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Yen Tu Mindfulness & Wellness Retreat from Hanoi – 11 Days
from $1461/pax
Departure:All
Category:Culture & History · Market Visit
Theme:Culture & Heritage
Type:Multi-Day Tour, Private Tour
Why travelers love this trip?
- This 11-day spiritual tour offers a profound exploration of Vietnam's rich spiritual heritage, guiding travelers through ancient temples, serene pagodas, and vibrant cultural centers. From the bustling capital of Hanoi to the tranquil mountains of Yen Tu and the charming ancient town of Hoi An, this journey provides a unique blend of historical discovery, mindful practices, and authentic culinary experiences.
- Ascend to the sacred Yen Tu mountain, a cradle of Vietnamese Buddhism, where you'll engage in mindful practices like Thien (Zen meditation)
- Discover the serene beauty of Hoi An's UNESCO-listed ancient town, followed by an awe-inspiring excursion to My Son Sanctuary
- Immerse yourself in the spiritual essence of Hanoi with visits to the venerable Tran Quoc Pagoda, the revered Temple of Literature
BOOK WITH CLARITY
Local planning, clear value, fewer surprises
EcoTravel combines local trip planning with clear, itemized booking information. Before payment, we re-check the operating itinerary, current price, hotel level, included transport, meals and any optional costs for your travel date. If a detail is flexible or subject to availability, we explain it before you confirm so you can compare quality and total value, not just the headline price.
Clear price and inclusions
We show what is included, what is optional and any date-specific surcharge we can identify, so you can compare total value rather than only a headline price.
Local support when plans matter
Use one local contact for room requests, dietary needs, transfer questions and practical changes that can affect a multi-stop Vietnam trip.
Trip Itinerary
WHY THIS JOURNEY STANDS OUT
A Vietnam journey that deliberately changes pace instead of repeating the same kind of sightseeing every day
Over 11 days, the journey moves from Hanoi through Yen Tu Mountain and Hoi An before ending in Ho Chi Minh City. What keeps the route interesting is how the experience changes from one chapter to the next; the signature moments below show where that contrast becomes part of the journey.
What makes this itinerary worth comparing is the balance between experiences, travel time and overnight stops. The day-by-day plan below shows where the pace changes, what is included, where you sleep and how each destination connects to the next. It also makes the main transfer sectors easy to spot, so you can judge whether the journey feels comfortable for the way you like to travel.
A slower chapter in Yen Tu
Shift from city sightseeing into the meditation, mindfulness or wellness experiences scheduled around Yen Tu.
Heritage and local life in Hoi An
Walk through the heritage and local-life experiences included in Hoi An, giving the journey a more intimate contrast to the larger cities.
A southern-city finish in Ho Chi Minh City
End the route in Ho Chi Minh City, with the final days and departure logistics kept visible in the schedule below.
Before you decide: If you are deciding whether this tour is the right use of your time and budget, start with the route and signature moments below. They show the real shape of the trip before you get into the detail of each day.
JOURNEY OVERVIEW
See the full route before you travel
Follow the destination sequence, day numbers and main transfers at a glance before reading the full itinerary below.
Route:HanoiHoi AnHo Chi Minh City
- Day 1HanoiArriving in Hanoi - Your Spiritual Journey Begins
- Day 2HanoiHanoi City Tour - Tracing the Roots of Wisdom
- Day 3HanoiHanoi - MGallery Legacy Yen Tu
- Day 4HanoiYen Tu - Hanoi: A Day of Inner Harmony
- Day 5Hanoi → Hoi AnHanoi - Fly to Hoi An
- Day 6Hoi An → My Son SanctuaryHoi An City Tour Half Day & Sacred My Son Sanctuary
- Day 7Hoi AnFree Day in Hoi An
- Day 8Hoi An → Ho Chi Minh CityHoi An - Flight to Ho Chi Minh City
- Day 9Ho Chi Minh CitySaigon - The Power of Mind - A Half-Day Journey
- Day 10Ho Chi Minh CitySaigon - Stepping into Ancient Healing
- Day 11Ho Chi Minh CityHo Chi Minh Departure
Numbered stops follow the tour itinerary. Transport icons appear only where the day-by-day program identifies that travel mode.
1Day 1: Arriving in Hanoi - Your Spiritual Journey Begins
Welcome to Hanoi, the centuries-old capital of Vietnam where tradition, tranquility, and timeless spirit meet. Upon arrival, You'll be greeted and transferred to your hotel to relax.
Take this day to settle in and breathe deeply the calming rhythm of Hanoi’s tree-lined boulevards and tranquil lakes.
Start point.
Hanoi.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi
2Day 2: Hanoi City Tour - Tracing the Roots of Wisdom
Begin your day in quiet reverence at Tran Quoc Pagoda, Hanoi’s oldest Buddhist temple, serenely nestled on the shores of West Lake. Here, amid ancient bodhi trees and gentle ripples, You'll feel the stillness of centuries of devotion, where monks once meditated under the golden spire reaching toward the sky.
Continue your path to the Temple of Literature, once Vietnam’s first university, where the spirit of Confucian wisdom still lingers. Walk among stone steles and age-old courtyards that echo with the footsteps of scholars seeking harmony through knowledge.
Conclude your spiritual morning at Quan Su Pagoda, the central hub of Vietnamese Buddhism. Its calm courtyards and chanting halls offer a space for quiet reflection - a sanctuary within the bustling capital.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi
3Day 3: Hanoi - MGallery Legacy Yen Tu
Depart Hanoi and journey toward Yen Tu, the spiritual cradle of Vietnamese Zen Buddhism. Nestled amidst misty mountains and whispering pines, this revered pilgrimage site invites you to step away from the noise of daily life and reconnect with your inner stillness.
Upon arrival at MGallery Legacy Yen Tu, a resort inspired by monastic serenity and ancient architecture, you’ll be guided into a session of Thien (meditation) - an invitation to deepen mindfulness and restore harmony between body and soul. Pass through the symbolic Cong Khai Tam (Gate of Awakening Mind), a gentle reminder that true peace begins within.
After that, immerse yourself in the Dem Hoi Lang Nuong, a night of traditional performance and celebration. The highlight is the Le Hoi Hoa Dang (Lantern Festival), where you’ll release a glowing lotus lantern into the dark, tranquil waters - a symbolic gesture of letting go and sending your intentions into the universe.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Yen Tu
4Day 4: Yen Tu - Hanoi: A Day of Inner Harmony
Awaken in the serene embrace of Yen Tu, where the morning mist weaves through the mountains like a whispered prayer. Begin your day with a tranquil yoga session, allowing each breath and movement to connect your spirit to the earth and sky, grounding you in the present moment.
Following yoga, enter into the stillness of Thien (Zen meditation) - a sacred practice passed down from the Truc Lam Zen masters who once walked these very paths. In this silence, you’ll find space to listen inward, honoring the quiet wisdom that rises from within.
Before departing, experience the graceful art of Pha Tra (tea ceremony) - an expression of mindfulness through every gesture. As you sip the warm, earthy brew, allow it to nourish your body and calm your thoughts, a final blessing from the spiritual mountain.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi
5Day 5: Hanoi - Fly to Hoi An
After a peaceful breakfast in Hanoi, bid farewell to the thousand-year-old capital and prepare for a graceful transition to the central coast. Today’s journey is not only a change in place, but a shift in energy - from the solemn stillness of the north to the poetic warmth of Hoi An.
Upon arrival in this lantern-lit town, Hoi An welcomes you not with grandeur, but with soulful simplicity - its old streets echoing ancient prayers, and its golden walls glowing like the light of an inner flame.
Move to your hotel in Hoi An for check-in, and take time to settle into your surroundings, allowing the spiritual calm of this heritage town to unfold around you softly.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Hoi An
6Day 6: Hoi An City Tour Half Day & Sacred My Son Sanctuary
Morning
Your spiritual journey begins as our guide warmly welcomes you at your Hoi An hotel for a sacred excursion to My Son Sanctuary - a mystical valley once home to the Cham people’s most revered spiritual site.
Upon arrival, step softly among the crumbling towers and moss-covered temples, remnants of the ancient Champa Kingdom, as you walk for two hours through a serene landscape that still whispers of prayers offered over a thousand years ago.
These red-brick sanctuaries, dedicated to Hindu deities, stand as powerful symbols of resilience, devotion, and the spiritual sophistication of a lost civilization. Before departing, pause to watch an enchanting Apsara dance - a graceful echo of Cham culture brought back to life.
Rejoin the group to explore a peaceful local home, where you’ll learn how locals make rice paper. Then heading to another home for a tranquil lunch experience.
Afternoon
The day concludes with a gentle boat ride on the Thu Bon River, where golden sunlight dances on the water’s surface and river life glides by in a scene of meditative beauty. Let the journey back to Hoi An for the next city tour.
Pause at the Japanese Covered Bridge, a symbol of cultural harmony and quiet strength, built by Japanese settlers in the 17th century.
At the Fujian Assembly Hall, feel the reverent energy of a sanctuary created by Chinese immigrants as a spiritual refuge.
The vibrant wet market invites you to witness daily life - you’ll sense the true pulse of Hoi An’s enduring soul.
Return to the Old Town for buying a handcrafted keepsake imbued with local spirit, before saying farewell to your guide - carrying with you a piece of Hoi An’s serene legacy in heart and mind.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Hoi An
7Day 7: Free Day in Hoi An
Today is your time to rest, reflect, and enjoy Hoi An in your own way. You may choose to walk along quiet lantern-lit streets, explore a small temple to light incense, or sit by the river and listen to the flowing water. A cup of warm herbal tea or a peaceful moment at a local spa can bring calm to both body and mind.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Hoi An
8Day 8: Hoi An - Flight to Ho Chi Minh City
Begin your day with a peaceful breakfast, letting the calm energy of Hoi An stay with you a little longer. As you check out and continue to the airport, take a quiet moment to give thanks for the gentle beauty and spiritual warmth of Central Vietnam.
Upon arrival in Ho Chi Minh City, feel the vibrant energy of the South welcoming you. After being transferred from the airport, You'll move to the hotel and check in.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Ho ChI Minh City
9Day 9: Saigon - The Power of Mind - A Half-Day Journey
This morning, transfer to a local pagoda, then step into a peaceful space dedicated to nurturing the heart and calming the mind. The “Power of Mind” program begins with gentle lessons and chanting to awaken inner awareness.
As you walk mindfully and breathe with intention, you'll begin to touch the peace that lies within. Through meditation, soul purification, and compassionate sharing, you’ll connect deeply with yourself and those around you.
In the second half of the session, join Karma Law Q&A, reflect on your spiritual path, and enjoy a mindful, grateful meal. Before you leave, a small gift will be offered as a symbol of this sacred journey.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City
10Day 10: Saigon - Stepping into Ancient Healing
Begin your day with a bowl of Bun Thang, a gentle and nourishing Vietnamese noodle soup enjoyed in the peaceful setting of Mot Buoi Sang restaurant.
Explore the Herbal Garden & Traditional Pharmacy Room at Tan Hung Long Tu, where fragrant medicinal herbs awaken your senses and the wisdom of Eastern healing whispers through every leaf.
Explore the Museum of Traditional Medicine, a sacred space preserving rare herbal remedies, tools, and time-honored healing knowledge.
Discover the calming world of rice painting at Tranh Gao Quynh Vy. Each grain of rice tells a story of patience, devotion, and harmony with nature.
Close your journey with a wholesome vegetarian meal at Quynh House Restaurant, where every dish is prepared with care, offering balance and peace for the body and soul.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City
11Day 11: Ho Chi Minh Departure
Begin your morning with a calm and gentle breakfast, taking a quiet moment to reflect on your spiritual path through Vietnam. After check-out, You'll be transferred to the airport for a flight home.
End point.
Ho Chi Minh City.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: NA
Important Notes:
- Program and schedule are subject to change without prior notice.
Inclusions
What's included
- Overnight in shared Twin/ Double room with Air-condition (AC) at hotel.
- All transport during tour on air - conditioned vehicle as per itinerary (including airport pick up & see off)
- All in-tour stationed local English speaking guide.
- Meals as indicated in the program
- Entrance fees as per itinerary
- 02 domestic flights: Hanoi - Danang, Danang - HCMC (Economy class with 20 kg luggage included)
What's not included
- International airfare
- Early check-in and late check-out
- Peak season surcharges and compulsory gala dinners (if applicable)
- Visa (passport valid for at least 6 months with a minimum of 3 blank visa pages)
- Personal expenses (tips, laundry, gratuities, etc.)
- Meals and drinks not mentioned in the itinerary
Tour Options & Prices
| Tour options | Prices | Total price (2 Adults) | Booking |
|---|---|---|---|
| First Class 4* Hotels | $1461/pax | $2922 | |
| Deluxe 5* Hotels | $1841/pax | $3682 | |
| Total | $2920/pax | $5840 | |
| Total | $3680/pax | $7360 |
Prices are shown per person. Final availability and booking details are confirmed with EcoTravel on WhatsApp.
TRAVELER FEEDBACK
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PLANNING QUESTIONS
Questions & Answers
Built from this tour’s confirmed route, transport, stays, meals and activity level so the answers stay specific to this itinerary.
Is 11 Days too rushed for this Vietnam route?
11 Days gives this itinerary enough room to connect several regions while still showing where the longer transfer days sit. The confirmed sequence is Hanoi → Hoi An → Ho Chi Minh City.
How much travelling is involved between destinations?
This is a multi-stop itinerary rather than a single-base holiday. The route overview shows the confirmed sequence Hanoi → Hoi An → Ho Chi Minh City. Where the itinerary identifies a flight, road transfer, train or boat, that transport mode is shown on the journey map so you can understand the travel flow before booking.
Are the domestic flights included in the tour price?
Yes. The current inclusion list identifies flight transport as included. The exact sectors should still be checked against the itinerary and booking confirmation because schedules and baggage rules can vary by departure.
What accommodation is used during the trip?
The accommodation summary for this itinerary is: Hotel (10 nights). If room category, bedding, private bathroom or hotel level matters to you, send that requirement before booking so the confirmed option can be checked rather than assumed.
Does the itinerary include any real free time?
Yes. One or more days include genuine free-time or leisure periods. We keep those periods clearly marked so you can see which days are structured and which give you space to rest or explore independently.
Is this tour suitable for older travelers or people who prefer a gentler pace?
The main question is not age by itself but the length of transfer days, walking at sightseeing stops and how often the hotel changes. Review the day-by-day route and tell EcoTravel about mobility or pace concerns so the demanding sections can be identified before booking.
Which meals are included, and can dietary requirements be handled?
The current meal summary is: 11 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches. Dietary requests are not assumed to be available everywhere, so mention vegetarian, vegan, allergy or other requirements before booking and EcoTravel can confirm what the operators on this exact route can accommodate.
Are optional activities or extra costs mixed into the main itinerary?
No. Optional activities and extra costs are kept separate from the core included program. Check the Exclusions and Important Notes sections for anything that may need separate payment.
Can this itinerary be adjusted for a private trip or specific travel needs?
Do not assume every scheduled element can be changed without affecting the route or price. Send your dates, group size and the exact change you need; EcoTravel can check what is customizable while keeping the published itinerary clear and easy to compare.
LOCAL TRAVEL NOTES
What to know before travelling in Vietnam
Practical advice from a local operator for packing, weather, money, documents and the small details that can make a multi-stop trip much easier.
What to pack for this route
Bring comfortable walking shoes, light breathable clothing, sun protection, a compact rain layer, personal medication and a small day bag and a shoulder/knee-covering layer for religious and heritage sites.
Weather: plan by region, not one forecast
Northern Vietnam can be cool or misty from December to March; highland areas such as Sapa are noticeably cooler than Hanoi. Central Vietnam has a different rain pattern, with Hue often wetter from September to February. Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong stay warm year-round, with more frequent afternoon rain from May to November. A light rain layer is useful even in the drier months.
Money, exchange and fair payment
Vietnam’s currency is the đồng (VND). Keep some cash for markets, street food and smaller local purchases; cards are practical for many larger expenses. Exchange rates move daily, so use the exact VND amount shown by your bank, card terminal or EcoTravel payment confirmation rather than an old screenshot. Before approving a card payment, check the number of zeros and the final VND total. A useful local check: the 20,000 VND and 500,000 VND notes are both blue-toned, so look at the printed value before handing one over.
Passport and entry documents
Entry and visa rules depend on nationality and can change. Check the requirements that apply to your passport before departure, and make sure the name, passport number, validity dates and planned entry point on your documents match your actual trip. If you are unsure, send EcoTravel your nationality and travel dates before booking so we can flag what you need to verify.
Phone, internet and cash away from cities
A local SIM or eSIM is useful for maps and messaging. In remote villages, mountain areas and small river stops, signal and card acceptance can be weaker, so keep some VND cash and save key hotel/guide details offline.
Health, comfort and local etiquette
Carry your regular medication, use bottled or properly filtered drinking water, and consider travel insurance for active itineraries. Dress respectfully at temples and religious sites, and tell EcoTravel in advance about allergies, mobility concerns or motion sickness.
Luggage for transfers and overnight sectors
Domestic flights can have fare-specific baggage limits. Keep passport, medication, valuables and one change of clothes in your day bag.
Before you confirm
Review price & inclusions ↑For a multi-stop Vietnam itinerary, send your exact travel dates, group size and preferred hotel level. If international or domestic flights are part of your wider trip, mention them so connection timing can be checked against Day 1 and the final day.
