Is this for me?
YES if you are:
- A lover of beauty, travel and photography, keen to learn about new photography opportunities, tips and tricks and be guided to spectacular locations to create long-lasting images while enjoying the company of like-minded people
- Looking for a small group (maximum of 10) where everyone is given individual attention, guidance and tuition.
Details
Where will we go?
This holiday is in north / central Vietnam covering busy and colourful Hanoi, stunning Halong Bay, picturesque UNESCO world heritage Hoi An and historic Hue
Hanoi, Halong Bay, Hoi An, Hue await!
The capital of Vietnam and former centre of the French Indochina, Hanoi is a bustling town offering a great introduction to an amazing country. The historic sites, busy roads, street food, colourful night markets delight all senses and afford numerous photographic opportunities.
Halong Bay will amaze you with its vast natural beauty and limestone karst mountains emerging from the water. Life will slow down for a couple of days as we will cruise around this breathtaking UNESCO world heritage site on board a comfortable ‘junk’ boat, taking it all in and creating some amazing images.
Arguably Vietnam’s most atmospheric and picturesque town, chic Hoi An, once a major port, is today an oasis of culture and tradition and a perfect place for quiet exploration and photographic experiences. If you’re a foodie, you will be spoiled for choice as Vietnamese dishes cooked to perfection with the freshest ingredients are the norm in almost every eatery we will stop at.
Our tour includes a day trip to Hue. On the banks of the Perfume River, former imperial capital of Vietnam Hue will transport us back in time as we visit and photograph what remains of the Imperial City and its Forbidden Palace. As an added bonus, the trip to and from Hue will take us through the famous Hai Van Pass, affording spectacular coastal views which, of course, we will stop to admire and immortalise on camera.
We are currently working on scheduling our 2020 trip, likely to take place in November.
Register your interest HERE to be kept in the loop when all details are finalised.
What’s included?
- Single occupancy accommodation with breakfast for our entire trip (for Halong Bay accommodation will be on board a boat for one night with all meals included)
- Transfers to and from hotel / airport (Hanoi for arrivals and Da Nang for departures)
- Day trip to Hue (from Hoi An)
- All transport as required while on the tour
- Group and individual photography instruction, reviews and feedback by Matt and Andreea of Light and Imagination UK.
What’s not included?
- International and internal travel to get to Hanoi and back from Da Nang
- Travel Visas (if required)
- Meals or drinks other than specified
- Shopping and personal extras
- Travel and medical insurance (required)
What can I expect in terms of photography tuition?
Each day, Matt and Andreea, experienced UK photographers and founders of Light and Imagination, will be offering individual and group advice tailored to the needs of the group (which will be assessed during pre-trip consultations and on Day 1 of the tour).
We will run short workshops or 1:1 sessions to teach you various techniques and how to use certain equipment. These will be brief and mostly on-location, so we make the most of our time in Vietnam – they will also be relevant to the photographic opportunities presented to us on the day.
We will offer as much or as little tuition and advice as you want so the tour caters for all levels of experience. All workshops, tips and tricks or feedback sessions are of course entirely optional – it’s not a boot camp! We will always be available to help you with your shots and camera through the day on all days except any free time as stated in the itinerary. You can just ask Matt and Andreea for help on an ad-hoc basis or schedule individual sessions that provide more focussed opportunities to review your work or receive advice on anything you’re struggling with.
What can I expect on the ground?
Accommodation:
For Hanoi and Hoi An we will be staying in local independent hotels within walking distance of the old town centres. Halong Bay will see us on a 1-night boat trip, again with beautiful and comfortable accommodation onboard.
Our price is based on single room occupancy therefore there will be no single supplement to be paid on top of the advertised tour price. The advertised price also includes all local taxes and fees, so again, no extras or hidden costs!
Meals:
Included in the tour price is breakfast at the hotel. Other meals are not included in the price but we will be dining together (if you wish!) for the majority of the tour. We are spoiled for choice in Vietnam!
Physical activity level:
There will be some walking involved as well as stairs to climb at a couple of locations. As there are two photographers on the trip, we have the flexibility of splitting the group if necessary, so we can tailor the level of physical activity as needed. If you have any mobility or health concerns please do speak to us to ensure you will be able to safely enjoy the trip.
Weather:
May is summer time in Northern and central Vietnam so expect hot days with average temperatures of 30°C). Make sure you bring adequate clothing, footwear and sun protection.
What to bring:
Photographic equipment: Camera(s), Batteries, Chargers, Travel adaptors (suitable for Laos), Lenses, Tripod, Filters, Flashes (if you have them and want to use them), Memory Cards, Laptop for back up and editing, ideally with Lightroom installed if you wish to receive any Lightroom editing tuition or feedback during the trip. A sturdy camera bag, preferably a rucksack and not a trolley case for the days we are out and about.
Medication and essentials: Please ensure you bring any medication you require, plus we recommend having a small personal medical kit containing essentials.
Clothing and footwear: Pack suitable clothes for a hot, possibly rainy, summer day. As we may be walking a lot, comfortable walking shoes are a must, as are rainproof clothes (and covers for your equipment) but also sun protection.
Once you decide to book your trip, we will provide a consultation to facilitate planning and packing!
Prices for 2020 currently being finalised
Contact us to be the first one to hear when dates and prices are confirmed.
Light and Imagination Photography Holidays
Booking Terms and Conditions
- Our contract
All bookings are made with Light and Imagination. By booking a trip with us you are deemed to have agreed to these Booking Conditions (which constitutes the entire agreement between you and us) and your booking will be accepted by us on this basis. The services to be provided are those referred to in your booking confirmation invoice.
- Validity
Dates, itineraries and prices are valid from publishing time until the end of the booking period for each individual holiday.
- Deposit requirement
You are required to pay a deposit of a percentage of your trip as indicated on the website and on your invoice per person per trip. Your booking is not confirmed until that deposit payment is made. If your booking is made within 60 days of the departure date then the full amount is payable at the time of booking.
- Acceptance of booking and final payments
If we accept your booking we will issue a confirmation invoice. A contract will exist between us from the date we receive payment into our bank account or within 7 days of departure the contract will exist when we accept your payment. Please refer to your booking confirmation invoice for details regarding final payments. Payment of the balance of the trip price is due 90 days before the departure date. If this balance is not paid on or before the due date we reserve the right to treat your booking as cancelled.
- Your details
In order for us to confirm your travel arrangements you must provide all requested details with the balance of the trip price. Necessary details include full name as per passport, date of birth, nationality, passport number, passport issue and expiry date and any pre-existing medical conditions you have which may affect your ability to complete your travel arrangements. We also require you to complete and forward a Self-Assessment form. Your booking cannot be confirmed without provision of these details.
- Cancellation by the traveller
If you cancel some or all portions of your booking cancellation fees will apply. A cancellation will only be effective when we receive written confirmation of the cancellation. If you cancel a trip:
- 14 days after booking we will return your deposit minus any bank charges we have had to pay.
- between 14 days after booking and 90 days prior to departure, we will retain 100% of the deposit paid.
- less than 90 days prior to departure, we will retain 100% of all monies paid by you in connection with the booking.
You are strongly advised to take out cancellation insurance at the time of booking which will cover cancellation fees. If you leave a trip for any reason after it has commenced we are not obliged to make any refunds for unused services.
- Cancellation by Light and Imagination
We may cancel a trip at any time up to 90 days before departure, subject to clause 13. We may cancel a trip at any time prior to departure if, due to terrorism, natural disasters, political instability or other external events it is not viable for us to operate the planned itinerary. If we cancel your trip, you can transfer amounts paid to an alternate departure date or alternatively receive a full refund. In circumstances where the cancellation is due to external events outside our reasonable control, refunds will be less any unrecoverable costs. We are not responsible for any incidental expenses that you may have incurred as a result of your booking including but not limited to visas, vaccinations, travel insurance excess or non-refundable flights.
- Inclusions
The price of your trip includes:
– all accommodation as listed in the Itinerary for your chosen trip
– all transport listed in the Itinerary for your chosen trip
– entrance fees and meals as listed in the Itinerary for your chosen trip
For other inclusions please refer to the specific itinerary.
- Exclusions
The price of your trip does not include:
– international or internal flights unless specified in the Itinerary for your chosen trip airport
– taxes and excess baggage charges unless specified
– meals other than those specified in the Itinerary for your chosen trip
– visa and passport fees
– travel insurance
– optional activities and all personal expenses
– tips for local staff
For other exclusions please refer to the specific itinerary.
- Prices
All prices are quoted in GBP
- Age & Health requirements
Minimum General Policy: The minimum age for children is 12. All travellers under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult who is responsible for the child’s day-to-day care. Please note we cannot guarantee triple or joining rooms for families;
Maximum General Policy: We have no upper age limit, though we remind you that our trips can be physically demanding and a Self-Assessment Health form is required for all passengers.
We are able to provide details on mandatory health requirements; however, we are not medical experts. It is your responsibility to ensure that you obtain proper and detailed medical advice at least two months prior to travel for the latest health requirements, recommendations for your destination and any costs. Where you do not seek advice and either are not allowed to enter any country, or suffer personal injury or death as a result, we have no liability to you for any cost, loss or damage that you suffer nor will we refund you the cost of any unused portion of your travel arrangements.
- Small groups
Our trips are guaranteed to depart once the minimum number of travellers has been reached (usually 5 – please refer to specific holiday for details). The maximum number of travellers per holiday is 10. When confirming your booking after payment of a deposit is received, we will confirm the cut-off date when we can inform you that the holiday is definitely going ahead (this is when the minimum number of bookings has been reached), no later than 90 days before scheduled departure date. We reserve the right to cancel the holiday if the minimum group number has not been reached – in which case clause 7 will apply. Check your specific holiday details for more information.
- Passport and visas
You must carry a valid passport and have obtained all of the appropriate visas, permits and certificates for the countries in which you will visit during your trip. Your passport must be valid for six months beyond the duration of the trip. It is your responsibility to ensure that you are in possession of the correct visas, permits and certificates for your trip. We are not responsible if you are refused entry to a country because you lack the correct passport, visa or other travel documentation.
- Travel insurance
Travel insurance is compulsory for all Light and Imagination travellers and should be taken out at the time of booking. Your travel insurance must provide cover against personal accident, death, medical expenses and emergency repatriation. We also strongly recommend it covers cancellation, curtailment, personal liability and loss of luggage and personal effects. You must provide proof of your travel insurance on or before the first day of your trip; you will not be able to join the trip without it.
- Flexibility
You appreciate and acknowledge that the nature of this type of travel requires considerable flexibility and you should allow for alternatives. The itinerary provided for each trip is representative of the types of activities contemplated but it is understood that the route, schedules, itineraries, amenities and mode of transport may be subject to alteration without prior notice due to local circumstances or events.
- Change of itinerary
While we endeavour to operate all trips as described, we reserve the right to change the trip itinerary. Please refer to our website before departure for the most recent updates to your itinerary.
Before departure: If we make a major change we will inform you as soon as reasonably possible, if there is time to do so before departure. The definition of a major change is deemed to be a change affecting at least one day in five of the itinerary.
After departure: We reserve the right to change an itinerary after departure due to local circumstances or events outside of our control. In such emergency circumstances the additional cost of any necessary itinerary alterations will be covered by you. Please note we are not responsible for any incidental expenses that may be incurred as a result of the change of itinerary such as visas, vaccinations or non-refundable flights.
Please also make sure you have access to an additional GBP500, to be used when unforeseen incidents or circumstances outside our control (e.g. a natural disaster, civil unrest, strike action or an outbreak of bird flu) necessitate a change to our planned route.
- Authority on tour
Our group trips are run by a tour leader. The decision of the tour leader is final on all matters likely to affect the safety or well-being of any person participating in the trip. If you fail to comply with a decision made by a tour leader, or interfere with the wellbeing or mobility of the group, the tour leader may direct you to leave the trip immediately, with no right of refund. We may also elect not to carry you on any future trips booked. You must at all times comply with the laws, customs, foreign exchange and drug regulations of all countries visited, and you also agree to travel in accordance with responsible travel guidelines.
- Acceptance of risk
You acknowledge that the nature of the trip is adventurous and participation involves a degree of personal risk. You will be visiting places where the political, cultural and geographical attributes may present dangers and physical challenges greater than those present in your daily lives.
We use information from government foreign departments and reports from our own contacts in assessing whether the itinerary should operate. However, it is also your own responsibility to acquaint yourself with all possible relevant travel information and the nature of your itinerary. You acknowledge that your decision to travel is made in light of consideration of this information and you accept that you are aware of the personal risks attendant upon such travel.
- Limitation of liability
We contract with a network of companies, government agencies and individuals to assist in the running of our trips as agent for these third parties. We are not responsible for the acts and omissions of these third parties.
To the fullest extent permitted by law:
- liability for any loss, death, injury or damage which you may suffer (directly or indirectly) in connection with or arising out of your participation in a trip, or any breach of the Booking Conditions, is excluded.
• you release us and our officers, employees, agents and representatives from any liability and expressly waive any claims you may have against us arising out of or in connection with your participation in a trip.
• any condition or warranty which would otherwise be implied by law into these Booking Conditions (Implied Warranty), is excluded.
To the extent an Implied Warranty cannot be excluded, our liability in respect of the Implied Warranty is limited to (in our absolute discretion): (i) the provision of a similar trip to an equivalent value; or (ii) a refund of the total amount received by us from you in connection with your booking.
Any claim by you is excluded to the extent that it is for indirect or consequential loss, loss of profits or economic loss, however it arises, or for indirect, special, punitive or exemplary damages.
- Optional activities
Optional activities not included in the trip price do not form part of the trip or this contract. You accept that any assistance given by your tour leader or local representative in arranging optional activities does not render us liable for them in any way. The contract for the provision of that activity will be between you and the activity provider.
- Claims & complaints
If you have a complaint about your trip please inform your tour leader at the time in order that they can attempt to rectify the matter. If satisfaction is not reached through these means then any further complaint should be put in writing to us within 30 days of the end of the tour.
- Severability
In the event that any term or condition contained in these Booking Conditions is unenforceable or void by operation of law or as being against public policy or for any other reason, then such term or condition shall be deemed to be severed from this contract or amended accordingly only to such extent necessary to allow all remaining terms and conditions to survive and continue as binding.
- Privacy policy
Any personal information that we collect about you may be used for any purpose associated with the operation of a trip or to send you marketing material in relation to our events and special offers. The information may be disclosed to our agents, service providers or other suppliers to enable us to operate the trip.
- Applicable law
The laws of United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland govern these Booking Conditions to the fullest extent allowable. Any disputes in connection with a trip or these Booking Conditions must be initiated in the courts of UK.
- Registered address
Light and Imagination is a UK Limited Company registered with the Companies House on 7th April 2016, registration number 10111271 operating from offices at 82 High Street Whitstable, KENT, CT5 1AZ.
Here at Light and Imagination we take our obligations seriously and always consider the impact of our business. As such we have responsible travel policy. You can find a copy of it here. Please click the button below to view or download a copy of our policy.
Thanks, Matt and Andreea.
Full Itinerary
Day 1: Hanoi
Your adventure starts here! We will collect you from the airport and take you to our hotel (or meet us straight there if you are already in Vietnam!). Once you are settled in your room and had a chance to unpack, we host an introduction meeting in the afternoon / evening (depending on everyone’s flight schedule we will keep the timings flexible and will confirm closer to the time). We recognise that the group will be at different levels and skills. On this afternoon / evening we can discuss what level you are at with your Photography. This will enable us to work out how much / what type of support you will need to make the most from this trip.
Day 2: Hanoi – Street life
In the morning, we will have breakfast together and then head out to take in the hustle and bustle of Hanoi and its vibrant street life. If you have never been to Vietnam, crossing the road will be quite an experience, as traffic and pedestrians interweave in a slow motion that is mesmerising to watch – and photograph! – and, believe it or not, perfectly safe!
Day 3: Street Food and French Heritage
Hanoi’s diverse and often tumultuous history is embedded in its architecture, street life and food, and there are many attractions to visit and photograph! For the foodies amongst you, we are proposing a street food tour which will of course afford many food and street photography opportunities.
In the afternoon we will take a stroll through Hanoi’s French quarter. No Hanoi visit is complete without a traditional water puppet show, and there are plenty to choose from (most claiming they are the ‘original’). If everyone is in agreement we will see a show this evening and – with cameras on silent – have a go at low-light photography whilst we’re there.
It’s an early start tomorrow so we will have to be all packed and ready to go, as Halong Bay awaits!
Day 4: Halong Bay
We transfer from Hanoi to Halong Bay via a private mini bus that will take around 3.5 hours, as today we start our exciting boat trip cruising along the astonishing Halong Bay area. Once settled on our lovely comfortable boat with ensuite rooms and meals cooked on board by the crew, it’s time to sit back, relax and enjoy the views!
Throughout this trip Matt and Andreea will guide you through photo opportunities available and offer as much tuition, support and feedback as you need.
Day 5: Halong Bay
Wake up early to admire the sun rise and photograph the karst peaks emerging from water in the best light. Today we continue our journey sailing through beautiful Halong Bay and will be stopping along the way for more photographic opportunities from the shore. Once our cruise is over we return to Hanoi to fly to our next destination Hoi An.
Day 6: Hoi An
This is arguably Vietnam’s most atmospheric town, and a delight to see and photograph during the day and the night. This morning is free time to give everyone a chance to catch up with saving their photos, go for a swim and chill after the busy schedule of the first few days.
In the afternoon we take a stroll through the old town for some street photography, visit the market and some other historic buildings and sample some local delicacies along the way. In the evening we will be meeting again for some night photography and long exposures, as Hoi An lights up and provides many beautiful photographic opportunities with its paper lanterns and brightly lit historic houses along the river.
Day 7: Hue
This morning we are heading up to the imperial city of Hue, and we’re taking the scenic route! We will travel through the world-famous Hai Van Pass, allegedly the most beautiful road in Vietnam – Top Gear enthusiasts will remember it was featured in their Vietnam special! The mountain meets the sea as this road meanders along the coast and the views are spectacular. Of course, we will schedule in enough stops for photos!
We arrive in Hue – a city in central Vietnam that was the seat of Nguyen Dynasty emperors from 1802 to 1945 and hence Vietnam’s ‘imperial’ capital. We stop for lunch and Vietnamese coffee after our journey then we will visit the Imperial Citadel and its Forbidden City.
Day 8: Hoi An – countryside
Today we take a trip to the countryside surrounding Hoi An for some lovely images of traditional village living. Water buffaloes, traditional round boats (if you want, you might get the opportunity to have a go at manoeuvring one!) with lots of street photography opportunities. We return to Hoi An for an evening celebratory dinner courtesy of us!
Day 9: Hoi An
Today we say good-bye to beautiful Hoi An! Until the next time! Those of you returning home or continuing the journey on your own will be transferred to Da Nang airport for your onward journey. If you are booked to continue your South-East Asian adventure with us in Cambodia (see here for details), we fly to Siem Reap direct from Da Nang.