2 Days Journey to Tranquility in Ha Nam
This two-day program offers clients a rare opportunity to immerse themselves in the mindfulness and simplicity of Buddhist living. Set in the peaceful countryside outside Hanoi, the retreat is led by the head monk and combines meditation, Dharma talks, and meaningful cultural exchange with participation in daily monastic activities. Guests will enjoy wholesome vegetarian meals, serene mountain walks to sacred sites, and hands-on learning such as the art of tea making, creating a balanced blend of reflection, cultural insight, and authentic spiritual experience.
Day-to-Day Itinerary
Swap the frenetic activity of the Vietnamese capital for the serenity of a countryside Buddhist retreat. We depart Hanoi in the morning and are welcomed at the monastery by the head monk. After tea, we gain an overview of the spiritual journey ahead. After settling into our gender specific rooms and changing into pagoda attire, we participate in an incense offering ceremony in the main hall. Lunch is a healthy serving of vegetarian food, followed by a Dharma lecture, covering Lord Buddha’s teachings, cosmic law and the path to enlightenment. The afternoon involves giving back to the monastery by assisting the monks in gardening and cleaning duties, ahead of a serving of tea at sunset. The day concludes with dinner and an enlightening conversation with the head monk.
Overnight is in the pagoda.
Embrace the stillness of the early morning with a sunrise meditation, followed by a meditative walk along mountain paths to a sacred site. A nourishing breakfast prepares us for another Dharma lecture, deepening our understanding of Lord Buddha’s teachings. The late morning offers an engaging lesson in the art of traditional tea making, where we learn the philosophy behind this venerable practice. After a nutritious and healthy vegetarian lunch, we undergo another session of deep relaxation meditation. This enables us to absorb the tranquillity of the setting and achieve a sense of inner peace. After bidding farewell to the monks, we embark on the journey back to Hanoi in the afternoon, with a renewed feeling of peace and calm.
Route
- This is a mindfulness-focused experience with a simple, peaceful setting; there is no air-conditioning or entertainment at the monastery;
- Gender-separated shared sleeping quarters with basic amenities; bedding provided;
- Guests are asked to dress modestly and respectfully; pagoda robes will be provided during the stay;
- Please speak softly and refrain from using mobile phones during activities unless permitted;
- This experience is best suited for adults seeking spiritual reflection and calm (not recommended for children);
- Activities are conducted in Vietnamese with English interpretation provided during key sessions;
- Participation in monastery routines is voluntary but encouraged to fully embrace the retreat spirit;
- Please inform us of any dietary restrictions in advance (meals are strictly vegetarian).
- Round-trip transfer by private car from central Hanoi;
- One-night stay in monastery accommodation (gender-separated, basic shared rooms);
- Pagoda attire for retreat activities;
- All vegetarian meals and tea sessions at the monastery (Day 1: lunch, dinner; Day 2: breakfast, lunch);
- All scheduled meditation sessions, Dharma lectures, and mindfulness activities;
- English-speaking guide or interpreter (where necessary during key sessions);
- Participation in monastery activities (gardening, cleaning, tea-making);
- All applicable taxes and service charges.
- Voluntary Carbon Offset Compensation: USD1.50 per person per day;
- Personal expenses such as other meals, drinks, tips and gratuities, shopping, portage fees and optional tours/ visits, unless otherwise stated;
- Hotel accommodation in the destination of commencement;
- Any domestic / international airline tickets, airport taxes, visa fees, specific camera / video fees, additional transportation cost from and to the general pick-up / drop-off regions (such as airports, out-of-town resorts, ports, harbours and accommodation in surrounding towns);
- Any accommodation expenses of a personal nature. This includes (compulsory festive) meals and drinks, mini-bar consumption, laundry, room service, any telephone or other communication cost not mentioned in the programme;
- International travel and medical insurance coverage for customers;
- Vietnamese visa approval letter and Visa stamping fee.
