Photograhy - Colours of Vietnam

A dream trip for keen photographers.  We will visit some of the most visually stunning sights Vietnam has to offer, for an eye opening insight into one of the world's most beautiful countries. With so much to see and do you'll soon see how a picture is worth a thousand words.  Highlights include opulent temples, floating markets laden with local produce, beautiful bays and an iconic sunset over Hoi An.  With plenty to capture the lens you'll be guaranteed to leave with a portfolio of fantastic photos and countless memories to last you a lifetime.

Dates:

6 May – 21 May 08
2 Sep – 17 Sep 08 **
11 Nov – 26 Nov 08
17 Mar – 1 Apr 09
10 Nov – 25 Nov 09

Groups:

Max 12 / min 6

Photographer Profiles

Aubrey Wade was born in the Netherlands in 1977 to British parents, and completed a degree in Social Anthropology before turning to documentary photography.  His work continues to focus on social, political and cultural issues in some of the world's most interesting and challenging areas.  Based principally in London , he divides his time between assignments and long-term personal projects, for which he has received several international awards.  He has worked in over 20 countries and his work regularly appears in magazines worldwide.

Sydney-born Sharon Hickey brings over twenty years experience as a professional photographer.  Her work captures the personality of her subjects, the essence of a mood and moment and thrives in discovering new people and places.  Having worked in Film and Television and as a photojournalist in the world of magazines, Sharon has photographed many high profile Australian and international people including the Prime Minister of Australia.  Combined with her love of adventure, people and places, her passion comes from inspiring others to find their own inspiration

Itinerary (15 nights / 16 days)

Day 1, Saigon
Arrive and check in to your hotel.

Day 2, Saigon
This morning we take a guided tour of the Cu Chi Tunnels and then experience the enchanting noon mass at the Cao Dai Temple , Tay Ninh. This is a fantastic opportunity to capture on film the remarkable vibrancy and opulence of this stunning temple. Afternoon walking tour of central Saigon . (BD)

Day 3, Mekong Delta
Drive to Vinh Long. We spend our time here cruising the Mekong Delta on a small boat, walking through the small villages, visiting local craftsmen and stopping at a local family's house for refreshments and meals. Overnight homestay. (BLD)

Day 4, Saigon
Visit the floating market in the morning where there will be plenty of great photo opportunities, after which we return to Saigon . Free afternoon to walk around this vibrant city. (B)

Day 5, Hoi An
Morning flight to Danang and transfer to Hoi An. Walking tour of the old town in the afternoon. Rest of the day is free to spend at your leisure and prepare for the iconic sunset of Hoi An. (BD)

Day 6, Hoi An
Today we visit My Son, and have the chance to wander around the impressive sights of the Cham civilisation and their ruins. (B)

Day 7, Hue
Drive to Hue , a UNESCO World Heritage listed imperial city. Afternoon visit to a local village to get an insight into local customs, which is followed by a guided visit to the mysterious Imperial Citadel. (BD)

Day 8, Hue
Today is rife with fantastic photo opportunities. We begin the day with a cruise on the picturesque Perfume River , then visit the Heavenly Lady Pagoda, followed by the tomb of Tu Duc (one of the Ngyuen Emperors). If time permits we stop at a colourful village where incense is made, to see the local people at work. (B)

Day 9, Hanoi
Morning flight to Hanoi . Afternoon walking tour of the old quarter. Tonight there is an opportunity to visit the National Waterpuppet Theatre. (BD)

Day 10, Halong Bay
Drive to Halong City, where we board a private boat to explore this incredibly scenic bay full of limestone karsts, islands, unusual house boats and traditional sail boats. We spend the night on board. (BLD)

Day 11, Hanoi
Return to Hanoi in the afternoon and have more time to explore this wonderful city. (BL)

Day 12, Hanoi
Free time to wander and explore before the evening train to Lao Cai and the exciting hilltribe area of North Vietnam . (B)

Day 13, Sapa
Arrive in Sapa. The day is free to explore this spectacular hill station, where you can take in the local market, walk around the colourful villages inhabited by ethnic minorities, visit the terraced rice fields or just kick back and take in the breathtaking views. (B)

Day 14, Sapa
Free time until late afternoon when we drive back to Lao Cai to board the overnight train back to Hanoi .

Day 15, Hanoi
Arrive Hanoi early morning. We have the option to go and join the locals in the morning with exercise and tai chi around the beautiful Hoan Kiem Lake . In the evening we meet for our farewell dinner. (BD)

Day 16, Hanoi
Tour ends after breakfast. (B)

General Tour Information

Style: Special Interest
Maximum group size: 12
Staffing: Fully escorted by professional tour leader, professional photographer, services of local guides.
Transport: Private air-conditioned minibus/coach, plane, overnight trains
Flights: Saigon to Danang, Hue to Hanoi .
Accommodation: 11 nights tourist class hotels, 1 night homestay, 2 overnight trains, 1 night Halong Bay cruise boat
The single supplement does not include the night in the homestay nor the overnight trains.
Activities: Extensive walking at sites, cruise on Halong Bay
Meals: As per itinerary B-Breakfast, L-Lunch, D-Dinner.
Entrance fees: Included for all sites listed as part of the itinerary. This does not include entrance fees on optional excursions.
Tipping: To avoid embarrassment and save you money all tours operate a tipping kitty. Please allow US$12-20 per week of the tour for this. This does not include a tip for the tour leader which is entirely at your own discretion.
Additional sightseeing and Optional activities: If you wish to visit a wide range of sites and take part in a variety of optional activities please allow approx US$50.

For comparability, all prices in this dossier are quoted in one currency. We use the US Dollar since that is familiar to most. However, once on tour you will need to pay for all goods and services in the local currency (with the exception of the local payment which must be paid in US Dollars in good condition, unmarked notes). See your Country Dossier for details of exchange rates.

Local Payment

There is a local payment of US$265 on this tour. This must be paid to the Tour Leader in US Dollars cash on Day 1 of the tour.

Free Arrival Transfer

Arrival transfers are included for all clients arriving in Saigon on day 1 or before day 1 if extra accommodation is booked with us. If you have booked your flights separately from your tour please ensure that you inform your tour booking agent of your flight details at least one month before departure to avoid payment of an administration fee.

Tour Briefing

Once all the members of your group have arrived your tour leader will organize an introductory briefing (usually after breakfast on Day 2). This meeting will give you an overview of all the exciting things you will be seeing during your tour and include lots of practical information on how to get the most of your time in South East Asia. You will need to bring with you your passport, all tour vouchers and a copy of your insurance policy to this briefing so that your tour leader can obtain important details that are essential to the running of the tour.

Important Note: it is a condition of joining our tours that you are in possession of a comprehensive travel insurance policy. If you do not have a policy you will be required to purchase one from your tour leader in order to join the tour.

Price includes:

• Staffing as shown in the 'Factfinder'
• Accommodation, meals, transportation, and sightseeing excursions as per itinerary
• Transfer to hotel on arrival
• Entrance fees for all sites listed as part of the itinerary

Price does not include:

• Visa costs
• Border Taxes
• Drinks, tips, laundry and other items of a personal nature.
• International flights
• Departure transfers
• Meals other than those listed
• The single supplement does not include the night homestay nor the nights on the train.

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