Northern Horizons

Ha Giang, Ba Be and Ha Long Photo Adventure 2014

www.vietnaminfocus.com info@vietnaminfocus.com

This adventure takes us to Vietnams two most exciting and visually spectacular regions, on a journey you will never forget. Highlights
include: a guided motorbike trip through Ha Giangs incredible rocky plateau, with lunar landscapes and tribal cultures unique to this part of the
world; homestays with the extremely hospitable people of the Red Dzao and Tay ethnic minorities; a night at the wonderful Auberge de Meo Vac, a
Hmong fort restored as a luxury retreat; two nights and a day in gorgeous Ba Be National Park, relaxing at a stilt house on the edge of a tranquil
lake; and a trip to the dream-like World Heritage site of Ha Long Bay.
You will receive expert guidance throughout from the VIF team and professional photography Tour Leader Colm Pierce. During the trip
we will review the fundamentals of great travel photography, and then build on your newfound skills to take your pictures to the next level. Your
final photographic project will explore new frontiers of portraiture and landscape published as a 9 picture story of the adventure.

October 17
th
Day 1 ! Hanoi to Ha Giang
We set off early by minibus for Ha Giang, arriving at our Red Dzao homestay near Quan Ba after lunch. In the afternoon, we
explore the beautiful countryside surrounding our homestay on foot, and then settle in for dinner with our friendly hosts.
Overnight at the homestay.
October 18
th
Day 2 ! Nam Dam to Dong Van
Early next morning, we strike out by motorbike for Dong Van. The days journey takes us through an incredible variety of
landscapes, from towering gorges to pine-covered hills, and then the barren, moon-like landscapes of the rocky plateau. On the
way, we encounter the unique adobe houses inhabited by people in this region. We have a short stop at the Hmong Kings
Palace near Sa Phin, a century-old home for the last of Ha Giangs Hmong Kings. Overnight at a comfortable hotel in the
frontier town of Dong Van.
October 19
th
Day 3 ! Dong Van to Meo Vac
We head out in the morning to Ma Pi Len, perhaps the most spectacular road in South East Asia, for a journey through the
clouds to Meo Vac. When we arrive in town, the Sunday ethnic minority market is in full sway, with people from villages in the
surrounding mountains here to trade their wares or simply catch up with old friends over a bottle of wine. We then book into
our unique accommodation, the Auberge de Meo Vac: a Hmong fort restored and renovated as a luxury homestay. In the
afternoon, we have time for a trek in the river valley nearby, and a chance to witness the art of bee-keeping as it is practiced in
Ha Giang. Overnight at the Auberge.
October 20
th
Day 4 ! Meo Vac to Bao Lac
We rise early to hit the winding mountain road taking us along the Chinese border to Bao Lac. The remote, high-altitude route
brings us through ethnic minority villages and markets where foreign faces are almost unknown. In this wild region of
Vietnam, we have the sense of exploring a territory untouched as yet by tourism. We overnight at a comfortable hotel in the
peaceful riverside town of Bao Lac.

October 21
st
Day 5 ! Bao Lac to Ba Be Lake
The back road from Bao Lac to Ba Be Lake takes us through some of the most stunning rural scenery in Vietnam. Descending
from the barren climes of the rocky plateau, we glide past bright green paddy terraces and cascading waterfalls. In the many
rivers and streams that border the road, we see the giant bamboo water wheels used since ancient times by locals to irrigate
their crops. The final stretch into Ba Be National Park brings us face to face with the limestone mountain lakes that give this
area its famous name. Overnight with our Tay minority friends at their homestay on the shore of Ba Be Lake.

VI ETNAM I N FOCUS
Hanoi, Vietnam
www.vietnaminfocus.com
info@vietnaminfocus.com
H
a

G
i
a
n
g

Q
u
a
n

B
a
D
o
n
g

V
a
n M
e
o

V
a
c
B
a
o

L
a
c
B
a

B
e
October 22
nd
Day 6 ! Ba Be Lake
We have a full day to explore and enjoy the lush area around Ba Be,
with a guided boat trip around the enormous lake, including visits to a
waterfall and cave, as well as time for swimming before lunch. In the
afternoon, we can discover the villages and streams nearby on foot, or
relax in hammocks at the homestay. Overnight at the homestay.
October 23
rd
Day 7 ! Ba Be Lake to Hanoi
We have time in the morning for a last wander around the tranquil
village, and even a dip in the lake, before returning to the homestay
and hitting the road back to Hanoi by minibus. We arrive in the capital
for dinner, and then return home for the night.




October 24
th
Day 8 ! Hanoi to Ha Long
We climb aboard our minibus in the morning for the trip to Ha Long, arriving at the bay for a delicious seafood lunch on our
luxury junk. The afternoon is spent cruising amidst the forested islands of Ha Long, refining our technique in landscape
photography. We then have the chance to go kayaking in the natural lagoons of Cat Ba National Park, before a swim near the
boat. Sunset sees us atop the deck of our junk, capturing classic shots of the incredible scenery before dinner.
October 25
th
Day 9 ! Ha Long to Hanoi
A sunrise start brings us to Cuu Van floating village, where we capture fishermen and women starting their work for the day.
Our focus here is on portraiture and relationship shots in the dawn light. We return to our boat to enjoy the rest of the journey
through the bay, and to complete editing of our picture stories. We dock in Ha Long at lunchtime, and head back to Hanoi,
arriving in the capital at 4 pm. Farewell.

Whats included
All transport, accommodation, food and non-alcoholic drinks from 17
th
to 25
th
October (with the exception of accommodation and
dinner on the nights of the 23
rd
and the 25
th
)
All transport costs, including petrol and maintenance fees
Professional photography workshop
All special permits needed for Ha Giang and Ha Long Bay
All entry fees, for the Hmong Kings Palace, Ba Be National Park, Ha Long Bay and Cat Ba National Park
All costs related to special activities such as trekking at Nam Dam and Meo Vac, boat trips at Ba Be Lake and kayaking in Cat Ba
National Park
All guide fees, including for required local guides
Not included
Flights
Vietnam visas
Participants travel insurance (required)
Alcoholic drinks
Tips for local guides etc.
Participants personal shopping
www.vietnaminfocus.com