On the Opium Trail
Northern Vietnam’s historical opium trade and the landscape in which it flourished.
Capture the raw beauty and rich culture of northern Vietnam on the trail of its historical opium trade. We start at Hanoi’s luxury Metropole Hotel, nestled deep in the capital’s French Quarter, from where we’ll enjoy photographic excursions to snap both remnants of Indochine and daily life in this fascinating city. We’ll then catch the overnight Victoria Express train to the hill station of Sapa, a town blessed with a diverse population of montagnards, the colourful hill tribes of Vietnam, as well as spectacular surrounding rice terraces. Heading east through the vast mountains, we encounter colonial palaces and scattered ruins of French forts and gun emplacements, all remains of that nation’s management of the opium trade in northern Vietnam a century ago. In Ha Giang province, we’ll stay at an ancient H’mong house, now reconstructed as a homely eco-lodge, with ‘opium rooms’ still retained in the design. Our trip culminates with.the unforgettable Meo Vac tribal market, a final photographic feast to round off a unique adventure
This is a premium photographic adventure, and we’ll enjoy the best accommodation available along the way. We’ll also taste the most delicious cuisine in a part of the world already renowned for its culinary excellence. Between train journeys, we travel by spacious and comfortable minibus, with an extra vehicle to transport our luggage between accommodation. At the same time, our close connection to the people of this region, local friendships and many years of experience give us unparallelled access to the authentic life of locals and the area’s most stunning vistas. As working photographers and journalists, with many years of teaching experience, we provide you unique insights and knowledge about Vietnam and photographic storytelling.
Expectations
This photographic adventure involves moderate activity: travelers should be in good health, comfortable walking or standing for extended periods, and prepared for several hours of activity on some days. Excursions may include navigating uneven terrain, and walking on paths with steep ascents/descents.
Itinerary
Today, we hit the road back to Hanoi, following the Ha Giang river south, and return to the capital in early evening. We check back into the Metropole before dinner together.
Guiding Team
Our photographers are no ordinary guides. We’re adventurers, teachers and assistants, as well as experienced shooters. We’re up at dawn to catch the best light, and always looking out for unexpected moments and details that make for great photography. Our guides 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.
Photographer Adrien Jean will lead On the Opium Trail 2022. Adrien’s work has featured in numerous exhibitions & publications in both Vietnam and France, and he has been represented by the French agency Hans Lucas since 2020. A long-term resident of Vietnam, he has traveled and photographed throughout the country, documenting ethnic festivals and life in less-visited regions. For more about Adrien and his portfolio, please click on his profile above. A wider selection of his work from Vietnam and around Asia is available at Hans Lucas.
Praise for Adrien Jean –
“If you like the off-the-beaten-track experience through the eyes of someone who is genuinely passionate about his art and style of photography, then this is for you. I thoroughly enjoyed my experience and conversations and sharing tips on photography!” (Joji, Japan)
‘Highly recommended. Adrien is very knowledgeable and brought me to a ton of places I would have never found by myself. Moreover, some of the locals already know him, which makes for easier contact and great shots. I got some solid advice from him and left the experience a better photographer.’ (Mounir, Tunisia)
Recommended Equipment
- Digital Camera or Film Camera
- Selections of lens
- Cable release
- Tripod
- Memory cards
- ND Graduated filters
- Laptop/tablet
- Storage device
Accommodation
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










The detailed list of accommodation for the tour is –
Hanoi – Sofitel Metropole Legend Hotel
Sapa – Chapa Ecolodge
Bac Ha – La Beauté
Hoang Su Phi – Pan Hou Ecolodge
Nam Dam – Chook Bungalow
Meo Vac – Auberge de Meo Vac
Ha Giang – Phoenix Hotel (or upgrade to Papiu Resort)
Transportation
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.
Pricing and Dates
Year | Date | Price |
---|---|---|
2022 | 3rd November | $5525 |
2023 | 2nd November | $5525 |
2024 | 7th November | $5525 |
2025 | 6th November | $5525 |
2026 | 5th November | $5525 |
2027 | 4th November | $5525 |
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 $625 per person. On private tours, surcharges may apply to certain travel dates based upon international or local holidays, as well as local events and festivals. All prices and fares are quoted in U.S. dollars and are subject to change. See the terms and conditions for this trip for more information.
Early Bird Bookings
We offer an early bird discount of 10% if tour bookings are made at least 12 months in advance of departure. The discount drops to 5% off if the booking is confirmed at least 6 months before departure.
Payment Process
We take an initial holding deposit of $500 per person, which is non-refundable. The remainder is due 3 months in advance of the departure date. We also confirm tour departure at this point, and people can go ahead and book flights.
Cancellation Policy
Tour cancellations incur a fee based on your time of notice before the tour commences.
The time frame and fees for cancellations are as follows –
90 to 61 days before departure is 25% of the trip price.
60 to 46 days before departure is 50% of the trip price.
45-0 days prior to departure is 100% of the trip price.
Group Size
We take a maximum number of 5 guests per tour leader. With larger groups we will split between 2 tour leaders
Departures
Tour departures will be confirmed 3 months in advance, and depend on a minimum number of guests. Guests should not book flights until they receive confirmation of the tour departure.
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.
What's included
- Transfers upon arrival and departure
- Accommodation as indicated in the itinerary
- All transportaion
- Meals as indicated in the itinerary
- Daily activities and excursions as indicated in the itinerary
- All gratuities
- local guides and government permits
What's not included
- Airfare to and from destination, as well as internal airfare where applicable
- Trip cancellation insurance or any other travel insurance
- Visas
- Alcoholic beverages