When I wrote my last blog post on this platform, I was on my flight to Southeast Asia. On my way to join my group as an accompanying photographer for my photo-travel workshop in Vietnam, after a first exploratory trip. This project, in collaboration with my partner Terres d'aventure, turned out to be an incredibly enjoyable experience. I love this type of support, as it allows me to share my photojournalistic field experience and, above all, my boundless passion for travel photography.
This passion was born when I was a teenager. At that time, I made the choice not to be distracted by the introduction of other mediums along the way. As much as I love video production, my passion for photography is so great that I simply wanted to push the boundaries of this visual language as far as possible. This deep commitment to the medium allows me more than ever to explore the different spheres of this fabulous craft. Worldwide advertising and corporate photography, fine art photography, photojournalism and travel photography are all areas in which I am developing as a creator. My years of collaboration with National Geographic have also enabled me to put my expertise to the test on engaging projects in the upper echelons of the profession. I often say that to succeed and last in this business, you have to be as good at business as you are at photography.
Despite my boundless love of professional photography, I've been a disciple of what's known as the popular F.I.R.E. movement, whose acronym stands for “financial independence, retire early.” Three years ago, I turned 40 and my F.I.R.E. disciple reached its culmination: “freedom 40”. I've made what we call “work” optional. What does this form of “modern retirement” mean, when you love what you do? It's a liberating state of mind. But above all, it allows me to reconnect with my passions and/or the projects I've put on hold...
As far as I'm concerned, “slow travel” photojournalism and conducting international travel photo workshops are two activities that I kept putting off, because their profitability is subjective. When you're an “entrepreneur”, profitability is at the heart of your priorities when evaluating projects. Today, the definition of the word “profitability” can become much more flexible and is filled with gentle subtleties... Like many destinations, Vietnam was on my long list of subjects to explore in “slow travel” that I kept putting off since I always had a more pressing business project. Two years ago, on an ordinary weekday evening, my wife and I spontaneously decided to book flights to Hanoi. Departing a month and a half later, we immediately plunged into preparations for a trip that would last at least 8 weeks. Plenty of time to immerse ourselves in the culture of this destination, to make strategic contacts and, above all, to scout for my future photo-travel workshops.
One of my biggest headaches was deciding what to bring... Everything had to fit into a small 18-liter backpack that would be attached around my chest, along with a 38-liter backpack so that we could pass them in the cabin on our main flights and eventually, on local flights to our destination. Every travel photographer knows that it's hard to bring everything with you... Some countries take a dim view of someone who arrives with a lot of photographic artillery. It can even become problematic. And above all, there's the risk of theft. The last thing you want is to become a flashy target...
A ton of memory cards, a MacBook Air and an external power supply completed my photo equipment. Only a few sets of clothes due to lack of space. A good poncho, a “lifestraw” for water purification in case of emergency and the usual medicines. To save a little space, I decided to leave my tripod at home. Even my smallest carbon-fiber one. With today's stabilization, it's possible to work miracles!
During this 8-week stay, some photographs stood out from the thousands I captured. Some were landscapes, others were chance encounters with people, and some were street shots, taken on the spur of the moment. Here are my seven favorite moments from my stay in dragon country.
Halong Bay Land
After a very intense stay, leaving Hanoi is a real relief. Our driver picks us up from the hotel and we head for a surprising region, Halong Bay Land, about two hours' drive to the south. Like Halong Bay, where we'll be heading later, this one is characterized by the same limestone karst peaks that rise up not in the middle of the ocean, but in numerous rice paddies. One of the most popular ways to discover them is by traditional boat along the winding courses of the area's small rivers. Shortly after my arrival, I met a guide by the name of Bôn, which means “bonds”. In an old American Air Force Jeep dating from the Vietnam War, we made our way to the trailhead that would take us into the jungle. After thirty minutes in his presence, we tasted, smelled and touched most of the plants along the trail. With his khaki outfit, you don't want to drag your feet too much, as it's easy to lose sight of him in this dense, monochrome vegetation. What's more, he's a real giggler. I ask him if he'll let me paint his portrait. Without delay, he gives me his consent with a burst of laughter…
Halong Bay
After a stay in land-based Halong Bay, I'm off to Bai Tu Long Bay. While over 500 boats, hotels and cruises can be found in the famous Halong Bay, the Bai Tu Long Bay is home to just twenty or so boats. The latter venture out to spend the night between 600 limestone karst islands and islets, as the area is much quieter. So I opted for an overnight stay on the Dragon's Pearl, a Chinese junk-style hotel boat with less than 10 cabins. The weather was rainy as we left port. A bit disappointing, but hard to predict when booking. Nevertheless, I remain optimistic. Coco, our guide, explains the program in a warm, military tone, punctuated by little jokes and a few laughs. Cave exploration, sea kayaking and a hearty meal make up the program. Otherwise, for me, the highlight was the sunset over the bay. Against all odds, the sun joined us in a myriad of warm colors. Satisfied with my photo, I stay on deck until nightfall. I enjoy a magical moment of sailing between the massive silhouettes of the islands, all under the glow of an almost full moon!
Cat Ba Island
DJI Mini 3 Pro
1/500 | f/1.7 | ISO 100
On a hot, sweltering day, just before sunset, my wife and I decided to hike to the top of Navy Peak. Leaving from the rustic village of Viet Hai, we set off at 3pm, thinking we were on a simple stroll through the national park. When we bought access to a hut in the middle of the jungle, the warden presented me with his cell phone with the Translation app open. It reads: "Watch out for the electric wire on the way up. Which makes perfect sense, because as you climb a very steep ascent, you have to step over, under and around “veritable noodle dishes” dangling and hanging rudimentarily from the branches. To complete the picture, “Danger of death by electrocution” signs dot the trail. The heat and humidity have us sweating profusely. We climb the rocks through the roots at a steady pace. The sun sets at 5:30 p.m. after all. A brief moment of discouragement follows... We pass two hikers and learn that we're twenty minutes from our goal. After an even steeper climb, we finally reached the summit. The view over Halong Bay is breathtaking in the last ray. But we'll have to descend by headlamp…
In the heart of Lung Phinh's ethnic market
Canon EOS RP + RF 50mm F/1.8 STM
1/500 | f/1.7 | ISO 100
After a superb holiday of hiking and sightseeing in the Sa Pa region, I decided to head into the hinterland of northern Vietnam. My search for a place to stay led me to Bac Ha, a small town known for being rarely visited by tourists, with the exception of Sundays when the ethnic minority market is held. As far as I'm concerned, I'm more or less interested in the latter, since my aim is to go to the Lung Phinh market, renowned for its authenticity. Trung, my local guide, arranges to meet me the next morning at 6am. We set off in his little Suzuki Jeep, which wears the weight of years, but still negotiates the bumpy road with confidence. Lung Phinh is just a few kilometers away. We're now in showers and high altitude fog. He drops me off in front of a disorganized gathering of mopeds and a colorful crowd. Dressed in their finest for the occasion, the H'Mông, Hoa, Giáy, Tày, Nùng and Phù ethnic groups gather here. These weekly markets are a unique opportunity to meet, exchange and share. Not far from this busy place, I meet by chance a woman who candidly accepts to be photographed. It turned out to be my favorite photo of the day!
Cao bang and its mysterious mountain
DJI Mini 3 Pro
1/640 | f/1.7 | ISO 100
After an interesting cultural immersion stay in north-western Vietnam, we arrived at the Cao Bang region. The famous Ban Gioc waterfall is one of the region's notorious attractions. Its banks are shared by China on one side and Vietnam on the other. It is the largest waterfall in Vietnam. As far as I'm concerned, I'm more attracted by the mysterious mountain. What's more, this place is much less touristy. Nui Thung Mountain is nicknamed “Angel Eye”. This karst limestone peak, located 70 km from the falls, features a huge cavity at its center. Limestone concretions, i.e. mineral masses formed by precipitation around a fragment of material, form in the upper vault of the cavern. This phenomenon lends the place a spectacular ambience. When I visited under a light drizzle, the ground was particularly muddy. The reddish earth sticks to the soles like clay. My driver, a connoisseur of the area, brought along some cardboard boxes to save his carpets. As I hike, I discover a spectacular natural setting. Varied relief as far as the eye can see, set against a backdrop of fog, inspires me. At one point, I sensed a window of opportunity to take my photo. The fog positions itself perfectly, creating a scene that seems straight out of a movie.
The eternal Hoi An
Canon EOS RP + RF 28mm F/2.8 STM
1/80 | f/2.8| ISO 2500
Despite a rather unfavorable weather forecast, I took a domestic flight from the north of Vietnam to the center. The rainy season is not yet over. Consequently, it's a risk to discover Hôi An under a cloud cover. This city of 120,000 inhabitants is one of Quang Nam province's historic jewels. It's an open-air museum. The old town, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1999, is characterized by its traditional architecture and yellow facades. Life here flows at a very different pace. Here, there are no congested arteries overrun by mopeds! Instead, pedestrians enjoy the peace and quiet of streets where they can walk freely. The area is surrounded by water, an omnipresent natural element in Hôi An. The Thu Bon River is the scene of a highly visual spectacle at dusk... The famous lantern-lit boat trips have a unique character. After a fascinating walk through the narrow streets and alleyways of the old town, I head for the banks of the river. Although sought after by many tourists, the spectacle is well worth the detour. The symphony of lights waltzing in the twilight is an immense feast for the eyes!
Saigon
Canon EOS RP + RF 50mm F/1.8 STM
1/160 | f/4 | ISO 2500
It's impossible not to visit Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known by the evocative name of Saigon. Although Hanoi is the country's capital, Ho Chi Minh City is more densely populated, with 9.3 million inhabitants in 2023. So it's no surprise to find ourselves in an electrifying urban city teeming with dynamism and development. As we settle into our hotel, the receptionist recommends that we enjoy the evening on the famous Bui Vien street, nicknamed “Backpacker street”. As luck would have it when booking online, this street is only a block away. The six-lane boulevard we have to cross reminds us of the complexity of getting around Vietnamese cities. But after seven weeks in the country, we go straight ahead, eyes closed, through the stream of hundreds of speeding mopeds. Finally, the pedestrian crossing awaits us on the other side. Backpacker Street, 1,400 metres long, lies at the heart of District 1. Often compared to Bangkok's Khao San in Thailand, this artery is energetic and entertaining. Nevertheless, I preferred to venture into the side streets, which are home to some superb, authentic little restaurants.
Canon EOS RP + RF 28mm F/2.8 STM
1/160 | f/8| ISO 100
Canon EOS RP + RF 50mm F/1.8 STM
1/250 | f/5.6 | ISO 250
Conclusion
This trip was undoubtedly one of the most beautiful of my life. Having to return is both sad and exciting, since I know for a fact that I'll be back in this magnificent country in the coming months for other photo-travel workshops...
For those interested in a photographic experience in Vietnam, my next photo-travel workshop is scheduled from September 21 to October 4, 2025.
For more information on the itinerary: https://www.terdav.ca/ps-vietnam/rn-hanoi-baie-halong/tp-circuit-accompagne/at-photographie/viec02--lumieres-vietnam-mathieu-dupuis
 | Mathieu Dupuis Professional photographer, book author and travel columnist for many years, I travel the world in search of subjects for my stories. From grandiose landscapes to substantive subjects, I multiply collaborations in order to discover and make people discover the world around us. My stock images are available for licensing for various commercial applications as well as for reproductions in the form of fine art prints. |
