A busy life with a series of goals to achieve gradually tires the brain. It is time for us to relax, be still, and enjoy the sounds of nature combined with meditation.
If you have known wonderful places in the world to balance body, mind, and spirit, right here in our homeland of Vietnam, there is also a place you will deeply love. That is Ngoa Van - a place that brings anyone who visits even once a sense of freedom amidst the pristine mountainous landscape, gently drifting clouds, and the echoing sound of ancient pine trees in the wind.
Image of the Thong Dan forest, green across all four seasons for 700 years
Not only a sacred place containing historical imprints of the Buddhist King who practiced and attained enlightenment, Ngoa Van now features a Zen village right at the foot of the mountain with a retreat concept focusing on elements associated with the Truc Lam Zen Sect. This is an appreciation of nature and an introduction to the cultural beauty of Dong Trieu, such as ceramics, bamboo, cuisine, and warm hospitality. Experiential tourism here will surely make your soul feel more at peace.
Image of the Truc Lam Zen garden at Ngoa Van Zen village
Choosing the journey up the mountain by cable car and down on foot, you can walk along the trail, feeling the majesty of the mountains and forests. Amidst the rows of lush green ancient pines, you will feel a new source of energy just like the Japanese practice of "forest bathing" (shinrin-yoku); who knows, you might discover a truly relaxing "new land" for every weekend getaway?
Image of the walking trail up Bao Dai mountain - Ngoa Van
Or if you choose a retreat with your family, members can comfortably relax in rustic wooden rooms, enjoying a peaceful time at Ngoa Van Zen village. Besides, health is also a top priority that the Zen village always considers for every guest stepping foot here. The vegetarian cuisine here is prepared with a vegan orientation, along with macrobiotic recipes for non-vegetarian menus, which is a highly favored element. Because of these distinct features, Ngoa Van will be an excellent suggestion for you to return to the core values of life that we often forget while being absorbed in busy work.
Image of wooden rooms combined with bamboo at Ngoa Van Zen village
Both vegetarian and non-vegetarian cuisine from Ngoa Van's kitchen feature macrobiotic recipes
Is the opportunity for us to succeed in life proportional to the moments of stillness in understanding our body and mind? For it is these very journeys back to a peaceful mind in beautiful nature that will be the time for you to recognize and find wonderful creative ideas for a more joyful and happy life.
Just as Buddhist Emperor Tran Nhan Tong in the past chose to practice religion at Ngoa Van to understand more deeply and find more solutions for preserving independence, building, and developing the country.
Leisurely and happy moments of tourists at Ngoa Van
Moments of freedom and relaxation with beautiful nature at Ngoa Van