Lights of Purpose: Photographing Vietnam with Pete

Touch down in Vietnam’s vibrant capital, where ancient pagodas and the buzz of scooters set the scene for our journey. After a transfer and check-in, you’ll have time to wander the Old Quarter’s maze of alleys, perfect for candid street photography, vibrant markets, and weathered facades. If you’re an art lover, the Fine Arts Museum offers a window into Vietnam’s creative soul.

Tonight, we’ll gather for a welcome dinner at a local spot, sharing classic dishes and stories, and setting the tone for a trip focused on honest moments, natural light, and connecting with the culture all around us.

After breakfast, we’ll meet for a photography briefing. Let’s talk about what makes a great image and how to approach new places with curiosity and respect.

We’ll visit the tranquil Temple of Literature, perfect for practicing composition and symmetry, then head to Quang Phu Cau to photograph artisans crafting vibrant incense sticks. Focus on hands at work and the interplay of color and texture.

If time allows, we’ll stroll the Old Quarter for street scenes and candid portraits. As evening falls, we’ll board the overnight train to Lao Cai, a classic Vietnamese travel experience offering its own photographic inspiration.

Arriving early in Lao Cai, we’ll wind our way up to Sapa — a highland town framed by misty peaks and terraced rice fields. After a local breakfast of bun cha with a view, we’ll check in and get settled. Later, we’ll take an orientation walk through Sapa’s central market, a goldmine for documentary and portrait photography. Look out for expressive faces, vibrant patterns, and the subtle interactions that tell the story of daily life here.

Be sure to try some local snacks: grilled pork skewers, chestnut cake, sticky rice, hot corn milk, and com lam (sticky rice in bamboo). These treats are not just delicious. They also make great subjects for food photography, and sampling them is a perfect way to connect with Sapa’s culture and people.

We’ll start the day exploring Sapa town in the soft morning light, then hop the cable car to Fansipan, the ‘Roof of Indochina.’ Up here, you’ll find sweeping vistas and swirling clouds, perfect for landscape and atmospheric shots.

After lunch, we’ll head to Muong Hoa Valley, home to the H’Mong people and iconic terraced rice fields. Practice blending portraits with sweeping panoramas. In the evening, we’ll regroup for a photo review and share editing tips.

Today we journey deeper into the mountains to Nam Cang, a remote village surrounded by stunning rice terraces and home to the Black H’mong and Red Dzao communities. The drive itself is a visual feast, and in the village, we’ll focus on portraiture and storytelling. Capture the rhythms of rural life or the artistry of traditional dress.

Back in Sapa, you’ll have free time: consider trekking the rice terraces, hiking the peaceful hills, visiting the Sapa Stone Church, exploring the Sapa Culture Museum, or simply wandering the market for candid street scenes and people-watching. These are all fantastic chances for spontaneous photography and deeper cultural connection.

We set out early for Bac Ha Market, one of northern Vietnam’s most vibrant gatherings of ethnic minority groups. The market is a riot of color — embroidered skirts, silver jewelry, and stalls piled high with everything from spices to livestock. It’s a playground for photographers, but also a place to practice sensitivity and respect.

After a full morning of shooting, we’ll return to Hanoi by bus to rest up for more adventures to come.

Breakfast and check out begin the day before we head out to Halong Bay, where limestone karsts rise from emerald waters in surreal formations. Boarding our overnight cruise, you’ll have a front-row seat to one of Vietnam’s most iconic landscapes. On board the cruise, we'll have plenty of free time to unwind. Explore hidden caves, try kayaking, or soak up the atmosphere from the sundeck.

As the sun sets, the bay comes alive with color. It's the perfect backdrop for long exposures and creative compositions. Dinner on board is a feast for both the palate and the lens.

Start your morning with Tai Chi on the sundeck or enjoy the tranquil views with a coffee in hand. These quiet moments often make for the most evocative images. After breakfast, we’ll return to Hanoi, where you’ll have time to rest and prepare for our final session.

In the afternoon, we’ll gather to review our photographic journey, share stories, and celebrate everyone’s progress. Our farewell dinner is a chance to reflect on the connections we’ve made.

Enjoy a relaxed morning. Grab a final bowl of pho, stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake, or hunt for that last shot of morning light filtering through the city. I’ll be around for any last-minute questions or advice before you transfer to the airport. As you head off, I hope you leave not just with memory cards full of images, but with a deeper curiosity and confidence in your photography. More importantly, you'll head home with a piece of Vietnam’s spirit to carry with you wherever you go.