Sunrise Photography Half-Day Tour in Saigon – Down in Chinatown
Explore Saigon’s vibrant Chinatown, Cho Lon, where a fusion of cultures thrives amidst Buddhist pagodas, French-influenced architecture, bustling street markets, and remnants of the city’s Chinese heritage. Capture the essence of daily life here through street photography techniques in this captivating labyrinth of history and culture.
Highlights
- Cultural Fusion: Explore Saigon’s Chinatown, where cultures collide in pagodas, French architecture, and bustling markets.
- Chinese Heritage: Discover Cho Lon’s Chinese legacy through Mandarin signs, dim sum stalls, and historic immigrant landmarks.
- Street Photography: Hone your skills in Chinatown’s vibrant streets, capturing daily life and rich traditions.
About this Experience
Itinerary
Saigon’s current incarnation as a hive of trade and cultural mixture is nothing new: this photographic wander through the city’s historic Chinatown reveals Buddhist pagodas, former French school and street markets selling everything you can imagine. The home of Saigon’s once-large ethnic Chinese community, ‘Cho Lon’ still bears traces of this history, with plenty of Mandarin signage, dim sum stalls and an assembly hall built by immigrants from the north. While navigating this bustling labyrinth of backstreets and temples, you’ll work on a variety of street photography techniques, and put together a series exploring daily life in Saigon’s atmospheric Chinatown.
- Group size: 4 people maximum
- Level: beginners to advanced
- Pick up & drop off: centrally located hotels
- Duration: from 6:00 AM to 10:00 AM
Our Community Leaders & Ambassadors
What's included
- Coffee or drink
- Breakfast for sunrise photography tours
- Pick-up and drop-off in centrally located hotels
- Transportation
- Photography guidance
- Photography booklet
What's not included
- Pick-up and drop-off in hotels far from the center of town
- Alcoholic drinks
- Lunch or dinner.
Important Information
- Any cameras being DSLR, hybrids, compacts and even smartphones are welcome as the tours are truly about composition and creativity.
- In terms of lenses, bring a prime lens (35 or 50mm) if you have and a standard zoom lens.
- You also need one or two fully-charged batteries and enough memory cards to go through the day.
- Besides camera gear, make sure you wear light, hot weather appropriate clothing and closed shoes for optimal comfort.
Book Today & Get Rewards
Book today and get 1 exclusive reward from our local brand partners. Limited Availability!
Book Now
$70
Customer Reviews
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I went on a private sunrise tour in Chinatown with Adrien. I chose him because his portfolio really speaks to me and is somewhat similar to mine, but on a much higher level. Before heading out with our cameras in hand, we sat down to have a coffee and talk about what I wanted to learn and get better at. This way Adrien could really help me target my weaknesses during the tour. He explains things very clearly and helps when necessary. I have learned so much and maybe more importantly, I had so much fun. Would highly recommend!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Adrien discovered what I wanted from the experience and tailored the morning to me. I absolutely loved learning this style of photography! I ended up with so many photos that I love and feel inspired to take more candid photography in general. Adrien taught me how to find the light in such a busy environment and how to find the story. I would recommend this to any photographer as it was one of my favourite Vietnam experiences!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Adrien met me outside my hotel at the agreed time. He was full of openness, kindness and great stories of his time in Ho Chi Minh City. This set the tone for the whole afternoon. Unusually for someone who is clearly a very fine photographer, he is also a very good teacher. He totally listened to my wish to find the absurdity and humour of street life in HCMC and adapted to where “I was at”. The day was filled with real texture of City street life but also of Adrien’s life and experiences in SE Asia. The contrasts and parallels with Europe and what he loved and enjoyed about his new home. He is exceptionally generous with his time and guidance and his passion for his home and the photographic art and science is obvious. For me it was an afternoon of exceptional sensory experiences and real photographic wisdom. So many new ideas, feelings and insights. For example riding passenger on Adrien’s scooter in the unique HCMC traffic while he imparts his observations on life is a wonder and not to be missed. I absolutely recommend this tour to all.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I spent 3.5 days with Adrien through the different neighborhoods of Saigon and it was a great experience that I recommend. Adrien is very educational, very patient and always enthusiastic, he shares his point of view, his techniques and his very varied photo spots with kindness. A great meeting! A great workshop!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I was delighted to meet Adrien, a very nice person. A passionate and competent man. I recommend all photography lovers to share a moment with him. A visit which allowed me to know how my camera works, to discover the many facets of photography and to start practicing in good conditions. A superb experience filled with good teaching, listening and sharing. Adrien accompanies you through all stages of the visit and helps you understand street photography. A pick-up from the hotel with drinks and meals included, in the heart of Vietnamese life, in short, real happiness. Thank you again for everything!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
We visited landscapes and cultural customs that are difficult for tourists to see. Adrien shares interesting photographic angles and perspectives on capturing light and shadow, and is friendly and genuine. Adrien is a bridge to help us better understand the city. He carefully read the shooting habits, ideas and preferences I provided in advance, which made me feel that this trip was specially arranged so that I could try to shoot images that I had rarely done before, and still maintain my photography hobbies.