Vietnam with Samanta Katz

Xin chao! Welcome to Hanoi, Vietnam.

After checking into your hotel, enjoy a walking tour around Old Quarter to capture the best photos of the daily life. Enjoy the welcome dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight at the hotel.

Workshop 1 – Travel Photography

Meals Included: Dinner

Accommodation: Hoa Binh Hotel – Superior – or similar

After breakfast, head out for a guided tour of Chau Long Market. Despite the growth of supermarkets, most Vietnamese still do the bulk of their shopping at wet markets, either at covered places like Chau Long, or less permanent streetside set-ups.

Located within blocks of architectural planning, we’ll also visit Phan Dinh Phung Street. one of Hanoi’s most beautiful streets, its bold style clearly influenced by Western architecture.

You’ll have some free time to continue exploring or resting before we head out for an amazing sunset on Long Bien bridge. Long Bien was the first structure built across the river, which has witnessed over 100-years of Vietnamese history, a must visit location for those seeking history, culture and beautiful sunsets.

Finish the night one of the local restaurants and enjoy the incredible local cuisine.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Included Activities

• Chau Long market
• Phan Dinh Phung street
• Long Bien bridge

Accommodation: Hoa Binh Hotel – Superior – or similar

This morning we travel from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay.

Upon arrival, we will board our cruise and have our first opportunity to admire the spectacular scenery of Ha Long Bay. After lunch the group will have time to explore the local villages and see how the local people live.

After this there will be a cooking class on board your boat, teaching the group how the Vietnamese spring roll is made.

We will then have dinner on board, and then enjoy some night activities such as squid fishing, drinking, listening to music or just simply enjoying the night sky of Ha Long Bay.

Workshop 2 – Reels & Stories

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Included Activities

• Halong Bay overnight cruise & activities.

Accommodation

Oriental Sails – Deluxe – https://www.orientalsails.com/cruises/oriental-sails/sails-cruise-tour-2-days-1-night/ – or similar

In the morning, enjoy a light breakfast and some time to relax before heading out to explore Ha Long Bay including a visit to a stunning cave.

You’ll then have some more free time on board to soak up the scenery before your transfer back to Hanoi airport to take a domestic flight to Da Nang.

Upon landing in Da Nang you will be transferred to the ancient town of Hoi An and check into the feature hotel of the trip.

Head out and choose from the multitude of beautiful local restaurants.

Workshop 3 – Collaborating

Meals Included: Breakfast, Brunch

Included Activities

• Halong Bay cruise activities

Accommodation: Bel Marina – Premier Deluxe Town View – https://belmarinahoian.com/ or similar

The best way to enjoy Hoi An is to get up early and immerse yourself in its peaceful atmosphere. The ancient city looks tranquil, with few people walking along narrow streets, seeing old houses and breathing in the fresh air.

As the national trading centre in the 16th century, Hoi An is home to the diversity of ancient streets and homes. As you explore you’ll see the ancient houses built in Chinese, Japanese and European architectural styles.

This afternoon, we will visit Tra Que village, an exciting experience to discover and feel the real life of farmers in Central Vietnam.

Back to the hotel and the balance of the day is at your leisure. Once again head out to enjoy the night life and find a beautiful local restaurant.

Workshop 4 – Getting Paid

Meals Included: Breakfast

Included Activities

• Hoi An walking tour in the very early morning
• Tra Que village

Accommodation

Bel Marina – Premier Deluxe Town View – https://belmarinahoian.com/ or similar

Take an early morning boat trip from Thu Bon to see locals making the beautifully colourful fishing nets. We’ll then visit the local fish market on beach and continue exploring Hoi An.

This afternoon, head out to the Thanh Ha Pottery Village – dating back to the 16th century, this is one of the oldest pottery villages in Vietnam. Stop by the home of an artisan couple, now both in their 90s, they were once the only artisans in the village and have passed down traditional techniques and practices. Continue your explorations of the village, meet descendants of the artisan couple and find out how traditional pieces are made.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Included Activities

• Thu Bon river boat trip
• Fishing village
• Thanh Ha Pottery Village

Accommodation

Bel Marina – Premier Deluxe Town View – https://belmarinahoian.com/ or similar

Enjoy one final breakfast and maybe a morning stroll with your new friends before checking out of your hotel.

Meals Included: Breakfast