QuirkyCruise Photo Essay: Vietnam’s Halong Bay & Hanoi

QuirkyCruise Photo Essay: Vietnam’s Halong Bay & Hanoi

Photographing Vietnam’s Halong Bay

By Lester V. Ledesma.

Award-winning photojournalist Lester V. Ledesma (www.skylightimages.info) has photographed Asia for two decades.

Updated March 2023

Nothing says “I’ve been there!” better than a set of awesome travel pictures. I’ve combined my love of photography and travel in a series of “PhotoTreks” to some of Asia’s most exotic destinations, including Vietnam, Bhutan, Myanmar, Philippines, Malaysia and Thailand.

One of my most popular offerings is a three-day Northern Vietnam PhotoTrek, which combines a one-night stay in Hanoi with a one-night overnight cruise in the UNESCO World Heritage waters of Halong Bay.

Photography and cultural immersion are the main goals of every PhotoTrek, and as such the group size is kept to a maximum of 12 people.

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The PhotoTreks cruise boat docks at one of the many islands in Halong Bay. Traditional wooden boats like these are offered by PhotoTreks’ partner Vega Travel. * Photo: Lester V. Ledesma

In Hanoi, enjoy the capital’s cozy cafes, ancient monuments and bustling street scene, with great photo ops around every corner.

With its craggy rock formations and moody mist, Halong Bay provides the perfect setting for taking stunning landscape photos. These experiences are complemented by informal photography discussions, giving shutterbugs the opportunity to improve their craft.

Hanoi-based Vega Travel provides one of its three mid-sized, traditional wooden cruise boats for the trip, and also books the hotel in Hanoi, such as the Hanoi Bao Khanh next to the Hoan Kiem Lake.

The Northern Vietnam PhotoTrek is ideal for weekend photography enthusiasts, and is offered to groups of 6-12 participants at around SGD$900 per person.

This price includes lodging, transport and meals, but excludes airfare and visa fees.

Below, enjoy some of Lester’s photography of his trips to Vietnam’s Halong Bay and Hanoi

small ship cruises in Halong Bay

Traditional Indochine patterns adorn one of the cruise boat cabins. Depending on the group size, ships used by PhotoTreks have five to seven fully furnished rooms. * Photo: Lester V. Ledesma

small ship cruises in Halong Bay

Dusk finds a fleet of boats moored at one of Halong Bay’s numerous coves. Participants learn basic photography techniques to help them capture the stunning sights. * Photo: Lester V. Ledesma




small ship cruises in Halong bay

The fiery hues of sunrise illuminate the karst formations of Halong Bay. The Northern Vietnam PhotoTreks itinerary is designed to bring participants to scenic spots at the best times of day. * Photo: Lester V. Ledesma

small ship cruises in halong bay

From a scenic vantage point, PhotoTreks participants greet the sunrise at Halong Bay with their cameras. * Photo: Lester V. Ledesma

small ship cruises in Vietnam

Traditional wooden boats and modern kayaks float side by side in Halong Bay. The Halong Bay cruise features different photographic subjects ranging from landscapes to local life. * Photo: Lester V. Ledesma

small ships cruises in Vietnam

This trio of rice farmers was photographed during a stopover en route to the shores of Halong Bay. * Photo: Lester V. Ledesma

small ship cruises in Vietam

Hanoi’s bustling street scene is a street photographer’s dream. * Photo: Lester V. Ledesma




small ship cruises in Vietnam

Three generations of Hanoians relax at Hoan Kiem Lake. PhotoTreks participants get to fine-tune their people photography skills, among many other aspects of the craft. * Photo: Lester V. Ledesma

small ship cruises in Vietnam

A group of ladies practice tai chi moves at dawn by the Hoan Kiam Lake in Hanoi. Cultural immersion and photography are the main goals of every PhotoTreks trip. * Photo: Lester V. Ledesma

small ship cruises in Vietnam

Vendors in Hanoi rush to bring their merchandise to the market before sunrise. * Photo: Lester V. Ledesma

RELATED: 12 reasons to do a Vietnam Halong Bay & Red River cruise with Pandaw.

Interested in a photography trip Vietnam’s Halong Bay and Hanoi with Lester?

Here is a link to Lester’s website for more info.

Award-winning photojournalist Lester V. Ledesma (www.skylightimages.info) has photographed Asia for two decades, and his work appears in numerous international publications.

Or do you want to go to Halong Bay on your own?

Check out what Vega Travels offers HERE.

RELATED: A reader reviews their short Vega Travels Halong Bay cruise.

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About The Author

QuirkyCruise

Ted & Heidi are long-time travel writers with a penchant for small ship cruising. Between them they've traveled all over the world aboard hundreds and hundreds of small cruise ships of all kinds, from river boats to expedition vessels and sailing ships.

2 Comments

  1. Roy

    Very nice indeed! What a wonderful way to spend a weekend.

    Reply
  2. Heidi

    I’d love to do this trip!

    Reply

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