Visions of Vietnam #2 - 2028

 OVERVIEW

We have partnered with some of the most experience photo guides in Vietnam to offer up a one-of-a-kind, far-off-the-beaten track experiences showcasing the stunning natural beauty of northern Vietnam and its incredible people. Appealing to both landscape and street photographers alike, this 12-day, 11-night exploration will see our small group (10 participants, maximum) primarily focus its attention in the spectacular northern hills of Vietnam. We will spend time immersed with the hill tribes of northern Vietnam, and you'll discover why we feel they're some of the friendliest (and most photogenic) people that you'll find on this planet.

12 days. Deep in the heart of Vietnam's mountainous northwest you'll find a world of mist-draped terraces, remote tribal markets, and intimate village life that most photographers never find.

From the electric chaos of Hanoi's Old Quarter to the hushed highlands of Sin Suoi Ho and the sculptural rice terraces of Mu Cang Chai, every single day is a masterclass in people, place, and story. Shoot Hmong markets bursting with colour, share meals with mountain families, and wake before sunrise to catch clouds rolling over ancient valleys.

Led by OFFBEAT Dave Brosha and Kris Andres alongside expert local guides with unrivalled knowledge of Vietnam's northwest, this workshop blends world-class photography mentorship with genuine cultural immersion,  the kind of deep local access you simply can't find on your own.

Small group. Big access. Unforgettable images.

Location: Hanoi + Northern mountains of Vietnam

Dates: Feb 16 - 27, 2028

Trip Guides*: Dave Brosha + Kris Andres 

* As per our Terms and Conditions, OFFBEAT reserves the right to change, at any time, the tour leader of any workshop.

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN

1. Street & Documentary Photography.

2. Landscape & Long-Lens Work.

3. Environmental Portraiture.

4. Low-Light & Long Exposure.

5. Visual Storytelling.

ITINERARY
(Note: subject to change)

Day 1
Arrival in Hanoi

Arrive in Vietnam’s capital at the height of early spring, when peach blossoms and kumquat
trees decorate the streets after Lunar New Year. Depending on arrival time, you might enjoy a
soft-light photo walk through the French Quarter, where mist sometimes lingers over Hoan
Kiem Lake in February.

In the evening, we meet for a welcome dinner and an overview of the
journey ahead.

Day 2
Hanoi Photo Walk & Overnight Train
We begin with a curated half-day photo walk through Hanoi’s textured backstreets, including aquieter section of Train Street and the wonderfully chaotic Thieves Market. February’s cool air and subdued light are ideal for portraiture. Later, we photograph the deep reds and magentas of Quang Phu Cau incense village — colours especially vibrant against the softer winter skies. 

In the evening, we board the overnight train to Lao Cai.

Day 3
Lao Cai to Lai Chau via Sapa
We arrive in Lao Cai at dawn, often greeted by low morning mist rolling off the Red River.
Our drive west brings us through Sapa’s tea hills, where the first buds of spring appear, and
into valleys where peach and plum blossoms begin to bloom around wooden homes. Expect
ethereal, layered landscapes — fog drifting between ridgelines — offering beautiful long-lens
opportunities.

We settle into Si Thau Chai by mid-afternoon and enjoy golden hour over the
Dao village.

Day 4
Sin Ho Market Scout
This morning we explore Si Thau Chai on foot, photographing Dao villagers as they weave
textiles, prepare their spring gardens, or tend to animals. February’s diffuse light lends itself
well to environmental portraiture, and homes are warm with woodsmoke — perfect for fire-lit,
atmospheric shots indoors.

In the afternoon we wander toward a nearby waterfall, often framed
by the early buds of plum and apricot trees.

Day 5
Dao San Market & Ascent to Sin Suoi Ho
Sunday brings us to San Thang Market, bustling with post-Tet energy. Many vendors wear their
brightest spring attire, and stalls are filled with seedlings, herbs, and festival spices. Smoke
from grilled meats mingles with the cool morning fog — a dream for layered compositions.

After lunch, we travel up into Sin Suoi Ho, where February often brings drifting cloud bands, crystal-
clear air, and pink blossoms appearing around Hmong houses.

Day 6
Sin Suoi Ho Village Life

At dawn, a sea of clouds often fills the valley below Sin Suoi Ho — February is one of the best
months for this phenomenon. We spend the day exploring the village: women preparing hemp
fibres, men tending orchards or repairing tools, children playing along misty paths.

Thick spring fog, woodsmoke and soft light create a moodier, painterly palette for portraiture. Evening
review session by the fire.

Day 7
Remote Valley Exploration
Today we head out by vehicle to explore remote valleys, where early-spring ploughing often
begins. Buffalo churn the wet fields while peach blossoms brighten the entranceways of Hmong
homes. Mist often clings to the slopes until late morning, creating gently shifting layers across
the valley — excellent for drone photography and quiet documentary moments.

We return for golden hour in the village.

Day 8
Scenic Drive to Mu Cang Chai
We journey south toward Mu Cang Chai through dramatic volcanic formations and clear spring
rivers. February light is crisp and directional, ideal for landscapes. We also stop at a traditional
Hmong forge — metallic sparks against cool mountain air make for compelling fast-shutter shots.
By late afternoon, we arrive in Mu Cang Chai, where the terraces, though bare, are lined with
peach blossoms and framed by lingering winter haze.

Day 9
Life Among the Terraces
Though rice isn’t yet planted, February terraces are sculptural and elegant — their curves highlighted by side-light and soft mist. We walk to a remote Hmong village for portraits and daily-life scenes: firewood chopping, weaving, tending animals.
Afternoon brings smoky, atmospheric moments as villagers burn corn husks or cook over outdoor fires — perfect for capturing texture and gesture.

Day 10
Slow Mountain Morning
A relaxed morning is spent exploring the hills around the resort. Spring haze softens the
forested ridges, giving a cinematic feel even without crops. We may visit a small school or craft
workshop. The afternoon is reserved for review and rest before a final golden-hour outing. The
Garrya spa offers an optional mid-trip recharge

Day 11
Return to Hanoi
We return to Hanoi, stopping for short photographic breaks as the scenery transitions from highland mist to lowland villages. Arrival is expected late afternoon, with free time before dinner.

Day 12
Red River Artisans & Departures

After breakfast, we enjoy a final wander through Hanoi’s backstreets — morning light bouncing off temple walls and narrow alleyways. We share a farewell lunch before departing for flights or onward travel.

 PRICE AND PAYMENT SCHEDULE 

Cost: CAD $13,500.00

Payment options: Full payment or CAD $1500 non-refundable deposit to secure a space with balance paid in instalments prior to Sept 2027.

If you choose the deposit option + instalments, your payment schedule will be as follows (after initial deposit):

• • Payment #1 $3000 CAD - due by Sept 30, 2026
  • Payment #2: $3000 CAD - due by February 28, 2027
  • Payment #3: $3000 CAD - due by May 30, 2027
  • Payment #4: $3000 CAD - due by Sept 30, 2027

Note: for the village stays (4 nights) single accommodations not available; all participants in shared accommodation. But for the remainder of the trip a single supplement is available for $1000 CAD

 THE FINER DETAILS 

Registration fees include:

What’s Included:

• 12-day guided itinerary with expert local guides and all ground transportation once arriving in Hanoi, our meeting point for this journey.
• All accommodations during tour dates
• All breakfast and most lunches + dinners
• Fast-track immigration processing for all guests upon arrival
• Local Vietnamese guides
• Dedicated model shoots at the incense village and Si Thau Chai village
• Instruction and guidance from Dave Brosha + Kris Andres 
• Location scouting and itinerary planned by OFFBEAT instructors.
• Lifetime membership to OFFBEAT Community.

Not included in registration fees: 

• International Airfare to/from Hanoi, Vietnam
• Travel Insurance
• Personal expenses including alcohol
• Tips
• Souvenirs
• Visa fees
• Additional days prior to or following the specified workshop dates

 CANCELLATION  INSURANCE POLICY 

CANCELLATION: Spots are non-refundable but are transferable, with the exception of a $250 administration fee.  For instance, we will provide a refund, minus the administration fee, if the participant is able to find someone else to take his or her spot and can sell/transfer the spot to a new participant. Please contact us at [email protected] to make arrangements.

Although extremely unlikely, OFFBEAT Photography Inc. reserves the right to cancel the tour at any time for a variety of reasons (i.e. if a minimum number of participants is not met or if unforeseen circumstances dramatically impacted cost of the tour or global conditions somehow warranted a cancellation). In the very unlikely event of a cancellation within OFFBEAT’s control, all monies/deposits made to OFFBEAT Photography Inc. would be refunded to participants, however, no compensation would be made for participant flight cancellation fees or any other associated travel costs. See Insurance Policy for more details.In the very unlikely event of a cancellation beyond OFFBEAT’s control (I.e global situation, act of God, war, medical outbreak, extreme weather, pandemic), every attempt would be made to rebook the tour within a period of two years. In this situation, no refunds would be given but every effort made to find participants a spot on the rescheduled tour or another upcoming OFFBEAT tour.

 INSURANCE  

It is not only advised but required that workshop participants have trip cancellation/interruption insurance, as well as emergency medical/illness insurance and rescue coverage (proof required within 4 months of departure).

Weather and other unforeseen factors can cause delays in travel, particularly from some of our more remote locations. It is the participant’s responsibility to cover any costs in the case of a travel delay of any length. Please ensure your trip cancellation/interruption insurance accommodates this possibility.

 OFFBEAT TERMS AND CONDITIONS 

Please take the time to review OFFBEAT’s Terms and Conditions, including our Cancellation Policies. You are required to agree to these in order to confirm your registration. Effective June 16, 2025.

For any additional questions, please contact us at [email protected]