The Art and Soul of North Vietnam
A cultural adventure with David Julian for photographers and avid travelers
September 14-28, 2026 {plus 3-day Coastal Traditions extension 9/28-30}
( One space left for 2026 as of 12/17/25)
From bustling Hanoi to the tribal villages and rice terraces of the mountainous North, Vietnam delivers a fantastic array of people, cultures, cuisines and landscapes within one country.
Join Dave on a fully guided photographic adventure into The Art and Soul of Northern Vietnam, where we focus on exploring to capture the beauty of the land and the spirit of its people. Our journey blends the iconic landscapes you've admired with hidden beauty seldom seen by visitors. Unlike many tours, we do not stage images or create idealized artificial scenes. Instead, we approach each moment with cultural sensitivity and a refined commitment to authentic visual storytelling. Your photographs can then have integrity and reveal your unique way of seeing life. Dave has partnered with Vietnam In Focus (VIF), who's specialized experience provides logistics and guidance to help you experience the real Vietnam.
Trip Dates
September 14-28, 2026
Group Size
Max 8 participants
2 photography guides
Physical Requirements
City walking + Rural Roads
What You’ll Experience
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Vibrant Culture: Bustling city streets, colorful outdoor markets, and Hanoi’s dynamic daily life.
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Spectacular Landscapes: Expansive valleys, terraced rice fields, and dramatic mountain vistas.
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Waterways & Villages: Traditional fishing communities, boat journeys, and riverside life.
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Spontaneous Encounters: Serendipitous discoveries that enrich our visual and cultural experience.
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Journeys by private van, boat, and on foot. Our itinerary balances planned highlights with unplanned moments that invite creative exploration.
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Time between journeys to relax, recharge, shop or explore nearby on your own.
Photography & Learning
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Level of Experience: This journey is designed for photographers, advanced beginner to pro— and curious phone-photo travelers alike.
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Guidance: Group and Individual: Dave gives his guidance at each location, and VIF photographer/guides are also there to assist.
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Personalized Teaching: Interim reviews and 1:1 guidance ensures you develop both technical skills and creative vision.
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Post-Processing Insights: Learn effective Lightroom techniques to optimize your captures towards portfolio pieces or for printed books.
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Authentic Storytelling: Our focus is on curiosity, observation, and human connection—not staged scenes or clichés.
Accommodations & Cuisine
We stay in a mix of comfortable hotels and homestays for a genuine cultural immersion. Meals are a highlight, as regional Vietnamese cuisine is renowned for its freshness and variety, with each destination offering its own specialties. Dietary restrictions can be accomodated with prior notice.
Your Guides
You’ll be led by a bilingual team of accomplished Vietnamese photojournalists and myself, bringing both local knowledge and decades of professional expertise. Together, we help you gain access to daily life behind the scenes— and many moments that most visitors never see.
Group Size & Atmosphere
With our small group, you’ll enjoy relaxed travel, meaningful interactions, and space for creativity. Travelers often form lasting friendships as we learn, create, bond, and share this unforgettable journey together.
Who Should Join
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Adventurous travelers who crave cultural depth and authenticity.
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Photographers seeking to refine their vision. Whatever your experience, Dave and his guides will take you further towards your goals.
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Travelers who prefer the simplicity of documenting their experience using their smartphone. I use mine wherever I go! (examples)
Dave works hard to assure everyone has a great experience, culturally as well as photographically. He is insightful, patient, and generous with his expertise. With the smaller group size, travel is easy and comfortable, and with time to share our experiences, ideas, and to have photo critiques” – JY, Evanston, IL
An adventure of discovery every day. Dave’s style of leadership, attention to detail, and patient instruction allow travelers to experience the culture on a macro level while improving one’s photographic skills. His guides in Vietnam are talented photographers as well, and helped us access the deeper and authentic stories at our locations. – anon via survey
Itinerary and Topical Outline
Main Workshop Tour: September 14 - 28, 2026
We recommended early Arrival in case of delays, to adjust, stroll, or enjoy the Hotel’s Spa.
Day 01 - Hanoi: arrival, pickup, check-in, required Orientation and Welcome Dinner (1 night)
Day 02 - Hanoi: Ultimate Hanoi Photo Tour, dinner and Chapa Express train north. (overnight)
Day 03 - Lao Cai, Sapa, Lai Chau, villages, farmers, expansive views to Sin Suoi Ho (2 nights)
Day 04 - Sin Suoi Ho: Early shoot, Harvesting, Hmong villages, mountainous valley views
Day 05 - Sin Suoi Ho - Lai Chau: Muong So, village walks, kids, workers’ lifestyles (3 nights)
Day 06 - Sin Ho: Tay and Dao and Hmong tribal people, harvesting, details, sculptural landscapes
Day 07 - Dao San: Tribal market, Hmong, Ha Nhi, Dzao and Lu; a cultural kaleidoscope
Day 08 - Lai Chau to Mu Cang Chai: Blacksmiths, street portraits, high winding roads (2 nights)
Day 09 - Mu Cang Chai: Early High terraced fields, visit Hmong family for portraits, golden hour
Day 10 - Trang Kim: Trang Kim tribal market, Lung Tam weaving village, stops en route (2 nights)
Day 11 - Tu Le: Bike to valley village, worker portraits, golden light, 1:1s with Dave, select bests
Day 12 - Xoi Farmstay: Farm, forests, fields; plywood factory, rural lifestyles (2 nights)
Day 13 - Xoi Farmstay: Hike or Bike through the rural countryside for spontaneous photography
Day 14 - Xoi Farmstay to Hanoi: Lam Thuong tribal market, 1:1 time, farewell dinner (1 night)
Day 15 - Hanoi: Guests joining the Coastal Traditions extension will leave today.
Those flying out today can relax, wander or shop for gifts. Hotel check-out time is 12 noon.
Late check out and extra nights accomodations are not included, but can be arranged through VIF.
Extension: ‘Coastal Traditions’ to Nam Dinh and Tai Binh: September 28-30
Days 15, 16 & 17** - Nam Dinh and Tai Binh, Brickworks, fishing culture, Infinity Beach, cathedrals and more. (2 nights).
> Unless scheduled, Dave will announce new opportunities for 1:1 and group photo reviews.
**Consider adding an extra night in Hanoi for longer downtime or shopping before flying home.
Workshop Tuition:
> Space is very limited to the first 8 people to register. We usually have a waiting list, so we advise registering now via Deposit.
Workshop Tuition:
$6695 total per person, double-occupancy lodging.
Single room: adds $500, and as they are limited, should be booked during or asap after regsitration to be sure.
Extension adds: $970 total per person, double-occupancy lodging for the amazing Northeast Coastal Traditions 3-day/2-night adventure.
Single room: add $50, and as they are even more limited, should be booked during regsitration to be sure.
Deposit Payment to Register
$1000 deposit for the main workshop. All deposits go to VIF directly in Vietnam using their We Travel booking link.
Add $645 as deposit for our amazing trip extension, Northeast Coastal Traditions. (booking available until June 15th: 4 people minimum to run)
There is also a link to get your Visa for entering Vietnam.
Two Balance Payments:
1. First Balance payment of $2725** is due directly to Dave once invoiced. (Balances are now separated due to Vietnam's new int'l business tax laws.)
(Zelle and Venmo QR codes are below and will also be in an Invoice from Dave due by May 15.
2. Last Balance payment of $2970** is due directly to VIF with a payment link, once invoiced by them in June. It is due by Julu 15.
**These amounts will depend on the options you choose, such as single rooms, extra nights or joining our Coastal Traditions extension
To pay Balance #1 by check, email Dave for his address.
The cancellation policy is on the following page. Travelers are strongly advised to purchase trip insurance. (see below)
Email Dave if you have any questions
How to Join Us
Please read this completely as there are some new details.
1. Email Dave to be sure we still have space.
2. Once confirmed, submit your Deposit as soon as possible as instructed above. Travelers are not registered without the Deposit.
3. Once registered via Deposit, Vietnam in Focus will send a confirmation welcome and more information.
4. You will be invoiced for two balance payments in mid 2026.
Important:
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We advise travelers to arrive at least one or two days early to allow for any flight delays and to adapt to our new time zone.
(Two days early is even better if you can spare the time.) -
We are happy to arrange extra night(s) accommodations and a guide if you let us know at the time of or ASAP following registration.
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You will need a valid passport dated at least 6 months past the tour's end dates.
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Be sure to read the Travel Logistics, Getting There, and Communications FAQs below.
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Once fully booked and confirmed, you can book your round-trip airfare to Hanoi and please purchase trip insurance.
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Refundable airfare is a good idea, or if you (or we) need to cancel, your flights should be able to be credited.
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Please email Vietnam in Focus with your international flight details once you have them.
For additional assistance:
Email Dave for inquiries relating to itinerary, photo-related, packing, or content. Responses may be slightly delayed if we are traveling. Email Vietnam in Focus for inquiries relating to registration, documents, travel, lodging, or trip extension.
FAQs: Expectations | What's Included | Experience | Physical Req's | What to Bring | Insurance & other logistics
• IS THIS A TOUR OR A WORKSHOP? >IT IS BOTH: With a small group, we can travel to many locations, dine well, learn, meet locals, converse, and exchange memorable connections. In a Workshop, we teach how to make better photographs using the best light at each location and subject. We offer early morning shoots and night shoots as well. This is a photographic adventure designed to combine your quest for learning and cultural travel.
• INCLUDED / NOT INCLUDED: INCLUDED: • Fast-track immigration 'front of the queue' service upon arrival at Hanoi airport • Accommodations during our workshop tour dates in hotels or homestays. • All itinerary-based group meals (and their gratuities) are included. • Workshop transportation by deluxe minivan. We use small boats when visiting waterways, and trains on certain tours. • Our pre-trip group meeting via Zoom is in August or as soon as tour fills to capacity. (date/time TBA via Email). • Required orientation meeting the evening of Day 0 at the hotel or elsewhere in Hanoi. • Snacks, local fruits, and bottled water are available throughout the workshop • Dave and his Vietnamese guides provide daily on-location assistance with your photography. • 1-on-1 guidance where requested. • Professional Lightroom Classic processing workflows and other tips. Dave also shares his file backup strategies upon request. • Dave or his photographer guide reviews participants' selected images on their laptops or tablets. • Post-trip photo sharing Zoom is scheduled after we return home. NOT INCLUDED: • International roundtrip airfare to Hanoi. • Tourist Visa, purchased within the We Travel payment portal. • Transport from/to Airports for your days beyond the workshop dates unless pre-arranged by email with VIF. • Trip and travel insurance, airlift, or any other insurance. Please buy the level of insurance that meets your health and refund goals. • Credit Card payment surcharges, if any. • Alcoholic beverages beyond meal complimentaries. • Activity fees or others (meals, shopping, etc) that are not mentioned in the itinerary. • Personal health needs, such as meds, SPF lotions, NSAIDs, bug repellent, etc. • Trip Extension: "North Coastal Traditions" • Personal travel coordination beyond the scope of this workshop is available for a fee.
• TRAVEL LOGISTICS & VISA **MUST READ!** Arrive a day or two in advance in case of flight delays or to acclimate and relax. {PLEASE NOTE the Time Zone references below, and refer to the DATEFUL TIME ZONE CONVERTER linked above this FAQ for easier understanding.} • We call the day prior to our first day of the tour itinerary "Day 0", which is September 14th (in Vietnam), Sept 13th (at home) Our welcome dinner and required orientation meeting happens late on “Day 0”. Our actual workshop tour begins early morning on Day 1, (Oct 01) from our Hanoi hotel. Please furnish your complete flight information to VIF by email at least 20 days before travel so we can add it to our spreadsheet and can prepare for your arrival. Try to have your cell phone charged and able to receive email or What's App texts in case we need to reach each other while in Vietnam. See FAQ section 'Communications in Vietnam' for info on purchsaing a SIM for use in Vietnam. There is WIFI in your hotel room and in some of the other stays. Please read the Communications section below for more info.
BEING UPDATED FOR OCTOBER 2026
• GETTING THERE and HOME BOOK TICKETS to fly a round trip to HANOI. Avoid layovers of less than 1.5 hours, and try to use only carry-on luggage for simpler travel. WE transfer you to and from the Airport in Hanoi. We provide an inexpensive conceirge service that facilitates your Customs process once you arrive, which you pay for on the registration portal. We'll discuss that in our communications after registration or at our pre-trip ZOOM in August, date TBA. TIP: You can also download area maps from the Google Map app on your SmartPhone. Details on that are best found in Google searches.
• TRAVEL and HEALTH INSURANCE: Be sure you have up-to-date US travel and personal health insurance. Our tour fee provides general Vietnamese insurance, but claiming it is complex. For general travel, tour cancellation, and medical evacuation insurance, please purchase a plan through World Nomads, Allianz, Travelex, etc., when purchasing airfare. Please bring a mask and 2-4 Covid tests for personal use— just in case.
• EXPECTATIONS and PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Expectations: Our travelers should have curiosity, a spirit for small-group adventure, and an understanding that you may not always find the same comfort conditions as at home. We work hard to prepare, keep you informed and comfortable, and earn your trust. Experience Vietnam on its own terms, and you will be rewarded with an unparalleled life experience. Our itinerary may shift to accommodate local changes and opportunities. Travelers love our style, and we think you will too. We love returning travelers, so our goal is satisfaction. • No matter what level of experience you arrive with, Dave will improve your ability to capture your travels. • Non-photographers are always welcome! Dave also teaches how to make excellent photographs using a smartphone. See examples at: https://tinyurl.com/2c9wtwfe. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Most of our locations are within a few hundred yards of our vehicle. Participants should be in good enough physical condition to walk unaided on uneven surfaces and board transportation without dedicated assistance. If you are prone to heat exhaustion, road nausea, or knee issues, please bring whatever supplements or aids that will best support your health. Pharmacies are abundant in Vietnam!
• EXPERIENCE: How much photography experience will I need? This workshop is designed to improve each photographer's current level of expertise. Dave teaches photography professionally, from his University courses to global workshops, so he is adept at working with photographers of all levels. Our guides are also talented photographers and will assist Dave in providing tips and facilitating our connections to the locals we want to meet. Non-photographers are also welcome to use smartphones, as Dave also guides how to take excellent photos using the simplicity of smartphones.
• MONEY and TIPPING: MONEY: It's easy to exchange USD or EUR to Vietnamese Dongs. TIPPING: When dining out, you can tip as normal. 10-15% is common. Late in the tour, Dave gathers tips in an envelope that he passes along to our guides and drivers at the end of the tour. PLEASE anticipate and reserve a few hundred USD for this as they do not use apps such as VENMO.
• COMMUNICATIONS IN VIETNAM: We generally use the ‘What’s App’ app to communicate during the workshop. It is also a good free way to keep in touch with those back home when on WiFi. Please install, register, and test it prior to leaving home. Unless you have an International phone plan like T-Mobile, you can buy a Vietnam eSIM for recent phones at GigaGo.com. https://gigago.com/esim/vietnam/
• WHAT TO BRING: I love Simple. I've learned that the more stuff, the more internal questions, decisions to make, and weight to carry. Having too much gear impedes creative flow and timing. It’s wise to pack compactly for fast and easy van load/unloading, as we may hit several locations per day. Whatever camera you bring will be fine so long as you know how it functions. I can often help with unfamiliar settings, but bring the manual just in case! Mine is a searchable PDF on my phone. Go Light, and you’ll relax and feel your creativity will flow during our trip. More in the 'Gear and Packing Recommendations' section below.
• CANCELLATION TERMS: Your initial $1000 reservation deposit is non-refundable after 60 days, except in the event that WE cancel the trip. If YOU cancel, the deposit can be a credit put towards he following years' trip with Dave in Vietnam, OR you can use the Trip Insurance you purchased to cover your refund. If you cancel your booking with us, our cancellation policy includes the following fees and cut-off periods: If canceling 90 to 61 days before departure, the guest is liable for 25% of the trip cost. 60 to 46 days before departure is 50% of the trip cost. 45-0 days prior to departure is 100% of the trip cost. Same for extensions. Processing fees are usually not recoverable.
Gear and Packing Recommendations
Daily gear:*
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Lightweight clothing for tropical conditions, and a pullover and rain poncho or light rain jacket. Ponchos work well for covering gear.
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Sneakers, or sturdy sandals like my all-time faves, the quick-drying waterproof KEEN H2: Men's Women's
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Lightweight rain jacket or poncho. Anything that can cover your camera bag is best.
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Sunscreen, hand sanitizer, sun hat or cap, and a bandana for wiping camera or hands.
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Snack bars if you get hungry on the go-between meals. I do!
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Insect repellent. Natrapel with Picardin® works well for me, but some like citronella, herbal lemongrass, and eucalyptus formulas.
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Headlamp or LED flashlight for walking nights.
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Those with adverse responses to heat should bring electrolyte or hydrating products. If prone to road nausea, please bring Bonine, Ginger, and maybe a wrist-pressure bracelet.
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You can leave purchased items at out hotel in Hanoi for later retrieval. Bring along a collapsible shopping bag with a name tag on it.
Photography gear: Keep it simple and light.
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A digital camera you know how to use. I sometimes bring a backup body or use my iPhone Pro as a casual and backup cam.
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LENSES: If you like prime lenses, bring a Wide, a Normal, and maybe a small Telephoto; or travel zooms can save lens changing.
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I usually bring my Fuji 16-55 f2.8 WR ll, 70-300 WR, and 10-24 f4 WR or 8mm WR. I may bring a 33 f1.4 or 56 f1.2 for portraits.
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You can optionally rent gear at Lensrentals.com. Always pay for the insurance.
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I use K&F anti-static UV filters for every lens, so I'm never cleaning moisture or grit off lens elements or risking an impact on my lens.
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I use these awesome LensPens and lens cloths frequently.
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I have switched to 64 or 128gb Prograde Gold SD cards. They are very fast and were recommended to me by Fujifilm's tech team.
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Extra batteries and charger. Charge batteries before the trip!
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All Lithium batteries must be packed together in carry-on luggage to avoid delays or held-back checked luggage,
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Fit all in one photo bag with a name tag with your email address and Vietnam phone number on it if you bought one.
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I use a Brother® label maker to label my gear and even SD cards. It makes water-resistant labels up to four lines and stores label text.
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Download the offline Google Map for North Vietnam where. I will be traveling.
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Consider a lightweight, fast-charging USB PowerBank for recharging a phone when we travel distances.
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A drone can be used in some parts of Vietnam if under 250gms. Drones must be USA registered, and have your license with you.
* links are my Amazon affiliate links. Using them helps me support the high cost of developing my workshops.
All text is © 2024 David Julian and Vietnam In Focus. Other images are used under the Creative Commons license.