Mirrors of the Mountains

Pouring water season in Northern Vietnam

A 10-day photographic journey into Vietnam’s flooded rice terraces, seasonal rhythms, and highland culture.

Mirrors of the Mountains is a 10-day photographic exploration of Vietnam’s northern highlands during their most enchanting season "Pouring water season" — when the terraces fill with water and transform into vast, shimmering mirrors. This is the beginning of the agricultural year, when tribal families rebuild terrace walls, guide buffalo through flooded fields, and transplant the first tender shoots of rice. Instead of golden tones, you’ll encounter silver-blue reflections, flowing water lines, stormy cloudscapes, and intimate human labour set against sculpted mountainsides.

Led by a professional photographer and supported by local friends in each community, you’ll move through markets, high-altitude passes, rippling valleys, and traditional homes — creating a body of work rooted in light, place, and the elemental beauty of the pouring-water season.

Expectations of the Tour

The Season of Pouring Water is defined by movement, reflection, and atmosphere. Mornings reveal mirror-like terraces that glow with dawn colour; midday brings cloud reflections stretching across entire valleys; and late afternoons offer silhouetted farmers planting in water that shifts from silver to gold.

Village life at this time of year is quieter, more intimate. Families prepare seedling beds, repair tools, and channel mountain water along bamboo troughs. Buffalo wander slowly between wet fields, children splash in irrigation channels, and early planting rituals take place — all offering rich opportunities for environmental portraiture and documentary storytelling.

Markets remain vibrant and full of character, while remote valleys open up endless compositions of leading lines, contours, and water patterns. Throughout the journey, you’ll work on landscape, portrait, drone, abstract, and cultural photography, returning home with a cohesive story that reflects the spirit of Vietnam’s northern mountains.

Guiding Team

Our photographers are no ordinary guides. They’re adventurers, teachers and assistants, as well as experienced shooters. They’re up at dawn to catch the best light, and always looking out for unexpected moments and details that make for great photography. They are committed to making sure you enjoy exploring Vietnam through photography as much as we do. Your pictures and your experience are always the priority.

Tour Information

Recommended Equipment

Digital Camera
Drone
Selections of lens
Cable release
Tripod
Memory cards
CPL & ND Graduated filters
Laptop/tablet
Storage device

What's included

Transfers upon arrival and departure
Accommodation as indicated in the itinerary
All transportation
Meals as indicated in the itinerary
Daily activities and excursions as indicated in the itinerary
All gratuities
local guides and government permits

Whats not included

Airfare to and from destination, as well as internal airfare unless stated in the itnerary
Trip cancellation insurance or any other travel insurance
Visas
Alcoholic beverages

Seasonality

This is a small private group tour with designated departure dates. However we can tailor this tour or something similar to your required dates.

Get in Quick

Unlike many photo tours, we have very small group sizes of maximum five guests. This is to ensure the best quality experience and authentic photography opportunities. However, it also means we regularly sell out of places on our feature tours quickly, so we highly recommend you book today. And don’t forget, there’s a 5% early bird discount for those booking at least 12 months in advance!

Tour FAQ and Information

How can I see the tour brochure?

Please contact us directly and request a Brochure for this tour.

How is the accommodation on tour?

Throughout the trip, we stay in quality 4-5 star hotels or the best mountain eco-lodges available locally. In some places there are shared bathroom facilities. There is a surcharge for single bookings. If you are open to sharing with someone outside your group, we will do our best to make sure your preferences are met.

Please contact us for more Information

What kind of transport will we have on tour?

Throughout the tour we travel by comfortable, air-conditioned 16 seat private minibus. There will be enough room in the vehicle to carry our maximum 5 guests, guide, driver, luggage and camera gear. Please however bring a maximum of 1 large suitcase, small daypack and/or camera bag.

How much of our time is spent traveling from place to place?

Our photo tours are specially designed to minimize time on the road and maximize photo exploration. Even on longer stretches, the journey is broken up with exciting photography stops. For exact travel times, please inquire.

What is included in the tour price?

Prices are per person based on double occupancy, and do not include international airfare to/from your destination or internal flights during the tour. Single supplement is available at request. Surcharges may apply to certain travel dates based on international or local holidays, as well as local events and festivals. All prices and fares are quoted in U.S. dollars and subject to change. See the terms and conditions for this trip for more information

Please contact us for more Information

Are there any discounts available?

Yes. We offer a 5% early bird discount on all featured tours if bookings are received 12 months in advance of departure.

We offer an extra 5% discount to returning guests.

What is the payment process?

We take an initial holding deposit of $500 per person, which is non-refundable, unless Vietnam in Focus calls off the trip.

The remainder is due at least 3 months in advance of the departure date. This is also our latest date to confirm tour departure at this point, and guests can go ahead and book flights.

In the event that we have our minimum number of guests booked in for the tour earlier than 3 months before departure, we will confirm the tour, and guests are free to book their flights.

What are your cancellation fees?

Your initial $500 reservation deposit is non-refundable, except in the event that Vietnam in Focus cancels the trip. The deposit can however be put towards a future trip with Vietnam in Focus.

If you cancel your booking with us, our cancellation policy includes the following fees and cut-off periods:

If canceling 90 to 61 days before departure, the guest is liable for 25% of the trip cost.

60 to 46 days before departure is 50% of the trip cost.

45-0 days prior to departure is 100% of the trip cost.

What is the maximum group size?

In order to ensure an authentic, personalized experience, we take a maximum number of 5 guests per one photographer tour leader. With larger groups, we will split between 2 photographer tour leaders.

Do I need insurance?

Yes, you do. You will be asked to sign a legally-binding liability disclaimer with your insurance details before tour departure.

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

Absolutely, they are most welcome. There’s plenty to entertain non-photographers on our tours, as long as they don’t mind the rest of us getting up at the crack of dawn most days.

What should I bring?

Please see the What to Bring list included in each itinerary.

Should I book my flight to arrive one or two days before the tour starts?

It’s a good idea to do this, as you’ll have a chance to get over the jetlag and do a bit of exploring before the action begins. We can help you arrange accommodation and adventures.