Planning for Vietnam

Today, February 16, 2011, I will begin a diary regarding the planning and events surrounding a trip which my son, Larry, and I will take to Vietnam beginning May 31, 2011. The trip will be mostly hosted by International Photo Tours which is a company connected with photographer Art Wolfe of TV's Travels to the Edge and which will be led by Gavriel Jecan who often assists Wolfe on his photographic adventures around the world.
Here is our schedule, so far as it is now known. There will be an extension to Cambodia. We will be gone for 18 days.
May 31 Leave LA and fly to Bangkok through Japan.
June 1 Arrive in Bangkok
June 2 Photo seminar in Bangkok with Gough
June 3 Meet Jecan in Bangkok and travel to Hanoi on Vietnam Airlines
Day 1 - June 3 - Arrive in Hanoi
Day 2 - June 4 - Hanoi
Photograph Old Hanoi, including markets, temples, and street life. Evening departure for Sapa by overnight train.
Day 3 - June 5 - Sapa
Arive in Lao Cai, located on the China border, transfer to the Hill tribes market in Bac Ha (Flower Hmong market), and continue on to Sapa.
Day 4 - June 6 - Sapa
Photograph members of the Red TZAO and rice terraces. Photo critique and presentation.
Day 5 - June 7 - Sapa
Photograph rice terraces in Sapa. Travel overnight from Lao Cai to Hanoi.
Day 6 - June 8 – Halong Bay
Drive to Halong Bay. Photograph early evening colors and sunset from our traditional junk boat.
Day 7 - June 9 – Halong Bay
Photograph Ha Long Bay, the Floating Village, the Cave of Awe, and sunset.
Day 8 - June 10 – Ninh Binh
Drive to Ninh Binh. Photograph the pier and local market.
Day 9 June 11 – Ninh Binh area
Photograph Hua Lu Caves, local villages and temples. Photo presentation and critique.
Day 10 - June 12
Morning hike to the view point to photograph the river. Drive to Hanoi. Photograph city life.
Day 11 - June 13 - Hanoi, Departure
Day 12-14 Cambodia