TOUR TYPE:

Group Photography Tour

TOur Length:

Days

Departure Date:

September 4, 2023

Vietnam by Rail

All aboard the Reunification Express!

Discover Vietnam from south to north while learning the art of travel photography. Our journey begins in Saigon, with an exploration of the city’s vibrant backstreets. After a short train trip to coastal Mui Ne and Nui Chua national park, we head to the thriving beach city of Danang. From there, it’s time to cross the Hai Van Pass to Hue, one of the world’s most spectacular rail journeys. We then enjoy a couple of days cruising in the azure waters of Ha Long Bay, working on our seascapes. Our final stop is the historic capital of Hanoi, home to ‘train street’, among other unique attractions. Over the course of the tour, with the guidance of our Vietnam in Focus tour leaders, we capture a photographic story of life throughout this diverse country.

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 short train journeys, we travel by spacious and comfortable minibus, with an extra vehicle to transport our luggage between accommodation. The trip also includes two domestic flights.

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 trip 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. Those who are prone to motion sickness may be uncomfortable on the train or during drives on bumpy roads. We will also spend two days and one night aboard a luxury junk in Ha Long Bay. Although the water here is very calm, those prone to seasickness may feel uncomfortable.

Image Gallery

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.

Tour Information

Recommended Equipment

Digital Camera or Film Camera
Selections of lens
Cable release
Tripod
Memory cards
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

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

Seasonality

Our Vietnam by Rail tour is available during the months of March to June and August to November. We officially run this tour on our designated dates (April and September) but the tour can be booked privately at any stage during the available months. If requested the tour can also be run in reverse from North (Hanoi) to South (Saigon)

Reviews

My wife and I recently returned from a twenty-day tour with Vietnam in Focus where we participated in their Vietnam by Rail and Golden Harvest tours. We are thrilled to share that we had a fabulous time. The photography guides were excellent and thoroughly knew the region that they were covering. They were able to unobtrusively place us in natural and interesting settings to photograph the people, customs and regions of Vietnam. We both came back with a portfolio of images that show this and are proud of. The accommodations, drivers and coordination were also excellent. Alex and Yen were very helpful during the planning phase, modifying parts of the trip for our requests and photography style. The meals were wonderful and we think they should add the words “food tour” to their descriptions. We hope to come back in a year or so to participate in a few other of their tours.

Tour FAQ and Information

Tour Brochures

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

Tour Accommodation

Throughout the trip, we stay in quality 4 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

Tour 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.

Tour Pricing

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

Early Bird Discounts

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

What is the Payment Process

We take an initial holding deposit of $500 per person, which is non-refundable (unless we call off the trip for some reason). 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.

What are you Cancellation Fees

Our Cancellation policy includes the following fees and cut of periods:

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.

What is the maximum group size

We take a maximum number of 5 guests per 1 tour leader. With larger groups we will split between 2 tour leaders.

Tour 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.

Do I need insurance

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

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

Yes, they are most welcome.

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.

Is everything included

Yes, apart from your own shopping and alcohol (but we’ll cover some wine and beer along the way, don’t worry)

How late can I book

As early as possible – tours book up fast

How late can I cancel and retrieve my payment

Please see terms and conditions included on each tour page

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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.

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All aboard the Reunification Express!