16-Day Deep Photo Exploration Tour – Southern & Central Vietnam

Arrive at Tan Son Nhat International Airport, where you are warmly welcomed by our private guide and driver before transferring to your hotel.

Formerly Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City is Vietnam’s most vibrant metropolis—a compelling blend of colonial architecture, bustling markets, historic pagodas, and energetic street life. Its tree-lined boulevards, hidden alleys, and contrasting old–new cityscapes provide endless photographic inspiration.

Free time to relax or explore at leisure.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City

After breakfast, depart for the Mekong Delta, Vietnam’s fertile “rice bowl.” A boat journey brings you deep into quiet canals, palm-lined waterways, and riverine villages, allowing close-up photography of daily rural life on water.

In the afternoon, visit Bang Lang Stork Sanctuary, where thousands of storks return to roost at dusk, creating a dramatic natural spectacle—perfect for wildlife and telephoto photography.

Continue to Can Tho, the cultural heart of the delta.

Overnight in Can Tho

Rise early to photograph sunrise at Ninh Kieu Wharf, capturing boats silhouetted against soft morning light.

After breakfast, board a boat to visit Cai Rang Floating Market, one of the largest and most authentic floating markets in Southeast Asia, where wooden boats laden with fruit, vegetables, and local goods trade directly on the river—a signature Mekong photographic experience.

Cruise smaller canals and visit rice husking mills, rice noodle and rice paper workshops, and the colorful Sa Dec flower village, rich in textures, patterns, and human stories.
Return to Ho Chi Minh City in the late afternoon.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City

Early morning photography at 23/9 Park, where locals practice Tai Chi, jogging, and morning exercises, offering candid street-life imagery.

After breakfast, explore Cho Lon (Chinatown), photographing Binh Tay Market and the atmospheric Thien Hau Pagoda, a 150-year-old Chinese temple filled with incense smoke and devotional rituals.

Continue north toward Mui Ne, stopping at salt farms, where geometric salt pans glow beautifully under late-afternoon light.
Arrive in Mui Ne in time for red sand dune sunset photography.

Overnight in Mui Ne

Early morning shoot of fishermen hauling in their nets, colorful baskets, and boats returning to shore—an iconic coastal Vietnam scene.

Free time for independent photography or relaxation on the beach.
In the afternoon, visit Fairy Stream, where shallow water winds through red and white sand formations beneath bamboo groves. Continue to Mui Ne fishing village, capturing authentic coastal life.

At sunset, photograph Mui Ne Boat Harbor, where hundreds of fishing boats glow against a fiery sky, creating a stunning composition of color and reflection.

Overnight in Mui Ne

Depart early for sunrise at the White Sand Dunes, capturing rippling textures, shadows, and silhouettes.

Ascend into the Di Linh Plateau, where the landscape transforms into cooler highlands, dense forests, and mountain roads. En route, stop in ethnic minority villages to photograph the Ra Glai and K’ho people, documenting traditional dress, daily routines, and rural architecture.

The journey continues through tropical rainforest, often alive with butterflies and misty mountain scenery, before reaching Bao Loc.

Overnight in Bao Loc

Early morning photography at tea plantations, capturing workers harvesting leaves amid rolling green hills.

Travel onward to Da Lat, the romantic highland city known for its cool climate and French colonial charm. Visit Linh Phuoc Pagoda at Trai Mat—famous for its intricate mosaics made from broken ceramics, offering striking architectural detail.

Later, drive approximately 50 km to Dai Ninh Lake, a tranquil landscape ideal for wide-angle and reflective compositions.

Return to Da Lat in the evening.

Overnight in Da Lat

Early departure to Lang Biang Mountain, passing vegetable farms and flower gardens bathed in morning light.

Continue toward Lak Lake, stopping en route to photograph silk production, traditional chopstick making, and the powerful Elephant Waterfall in Nam Ban.

In the afternoon, arrive at Jun Village, home to the M’nong ethnic group, located beside Lak Lake. Capture village life, stilt houses, and sunset reflections over the lake.

Overnight near Lak Lake

Early morning photography of M’nong fishermen using traditional methods on Lak Lake. After breakfast, enjoy an elephant ride around the lake or visit the ethnic minority village by boat for intimate portrait opportunities.

Descend toward the coast en route to Nha Trang, crossing rice fields and rural villages. Stop at an Ede ethnic village and relax at a natural hot spring before arriving at the seaside.

Overnight in Nha Trang

Early morning shoot at Xom Bong Bridge, capturing fishing boats returning at sunrise over the Cai River.

After breakfast, enjoy a boat cruise among offshore islands, with time for snorkeling, swimming, and marine photography. Fresh local seafood lunch is served on board.

Transfer north to Doc Let Beach, stopping to photograph Hon Khoi salt fields, fishing villages, the monumental Hon Khoi Cement Factory, and Heo Island, rich in historical significance from past wars.

Overnight in Doc Let

Early morning beach photography before breakfast. Transfer to Nha Trang Airport for your flight to Da Nang.

Upon arrival, visit Marble Mountains, known for limestone caves, pagodas, and panoramic views, and stop at Non Nuoc Stone Carving Village.

Arrive in Hoi An Ancient Town and enjoy an afternoon walk photographing yellow-walled houses, lantern-lit streets, riverside boats, and reflections.

Overnight in Hoi An

Early morning boat trip on the Thu Bon River, photographing river markets, fishermen, and morning trade near Duong Hoang Van Thu Dock.

After breakfast, free time for personal exploration or optional Vietnamese cooking class.

Late afternoon photography of local schoolgirls in traditional white Ao Dai, followed by sunset photography along the river and ancient streets.

Overnight in Hoi An

Early walk to catch the sunrise shoots from Cam Nam Bridge, capturing boats, fishermen, and morning mist on the Thu Bon River.

After breakfast, visit My Son Sanctuary, a UNESCO World Heritage Site of ancient Champa temples nestled in jungle surroundings.

Continue north to Hue. Late afternoon photography at the Perfume River or Vong Canh Hill, known for its sweeping sunset views.

Overnight in Hue

Early departure to Thanh Toan Covered Bridge, passing lush paddy fields and rural villages. Visit Quang Xieng Market and Dam Chuon Village, ideal for capturing authentic countryside life.

Continue to Mount Tuy Van and the serene Thanh Duyen Pagoda. Travel onward to Tu Hien Estuary, crossing Tu Hien Bridge, where lagoon and mountain landscapes merge.

Afternoon photography at Thuan An Beach and the vast Tam Giang Lagoon, famous for dramatic skies, fishing nets, and mirror-like reflections.

Overnight in Hue

Early morning photography at Quang Xuong Market, followed by Phu Vang and Dam Chuon Village, capturing fishing life and sunrise over the lagoon.

Visit incense-stick and conical hat-making villages, documenting traditional crafts. Late afternoon photography at Lap An Lagoon, renowned for sunset reflections and oyster farms.

Transfer to the airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City

Free time at leisure until transfer to the airport for your international departure.

Thank you for joining our Deep Photo Exploration with FocusXTravel. We look forward to welcoming you on your next Vietnam Photo Journeys with FocusXTravel.