Experiential Tourism & Wellness

The busyness of life, with countless goals to achieve, gradually exhausts the mind. It is time for us to relax, find stillness, and immerse ourselves in the sounds of nature combined with meditation.

If you have ever known wonderful places around the world to restore balance to body and mind, then right here in Vietnam there is a place you will truly love.

That place is Ngoa Van—a destination that offers anyone who visits a sense of ease and freedom, surrounded by pristine mountains and forests, drifting clouds, and the gentle sound of pine trees whispering in the wind.

Images of the Tung pine forest, evergreen through all four seasons for over 700 years

Not only a sacred place preserving the historical legacy of the Emperor Buddha who practiced and attained enlightenment, Ngoa Van today also features a Zen Village at the foot of the mountain. This retreat concept focuses on elements closely associated with the Trúc Lâm Zen tradition—respect for nature and the introduction of local cultural values of Dong Trieu, such as ceramics, bamboo craftsmanship, cuisine, and warm hospitality.

Experiential tourism here will surely leave you feeling more relaxed and at peace.

Images of the Trúc Lâm Zen garden at Ngoa Van Zen Village

By choosing to ascend the mountain by cable car and descend on foot, you can walk along forest trails and fully appreciate the grandeur of the mountains.

Amid the lush green Tung pine trees, you may feel a renewed sense of energy—similar to the Japanese practice of “forest bathing” (shinrin-yoku). Who knows, you might discover a truly peaceful “new haven” for your weekend retreats.

Images of the trekking route to Bao Dai Mountain – Ngoa Van

Or, if you choose a retreat with your family, you can relax in rustic wooden rooms and enjoy peaceful moments at Ngoa Van Zen Village.

In addition, wellness is always a top priority here. The cuisine is thoughtfully prepared with plant-based and macrobiotic principles—even for savory dishes—making it a favorite among visitors.

With these distinctive features, Ngoa Van becomes an ideal destination to reconnect with the core values of life that we often forget amid the busyness of everyday work.

Images of wooden rooms combined with bamboo at Ngoa Van Zen Village

Both vegetarian and savory dishes at Ngoa Van’s kitchen follow macrobiotic principles

Could our opportunities for success in life be proportional to the moments of stillness in which we truly understand our body and mind? It is in these journeys of returning to inner peace, amidst the beauty of nature, that we can recognize ourselves and discover meaningful, creative inspirations for a more joyful and balanced life.

Just as Emperor Buddha Trần Nhân Tông once chose to practice at Ngoa Van—to gain deeper insight and find wise solutions for preserving independence, and building and developing the nation.

Moments of ease and happiness of visitors at Ngoa Van