Overview
As Ho Chi Minh City rapidly modernises, one thing remains constant—life along the edges of the Saigon River. In the adjoining canals, riverboats still ply a route to and from the great Mekong, as they have for centuries. Join us in this bustling waterworld, where you’ll find photographic opportunities unlike anywhere else in the city. We start out with a canal-side wander to capture photos of working river life. Tugboats arrive here carrying coconuts and other goods from the Mekong, and we’ll document these classic scenes from the Saigonese riverside. The route then takes us past a Buddhist temple and onto a floating village, with rickety houseboats anchored along the path. The owners often come out for a chat, giving us a chance to take portraits and shots of them at work and play. We finish up with a dramatic view of Saigon’s 21st century skyline over the river, and a walk through a traditional market offering beautiful light for people photography.
Where we'll meet
🧭 Meeting/pick-up point: Your hotel
🗺️ Instructions: We will pick you up from from your hotel.
Things to know
Accessibility:
Children friendly
Fitness requirement
Moderate fitness level
Tour Language
English
License requirement
None
Additional information:
In the event of forecasted heavy rain, we’ll contact you to reschedule or cancel the tour and give you a full refund. If it’s early morning and raining heavily, our guide will call you on the phone number you gave us to discuss options for postponement or cancellation. In the event of cancellation we’ll issue a full refund.
Bring DSLR Camera / Film Camera, memory cards and fully charged battery
Bring wide angle or standard zoom lens
Tripod is ideal but optional
You can rent a camera. We have a Nikon DSLR available to rent for $30 per tour including free memory card. Please enquire on booking
You can join the tour with film or smartphone camera
Non-photographer partner and kids welcome, cost vary by tour
Inclusion ✅
Tour guide
Pick up and drop off transport
Exclusion ❌
Snack
Gratuities
About your host
Vietnam in FocusWe run acclaimed private and small-group photo tours throughout north, central and south Vietnam. Whether you are a beginner, serious amateur or professional photographer, we can help you to capture incredible shots, and enjoy an unforgettable, authentic experience of this fascinating country. Our photo tours have been recommended by Lonely Planet, The Guardian and Le Petit Fute, as well as holding a Certificate of Excellence from Trip Advisor for over a decade. We are officially licensed by the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism to run tours and workshops, and have led groups from National Geographic and the Travel Channel. We also love to make a difference. We work with local NGOs like Peace House Shelter, Change, and the Centre for Women and Development to raise awareness about social and environmental challenges in Vietnam.
For every trip booked, Kodama Travel donates £1 to Just One Tree to restore our forests and the ocean.