Light & Land
In Focus - The Soul of Northern Vietnam
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04th - 14th May, 2026
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£5,499.00 / £750.00 Deposit
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Our photography tour to Northern Vietnam will take place in May 2026 and will be led by Mark Seymour.
Step into a world of rich culture, vivid colours and breathtaking landscapes on our photography tour of Northern Vietnam. Whether you're a passionate hobbyist or a seasoned shooter, this journey is designed to awaken your creative soul.
We’ll begin in the vibrant streets of Hanoi, capturing daily life amidst colonial charm and bustling markets. Then, we drift to the serene fishing communities of Thai Binh, where sunrise over traditional nets paints a peaceful, golden light. Our path winds higher into the misty mountains of Lai Chau, home to some of Vietnam’s most remote tribal markets. Here, authentic moments unfold among the Hmong and Dao people – an honest, powerful glimpse into cultures unchanged by time. We’ll end in the terraced paradise of Sin Suoi Ho, where cascading rice fields stretch like green stairways into the clouds. May is planting season, making it one of the most visually stunning and soulful times to visit.
This tour will appeal to those seeking raw, authentic moments.
Tags: Northern Vietnam Photography Tour | Vietnam Photography Holiday | Vietnam Street Photography
Vietnam Photography Tour - Northern Vietnam Street Photography
Hanoi is a street photographer’s dream – a heady mix of energy, tradition, and timeless charm. From the Old Quarter’s maze-like alleys, where life spills onto the pavement in all its vibrant detail, to quiet backstreets where elders play chess and children chase each other barefoot, the city offers endless stories. The light here is gentle, often filtered through soft layers of smog or dancing tree shadows, lending a dreamy cinematic quality. You'll photograph rickety cyclos weaving through traffic, street vendors balancing baskets of fruit, and tiny cafes packed with locals sipping strong, sweet coffee. But it’s the people – warm, expressive, resilient – that truly define the experience. This is candid, human photography at its finest. Every turn brings a new frame, a new character, a new slice of life worth capturing. It's about being present, patient, and ready to tell the beautiful chaos of Hanoi, one moment at a time.
Nestled deep in the mountains, Lai Chau feels like another world – raw, untouched, and incredibly rich in culture. Here, we’ll visit remote tribal markets alive with colour and character. Each week, villagers from miles around trek down in full traditional dress, bringing goods, animals, and stories to exchange. It’s a powerful opportunity to document authenticity – no staged scenes, just real lives unfolding before your lens. You’ll witness joy, resilience, and ancient customs still practised today. These portraits and wide environmental shots will be some of your most emotive. With careful guidance, we’ll photograph with deep respect and connection.
Thai Binh offers a serene contrast – a peaceful coastal region known for its traditional fishing communities. At dawn, the shore comes alive with activity: fishermen wading through tidal flats, casting intricate nets, or pushing their boats into golden waters. The light here is extraordinary – soft, glowing, and perfect for those magical early frames. This is where you’ll practice patience and observation, waiting for that moment of perfect balance between human presence and the wider environment. It’s meditative, soulful photography. We’ll also explore nearby villages, capturing quiet routines and the gentle rhythm of rural Vietnamese life.
High in the northern hills, Sin Suoi Ho is a visual feast – lush, terraced rice fields curve around the mountains like green ribbons. In May, farmers begin planting, often barefoot in the mud, working in harmony with the land. This is a chance to photograph labour, connection, and tradition in motion. The village itself is welcoming, known for its sustainable approach to tourism and pride in heritage. Children play beneath banana trees, women embroider outside their wooden homes, and water buffalo wander the paths. It’s the kind of place that stays with you – both in memory and in frame.
This tour is rooted in documentary-style photography – capturing real people, in real moments, within the environment they call home. It’s about storytelling with your camera: honest, emotional, human. With gentle, expert guidance throughout, you’ll grow your vision and come home with images that truly matter. Ready to go deeper with your photography?
Places on this tour are limited to 6.
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Included
Accommodation in 3-4 star hotels, single occupancy
All meals - daily breakfast, lunch and dinner
Airport transfers from recommended flights
Transport during the tour in minibus with driver, bottled water on minibus
Return overnight train with VIP cabins Hanoi-Lao Chai
all entry fees, photographic permissions and access arrangements
Tuition from Mark Seymour
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Excluded
International flights
Insurance
Extras, such as tips and gratuitites
Tutored By
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