Tho Ha Traditions

Dive deep into traditional life in the rice paper-producing village of Tho Ha

Explore one of Northern Vietnam’s best-preserved traditional handicraft villages on this unique half-day photo adventure. We head out to Tho Ha, a riverside village renowned for its charming ancient architecture and production of rice paper and cakes. It’s an unforgettable adventure into authentic, old-world Vietnam, offering plenty of opportunities for rich travel and documentary photography.

The local river ferry crossing to Tho Ha is like a journey back in time, to the Vietnam of yesteryear, a world of mud-brick houses and winding, narrow alleyways typical of the old Red River Delta. To this day, residents of the village work all hours to produce rice products, spreading the paper out on bamboo racks to dry in the sun.

As well as the streets and alleyways, we’ll be exploring the village workshops, where artisans produce a rich variety of customary rice products. The villagers here are welcoming and chatty, which makes it a great place to work on our people photography in smoky, atmospheric environments.

Along the way, there are plenty of unique travel experiences and photographic opportunities, including a bustling village market, the occasional backyard cockfight and a schoolyard full of friendly kids. Glimpses of Tho Ha’s rice paper manufacturing are never far from sight, whether it’s a street stacked with bamboo frames or workers bustling past with ingredients in hand.

What to Expect

Tho Ha Village is Hanoi's most authentic traditional handicraft village

In the village and markets you’ll be able to capture wide angles, with frames full of activity in every corner, explore different focal ranges, perspectives and compositions. The workshops and alleyways are dark and moody, and use of natural lighting can create a fantastic atmosphere. Mixing with the villagers and craftsmen also offers a plethora of portraits and a cultural perspective not possible on your typical tour. All in all, the day at Tho Ha provides photographers with an exciting and unique theme for documentary photostories along the Red River’s edge.

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Whether new to photography or an experienced shooter, the Vietnam in Focus team can help you become a better photographer while having a fun and interesting experience. If you're passionate about photography and in Vietnam make the time to take a tour with Vietnam in Focus.

Tour Information

Recommended Equipment

DSLR Camera or Film Camera
Memory Card
Fully Charged Battery
Wide angle or Zoom lens

What's included

Hotel Pick up
Breakfast
Non-alcoholic beverages
Professional Photographer Guide

What's not included

Gratuities

Tour Length

8hrs ( 5:30am – to 1:30 pm)
Hotel pickups commence approximately 30 minutes prior to this time

Level of Difficulty

Moderate Physical activity (Walking)

Tour HIghlights

To Ha Handicarft Village
Bo Da Pagod
Bac Ninh
Ferry crossing

Photography Highlights

Camera Settings
Lens Options
Street Photography
Portraiture
Documentary Photography
Story Boarding
Context and Relationships
Low Light Photography

Photography teaching

On a photo tour with us, your experience, images and development as a photographer are the priority. Tips to improve your pictures will be provided by our professional photographer guides throughout the tour, and we’ll have regular reviews. While enjoying a rich variety of photographic opportunities on tour, you’ll gain valuable insights on how to get the best out of your images, and how to take your skills to the next level.

Pricing

$279

Per person

$159

Per Person

$98

Per Person
Group/Family
3-5 People

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Tour FAQ's

What happens if it rains

In the event of forecasted heavy rain, we’ll contact you to reschedule or cancel the tour and give you a full refund. If it’s early morning and raining heavily, our guide will call you on the phone number you gave us to discuss options for postponement or cancellation. In the event of cancellation we’ll issue a full refund.

Can I rent a camera

Yes, you can. We have a Nikon DSLR available to rent for $30 per tour including free memory card. Please enquire on booking.

Do I need travel insurance

Yes, you do. Vietnam in Focus is not liable to pay any costs associated with injury etc on our tours.

Can my non-photographer partner and / or kids come along

Yes, they can. Costs (or free joining) depend on each tour, so please enquire on booking.

Can I join the tour using a film camera

Yes, you can. People often join our tours using film cameras. You may not be able to edit in camera, but the composition tips are still basically the same.

Can I join the tour using a smartphone camera

Yes, you can. Smartphone cameras are pretty amazing nowadays.

How can you help me develop my Photography

Training or guidance will be provided by our photographers throughout the tour. Our guides will tailor your learning experience depending on your interest, style and experience from amateurs to professionals we can provide simple techniques to improve your photography, gain further knowledge of your camera and lenses, as well as develop your photographic eye to capture that amazing shot.

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Want a little more from your visit to Vietnam, let us tailor your photographic adventure

Vietnam in Focus Limited – License No: 0105989870 – 7th Floor, Hanoi Creative Building, no 1 Luong Yen street, Bach Dang, Hai Ba Trung district, Hanoi, Vietnam.

Customize Your Photography Experience

Our unparalleled knowledge of travel and culture in Vietnam, and where and when to get the best shots, mean we are experts in designing tailormade photo tours. We have planned and run tours for everyone from professional photographers on a mission to amateurs who want to get to know their cameras better on an adventure. Each person and group is different, so once you’ve completed the few questions below, expect to answer a few more before we can create your ideal photographic adventure.