in the workshop

Accommodation:

4 star hotels and boutique ecolodges

Hotels include Golden Silk Boutique Hotel, Hanoi; Pan Hou Retreat Eco Lodge; Xoi Farmstay

All meals included, from traditional Vietnamese cuisine to mountain-home hospitality.

Daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Bottled water provided during travel and photo sessions

Private mini-van and professional driver throughout the tour — ensuring comfort and flexibility.

Complimentary airport pick-up and drop-off in Hanoi

Assistance with extra nights’ accommodation and onward travel bookings as needed

Local accommodations in charismatic, handpicked guesthouses and lodges.

Curated cultural encounters facilitated by Vietnam in Focus, ensuring responsible, ethical interaction.

All entry fees, photographic permissions, and access arrangements

Domestic travel insurance

Full guest support before and during the tour

Expert photographic guidance by Paulo Silva, with daily mentoring, creative feedback, and silent moments of shared observation.

Not Included

Flights

All other meals

Beverages

Insurance