Hmong girls at Can Cau dominical market
Visited places: Hanoi, Lao Cai, Muong Khuong, Bac Ha
Tour Theme/Activity: Adventure, Ethnic market, Ethnic villages, Idyllic countryside, Stunning rice terraces, Off-the-beaten track, Photography

The photo tour to Muong Khuong – Can Cau – Bac Ha is a photography adventure bringing you on a journey through the less seen corners of Vietnam for 3 days, 2 nights. The trip departs every Friday from Hanoi.

Photo Tour to Muong Khuong, Can Cau, Bac Ha Overview

A little Hmong girl at Can Cau Market attracted by the new clothesOn the tour, we will shoot photos of imposing mountains in the far north of Vietnam, local ethnic people in their
authentic daily life, the colorful weekend markets of Can Cau and Bac Ha. For beginners, our photography guide will assist you with necessary knowledge and help with to practice basic skills for landscape & people photography. At the end of each day, we will have time for photo reviews and critiques. Throughout the trip, you will learn how to make each of your photos tell a story. The equipment needed for the trip will be informed upon booking.

In early May, local ethnic people start transplanting rice in the hill-side terraces and valleys, and you will add to your album animating photos of local people at work, of flooded terraces illuminated by reflection light. In October, the hillside terraces and valleys turn into golden colors when the rice ripens you will get stunning photos of a life time of rice fields. Paradissa does have special departures which feature these two golden occasions.Mountains at Si Ma Cai

The pace of travel is moderate and accommodations are at homestay at Muong Khuong and at a hotel at Bac Ha. All meals on the trip are included.

{Inclusions
English-speaking tour guide/photography guide;
Twin/double-sharing accommodations;
Private transfer by car;
Meals at local restaurants;
Admission fees and permits for the visits on itinerary;
}
{Exclusions
Insurance of any types;
Others not mentioned as included above.
}

Detailed itinerary

Day1 ( Friday ) Hanoi – Lao Cai – Muong Khuong (B/L/D)A Hmong family at Can Cau Market is trying to haggle for a few chemical bags

0800 A.M Depart Hanoi on the Expressway for Lao Cai where the road winds up and reveals before your eyes the captivating less seen landscape of Lao Cai. Lunch at a local restaurant. Arriving at Muong Khuong, check into the homestay/lodge and have time to shoot the beautiful mountains and valleys near the Chinese border.
Overnight at Muong Khuong.

Day2 ( Saturday ) Muong Khuong – Can Cau Market – Bac Ha (B/L/D)

Breakfast at the lodge/homestay.
0600 A.M Depart on an inspirational high mountain road for a sensational Can Cau Market of which the gathering is on Saturday morning only. Ethnic people from different groups such as Hmong, Dao, Tay, Giay,... dressed up in beautiful traditional costumes come here from the surrounding villages. The goods include horses, water buffaloes, traditional brocades, agricultural produce... We have 2 hours shooting people at the market and having amazing cultural encounters, then depart for the hotel in Bac Ha. Lunch at a local restaurant.A young Hmong mother at Can Cau, it seems her first time selling vegetables here

In the afternoon, shooting photos of mountains and villages outside of Bac Ha Town.
Overnight at Bac Ha.

Day3 ( Sunday ) Bac Ha Sunday Market/Bac Ha – Hanoi (B/L)

Breakfast at the hotel.
Have 2 hours visiting the colorful market of Bac Ha. More opportunity to hone your photography skills and overcome your fear to take photos of people. Things might have been too overwhelming for you at the Can Cau Market, but not today. Then we get back to the hotel for the check-out and early lunch. After lunch, road trip back to Hanoi.

 

Buffalo Market at Can Cau
Buffalo Market at Can Cau

 

 

An Old Hmong lady at Can Cau
An Old Hmong lady at Can Cau critiquing the clothes she's trying to purchase

 

 

A young Hmong girl selling clothes at Can Cau
A young Hmong girl selling clothes at Can Cau, relaxing after a session with harsh clients

 

 

Two Hmong girls at Can Cau Market
Two Hmong girls at Can Cau Market, the one in red is trying to talk nicely of her goods

 

 

Hmong costumes at Can Cau Market
Hmong costumes at Can Cau Market

 

 

Hmong ladies at Can Cau
Hmong ladies at Can Cau, start of a trading day: let's mile for a great day!

 

 

Souvenirs at Can Cau Sunday Market
Souvenirs at Can Cau Sunday Market