Vietnam Backroads & Byways 2024

Harsh Agarwal

Harsh Agarwal is an award-winning professional photographer based in Agra, India. A self-described hodophile, a lover of travel, his passion for exploration, discovery, and image-making has taken him to all corners of his home country and lands beyond including Sri Lanka, Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia. Harsh’s photographs have been published widely in magazines, and newspapers throughout India and Southeast Asia as well as in numerous exhibitions. Harsh often travels with his wife, Arti, a travel industry professional, and aspiring photographer, leading photography and travel tours. Click here for examples of Harsh’s inspiring images.

Ken Lee

Ken Lee, the founder Art of Seeing Photography Adventures is as passionate about helping others grow as photographers as he is about creating his own images. Ken’s Whole Brain approach to teaching photography addresses both the Craft (gear, technique, post-processing) and Creative (Composition & the Photographer’s Eye) aspects of image-making – and the completely different approaches needed to master both. Click the links to read more about Ken Lee and The Art of Seeing, what you can expect from an Art of Seeing workshop, or to see examples of Ken’s photography.

Q: What makes this trip different than other photo tours/workshops?

• Unique Itinerary – we know where the good stuff is and we venture far off the beaten trail to access many of the most spectacular and least known locations for photography in Vietnam.

• Authentic Experiences – there’s no better way to break the ice with strangers than sharing meals. We do plenty of that with local families during our overnight homestays as well as visiting with villagers in their fields and shops. It’s authentic interactions like these that often lead to the most unique and expressive images.

• Learn While you Explore – we call it a workshop (not a tour) for a reason. In addition to daily one-on-one coaching in the field, Ken will conduct several group learning sessions covering topics like camera settings, image management and post processing as well as practical techniques to develop your Photographer’s Eye.

Q: How should I book my air travel?

A: Book your inbound flight to arrive in Hanoi (airport code: HAN) no later than ~2pm on Sep 9. You can plan your departure from Hanoi anytime on Sep 23. If you plan to arrive early or stay later and need extra hotel nights, just let us know (additional charges apply).

Q: Do I need a visa to enter Vietnam?

A: If you are an American citizen, a Vietnam Tourist Visa is required. The easiest way to obtain one is to apply for an eTourist Visa online. If you are a citizen of another country, check online or with the Vietnamese embassy or consulate in your country.

Q: Should I buy travel insurance?

A: Yes. For our workshops in less-developed areas of the world, including this one, we require all participants to carry an insurance policy that covers emergency medical evacuation, just in case. In the event of an emergency, cost should not be a factor in obtaining the best possible care. Fortunately, comprehensive policies are widely available and very affordable (roughly $100 - $200). I use World Nomads for my travel insurance and Ripcord Rescue looks like a good option for adventure travelers although I have never used them.

Q: What kind of camera/photo gear do you recommend?

A: A detailed list of recommended equipment will be sent to all registered participants. In general, a DSLR or mirrorless body with 2 or 3 lenses covering roughly 24mm to 200mm will serve you well, but we’ve had participants do very well with higher end point & shoots (i.e. ‘bridge’ cameras) or even phone cameras.

Q: What kind of accommodations will we be staying in?

A: In the cities (e.g. Hanoi), we will stay in 4-star hotels. Some of our lodging in the countryside will be at local homestays. These are usually large bamboo structures which have been fitted with certain conveniences like western toilets and hot showers. Dormitory style sleeping quarters with private ‘cubicles’ formed by cloth dividers. We also have two nights aboard ship in Halong bay.

Q: What kind of food will be eat?

A: Western breakfast options, like eggs, coffee, fruit & bread will generally be available in the mornings. Lunches and dinners will be fresh local cuisine featuring beef, chicken, pork, fish as the main proteins. Rice, noodle & vegetable dishes are also popular and will be present at most meals. Contact us if you have any dietary needs or restrictions.

Q: What will the weather be like?

A: In Hanoi and along the coast, expect warm days with highs in the low to mid 80’s with medium to high humidity. The mountains are a fair bit cooler & less humid. Occasional, usually brief, rain showers are possible at any time.

Q: How will we travel inside Vietnam?

A: In general, we will get around in an air-conditioned minibus with a professional driver and guide.

Q: What else should I know?

A: This is Vietnam, not America or Europe. Everyone here does their best to make Western guests comfortable, but things are different, and it’s a mistake to make comparisons. Nothing meets OSHA standards. Some things are bound not to work as expected. Let us know about any issues, and we’ll do our best to resolve them. But also remember, you are traveling here to experience another culture. Embrace the differences or pout and complain, it’s your choice. If you tend to choose the latter, this trip is probably not for you. Come in 20 years when the Marriott’s and Hiltons have homogenized the experience and all the charm and authenticity have disappeared.

We understand life happens and plans may change. If you need to cancel your reservation, the following policies apply to this workshop:

Deposits are NOT refundable but may be transferrable to another Art of Seeing workshop for up to 24 months from date of cancellation in accordance with the following schedule:

Regardless of when you cancel, if we fill your spot*, you will receive a refund of all fees paid less your deposit and $150 processing fee. If we cannot fill your spot, the amount of your refund is based upon the cancellation date:

• Cancellation 120 days or more from workshop start date: 100% refund of fees paid less deposit and $150 processing fee. Deposit transferrable up to 24 mos.

• Cancellation 90 – 120 days from workshop start date: 50% refund of fees paid less deposit and $150 processing fee. Deposit forfeit.

• Cancellation less than 90 days from workshop start date: No refunds.

*canceled spots are filled after the workshop reaches full capacity

Click here to read our complete Terms & Conditions

Travel Insurance

A travel insurance policy which covers medical evacuation is a requirement for participation in this workshop. Such policies typically cover many other things like lost luggage or non-refundable payments if you need to cancel your trip.