Name: Gods of the Sea
Item: Gods of the Sea
Author: Alex Sheal

Date(s) March 22 — April 2, 2025

Skill Level

Cost $ 3,600

Duration 12 Days

Instructor(s) Our photographers are no ordinary guides. They’re adventurers, teachers and assistants, as well as experienced shooters. They’re up at dawn to catch the best light, and always looking out for unexpected moments and details that make for great photography. They are committed to making sure you enjoy exploring Vietnam through photography as much as we do. Your pictures and your experience are always the priority. Vietnam in Focus photographer Eileen EILEEN SJOQVIST Photographer Photographer Tung Phan explore Ha Giang TUNG PHAN Photo Journalist Photographers Eileen Sjoqvist & Tung Phan will lead our 2024 Gods of the Sea. Eileen Wingaard Sjøqvist is a Swiss-Norwegian photographer. She studied Photography at the Berlin University of Applied Sciences, followed by a Masters in Documentary Photography at the University of Barcelona. Her images have been exhibited in museums and at cultural events in both Europe and Vietnam. Based in Saigon now, Eileen is a passionate and immersive photographer guide, who has been leading tours for Vietnam in Focus since 2022. Tung Phan is a Hanoi-based photographer with a Master’s degree in International Journalism from Sussex University in the UK. With a solid foundation in journalism and broadcasting, in particular with Vietnam Television (VTV), he brings a unique perspective to his work, capturing the essence and stories of Vietnam through the lens of his camera.

Group Size Limit 5 participants

Photograph the Rich Cultures of Vietnam’s Southern Coast

All aboard for an unforgettable journey into the traditional cultures along Vietnam’s stunning southern coastline. From the bustling streets and markets of Ho Chi Minh City, to serene seaside fishing villages, this adventure is a feast for both soul and lens. Immerse yourself in the colorful traditions of the Lễ hội Nghinh Ông, or Whale Worshiping festival, capturing portraits of devotees, and images of age-old rituals. Explore the rich traditions and temples of the ethnic Cham, whose maritime links with Indochina go back many centuries. In Mui Ne, the wind-sculpted dunes stretch to the horizon, and as we venture towards Nha Trang, the raw, volcanic landscapes of Nui Chua National Park will truly rock you. We’ll stop by hamlets and harbors to photograph the friendly locals fixing their nets and colorful boats, and capture salt fields as farmers harvest white gold under the setting sun. Along the way, you’ll develop your photographic skills and knowledge, refining your own style, and come away with a portfolio of authentic images that captures the true essence of this diverse region of Vietnam.

Gods of the Sea is a premium photographic adventure holiday, and we’ll enjoy the best accommodation available. We’ll also taste the most delicious cuisine in a part of the world already renowned for its culinary excellence. We travel by spacious and comfortable minibus, with enough room to carry along our luggage and camera gear. At the same time, our close connection to the people of this region, deep friendships, and many years of experience give us unparalleled access to authentic local life and the area’s most stunning vistas. As working photographers and journalists,, we provide you with unique insights and knowledge about Vietnam and visual storytelling.

Expectations

Gods of the Sea offers a thrilling range of image opportunities, exploring a variety of styles. In bustling Saigon, expect to wander the narrow alleyways of Chinatown and the crumbling apartment blocks of The Colony, mixing with the locals while you capture dynamic street photography. Don’t miss the unique opportunity to try out some of Saigon’s famous street delicacies, in the company of our expert foodie guide.

Your tranquil boat trip in the mangroves of Can Gio offers chances for nature and wildlife photography, including images of birds in flight (bring that zoom). This is also a great spot to fly a drone, with dramatic footage of the meeting of coastline and sea.

At the Phuoc Hai Whale-Worshiping festival, we’ll be working on a detailed visual story, including images of the devotees and performers, and the wild, colorful, ritual celebrations. We’ll enjoy an unforgettable, local experience of the festival, giving us plenty of behind the scenes images as well

Heading north, we have peace and time to enjoy the seascapes at Mui Ne and Nui Chua national park, meaning a look at epic sunrise and sunset landscape photography using various shutter speeds.

Nha Trang is another culinary heaven, and we’ll be trying out some of the city’s famous recipes, like ‘Bo Ne’ sizzling steak and ‘Banh Xeo’ crispy shrimp pancakes.

Each day we’ll stop at salt farms, fishing markets, harbors and remote villages, enjoying the welcome of locals who rarely encounter foreign travelers, and giving us the joyful random encounters that make for dramatic travel photography and lifelong memories.

We take an initial holding deposit of $500 per person, which is non-refundable, unless Vietnam in Focus calls off the trip.

The remainder is due at least 3 months in advance of the departure date. This is also our latest date to confirm tour departure at this point, and guests can go ahead and book flights.

In the event that we have our minimum number of guests booked in for the tour earlier than 3 months before departure, we will confirm the tour, and guests are free to book their flights.

Your initial $500 reservation deposit is non-refundable, except in the event that Vietnam in Focus cancels the trip. The deposit can however be put towards a future trip with Vietnam in Focus.

If you cancel your booking with us, our cancellation policy includes the following fees and cut-off periods:

If canceling 90 to 61 days before departure, the guest is liable for 25% of the trip cost.

60 to 46 days before departure is 50% of the trip cost.

45-0 days prior to departure is 100% of the trip cost.

Vietnam in Focus run acclaimed photo tours throughout north, central and south Vietnam. We research, design and lead tours that help you to experience authentic local life as well as improve your photography. Whether you are a beginner, serious amateur or professional photographer, we can help you to capture incredible shots, and enjoy an unforgettable experience of this fascinating region.

Our team boast credits in The New York Times and Vice Magazine, among many other publications, meaning the knowledge we impart is top-level. Meanwhile, our tours have been recommended by Lonely Planet, The Guardian and Le Petit Fute, as well as rating five star at Trip Advisor since 2012. We’ve even led groups from National Geographic and the Travel Channel through Vietnam.

We also love to make a difference. We work with local NGOs like Peace House Shelter and Change Vietnam to raise awareness about social and environmental challenges in Vietnam.

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