Spectacular Hai Van Pass
Explore one of Vietnam’s most fascinating and iconic spots on this unique half-day photo tour.
The Hai Van Pass separates northern and central Vietnam, two very distinct climates and cultures. It also boasts some of the most spectacular views in the entire country.
We travel by early morning train from Danang, and capture some of these mountain and seascapes from our window, as well as local life in the carriage.
At Lang Co station we jump off, and head over to photograph the fishermen at work in this tranquil lagoon. We’ll be looking at how to shoot mini-stories of daily working life.
Finally we head back up the mountain by road and shoot some more incredible landscapes both north and south from the top of the pass.
Learn the art of travel photography while discovering this captivating and unforgettable area of Vietnam.
Danang & Hoian Photography Day Tour and Workshop
Itinerary
5:30am – Hotel pick up from Danang or Hoi An
6am – We arrive at Danang train station, and before setting out we’ll have time to check camera settings and enjoy a preview of the tour and workshop. We’ll also have a tasty coffee and bite to eat while waiting for the train.
6:30am – Sometimes the train is delayed, and if so we’ll use this time to work on to look at some composition tips, and even shoot some portraits in the station. Once we head out, we’ll set up in the local passenger carriage so we have the chance to open our window and capture shots of the train winding round the mountain. There are great views all the way along, and we’ll be looking at how to compose these kind of pictures to bring out the best in the landscape. Trains are also fantastic places to shoot portraits of both passengers and the busy train staff. We’ll have a chance to work on different kinds of portrait, but also learn some ways to approach people for pictures.
8:25am – We now hop off the train at the sleepy local station of Lang Co. Nearby, we can find a fantastic little fishing community on the edge of the lagoon, where the locals use traditionally hand-woven coracle boats to bring in their catch. Now we’re looking at how to shoot relationship shots, telling a story about the people in their working environment, in this case a stunning subtropical lagoon.
9:30am – Time to hit the road back up towards the Hai Van Pass. On the way up, we’ll capture magnificent landscapes overlooking Lang Co lagoon and beach. This must be one of the most spectacular coastal roads in the world.
11am – We reach the top of the Hai Van Pass, with jaw-dropping views both north towards Lang Co and Hue, and south, over the city of Danang. High up over the roadside shacks offering snacks, we find the remains of several war era bunkers and gun emplacements, now popular places for locals to have their wedding shots taken. These make for fascinating foreground features for our landscapes, and also interesting subjects in their own right.
11:30am – Time for a spot of lunch and a coffee, before we head back down to Danang. We’ll also be reviewing some of the great pictures we’ve taken during the tour in a scenic spot.
1pm – Hotel drop-off and farewell
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