BLACK FRIDAY | $500 OFF
Vietnam Photo Workshop 2026
September 6th - 15th
From the towering rice terraces of Mu Cang Chai to central Vietnam’s fishing towns.
* 8 spaces total · 7 available *
Step into Vietnam’s rich culture and striking landscapes on a workshop designed to take you far beyond the tourist trail. This trip explores northern and central Vietnam, from the golden rice terraces of the mountains to the quiet fishing villages of the central coast. We’ll photograph early-morning life by the sea, meet the artisans keeping Vietnam’s traditional crafts alive, and spend time in the rice fields when they’re at their most photogenic. It’s a journey focused on landscape, culture, and daily life that makes Vietnam so endlessly inspiring to photograph.
The Itinerary
Day 1: Hanoi
Welcome to Vietnam! We will meet at our hotel before sunrise to shoot the train street without the tourists.
Then, we take a walk around Hoan Kiem Lake in the old quarter where we will photograph the local morning routines of Hanoi's residents.
In the afternoon, we visit the Vintage Neighbourhood for street photography in an authentic setting.
Group welcome dinner to discuss our plans for the trip.
Day 2: Craft Villages
An early start today as we explore two photogenic craft villages on the outskirts of Hanoi.
First, we visit Quang Phu Cau, the famous incense stick village, where workers dye and dry incense sticks ready to export.
After lunch, we drive to the soy sauce village, where locals use large clay pots to make the famous Vietnamese soy sauce. We visit 2 different families here to capture a range of photos.
Day 3: Into the Mountains
At sunrise, we explore Long Bien market and the nearby bridge - a lively hub of vendors, bustling early-morning activity, and the soft first light over the Red River.
We return to the hotel to check out before beginning our journey to the rice terraces of Mu Cang Chai. There is plenty of opportunity to stop on the way to take photos.
We spend the night at a 5* resort in Tu Le after a long day of driving.
Day 4: Rice Terraces
We start the morning shooting in the Lim Mong Valley as the sun rises. The rice terraces are in the harvest season, so we will have the opportunity to photograph the local farmers as they plough the fields throughout the region.
Later, we drive further into Mu Cang Chai, where we will spend the next 2 days.
We photograph La Pan Tan and Horse Shoe Bend in the afternoon light.
Day 5: Rice Terraces
We have a full day exploring Mu Cang Chai today by motorbike. The weather in the mountains can change rapidly, so we will leave our itinerary flexible so that we can go where the weather is best.
We have the opportunity to photograph the local Hmong people in their villages and learn about their way of life.
We will also have a photo review/editing session today.
Enjoy the sunset over the rolling hills before we return to our hotel for dinner.
Day 6: Travel Day
We have our final morning shoot in the beautiful rice terraces of Mu Cang Chai, before beginning the drive back to Hanoi.
On the way, we will keep an eye out for local plywood factories and stop to photograph them if they are operating.
In the evening, we arrive in Hanoi for dinner and a good rest, ready to begin the second half of our journey in Central Vietnam the following day.
Day 7: Net Mending Factory
In the morning, we take a short flight south from Hanoi to Quy Nhon, the gateway to the central coast of Vietnam.
After arriving and enjoying lunch, we visit a traditional net mending workshop, where local fishermen and women repair their vast fishing nets, offering rich opportunities for layered compositions and detail shots.
In the evening, we enjoy dinner and a swim at our beachfront resort, unwinding after the day’s travels and shoot.
Day 8: Fishing Communities
This morning, we explore a fishing community, where fishermen arrive at shore in coracle boats to sell their catch to the many sellers waiting on the beach. This is a great scene to photograph with a drone.
We then make our way to a large anchovy drying facility, where we photograph hundreds of crates of anchovies being left to dry in the sun from above.
In the afternoon, we visit a family that makes traditional bamboo coracle boats in their backyard and learn about the process of making these boats that generations have followed.
At sunset, we shoot the longest wooden bridge in Vietnam.
Day 9: Mat Weaving + Salt Flats
After breakfast, we visit a mat-weaving village in Song Cau, where we photograph the local workers dyeing and weaving mats made from seagrass.
We will have the opportunity for another photo review/editing session today.
In the afternoon, we drive to Doc Let to the Hon Khoi Salt Fields. We photograph the farmers harvesting salt with the golden sunset light reflecting from the salt pools.
Day 10: Fishing Communities
On our final morning, we depart early for Van Gia fishing community to capture the daily life of local fishermen at sunrise.
After returning, we share a farewell lunch together before heading to the airport.
We take the afternoon flight back to Hanoi, where the workshop concludes and we say our goodbyes. You are then free to return home or continue exploring Vietnam at your own pace.
Pricing
Total price: $5,750 USD (normally $6,250)
Payable today: $1,000 deposit to secure your spot
Remainder payable: 7 x monthly installments
Number of participants: 8
“To be honest I had very high expectations of this workshop and, well, those expectations were well and truly smashed!”
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9 nights of accommodation (starting September 6th 2026) in carefully selected 4* & 5* hotels, twin sharing, with single occupancy available on request.
Return domestic flight between Hanoi + Nha Trang/Tuy Hoa included.
All on-ground transportation, including a private mini-bus and motorbike drivers.
All meals, non-alcoholic drinks with meals, and bottled water throughout the trip.
Snacks for the road to keep you fueled during long shooting days.
All entrance fees and gratuities for locals when photographing them.
A dedicated local guide and fixer for the entire journey.
Editing workshops with Jord, covering advanced post-processing techniques.
Photography lessons in the field, focused on storytelling, composition, and technique.
Photo review sessions to refine your work and elevate your creative vision.on text goes here
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Your flights to and from Vietnam
Travel insurance
Visa cost
Alcohol
Personal expenses
Who is this workshop for?
This photography trip is limited to just 8 participants, allowing me to give each of you my full attention and help you get the most out of the experience. The small group size means I can work closely with everyone - whether you’re just starting out, looking to refine your craft, or already shooting professionally. It’s a chance to learn, create, and grow in a supportive environment while photographing one of the most extraordinary countries on earth.
Photographers love Jord's workshops: see for yourself!
What gear should you bring?
Camera
A couple of lenses to cover bases between 16-200mm
Drone (not necessary but highly recommended)
Laptop for editing sessions
Visa Information
Some passport holders are eligible for visa exemption. Click here to find out if you qualify.
If your country is not on the list, you will need to apply for visa. Please reach out if you need help with this.
For more information on visas, click here.
FAQs
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You’ll need to arrive in Hanoi, ideally flying into Noi Bai International Airport (HAN). The workshop starts early on June 8th, so I recommend arriving the day before to get settled.
I’ll send details of the hotel to stay at the night before, and once the workshop begins, all transport, accommodation, and logistics are taken care of. You’ll also depart from Hanoi at the end of the trip.I
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Yes - comprehensive travel insurance is required for all participants. It should include medical coverage and trip cancellation, just in case of unexpected events.
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September is one of the most photogenic times to visit northern Vietnam, as the rice terraces reach peak harvest and the light softens after the summer heat. Expect warm days and cooler evenings, with temperatures around 24-32°C, and the occasional passing shower that often adds atmosphere to the landscapes.
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Absolutely. Many guests join solo. You’ll share a twin room with another participant unless you’d prefer a single room (available for an additional supplement).
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This trip is limited to 8 participants, keeping the group small and personal so everyone gets plenty of shooting time and guidance.
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A $1,000 deposit secures your spot and is non-refundable. The remaining balance can be paid in instalments.
For more info, take a look at the full refund policy here →
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Once your deposit is paid, you’ll receive a welcome email with all the details you need, including packing lists, gear suggestions, and arrival information.
A WhatsApp group will also be created about a month before the trip so everyone can connect, ask questions, and get updates before we set off.
“Great group, great locations, great photos, beautifully organised. 10/10!”
Hey, I’m Jord
I’m a full-time travel and street photographer from the UK and have spent the last nine years exploring Asia with my camera.
Vietnam has a special place in my heart. On a trip in 2023, I began venturing beyond the well-trodden paths, photographing remote fishing communities, traditional craft villages, and daily life in the countryside during the rice harvest. Every visit brings new stories, faces, and moments to capture.
This time, I’ll take you on a journey through the north and central regions - from lively markets and unique street scenes to serene landscapes shaped by generations of tradition. Together, we’ll dive into the art of street, cultural, and landscape photography in an immersive and inspiring way.
I can’t wait to share this adventure with you.