The Art and Soul of NorthVietnam
A cultural adventure with David Julian for photographers and avid travelers
September 30 - October 14, 2025
with optional North Coastal Traditions extension
From bustling Hanoi to the tribal villages and rice terraces of the mountainous North, Vietnam delivers a fantastic array of people, cultures, and landscapes within one country.
Join our fully-guided photographic journey into the Art and Soul of Northern Vietnam. Our focus is to capture the beauty of the land and the spirit of its people in an exciting range of locations from those you've seen and yearned to shoot, and those far less-visited and unique.
We explore Vietnam’s bustling, wildly colorful streets, outdoor markets, expansive valleys, terraced fields, traditional fishing villages, plus spontaneous discoveries along the way. Our bilingual Vietnamese photographer-guide and I will facilitate access to help you create photographs that reveal the art and soul of workers, street vendors, artisans, performers, fishermen, and remote traditional ethnic villagers.
Trip Dates
October 2-15, 2024**
Group Size
6 participants
Physical Requirements
City walking + Dirt Roads
We travel by private van, boat, and on foot, led by a bilingual Vietnamese photographer guide. We stay in comfortable hotels and homestays for a truly authentic cultural experience. Vietnam’s regional cuisine offers delicious meals for which each of our destinations is known.
We welcome the adventurous traveler with a passion for cultural journeys or photography adventures in beautiful, exotic places. Non-photographers are also welcome and can benefit from our expertise in creative smartphone photography. Photographic goals and guidance are given at each location, whether you use a familiar digital camera or the casual simplicity of your phone.
We’re about authenticity. Unlike many other photo tours, we do not stage setups for idealized cliché pictures. Our style and teaching is the art of authentic visual storytelling born from curiosity, observation, and making a personal connection.
Our small group format assures relaxed travel and individual attention. My bilingual guide is an accomplished Vietnamese photojournalist who knows our locations and inhabitants. With us as your team, everyone will receive a balance of group and 1:1 guidance to get fantastic shots. Travelers receive interim critiques, learn my Lightroom processing techniques, and meet like-minded travelers to make lasting friendships.
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 small group size, travel is easy and comfortable, and with time to share our experiences, ideas, and to have photo critiques” – J. Y., Evanston IL
Itinerary and Topical Outline
Main Workshop:
Day 00 - Sept. 30** - Arrival in Hanoi. Clear customs, transfer to the Hotel in our van, late day Orientation and Welcome Dinner.
Day 01 - October 1 - Hanoi: Early morning markets as colorful Hanoi invites our storytelling
Day 02 - October 2 - Ba Be National Park: Ancient forest, mountains, Tay fishermen and a sunset
Day 03 - October 3 - Ba Be National Park: Rural traditions, kayaking, net tending, portraiture
Day 04 - October 4 - Ba Be NP to Cao Bang: Mountain passes, tribal crafts, blacksmithing
Day 05 - October 5 - Cao Bang: Villages, incense making, Angel's Eye Mtn, landscapes.
Day 06 - October 6 - Cao Bang to Meo Vac: Ha Giang, Ma Pi Leng gorge pass, rice harvest
Day 07 - October 7 - Meo Vac: Nho Que River, remote ethnic tribes, portraiture, blue hours
Day 08 - October 8 - Meo Vac to Trang Kim: Dong Van Rocky Plateau, Hmong King’s Palace
Day 09 - October 9 - Trang Kim: Trang Kim tribal market, Lung Tam weaving village, landscapes
Day 10 - October 10 - Trang Kim to Ha Giang: Red Dzao tribe, Nam Dam, mountain and city life
Day 11 - October 11 - Ha Giang to Lam Thuong: Yen Bai, photo review, monuments, markets
Day 12 - October 12 - Lam Thuong: Rural life storytelling, mountain mists, bamboo factory
Day 13 - October 13 - Lam Thuong to Hanoi: Tho Ha rice paper village, alley wandering, farewell dinner
Day 14 - October 14 - Hanoi: Morning shopping, airport home or stay for our coastal extension
Three Day North Coastal Traditions Extension
October 15, 16, 17 - Nam Dinh and Tai Binh, Brickworks, Fishing Culture, Infinity Beach, cathedrals and more
** Please arrive in Hanoi by September 30 or even earlier to allow for any flight delays and to rest and adapt to our new time zone. Two days allow more wandering time, shopping †, or a relaxing massage. We can also provide a guide and recommendations. On September 30, we have our Orientation and Welcome Dinner, and then head out to adventure early the morning of October 1. Using the Time Zone website linked above, Westerners subtract 1 day to match Vietnam's int'l date line zone.
† (Purchases in Hanoi can be stored at our hotel for later retrieval at end of trip.)
Workshop Tuition
Dates: October 1-14 - Small group size is typically up to 6, and we can accommodate 8.
Price: $6395 - Complete a 14-day Workshop that includes double-occupancy lodging and all itinerary-based meals.
Extension: $975 - Separate 3-day North Coastal Traditions adventure at the visually stunning Northeast coast.
Deposit : $1500 - to register for this workshop tour
- The final balance is due by August 20th. Space is very limited, so we advise registering now.
- Single hotel room supplement adds $500, based on availability at the time of registration.
- Cancellation policy is on the following page.
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, register ASAP to hold your space using this Registration Form via Vietnam in Focus
3. Registration and Payments can be made at this WeTravel link. Once registered, you'll receive more information and details
4. For additional assistance, email or call: Dave or 206-364-9077 for inquiries relating to itinerary, travel, photo-related, packing, or preparations. Please email Vietnam in Focus for inquiries relating to registration, documents, lodging, or trip extension.
Responses may be slightly delayed if we are traveling.
-
To complete booking after paying your deposit, you will need a valid passport dated at least 6 months past the tour's end dates.
-
Vietnam in Focus will send a confirmation welcome once you have registered.
-
Be sure to read the Travel Logistics, Getting There, and Communications FAQs below.
-
Once fully booked and confirmed, you can book your round-trip airfare to Hanoi and purchase trip insurance.
-
Refundable airfare is a good idea, or if you (or we) need to cancel, your flights should be able to be credited.
-
Please email Vietnam in Focus with your international flights once you have them.
-
We advise travelers to arrive at least one day 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 if you let us know at the time of or ASAP following registration.
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: • 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 is by deluxe van, and small boats are used when visiting waterways. • The pre-trip group meeting will be via Zoom in early September (date/time TBA via Email). • Orientation: A meeting is required 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 • Dave and his Vietnamese guide provide continuous assistance with your photography. • Professional Lightroom Classic processing workflow and provides tips as time allows. Dave also shares his file backup strategies. • Dave reviews participants' selected images on their laptops or tablets. • Post-trip photo sharing Zoom is scheduled once home. 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
• TRAVEL LOGISTICS **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 30th (in Vietnam). Due to the International Date Line, that is actually September 29th in USA time! Our orientation Meeting is the eve of "Day 0", assuming all travelers have arrived on time. (Arrive in Hanoi Sept 29th as advised, or sooner if you want that day of cushion for delays or relaxation, wandering, or shopping etc. --- Our welcome dinner and required orientation meeting happens late on “Day 0”, our actual workshop 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 What's App texts in case we need to reach each other while in Vietnam. Please read 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 try to use only carry-on luggage for simpler travel. WE transfer you to and from the Airport in Hanoi. WE also can provide an inexpensive conceirge service that facilitates your Customs process once you arrive. We'll discuss that in our communications after registration or at our pre-trip ZOOM in early September. 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 level of expertise. Dave teaches photography professionally, from University courses to global workshops, so he is adept at working with clients of all levels. All of 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 welcome, too, as Dave also teaches 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. 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 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 Recommendations section 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.
Gear and Packing Recommendations
Daily gear:*
-
Lightweight clothing for tropical conditions, and a pullover and rain poncho or light rain jacket. Ponchos work well for covering gear.
-
Sneakers, or sturdy sandals like my all-time faves, the quick-drying waterproof KEEN H2: Men's Women's
-
Lightweight rain jacket or poncho. Anything that can cover your camera bag is best.
-
Sunscreen, hand sanitizer, sun hat or cap, and a bandana for wiping camera or hands.
-
Snack bars if you get hungry on the go-between meals. I do!
-
Insect repellent. Natrapel with Picardin® works well for me, but some like the citronella, herbal lemongrass, and eucalyptus formulas.
-
Headlamp or LED flashlight for walking nights.
-
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.
Photography gear:
-
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.
-
LENSES: If you like prime lenses, bring a Wide, a Normal, and maybe a small Telephoto; or travel zooms can save lens changing.
-
You can optionally rent gear at Lensrentals.com. Always pay for the insurance.
-
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.
-
I use these awesome LensPens and lens cloths frequently.
-
I have switched to 64 or 128gb Prograde Gold SD cards. They are fast and were recommended to me by Fujifilm's tech team.
-
Extra batteries and charger. Charge batteries before the trip!
-
All Lithium batteries must be packed together in carry-on luggage to avoid delays or held-back checked luggage,
-
Fit all in one photo bag with a name tag with your email address and Vietnam phone number on it if you bought one.
-
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.
-
Download the offline Google Map for North Vietnam where. I will be traveling.
-
Consider a lightweight, fast-charging USB PowerBank for recharging a phone when we travel distances.
-
A drone can be used in some parts of Vietnam on this trip if under 250gms. Drones must be 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.