Visions of vietnam
》TRIP INFO
LOCATION: HANOI + NORTHERN HILLS OF VIETNAM
DATES:
DURATION: 12 DAYS
INSTRUCTORS: DAVE BROSHA + PAUL ZIZKA
PHOTOGRAPHY LEVELS: ALL
PHYSICAL RATING: EASY
NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS: 10
COST: $13,500 CAD
A payment plan is available for this workshop. See below under “Price/Payment Schedule.”
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.
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 co-founders Dave Brosha and Paul Zizka 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.
》WHAT YOU’LL LEARN
1. Street and Documentary Photography - Capturing the energy and culture while visiting bustling cities and villages
2. Landscape and Long Lens Work - Creating portfolio worthy landscape images using long-lenses.
3. Low Light and Long Exposure - Using long exposure to create dynamic images in low light.
4. Visual Storytelling - Creating captivating imagery telling the stories of the people and places in Vietnam
5. Environmental Portrait Photography. - Photographing the essence of people through soulful portraits in original and natural settings.
》YOUR OFFBEAT INSTRUCTORS*
PAUL ZIZKA // LEADER
Specializing in photographing in difficult conditions and hard-to-reach places, Paul has a passion for shooting alpine sports and backcountry experiences, capturing the spirit of adventurers and finding unusual angles of common mountain subjects. As a landscape photographer, he particularly enjoys the challenge of capturing nature’s beauty at night and the unique features that come with a dark sky – stars, Northern Lights and dramatic silhouettes. Paul’s award-winning photos have been featured in a variety of publications, including National Geographic, Maclean’s, Alpinist, Huffington Post, The Guardian, Islands, and Climbing magazine.
DAVE BROSHA // LEADER
Holding a passion for the world and an eye for the beauty it contains, Prince Edward Island-based, award-winning commercial, personal, and adventure photographer Dave Brosha is on a continual journey to seek out and capture the beauty of this world – whether it’s the beauty of some of the most extreme and pristine environments in the world or the beauty of some of a person’s most personal moments. In addition to living throughout northern Canada for much of his life, Dave has also lived in Asia and has travelled extensively through both the many provinces and territories of his native country and numerous countries abroad. An explorer at heart, his images – no matter what the genre – are full of heart and soul, and are a testament to the human spirit.
* As per our Terms and Conditions, OFFBEAT reserves the right to change, at any time, the tour leader of any workshop.
》INS AND OUTS
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 + Paul Zizka
Location scouting and itinerary planned by OFFBEAT instructors.
Lifetime membership to OFFBEAT Community.
What’s Not Included:
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
》ITINERARY
The itinerary is subject to change. Please also see the “Important Note” below regarding this workshop.
Day 1
It will be an early flight as we arrive in Paro & First Steps into Bhutan
Paro Dzong • Valley Views • Gentle Explorations
Welcome to Bhutan, where the mountains hold stories and the air feels sacred.
You’ll land in Paro, one of the most breathtaking airport approaches on Earth. After settling in, we begin our journey at the magnificent Paro Dzong, a fortress monastery rising above the river in white walls and golden roofs.
After lunch, the group will split into two pace options:
Explorers (hikers): a scenic walk up toward the Zuri trail for sweeping valley views
Wanderers (non-hikers): a relaxed visit to Drukgyal Dzong and the surrounding valley, with views of Mount Jomolhari on clear days
This is your first taste of Bhutan’s rhythm—slow, intentional, and deeply connected
Day 2
Crossing the Himalaya to Punakha
Dochula Pass • 108 Chortens • Divine Madman Temple
We journey east toward Punakha, crossing the legendary Dochula Pass at 3,100m.
Prayer flags flutter. 108 chortens stand in silence. On clear days, the Himalaya stretches endlessly into the sky.
After lunch, we enter the Punakha valley, lush, warm, and full of life.
Explorers: follow the Divine Madman Heritage Trail
Wanderers: take a gentle 30–40 minute walk through rice paddies and farmhouses to Chimi Lhakhang—the temple of fertility and folklore
Both routes lead us into Bhutanese rural life which is authentic, colourful, and welcoming
.
Day 3
Punakha Valley & the Queen’s Temple
Punakha Dzong • Rice Terraces • Optional Trans Bhutan Trail
Today we explore one of Bhutan’s most photogenic landmarks, Punakha Dzong, resting at the confluence of two rivers like a living painting.
Then we wander into the hills:
A gentle hike to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten (Queen’s Temple) through rice terraces and forest paths
Optional extension along the Trans Bhutan Trail, offering a glimpse into everyday village life
For those wanting a slower day, the afternoon invites rest, reflection, or riverside wandering.
Day 4
Rivers, Bridges & Himalayan Adventure
Suspension Bridge • Pho Chu River • Rafting Experience
We begin together crossing one of Bhutan’s longest suspension bridges, prayer flags dancing in the wind beneath our feet.
From here:
Explorers: continue along the Pho Chu hiking trail
Wanderers: enjoy a riverside walk or relax before meeting the group downstream
Then we all come together for a gentle rafting journey down the Pho Chu—floating past valleys, dzongs, and untouched wilderness.
We celebrate the day with a riverside lunch overlooking Punakha Dzong, before driving to Bhutan’s capital: Thimph
Day 5
Thimphu Festival: A Celebration of Spirit
Mask Dances • Colour • Culture • Connection
Today we step into one of Bhutan’s most powerful cultural experiences: the Thimphu Tshechu Festival.
Dancers whirl in elaborate masks. Monks chant. Locals gather in vibrant dress.
This is a photographer’s dream and a human experience you will never forget.
In the evening, we wander through Thimphu’s streets, markets, and quiet corners, connecting with daily life in Bhutan’s capital.
Day 6
Art, Craft & Bhutanese Heritage
Zorig Chusum • Handmade Paper • Living Traditions
Today we slow down and go deeper into Bhutanese culture.
We visit the School of Traditional Arts, where students practice the 13 ancient Bhutanese crafts: painting, carving, sculpture, embroidery.
We continue to:
The Bhutan Post Office to create your own custom stamps
A traditional handmade paper factory, where bark becomes art
This is Bhutan beyond landscapes, this is Bhutan through human hands.
Day 7
Big Buddha & Return to Paro
Buddha Dordenma • Takin Preserve • Valley Views
We begin the day at the towering Buddha Dordenma, watching over Thimphu valley.
From here:
Explorers: hike into the hills toward Changangkha Lhakhang
Wanderers: visit the Takin Preserve, viewpoints, and sacred sites at a relaxed pace
We reunite for lunch and journey back to Paro, soaking in the last stretches of Bhutan’s winding mountain roads.
Day 8
Slow Day in Paro
Museum • Town Wander • Rest Before the Climb
Today is intentionally gentle.
We visit the National Museum of Bhutan, then spend time wandering Paro town, cafés, prayer wheels, hidden streets.
This is a day to rest, prepare, and ground yourself for tomorrow’s iconic experience.
Day 9
Tiger’s Nest Monastery
Taktsang • The Icon • The Pilgrimage
This is the day.
Clinging impossibly to a cliff 900 metres above the valley floor, Tiger’s Nest Monastery (Taktsang) is one of the most iconic spiritual sites on Earth.
Explorers: complete the full hike to the monastery
Wanderers: enjoy a shortened hike or take a vehicle option and still experience the magic
No matter your path, you will stand before this sacred place and feel its power.
This is Bhutan’s heart.
Day 10
Departure
Today marks our departure from Bhutan, leaving with memories and photos of this truly one of a kind place.
》PRICE/PAYMENT SCHEDULE
Cost: $13,500 CAD
Payment options: Full payment or $1500 CAD non-refundable deposit to secure a space.
Non-Refundable Deposit: $1500 CAD
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: Failure to pay by due dates means forfeiting deposit and spot will be freed up and potentially sold to another interested participant (see more in cancellation policy below).
If unforeseen circumstances arise, participants are welcome to transfer/sell their space to another interested participant. In such case, participants are responsible for handling payment for the transfer.
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
WHAT OUR PARTICIPANTS HAVE TO SAY
ABOUT OFFBEAT WORKSHOPS
”
“Curiosity, kindness, and light. What more could you want from your guides and other members of your community? Our trip was incredible: people, places, and personalities. From chasing the light in a ditch off the side of the road, to finding horses to rub noses with, even the most seemingly insignificant moments were memorable. And that's the beauty of Offbeat, in a nutshell: finding the impossible in the most improbable places.”
-Dave G.
“The workshop was amazing - great instruction and professionalism by the instructors. They did a great job handling the group's variety of experience and took time to help each one of us individually. They prepared well for a variety of conditions and had great locations scouted out before we arrived. Kris and Paul are excellent instructors and loads of fun!”
- Tracy B.
“I have attended a number of OFFBEAT Workshops and have loved them all. The co-founders are two of the most genuine people I have met and they are both so enthusiastic and passionate about what they do. They always ensure that you have the best time and are always willing to share their time and experience with you. My photography has definitely improved since learning from these two. I have also only meet decent and friendly people on these workshops. Everybody is there for the common goal - photography and everybody has such fun. I can not recommend Offbeat highly enough.”
— Claire C.
“I felt the level of collaboration and support among the participants in this one was exceptional and so was the size of the group. It is easier to hide in bigger groups when I feel insecure with my skills and talent. The content was timely, appropriate and exceedingly well organized. The facilitators’ presentation skills were exceptional. I came away with a little more confidence and a lot more knowledge. Thanks, Dave and Paul!!!”
-Jan L.
》IMPORTANT INFO
Please visit our FAQs for more information on What to Bring, our Physical Ratings and Photography Levels.
ACCOMODATIONS
Expect a mix of comfort and authenticity — from the boutique luxury of L'Signature Hotel & Spa in Hanoi and the stunning Garrya Mu Cang Chai resort (complete with spa facilities), to a charming overnight train and a cozy Hmong-run ecolodge nestled in the highlands of Sin Suoi Ho.
IS THIS WORKSHOP FOR YOU?
Physical Rating (Easy/Moderate)
Hiking experience // Prior hiking experience and good physical condition is beneficial.
Pace //Fast pace on short trails or steady pace on longer trails.
Distance/Description // Hikes will be varied in distance, with consistent and steep elevation change and rugged terrain. Options for a slower/shorter hike will be given each day.
Footwear // Hiking boots are required.
Photography Level (All): This workshop is open to both amateur and professional photographers.
INSURANCE POLICY
It is not only advised but required that 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.
By purchasing a spot you are acknowledging that you accept these conditions.
Please see our Insurance page for more information about our insurance partner, World Nomads.
》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, 2022.