Most meals included – (B,L,D) denotes Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 1 – Arrive in Hanoi (D)
We'll arrive in Hanoi today and get settled into our hotel before we meet up in the evening for a casual orientation and group dinner. It’s a good chance to unwind after the flight, get to know everyone, and chat about the adventure ahead.

Day 2 – Hanoi to Cao Bang (B,L,D)
This morning we’ll hit the road and head north toward Cao Bang. It’s a beautiful drive through rural Vietnam — rice paddies, mountain views, small villages, and lots of moments worth pulling over for with our cameras. We’ll take our time, stop for food and photos along the way, and reach Cao Bang by evening to rest up for the days ahead.

Day 3 – Ban Gioc Waterfall & Phong Nam Valley (B,L,D)
We’ll get an early start to photograph Ban Gioc, one of Vietnam’s most incredible waterfalls, right on the border with China. Depending on conditions, we might explore some viewpoints or catch locals working along the river. Later, we’ll stop by a hillside temple before heading into Phong Nam Valley for late afternoon light — rice paddies, limestone peaks, and quiet rural life all blending into one of the most photogenic landscapes in the north.

Day 4 – Phong Nam & Vinh Quy Hill (B,L,D)
Morning mist often drifts through the fields here, so we’ll make the most of it for some atmospheric landscape and drone shots. The rest of the morning is all about capturing daily life in the valley — local farmers, water buffalo, and traditional homes. In the afternoon we’ll move toward Vinh Quy Hill, where terraced fields unfold beneath us — a perfect spot for golden hour and sunset photography.

Day 5 – Back to Hanoi (B,L,D)
After breakfast we’ll start our drive back to Hanoi, keeping things flexible for spontaneous photo stops along the way. It’s a nice transition back toward the city — the scenery shifts from rugged mountains to green lowlands. We’ll spend the night in Hanoi before continuing our journey south.

Day 6 – Hanoi to Viet Tri via Craft Villages (B,L,D)
Today’s all about color and culture. We’ll visit a few of the region’s traditional craft villages — maybe the famous incense village where bright red and yellow incense sticks are laid out to dry, or the bamboo weaving village where every courtyard is filled with texture and pattern. We’ll also stop in Duong Lam, one of Vietnam’s oldest villages, for a walk through its narrow lanes and ancient brick homes.

Day 7 – Viet Tri to Mu Cang Chai (B,L,D)
We’ll head toward the northern highlands again, starting with the Long Coc tea hills — a patchwork of perfectly rounded green mounds that look incredible in soft morning light. Later we’ll make our way to Tu Le Valley, where terraced rice fields fill the valley floor and climb the surrounding hillsides. By evening, we’ll arrive in Mu Cang Chai and settle in for a few days surrounded by some of Vietnam’s most stunning mountain scenery.

Day 8 – Terraces of Mu Cang Chai (B,L,D)
This is our full day in Mu Cang Chai — and it’s a photographer’s dream. We’ll be up early to catch sunrise from one of the best viewpoints, then spend the day exploring nearby villages, meeting local Hmong families, and photographing the intricate terraces that seem to stretch endlessly across the mountains. As the day winds down, we’ll finish with sunset from another scenic overlook before heading back for dinner.

Day 9 – Mu Cang Chai to Da Nang (B,L,D)
After breakfast we’ll make our way back to Hanoi for a short flight to Da Nang. The change in scenery is dramatic — from cool mountain air to the warm, tropical coast. We’ll check into our beachside hotel and take the evening to relax and enjoy the sea breeze.

Day 10 – Hoi An & Cam Thanh (B,L,D)
We’ll start early at Hoi An’s harbor to photograph the fishing boats returning with the morning catch, then wander the old town’s colorful streets and riverside alleys. Later we’ll visit the Cam Thanh coconut forest, where locals row traditional basket boats through narrow waterways. If time and weather allow, we’ll also head out to the Son Tra Peninsula to look for the endangered red-shanked douc — a striking and rare primate found only in this region.

Day 11 – Da Nang & Departure (B)
On our final morning, we’ll enjoy one last sunrise shoot along My Khe Beach, then a relaxed breakfast overlooking the ocean. After that, it’s time to pack up, say our goodbyes, and transfer to Da Nang Airport by 12 PM for flights home.