Wellness Journey Through Northern Vietnam: Trekking, Yoga, and Nature

The journey begins in Hanoi, where you'll have a half-day city tour taking in the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the One Pillar Pagoda, and the Temple of Literature, with a stop for Vietnamese coffee in the Old Quarter. You'll then travel by bus to Sapa, a mountain town known for its terraced rice fields and ethnic minority villages. Here, you'll spend two nights at the Topas EcoLodge, a National Geographic-featured property with stunning views and infinity pools.

In Sapa, you'll do a gentle trek through the Thành Kim valley, crossing rivers and visiting the Lệch Dzao village to learn about local Red Zao and H'mong traditions. A morning yoga session is offered before the hike, and there's time to relax at the lodge's pools. The itinerary also includes a drive to Love Waterfall and Heaven's Gate, where you can see Mount Fansipan, the highest peak in Indochina.

From Sapa, you'll return to Hanoi for one night, then head to Ninh Binh for a day trip to Hoa Lu ancient capital and a boat ride through the caves of Tam Coc. The final two days are spent on an overnight cruise in Halong Bay, with kayaking, a Tai Chi class at sunrise, and visits to limestone caves.

The operator, Realistic Asia, arranges all transportation, guides, and accommodations. The facilitator, Éllie Nguyen, is known for her energy and warmth, and she focuses on blending cultural exploration with wellness activities. This retreat is less about intense fitness and more about combining light activity with cultural immersion and scenic beauty.

What's included

- 7 nights accommodation (hotels, eco-lodge, resort, cruise) - Airport pickup and drop-off - Daily breakfast and lunch, plus one dinner on the cruise - All transportation during the retreat - Guided hikes and excursions as per itinerary - Yoga session in Sapa - Tai Chi class on Halong Bay cruise - Boat trip in Tam Coc - Kayaking in Halong Bay - English-speaking guides - Luggage storage

What's not included

- International flights - Visa fee - Travel insurance - Additional activities not in the itinerary - Additional treatments (e.g., massage) - Dinners not mentioned in the itinerary - Personal expenses