Vietnam Photo Tour - 27 Days

This is a sample tour taken by Arthur Lee (Art Lee) and his wife Ann Lee in 2008. Art Lee contacted Huong from the very beginning with a simple idea for his Vietnam photo expedition. After several emails, Huong supported him step by step until he got the programs he expects. , Few months after the trip, he won the Gold Medal for some pictures he took in his Vietnam photo tour. Firstly Huong and Art Lee started with customer and later on finish with a friend. Art Lee allowed Huong to use all of his Vietnam Photos for Viet Vision Travel brochure and website. And they are still in contact as friends.

General Information

Duration: 27 Days/ 26 Nights
Date: No fixed departure dates
Start/End: Hanoi/ Hanoi
Tour Route: Hanoi - Sapa - Ha Giang - Halong Bay - Danang - Hoi An - Ho Chi Minh City - Mekong Delta
Tour Customizable: Definitely! (Tell us your specific requirements in the inquiry form)
Guides: Local Guide (English Speaking Guide, Other Languages upon Request)

Brief Itinerary

Day 1: Hanoi Arrival
Day 2: Hanoi Walking Tour - Recover from Jet Lag
Day 3: Hanoi Tour - Overnight to Sapa
Day 4: Sapa - Ham Rong Mountain – Sapa Market & Towns
Day 5: Sapa – Sin Chai – Cat Cat – Y Linh Ho - Sapa
Day 6: Sapa - Lao Chai – Ta Van
Day 7: Ta Van - Giang Ta Chai - Su Pan – Sapa
Day 8: Sapa - Taphin - Silver Waterfall - Heaven Gate Pass - Bac Ha
Day 9: Bac Ha Sunday Market
Day 10: Bac Ha – Xin Man - Hoang Su Phi (160 km)
Day 11: Hoang Su Phi - Ha Giang - Quang Ba (120 km)
Day 12: Quang Ba - Yen Minh - Dong Van (100 km)
Day 13: Dong Van - Meo Vac (50 km)
Day 14: Meo Vac - Yen Minh - Quang Ba (100 km)
Day 15: Quang Ba – Ha Giang (50 km)
Day 16: Ha Giang - Hanoi (300 km)
Day 17: Hanoi - Free day
Day 18: Halong Bay - Overnight on Boat
Day 19: Halong Bay
Day 20: Halong - Back to Hanoi
Day 21: Hanoi - Photo Tour; Flight to Danang – Hoi An
Day 22: Hoi An Tour - Danang Marble Village
Day 23: Hoi An - Flight to Ho Chi Minh City
Day 24: Saigon Photo Tour
Day 25: Saigon - Vinh Long - Mekong Delta
Day 26: Visit Cai Rang Floating Market
Day 27: Saigon – Departure

Full Itinerary

Day 1: Hanoi Arrival (D)

Upon arrival, we will be welcomed by our guide and transferred to the hotel. In the evening we will enjoy our welcome dinner at one of the finest restaurants in town.

Day 2: Hanoi Walking Tour - Recover from Jet Lag (B, D)

Today is full day relaxing after the long flight. Tonight we will have a chance to see the unique Water puppet show. Overnight in the hotel.

Day 3: Hanoi Tour - Travel to Sapa (B)

We are going to see some highlights of Hanoi today, first, we will visit Ho Chi Minh Complex with Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, The Presidential Palace, One Pillar Pagoda and outside Ho Chi Minh Museum; the Temple of Literature then we stop for our lunch at a local fine restaurant. In the afternoon, we visit Ngoc Son Temple and Hoan Kiem Lake, Dong Xuan and Hang Be Market. We continue to walk around to explore the Old quarter of Hanoi to see the daily life of Hanoi people Tonight we take a train to Sapa – 4 soft sleeper berth cabin with air conditioning.

Day 4: Sapa - Ham Rong Mountain – Sapa Market & Town (B)

Today we have a chance to go to Ham Rong Mountain to get the panoramic view of the area of Sapa. After that, we will visit the town and the Sapa market. We spend tonight in Sapa town.

Day 5: Sapa – Sin Chai – Cat Cat – Y Linh Ho – Sapa (B)

In the morning we embark on a walk into the nearby Sin Chai and Cat Cat valley, passing through some H'mong villages along the route to the neighboring village of Y Dinh Ho. We have a picnic lunch and here we go up a hill to the road where our vehicle waiting for us to transfer to Sapa town. We spend tonight in Sapa town.

Day 6: Sapa – Lao Chai - Ta Van Village (B, L, D)

At 10 am we leave the hotel and start trekking. The first part is on the road but we soon turn to the right and walk on a small path down the valley to the Muong Hoa River and from here to the Black H'mong village Lao Chai. Black H'mong is one of the biggest minority groups in the Sapa area. They are proud of their culture and keep their traditions and way of living. They have their own language and wear traditional indigo blue clothing.

After this, you continue to Ta Van village (1.200 m) to visit Zay people. Zay is a fairly small minority group of about 38.000 people who live mainly in the mountains in Northwest Vietnam. The development has meant that some of their old customs have been lost but many women still wear traditional shirts with a purple, blue or green color. The Zay houses are built of wood and bamboo with a clay floor. We stay overnight with a local family in Ta Van and have our dinner here. Trekking distance: 15 km.

Day 7: Ta Van Village – Giang Ta Chai – Su Pan – Sapa (B, L)

After breakfast, we continue to visit Red Dao people at Giang Ta Chai where we also see a waterfall. The Red Dao women have very colorful red embroidery and coins on their clothing. On their head, they wear a red scarf. Some of the women have shaved off their eyebrows because of a nice Red Zao Legend. We continue along small paths in the rice fields, cross the Muong Hoa River and trek up to Su pan where you will meet the jeep and transfer back to our hotel in Sapa. The rest of the day at our leisure.

Day 8: Sapa – Taphin – Silver Waterfall – Heaven Gate Pass (Tram Ton Pass) – Bac Ha (B)

Today we are going to visit Ta Phin village, the village belongs to Red DZao people and then we are going to Silver Waterfall and Tram Ton pass, which is also called: the Heaven Gate where we can enjoy the panoramic view of the hilly area before departing for Bac Ha town. Overnight in the hotel in Bac Ha town

Day 9: Bac Ha Sunday Market (B)

Bac Ha is the largest market in the region, a place where many ethnic groups gather to buy and sell, eat and drink together. There are 10 minority groups in the Bac Ha region. You can buy homemade handicrafts and clothes. In the afternoon we will have a 2-hour trek to Ban Pho village (Flower H'mong people). In the village, we can have a look at their house and understand little more about their lifestyle and traditional customs. Especially, we can try homemade wine from corn. Overnight in the hotel in Bac Ha.

Day 10: Bac Ha – Xin Man – Hoang Su Phi (B)

The second half of this drive is much easier but one will have to be careful not to get lost in the dense woods. We drive via Xin Man and the area's tortuous roadways. More picturesque Vietnam countryside and landscapes, as well as meeting and talking with local ethnic families. Arrive in the town of Hoang Su Phi at about 5:00 pm, dinner and sleep in town. Overnight in the guest house.

Day 11: Hoang Su Phi – Ha Giang – Quang Ba (B)

Today we will double back to Bac Quang then depart for Ha Giang. The ride is a pleasant one with countless meandering turns and winding sections on our way to Quang Ba. This is your trip and we encourage you to stop as many times as you wish to meet local people or to take those once in a lifetime photographs. We will arrive in the town of Quang Ba at about 4:00 pm for dinner and sleep.

Day 12: Ha Giang: Quang Ba – Yen Minh – Dong Van  (B)

At a leisurely pace, we will ride on from Quan Ba to Dong Van. Today we will visit the infamous Vuong Palace, where a Hmong family of high rank lived during French colonial rule. This palace attracts keen interest from architecturally minded visitors due to its mixed style of European and Chinese architecture. We then hop back on our car and back to Dong Van for our overnight. Note: Quan Ba Sunday market is worth an arrangement!

Day 13: Ha Giang: Dong Van - Meo Vac (B)

After breakfast, We will depart Dong Van to Meo Vac on the way we have extra time to wonder the ancient streets lined with Hmong homes of clay bricks and tiles roofs built centuries ago we will first take some time to climb over the Ma Pi Leng Pass. Here is yet another amazing place, with incredible mountain ranges and the Nho Que River winding off in the distance. We will continue to zigzag our way to Meo Vac, visiting remote areas and the hard-working local people here. It is inspiring to see how they survive as they manage their environment. Meo Vac is very close to the Chinese border. Overnight at the guest house

Day 14: Ha Giang: Meo Vac - Yen Minh - Quang Ba (B)

After having breakfast then we down the road again, camera ready! All of our guides will have to agree that this is one of the most beautiful places in Vietnam. The "mother nature will never get enough credit" scenery and the "I cannot believe that that is actually the road" routes will absolutely and positively astound you!

There will be ample opportunity to see ethnic minorities and even visit their traditional houses. We will stop in Yen Minh town for lunch and then continue on our journey climbing to a nearby pass and then descending into the Quang Ba valley. Overnight in the guest house

Day 15: Quang Ba – Ha Giang (B)

The adventure begins as soon as we leave town and enter a land of colorful mountain hill tribes and seemingly impossible landscapes. All around you limestone rock faces will rise straight up perpendicular to the valley below and hill tribe people will be smiling and waving you onward. We will pass Heaven's Gate pass, then on to Ha Giang town for lunch. The afternoon will include more riding and some stops to walk through some nearby ethnic villages. We will return to Ha Giang town for dinner and retire for the night.

Day 16: Ha Giang – Hanoi

Today, there is not much to see en route, well prepared and fully briefed we will head north to Tuyen Quang province, visit the historic Tan Trao area then on the way we will drive through Thai Nguyen city, and break at the Museum of Ethnology. This is an important stop as we will be visiting many of Vietnam's ethnic minorities and hill tribe people. Take some extra time to learn about the Dao, Hmong, Muong, Thai, and Bo Y minorities. We should be back to Hanoi at about 5:00 pm.

Day 17: Hanoi – Free Day (B)

Today our guide and driver will go upon our request to the countryside area of Bac Ninh Province or other neighboring areas like Ha Tay.

Day 18: Hanoi – Halong Bay – Overnight on Boat (B, L, D)

At 8.30, we depart for the journey passing the lust green field in the Red River delta to the coast and the wonderful Ha Long Bay which named as the ascending dragon. Arriving at the Halong Bay Wharf at around lunchtime, we transfer from our vehicle to our deluxe junk, join our fantastic seafood lunch, and cruise around this tranquil bay, marvel at 3000 limestone peaks that emerge from the emerald water. We have an opportunity to visit spectacular Amazing cave crammed with stalactites and stalagmites, and if the weather permits we will swim from our boat. After our delicious dinner, we will join together with and may drink Vietnamese wine and chatting. Spending the night on the junk.

Day 19: Halong Bay (B, L, D)

Our breakfast at 07:00 AM, we then prepare to continue on kayaking to explore the Bay. We paddle from Luon Cave toward islets in shape of Man's head, Tortoise and the last destination is Cua Van fishing village. We will be back to our boat for lunch at around 11:00. In the afternoon, we once again kayak to the three tunnels lake (selected according to the tides). And why we are not relaxing on the desktop to see the sunsets and drink some beers and enjoy the fresh atmosphere on the one of tranquil Bay that was recognized as a World Natural Heritage in Vietnam. This evening, another tasty seafood dinner will be served on board.

Day 20: Halong Bay - Hanoi (B, L)

Breakfast at 07:00, after that we or relax on the junk or keep on kayaking one or two hours more. Around 10:00 we pack our luggage and take out of our cabin (for crew members prepare rooms for coming passengers). Our lunch today will be served sooner than usual as we will return to the main harbor at around midday. We then transfer to our awaiting vehicle for around 3-hour driving back to Hanoi. The rest of the day will be at our leisure. Overnight in Hanoi.

Day 21: Hanoi - Photo Tour Morning; Flight to Danang - Hoi An (B)

This morning we enjoy the walking tour in Hanoi. In the afternoon we take a short flight to Danang. Upon arrival, we will transfer to Hoi An town. Overnight in Hoi An town.

Day 22: Hoi An Tour - Danang Marble Village (B)

This morning we enjoy the walking tour through the narrow winding streets of the Old town, visit Phu Kien assembly hall, the 200-year-old Tan Ky house, the Japanese cover bridge, Hoi An Museum, and the handcrafts workshops. After that, we visit Hoi An's colorful market and experience the amazing sights, sounds, and aromas of this busy market. In the afternoon we are going to Marble handy craft village and the Marble Mountain nearby.

Day 23: Hoi An - Ho Chi Minh City (B)

In the morning we transfer to Danang airport to take a short flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Upon arrival, we will be welcome and transfer to our center located hotel. In the afternoon we will do the orientation tour of Ho Chi Minh City.

Day 24: Ho Chi Minh City Photo Tour to Chinatown - Binh Tay Market & Chinese Temple (B)

Many centuries ago, Saigon was already a busy commercial center. Merchants from China, Japan, and many European countries would sail upstream the Saigon River to reach the islet of Pho, a trading center. In the year of 1874, Cho Lon merged with Saigon, forming the largest city in the Indochina. It had been many times celebrated as the Pearl of the Far East. After the reunification of the country, the 6th National Assembly in its meeting of the 2nd of July, 1976, has officially robotized Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City. The history of city relates closely with the struggle for the independence and freedom of Vietnam. This city tour unravels Saigon's turbulent past and also provides a glimpse into the fascinating variety the city has to offer.

In the morning we depart our hotel for the Reunification Palace, the former Presidential Palace for the president of the South of Vietnam, after that we will visit War Remnant Museum, where you can see countless artifacts, photographs, and pictures documenting about the second Indochina war. Before our lunch, we stop at Notre Dame Cathedral and Old Post office to get our good shots for our memory of the biggest city in Vietnam. Our delicious lunch will be served at a "Pho 2000" restaurant in the central city. In the afternoon we will visit Ben Thanh market, Cho Lon, Chinese town and market. Here you can experience our Vietnamese Southern daily life. We will be back to our hotel after visiting Giac Lam pagoda, one of the oldest and finest pagodas in Ho Chi Minh City. Overnight in the hotel.

Day 25: Ho Chi Minh City - Vinh Long - Mekong Delta - Overnight in Can Tho (B)

This morning we set off for a drive through the Mekong Delta to the town of Vinh Long. Here we will board our private boat for a cruise along the maze of waterways and canals to Vinh Long. We will stop at the home of a Bonsai gardener for a sumptuous Delta lunch, including the popular dish of 'Elephant ear fish', before continuing our exploration of the tributaries and canals of the delta. We also have a chance to visit some local cottage industries. Then from Vinh Long, we get our private boat to go to Can Tho. Along the way, we have plenty of chance to take pictures of the local life in the Mekong Delta. Overnight in the hotel in Can Tho City.

Day 26: Visit Cai Rang Floating Market (B)

Rising early to the sounds of the Delta coming to life for another day, we have breakfast before boarding our riverboat once more for a cruise to well-known floating market of Cai Rang. We spend time taking pictures here. After that, we are going back to Ho Chi Minh City along the way. Following this, we will rendezvous with our vehicle for the drive to the town of My Tho, where we will visit the Dong Tam snake farm and the Vinh Trang pagoda, before our return to Ho Chi Minh City.

Day 27: Fly home from Ho Chi Minh City – Departure

Free until our vehicle picks up and transfers you to the airport for your flight home. Tour ends. See you again in the next Vietnam tour packages.