Is this a Tour or a Workshop? It’s really both: 
The Tour: With a small group, we can travel to many locations, dine well, learn, meet locals, converse, and exchange memorable connections. The Workshop: We teach how to make better photographs using the best light at each location and subjects within it. We offer early morning shoots, and also shoot at night at your option. This is a photographic adventure designed to combine your quest for learning and cultural travel.

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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 when 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 new opportunities. Travelers love our style, and we think you will, too. We love returning travelers, so our goal is your satisfaction.

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How much photography experience will I need? This workshop is designed to improve each photographer at their level of experience. Dave teaches photography professionally, from University courses to global workshops, so he is adept at working with clients of all levels. Our guides are also talented photographers, and will assist me in providing tips and ideas when I am occupied or if requested. Non-photographers are welcome, too, as Dave can also teach how to make excellent photographs using the handy immediacy of a smartphone. Here are examples. 

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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!

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Included:

• Airport immigration assistance, transfers, or facilitation when arriving beyond our hours

• Accommodations during our workshop tour dates in hotels or homestays.

• All group meals (and their gratuities) are included.

• All destination transportation by deluxe van, and small boats when visiting waterways.

• Pre-trip group meeting via Zoom in early September (date/time TBA via Email).

• Orientation: required meeting at the hotel or offices. Get inspired and learn what’s next.

• Daily location and photographic guidance as indicated in the Itinerary

• Snacks, local fruits, and bottled water are available throughout the workshop

• Continuous assistance with your photography by Dave and his Vietnamese guide.

• Professional Lightroom ClLassic developing workflow and tips​ when time allows. Dave also shares his file backup strategies.

• By request, Dave reviews participants' selected images on their laptops or tablets. Post-trip photo sharing Zoom is scheduled once home.

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Not Included:​​

• International airfare to and from Hanoi

• Transport from/to Airports for your days beyond the workshop dates unless pre-arranged in emails with VIF.

• Trip and travel insurance, airlift, or any other insurance. Please buy the level of insurance that meets your goals.

• Credit Card payment surcharges

• Tourist Visa: Get one HERE at eVisa.  

• Alcoholic beverages beyond complimentary 

• 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: Coastal Traditions

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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.

See our expanded Gear and Packing Recommendations section. We can answer any questions via email or during our pre-trip Zoom.

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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 when purchasing airfare or through World Nomads, Allianz, Travelex, etc. Please bring a mask and 2-4 Covid tests for personal use— just in case.
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Logistics:
Arrive a day or more in advance in case of delays or to acclimate. Though our welcome dinner and required orientation meeting happens late on “Day 0”, our tour begins on October 01 at our Hanoi hotel. Furnish your flight information to VIF at least 20 days before travel so we can prepare for your arrival. Try to have your cell phone charged and able to receive email or text in case we need each other to reach you while in Vietnam.** Refer to the Communications section below for more info.

Getting there and home:

Book tickets to fly a round trip to Hanoi. Avoid layovers of less than 1.5 hours, and use only carry-on luggage for simpler travel. We transfer you to and from the Airport in Hanoi. Money: You can exchange USD for VND at the airport or ATMs. Euros are also an option. Bring several hundred $ cash for extra expenses such as tips, gifts, emergencies, etc. Download a money exchange app (at home) to help calculate.

Tipping:
When dining out, you can tip as normal. 10-15% is common. Later in the tour, Dave gathers tips that he passes along to our guides and drivers at the end of the tour. Please anticipate and reserve some USD for this.

**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.

What to Wear?
See packing recommendations below.

Cancellations:
Our Cancellation policy includes the following fees and cut-off periods: In case of any events occurring beyond our control that negatively affect customers’ ability to participate in the tour, the non-refundable deposit can be credited towards a future David Julian/Vietnam in Focus collaborative tour that begins before 12/31/25.
From 45 - 30 days prior to departure (From August 18 to September 1, 2025), the cancellation fee is 50% of the total price. From 30 - 0 days prior to departure (From September 5, 2023), the cancellation fee is 100% of the total price.

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