Vietnam: Land of the Blue Dragons

In an ancient myth, the Vietnamese people are descended from a dragon king and a magical fairy. The dragon is a positive symbol of rain, agriculture, strength, and good luck. Additionally, the country’s coastal location and stunning azure waters are embodied by the “blue” dragon, giving even more cultural meaning and significance to the name “land of the blue dragon.”

Join renowned world-traveling photographer Jennifer Spelman on her second time embarking on an immersive journey through Vietnam’s vibrant culture and breathtaking landscapes on this 12-day photographic voyage. From the lively markets of modern cities to the tranquil rice paddies of the countryside, from ancient temples to colonial monuments, Vietnam offers a diverse tapestry of culture, landscapes, stories, and traditions waiting to be experienced and seen through your lens.

Our journey begins in Ho Chi Minh City, where colonial landmarks blend with modern skyscrapers along the Saigon River. You are picked up at the airport and taken to our hotel in the city center. For those who arrive early or those who are interested in some activities on this day, our team is on hand to assist. After getting settled and having a good rest, we start off with an evening orientation and group dinner at one of the city’s excellent restaurants, offering a first taste of authentic Vietnamese cuisine.

On the first full day, we dive into the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, beginning with a ride through the streets in traditional xích lô (cycle rickshaws), a perfect way to explore the city and capture its everyday movement through your lens. We also participate in a heritage tour, providing opportunities to photograph iconic monuments and historic sites. Jennifer shares initial insights regarding cultural and historical awareness and adjusting to a new sense of place.

The next day, we leave bustling Ho Chi Minh City and take a 1-hour flight to Danang, followed by a short drive to Hoi An, a small riverside town known for its laid-back atmosphere and well-preserved historic charm. Once a major port, Hoi An blends centuries-old Chinese, Japanese, and French influence in its architecture and street layout, creating a setting that’s both photogenic and full of character. Here we spend two days exploring and discovering the city’s character with our cameras, lenses, and Jennifer’s help.

An early morning trip to the coast at Cua Dai highlights our next day. We arrive just as the fishing boats come ashore with the day’s catch. It’s a quiet but active scene, fishermen hauling nets, sorting fish, and exchanging quick conversations as the sun rises over the water. The soft morning light makes this a great moment for photography, but also for simply observing the rhythm of daily life in a coastal village. After spending time along the shore, we head back to Hoi An to visit the Precious Heritage Museum for a closer look at the country’s cultural diversity, history, traditions, and way of life.

En route to Hue, we traverse the iconic Hai Van Pass on a winding mountain road known for its coastal views and photo-worthy stops along the way. We explore Lang Co Fishing Village, An Bang Cemetery, and a rural farming area on our way to the former imperial capital. By late afternoon we arrive in Hue and check into our hotel, settle in, and relax.

The next day, we set off on a full-day photographic journey through Hue’s countryside, riding on the back of motorcycles driven by local professionals (with the option to travel by van for those who prefer). As we wind through quiet roads and small villages, we make several stops, starting with a lively morning market, an ideal place to observe the colors, textures, and daily rhythm of rural life. For lunch we are welcomed into a Buddhist nunnery, where the resident nuns prepare a homemade vegetarian meal. After a short break back at the hotel, we head out into Hue’s vibrant evening for dinner, where food stalls, lights, and music bring a different kind of energy to the city as night falls.

Our next day involves a 5-hour drive from Hue out to the rural and stunning region of Phong Nha. En route we stop at the Vinh Moc Tunnels, a vast underground network carved deep into the earth, where families lived for months during the war, as well as the former DMZ, the historic dividing line between North and South Vietnam. Once we reach Phong Nha in the afternoon, we are met by peaceful villages, deep local traditions, and some of the most spectacular views in the country as the area sits at the entrance to the surreal Phong-Nha-Ke Bang National Park. Upon arrival in Phong Nha, we settle into our relaxed accommodation and enjoy a dinner of a unique and delicious local cuisine specific to this area.

The following day involves an exploration of the National Park, a UNESCO-listed area known for its wild jungle, dramatic limestone peaks, and some of the most impressive and longest cave systems in the world. One of our main stops is Paradise Cave, an incredible natural wonder. Here we walk over a mile into its cool, quiet interior, where the massive chambers, soaring ceilings, and intricate rock formations make for incredible photos and an unforgettable atmosphere. In the evening, we return to our homestay and sit down to another home-cooked dinner, winding down after a full day out in one of Vietnam’s most scenic regions.

After a leisurely breakfast, we head into the countryside around Phong Nha, where daily life moves at a slower pace and is still untouched by mass tourism. We make our way through small villages and farmland, allowing plenty of time to take in the atmosphere and photograph this serene part of the country. The afternoon is yours to enjoy as you wish, with our local team ready to help you plan your time.

It’s off to Hanoi today! This morning we take a 1-hour drive to the Dong Hoi Airport for the short flight to Vietnam’s capital. We head to our hotel in the city center, where tree-lined streets, small cafés, and the hum of motorbikes give us our first feel for life in Hanoi. After time to settle in, we head out in the afternoon for a relaxed introduction walk in the city. We visit one of Hanoi’s lakeside parks, a nearby temple, and get a sense of the city’s mix of old and new, where traditional architecture sits just blocks from modern buildings. In the evening, we enjoy dinner at a restaurant known for its Northern Vietnamese flavors, a great way to start exploring the region’s dynamic culinary scene.

Our last full day together offers a deep dive into Hanoi’s history and culture, with visits to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the Temple of Literature, and Hoa Lo Prison, where we get a closer look at the more sobering chapters of Vietnam’s 20th-century history. Afterward, we grab lunch at a banh mi spot famous for its crisp baguettes and flavorful fillings. The afternoon is a good time to catch your breath and get caught up on editing your photographs. In the evening, we come back together for a final dinner featuring classic Northern Vietnamese dishes.

Join Jennifer on this extraordinary photographic journey through Vietnam, rich with opportunities to document the cultural and natural beauty of this enchanting country. We return home having created once-in-a-lifetime photographs and unforgettable memories from our time in the land of the blue dragons.

View complete itinerary (subject to change).

A trip extension to Bai Tu Long Bay, one of the country’s most remarkable natural destinations, is an option for September 20 –22. View this PDF for details: VietnamTripExtension_2026