By aussiematesvietnam 
Finding Your Zen: Vietnam’s Hidden Wellness Treasures
G’day fellow travellers! Aussie Mates here with another slice of Vietnamese life to share with you. After nearly two decades of calling this beautiful country home, Tracy and I have discovered that Vietnam offers much more than just stunning landscapes and mouth-watering pho. Today, I’m excited to chat about how Vietnam has become a surprising hotspot for wellness tourism, particularly for us boomers looking to rejuvenate mind, body, and spirit.
Back in Melbourne, I would’ve laughed if you’d told me I’d one day be writing about yoga retreats. But Vietnam has a way of opening you up to new experiences. Now, Tracy and I find ourselves regularly escaping to tranquil retreats scattered throughout this diverse country, trading the hustle and bustle for meditation cushions and yoga mats.
[IMAGE:meditation-vietnam]
Why Vietnam for Wellness?
You might be wondering why travel all the way to Vietnam for wellness when Australia has plenty of options. Fair question, mate! Vietnam offers a unique blend of affordability (your superannuation will stretch much further here), authentic cultural immersion, and stunning natural settings that create the perfect backdrop for personal transformation.
The Vietnamese have their own ancient wellness traditions that complement modern mindfulness practices beautifully. Add to this the warm hospitality that’s become synonymous with Vietnam, and you’ve got yourself a wellness experience that’s hard to match elsewhere in Asia.
Tracy often says the energy here is different—there’s something about the rhythm of life in Vietnam that naturally slows you down and helps you reconnect with what’s important. And isn’t that what we’re all after as we get a bit longer in the tooth?
Coastal Retreats: Healing by the Sea
Vietnam’s extensive coastline hosts some of the most serene wellness centers you could imagine. During our first retreat experience in Da Nang, I was skeptical—a bloke like me doing downward dog? But the sound of waves crashing as you stretch out tired muscles has a way of converting even the most stubborn skeptics.
The An Bang Beach Retreat near Hoi An offers beachfront yoga sessions at dawn that will take your breath away. They specialise in gentle yoga perfect for our age group, focusing on flexibility and joint health rather than pretzel-like contortions.
Further south, Mango Bay Resort on Phu Quoc Island blends eco-friendly accommodations with wellness programs. Tracy and I spent a week there last year, and the combination of daily yoga, swimming in crystal-clear waters, and plant-based meals left us feeling decades younger.
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Mountain Mindfulness: Highland Havens
If you’re more of a mountain person, Vietnam’s highlands offer cooler climates and misty vistas that create a magical setting for mindfulness practices.
Zen Valley in Dalat has become our regular escape from Ho Chi Minh City’s heat. Nestled among pine forests and coffee plantations, this retreat combines meditation with nature walks. Their “Mindful Walking” program taught us how to turn a simple bush walk into a profound meditation practice—something we continue to use wherever we travel.
For something more immersive, Sapa Retreat Center offers week-long programs where you’ll stay in traditional homestays while learning mindfulness from both Western-trained instructors and local H’mong spiritual leaders. It’s a bit of a trek to get there, but strewth, it’s worth every bumpy bus kilometre!
Urban Wellness: City Sanctuaries
Not keen on venturing too far off the beaten track? No worries. Vietnam’s major cities have embraced the wellness movement with open arms.
In Hanoi, Zenith Yoga offers drop-in classes perfect for travellers, with English-speaking instructors and classes designed for all levels. Tracy and I pop in whenever we’re in the capital—it’s a brilliant way to combat jet lag if you’ve just flown in from Oz.
In Ho Chi Minh City, Mandala Wellness has become something of a second home for us. Beyond yoga, they offer sound healing sessions, meditation workshops, and Vietnamese traditional medicine consultations. Their “Wellness for Wisdom” program is specifically designed for 50+ participants, focusing on practices that support healthy aging and cognitive function.
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Buddhist Monastery Stays: The Original Mindfulness
For a truly authentic experience, consider a monastery stay. Many Vietnamese Buddhist monasteries welcome foreign guests for meditation retreats. While these aren’t luxury experiences—expect simple vegetarian food, early mornings, and basic accommodations—they offer something far more valuable: authentic wisdom traditions practiced for centuries.
Truc Lam Zen Monastery in Dalat offers three-day introduction programs where you’ll learn meditation directly from Buddhist monks. I was initially worried about the language barrier, but many of the younger monks speak excellent English and are genuinely interested in sharing their practices with Westerners.
A word of caution though, mates—monastery stays aren’t for everyone. You’ll need to respect the rules (including modest dress and periods of silence), and if you can’t start your day without a flat white, you might struggle. But if you’re open to it, these experiences can be profoundly transformative.
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Practical Tips for Wellness Travellers
After nearly 20 years of exploring Vietnam and numerous wellness retreats under our belts, Tracy and I have gathered some wisdom worth sharing:
- Book wellness retreats during shoulder season (April-May or September-October) for the best combination of good weather and smaller crowds.
- Pack light, breathable clothing—Vietnam’s humidity makes cotton yoga pants a much better choice than synthetic materials.
- Bring your own yoga mat if you’re particular; most places provide mats, but quality varies widely.
- Don’t overschedule! The biggest wellness mistake we see Aussie tourists make is trying to fit too many activities into their retreat time.
- Consider a digital detox—many retreats offer programs where you voluntarily surrender your devices, and honestly, it’s liberating.
Finding the Right Retreat for You
Before booking, ask yourself what you’re really after. Is it physical rejuvenation through yoga? Mental clarity through meditation? Or simply some quiet time away from the grandkids? Different retreats specialize in different aspects of wellness.
Tracy and I look for places that offer a balance of structured activities and free time. Nothing worse than paying for a relaxing holiday only to find yourself rushing between scheduled classes all day!
Most importantly, don’t be intimidated if you’re a beginner. Many of these retreats specifically cater to newcomers, and Vietnamese culture places high value on making guests feel welcome, regardless of experience level.
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Wrapping Up: The Take-Home Benefits
The beauty of wellness travel in Vietnam isn’t just in the experience itself—it’s in what you bring home. Tracy and I have incorporated many practices we’ve learned here into our daily lives. Morning breathing exercises on our balcony, mindful eating habits, and a newfound appreciation for simplicity are souvenirs more valuable than any trinket.
Vietnam’s wellness scene continues to evolve, blending traditional wisdom with modern approaches to health. For us Australian boomers looking to invest in our wellbeing while experiencing a fascinating culture, it’s an unbeatable combination.
So pack your stretchiest pants, an open mind, and perhaps leave room in your luggage for a newfound sense of peace. Vietnam’s wellness retreats are waiting to welcome you.
Until next time, stay curious and keep exploring!
Cheers,
Aussie Mates