》ITINERARY

The itinerary is subject to change. Please also see the “Important Note” below regarding this workshop.

Day 1
Arrival in Hanoi

Arrive in Vietnam’s capital at the height of early spring, when peach blossoms and kumquat
trees decorate the streets after Lunar New Year. Depending on arrival time, you might enjoy a
soft-light photo walk through the French Quarter, where mist sometimes lingers over Hoan
Kiem Lake in February.

In the evening, we meet for a welcome dinner and an overview of the
journey ahead.

Day 2

Hanoi Photo Walk & Overnight Train

We begin with a curated half-day photo walk through Hanoi’s textured backstreets, including a
quieter section of Train Street and the wonderfully chaotic Thieves Market. February’s cool air
and subdued light are ideal for portraiture. Later, we photograph the deep reds and magentas
of Quang Phu Cau incense village — colours especially vibrant against the softer winter skies. 

In the evening, we board the overnight train to Lao Cai.

Day 3

Lao Cai to Lai Chau via Sapa

We arrive in Lao Cai at dawn, often greeted by low morning mist rolling off the Red River.
Our drive west brings us through Sapa’s tea hills, where the first buds of spring appear, and
into valleys where peach and plum blossoms begin to bloom around wooden homes. Expect
ethereal, layered landscapes — fog drifting between ridgelines — offering beautiful long-lens
opportunities.

We settle into Si Thau Chai by mid-afternoon and enjoy golden hour over the
Dao village.

Day 4

Sin Ho Market Scout

This morning we explore Si Thau Chai on foot, photographing Dao villagers as they weave
textiles, prepare their spring gardens, or tend to animals. February’s diffuse light lends itself
well to environmental portraiture, and homes are warm with woodsmoke — perfect for fire-lit,
atmospheric shots indoors.

In the afternoon we wander toward a nearby waterfall, often framed
by the early buds of plum and apricot trees.

Day 5

Dao San Market & Ascent to Sin Suoi Ho

Sunday brings us to San Thang Market, bustling with post-Tet energy. Many vendors wear their
brightest spring attire, and stalls are filled with seedlings, herbs, and festival spices. Smoke
from grilled meats mingles with the cool morning fog — a dream for layered compositions.

After lunch, we travel up into Sin Suoi Ho, where February often brings drifting cloud bands, crystal-
clear air, and pink blossoms appearing around Hmong houses.

Day 6

Sin Suoi Ho Village Life

At dawn, a sea of clouds often fills the valley below Sin Suoi Ho — February is one of the best
months for this phenomenon. We spend the day exploring the village: women preparing hemp
fibres, men tending orchards or repairing tools, children playing along misty paths.

Thick spring fog, woodsmoke and soft light create a moodier, painterly palette for portraiture. Evening
review session by the fire.

Day 7

Remote Valley Exploration

Today we head out by vehicle to explore remote valleys, where early-spring ploughing often
begins. Buffalo churn the wet fields while peach blossoms brighten the entranceways of Hmong
homes. Mist often clings to the slopes until late morning, creating gently shifting layers across
the valley — excellent for drone photography and quiet documentary moments.

We return for golden hour in the village.

Day 8

Scenic Drive to Mu Cang Chai

We journey south toward Mu Cang Chai through dramatic volcanic formations and clear spring
rivers. February light is crisp and directional, ideal for landscapes. We also stop at a traditional
Hmong forge — metallic sparks against cool mountain air make for compelling fast-shutter shots.
By late afternoon, we arrive in Mu Cang Chai, where the terraces, though bare, are lined with
peach blossoms and framed by lingering winter haze.

Day 9

Life Among the Terraces

Though rice isn’t yet planted, February terraces are sculptural and elegant — their curves highlighted by side-light and soft mist. We walk to a remote Hmong village for portraits and daily-life scenes: firewood chopping, weaving, tending animals.
Afternoon brings smoky, atmospheric moments as villagers burn corn husks or cook over outdoor fires — perfect for capturing texture and gesture.

Day 10

Slow Mountain Morning

A relaxed morning is spent exploring the hills around the resort. Spring haze softens the
forested ridges, giving a cinematic feel even without crops. We may visit a small school or craft
workshop. The afternoon is reserved for review and rest before a final golden-hour outing. The
Garrya spa offers an optional mid-trip recharge

Day 11

Return to Hanoi

We return to Hanoi, stopping for short photographic breaks as the scenery transitions from
highland mist to lowland villages. Arrival is expected late afternoon, with free time before
dinner.

Day 12

Red River Artisans & Departures

After breakfast, we enjoy a final wander through Hanoi’s backstreets — morning light bouncing off temple walls and narrow alleyways. We share a farewell lunch before departing for flights or onward travel.