JUNE 2027
DAY 1 – SATURDAY 12: WELCOME TO HANOI…
Welcome to Vietnam, and the beginning of your beautiful wellness journey.
Upon arrival in Hanoi, a group airport transfer will take us to the Meritel Hotel, our home for the next three nights. Recommended flights and group transfer arrangements will be advised.
Located in Hanoi’s historic Hoàn Kiếm District, just minutes from Hoàn Kiếm Lake, this beautiful property blends Indochine elegance with Renaissance architectural touches. A rooftop pool and bar provide a peaceful escape from the bustling streets below, while the hotel’s spa offers another opportunity to relax and unwind.
Take some time to settle in and relax after your flight.
In the early evening, we’ll gather at the hotel’s rooftop cocktail bar for pre-dinner drinks before enjoying our Welcome Dinner together at the hotel.
A lovely beginning to our journey of discovery, connection and rejuvenation through Vietnam.
Stay: Meritel Hotel, Hanoi
Included Meals: Welcome Cocktail & Dinner
DAY 2 – SUNDAY 13: DISCOVERING THE MANY FACES OF HANOI…
Today we set out to discover the fascinating contrasts of Hanoi, exploring the historic Old Quarter and elegant French Quarter on a guided jeep tour.
Our journey takes us through two distinct neighbourhoods, each revealing a different side of Vietnam’s captivating capital. The Old Quarter is a wonderfully vibrant maze of narrow streets, bustling markets, sidewalk food vendors and traditional shopfronts, where many streets still bear the names of the goods once sold there.
In contrast, the French Quarter offers a glimpse into Hanoi’s colonial past, with its wide, tree-lined boulevards, elegant architecture and more leisurely atmosphere.
For lunch, we’ll enjoy a beautiful introduction to regional Vietnamese cuisine, discovering the flavours and traditions that make Hanoi’s culinary scene so captivating.
This afternoon, we’ll enjoy a private viewing at Art Vietnam Gallery, founded by Suzanne Lecht in 2002. Here, we’ll discover Vietnam’s contemporary creative expression, with a particular focus on the work of female artists exploring identity, womanhood and cultural traditions.
Following our afternoon experience, we’ll return to the hotel, with the evening free to relax or explore Hanoi at your own pace.
Stay: Meritel Hotel, Hanoi
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 3 – MONDAY 14: HANOI’S CREATIVE SPIRIT & CULINARY DELIGHTS…
Today we discover another side of Hanoi as we explore the city’s thriving creative scene, traditional craftsmanship and contemporary Vietnamese design.
Our morning begins with a visit to Kilomet109, a pioneering slow-fashion brand founded by designer Thảo Vũ. Working closely with H’mong, Nùng An and other ethnic-minority artisan communities, she has created a remarkable fashion house celebrating traditional techniques including natural dyeing, hand-spinning and beeswax batik.
More than simply a boutique, Kilomet109 offers a fascinating insight into the preservation of traditional craftsmanship through contemporary Vietnamese fashion.
On our way back towards the French Quarter, we’ll stop at Hiên Vân Ceramics, a beautiful artisanal pottery studio dedicated to reviving traditional Vietnamese ceramic aesthetics through thoughtful, contemporary design.
Time permitting, we’ll also visit Cerender Ceramics, a contemporary studio-gallery near Hanoi’s Cathedral, where each handmade piece reflects the creativity and individuality of Vietnam’s modern ceramic artists.
This afternoon is yours to enjoy at leisure, with the perfect opportunity to embrace a little wellness and relaxation.
You may wish to visit Ve’hanoi Wellness & Spa, a peaceful sanctuary offering traditional Vietnamese massages, rejuvenating facials and soothing body treatments inspired by natural ingredients and ancient techniques.
Alternatively, spend a relaxing afternoon beside the hotel’s rooftop infinity pool, enjoying panoramic views across Hanoi’s historic Old Quarter.
This evening, we’ll gather for a special dining experience, celebrating the wonderful flavours and culinary traditions of Vietnam.
Stay: Meritel Hotel, Hanoi
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 4 – TUESDAY 15: A LUXURY WELLNESS VOYAGE THROUGH HALONG BAY…
Today we farewell Hanoi and journey towards one of Vietnam’s most breathtaking natural wonders, the spectacular limestone landscapes of Halong Bay.
After breakfast, we’ll travel by private transfer to Halong Bay, a journey of approximately two and a half hours, where our beautiful home for the next two nights awaits.
Welcome aboard Bhaya Soul, an intimate luxury vessel featuring just 20 beautifully appointed suites. Designed around the principles of mindful travel and wellbeing, Bhaya Soul offers a sanctuary of tranquillity as we sail among the magnificent limestone formations and emerald waters of Halong and Lan Ha Bays.
Our two-night wellness voyage takes us beyond the usual cruising routes, combining spectacular scenery, beautifully curated dining and restorative experiences inspired by nature.
We’ll board Bhaya Soul at midday, settle into our cabins and gather for a welcome drink and introduction to the crew.
Shortly afterwards, we’ll enjoy a beautifully prepared four-course lunch featuring fresh seafood sourced from Halong Bay as we cruise past the iconic Trong Mai and Ngon Tay Islets towards the secluded beauty of Ba Ham Lake.
This afternoon, there is an opportunity to explore the peaceful waters of Ba Ham Lake by kayak, gliding through narrow passages into hidden lagoons surrounded by towering limestone cliffs. This experience is optional.
Back on board, take time to unwind with a complimentary 40-minute herbal foot ritual and wellness treatment, available once during our voyage. Alternatively, relax in the vessel’s four-season swimming pool while enjoying magnificent 360-degree views of the surrounding seascape.
As the sun begins to set, we’ll gather for Happy Hour, enjoying the beautiful surroundings before our evening dining experience.
Tonight, a beautiful five-course fine-dining experience awaits, celebrating premium ingredients and regional flavours sourced from across Vietnam, from the northern mountains to the southern coast.
Our evening gently concludes with a peaceful Sleep Well meditation session beneath the stars before retiring to our cabins for a restful night on the water.
Throughout our time aboard Bhaya Soul, we’ll have the opportunity to embrace a collection of optional wellness experiences inspired by the Five Great Elements and Five Senses.
These may include sunrise yoga and mindful breathing on Trinh Nu Beach, guided meditation and forest immersion in Cat Ba National Park, floating sound baths, restorative Yin Yoga, mindful walking, kayaking, herbal wellness treatments and quiet moments of journaling and reflection.
Each experience offers an opportunity to reconnect with nature, embrace stillness and enjoy the simple pleasure of slowing down.
Stay: Bhaya Soul, Halong Bay
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 5 – WEDNESDAY 16: MINDFUL MOMENTS ON HALONG BAY…
Wake to the tranquillity of Halong Bay, surrounded by emerald waters and the magnificent limestone formations that make this region so extraordinary.
Our morning begins with a mindful walking meditation at Tien Ong Cave, offering an opportunity to slow down, connect with nature and appreciate the peaceful beauty of our surroundings.
After breakfast, we’ll continue exploring the hidden treasures of Halong Bay with a visit to the Tung Sau pearl farming area.
Here, we’ll have the opportunity to discover this fascinating part of local life, exploring the area by kayak or traditional rowing boat.
Our journey continues towards the beautiful Trinh Nu Area, where we’ll visit the cave and have an opportunity to swim in the bay’s inviting waters.
Returning to Bhaya Soul, we’ll enjoy a delicious four-course lunch on board before settling into a leisurely afternoon.
This is your chance to embrace the restorative atmosphere of our luxury wellness retreat. Relax beside the onboard swimming pool, take in the spectacular scenery or enjoy your complimentary 40-minute wellness treatment if you haven’t already experienced it.
As evening approaches, we’ll gather for Happy Hour before enjoying a private group dinner on board, sharing stories and reflecting on another beautiful day exploring Halong Bay.
For those wishing to extend the evening, there is an opportunity to participate in optional squid fishing or a peaceful sleep well meditation session.
Stay: Bhaya Soul, Halong Bay
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 6 – THURSDAY 17: FAREWELL HALONG BAY & RETURN TO HANOI…
Wake to another beautiful morning on Halong Bay as our peaceful wellness voyage draws to a close.
For those wishing to embrace a final moment of mindfulness, the morning offers an opportunity for a guided walking meditation at Tien Ong Cave, surrounded by the remarkable natural beauty of the bay.
After breakfast, we’ll continue our exploration with a visit to the Cua Van Floating Culture Centre, where we’ll gain an insight into the traditional way of life of Halong Bay’s floating communities.
Explore the area by kayak or traditional rowing boat, taking in the extraordinary limestone landscapes and peaceful waters that have made this region so captivating.
As we make our way back towards the harbour, there may be time to enjoy your complimentary wellness treatment if you haven’t already taken advantage of this experience during our voyage.
We’ll farewell Bhaya Soul and disembark at Tuan Chau International Marina before beginning our private transfer back to Hanoi.
Arriving at the Meritel Hotel in the early afternoon, the remainder of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure.
After two wonderful nights surrounded by the tranquillity of Halong Bay, this is an opportunity to relax, explore Hanoi at your own pace or simply enjoy the comforts of our hotel.
This evening, we’ll gather for dinner together as we reflect on our beautiful time on the water.
Stay: Meritel Hotel, Hanoi
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 7 – FRIDAY 18: INTO THE NATURAL BEAUTY OF PHONG NHA…
Today we farewell Hanoi and journey into the spectacular landscapes of central Vietnam, where a beautiful new chapter of our wellness retreat awaits.
After breakfast, we’ll transfer to the airport for our flight to Dong Hoi, a journey of just over an hour.
On arrival, we’ll continue by road for approximately one hour towards Phong Nha, a region renowned for its extraordinary limestone mountains, lush jungles and remarkable cave systems.
Located within the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Phong Nha–Ke Bang National Park, this breathtaking landscape is home to some of the world’s most spectacular caves, including the extraordinary Son Doong.
Our destination is AUKO Eco-Wellness Lodge, a peaceful sanctuary nestled along the Son River, where we’ll spend the next three nights immersed in nature and restorative wellbeing.
Designed with sustainability and connection to the natural environment at its heart, AUKO combines beautiful bamboo architecture with eco-conscious, tented canopy accommodation, creating a unique retreat surrounded by the tranquillity of Phong Nha.
Here, wellness is inspired by the rhythms of nature, with experiences ranging from traditional reflexology and wild-herb bathing rituals to yoga, hot and cold plunge therapies, forest showers and sound healing.
After checking in and settling into our beautiful surroundings, we’ll enjoy a 30-minute Wild Herb Foot Bath and Reflexology session within the lodge.
This gentle introduction to AUKO’s wellness philosophy offers an opportunity to unwind after our journey and begin embracing the slower pace of life in this extraordinary setting.
This evening, we’ll gather for a forest-to-table dining experience, celebrating the natural flavours and ingredients of the region.
As our first day at AUKO draws to a close, it’s time to settle into the peaceful surroundings and look forward to two more days dedicated to rest, restoration and reconnecting with nature.
Stay: AUKO Eco-Wellness Lodge, Phong Nha – Canopy Accommodation
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 8 – SATURDAY 19: THE ART OF WELLNESS AT AUKO…
Today is all about slowing down, reconnecting with yourself and embracing the beautiful natural surroundings of AUKO Eco-Wellness Lodge.
Guided by AUKO’s Open Way philosophy, there is no fixed schedule or expectation to fill every moment. Instead, you’re invited to create your own wellness journey, choosing the experiences that appeal to you and enjoying the freedom to simply be.
Throughout the day, a wonderful collection of wellness experiences is available, allowing you to explore different approaches to relaxation, mindfulness and restoration.
You may wish to enjoy a traditional 30-minute Wild Herb Foot Bath and Reflexology session or immerse yourself in AUKO’s 60-minute hydrotherapy circuit, combining Kaolin steam, a refreshing forest shower and a cool plunge.
For those drawn to mindful movement and meditation, there are opportunities to participate in yoga and flow classes, experience restorative sound rituals or spend quiet moments in the lodge’s meditation cave.
AUKO also offers experiences designed to encourage creativity and connection, including the AUKO Gathering and Art of Belonging workshop.
Beyond the lodge, the spectacular landscapes of Phong Nha invite further exploration.
Depending on the experiences available, you may choose to join a guided mini-adventure, enjoy a peaceful walk or cycling excursion, or discover the beauty of the Son River on a scenic boat journey.
Alternatively, spend the day resting, enjoying the tranquillity of your surroundings and allowing yourself the rare luxury of doing absolutely nothing.
With no fixed itinerary to follow, today is yours to enjoy at your own pace.
Stay: AUKO Eco-Wellness Lodge, Phong Nha – Canopy Accommodation
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 9 – SUNDAY 20: A DAY TO REST, RESTORE & RECONNECT…
Today is yours to enjoy the peaceful surroundings of AUKO Eco-Wellness Lodge at your own pace.
After several wonderful days of discovery and new experiences, this is an opportunity to truly slow down and embrace the restorative atmosphere of our beautiful retreat in Phong Nha.
With no scheduled activities, you have the freedom to spend the day exactly as you wish.
Perhaps you’ll choose to revisit one of AUKO’s wellness experiences, enjoy some gentle movement or meditation, or simply find a quiet place to relax and appreciate the natural beauty surrounding the lodge.
Whether you feel like exploring, resting or enjoying a little time to yourself, today is about listening to what your body and mind need.
As our final full day at AUKO draws to a close, take a moment to appreciate the tranquillity of this extraordinary setting and the simple pleasure of slowing down.
Stay: AUKO Eco-Wellness Lodge, Phong Nha – Canopy Accommodation
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 10 – MONDAY 21: A PRIVATE POOL VILLA IN BEAUTIFUL HOI AN…
Today we farewell the peaceful surroundings of Phong Nha and journey south towards the enchanting riverside town of Hoi An, where the final chapter of our Vietnamese wellness retreat awaits.
After breakfast, we’ll depart AUKO Eco-Wellness Lodge and travel by private transfer to Hoi An, a journey of approximately five hours.
Our destination is the beautiful Namia River Retreat, a luxurious wellness sanctuary nestled on Cồn Ba Xã Islet, just a short distance from Hoi An’s historic centre.
Here, we’ll spend our final three nights surrounded by lush tropical gardens, peaceful waterways and the natural beauty of Vietnam’s central coast.
We’ll settle into our beautiful one-bedroom Nipa Pool Villas, each offering a private swimming pool and tranquil views across the gardens and nipa palms.
Designed around a philosophy of holistic wellbeing, Namia offers a wonderful opportunity to continue our journey of relaxation and restoration.
Following check-in, a particularly special experience awaits with a private 60-minute sound healing session, allowing us to unwind after our journey and reconnect with a sense of calm.
Throughout our stay, we’ll also have access to Namia’s daily wellness journey, which includes 90 minutes of hydrotherapy and spa experiences per night, along with daily cultural activities, yoga and meditation facilities, and a resort shuttle boat connecting us with Hoi An.
This evening, we’ll gather at the pool bar before enjoying dinner together at the retreat.
Time permitting, there may also be an opportunity to experience Sleep Yoga, a gentle way to conclude our first evening at this beautiful retreat.
Stay: Namia River Retreat, Hoi An – Nipa Pool Villa
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 11 – TUESDAY 22: THE TIMELESS CHARM OF HOI AN…
Today we discover the enchanting charm of Hoi An, a beautifully preserved historic town where centuries of culture, architecture and tradition come together.
For those wishing to begin the morning with a little mindfulness, there is the option to participate in a Dưỡng Sinh breathing and movement session or a yoga class at Namia River Retreat.
After breakfast, we’ll set out on a walking tour through the atmospheric streets of Hoi An’s historic Old Town.
Once a thriving trading port, Hoi An is renowned for its beautifully preserved architecture, colourful buildings and fascinating blend of Vietnamese and international influences.
As we wander through the town, we’ll discover historic merchants’ homes, visit the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge and explore the vibrant local market, where the sights, sounds and colours of everyday life create a wonderful sense of place.
Following our explorations, we’ll enjoy lunch together before the remainder of the afternoon and evening are yours to enjoy at leisure.
Perhaps you’ll choose to spend more time wandering Hoi An’s charming streets, browsing its shops and discovering its cafés.
Alternatively, return to Namia River Retreat and enjoy the tranquillity of your private pool villa, taking time to relax and embrace the peaceful surroundings.
With no further scheduled activities, the evening is yours to enjoy however you wish.
Stay: Namia River Retreat, Hoi An – Nipa Pool Villa
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 12 – WEDNESDAY 23: MINDFUL MOMENTS & A FAREWELL ON THE RIVER…
Today is our final full day in Vietnam, offering a beautiful balance of mindfulness, relaxation and time to enjoy the enchanting surroundings of Hoi An.
After breakfast, we’ll come together for a private, customised one-hour yoga and mindfulness session, incorporating guided meditation and gentle movement.
This special experience offers an opportunity to reflect on our wellness journey, reconnect with ourselves and embrace a little stillness before the day unfolds.
The remainder of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure.
Perhaps you’ll choose to explore more of Hoi An’s charming streets, browse its famous tailoring shops or discover a quiet café.
For those wishing to venture further, there are plenty of optional experiences to consider, from a Vietnamese cooking class or a visit to a local village to relaxing on An Bang Beach, cycling through the surrounding rice paddies or discovering the ancient temples of My Son.
Alternatively, you may prefer to remain at Namia River Retreat, enjoying the privacy of your beautiful pool villa or taking advantage of the resort’s wellness facilities.
As sunset approaches, we’ll gather for a particularly memorable conclusion to our journey.
Tonight, we’ll board the Merchant River Cruise for a special Spice Route Journey along the Thu Bon River.
As we cruise along the river, we’ll enjoy our Farewell Dinner, celebrating the wonderful experiences, friendships and memories we’ve shared throughout our time in Vietnam.
From the vibrant streets of Hanoi and the breathtaking beauty of Halong Bay to the peaceful landscapes of Phong Nha and the timeless charm of Hoi An, it’s been a journey of discovery, connection and restoration.
Stay: Namia River Retreat, Hoi An – Nipa Pool Villa
Included Meals: Breakfast, Farewell Dinner
DAY 13 – THURSDAY 24: FAREWELL VIETNAM…
Our beautiful wellness journey through Vietnam comes to an end today.
After breakfast, it’s time to farewell Namia River Retreat and transfer to Da Nang Airport for our onward flights.
Over the past thirteen days, we’ve experienced the vibrant streets and creative spirit of Hanoi, the breathtaking limestone landscapes of Halong Bay, the peaceful natural beauty of Phong Nha and the timeless charm of Hoi An.
Along the way, we’ve embraced moments of mindfulness, discovered fascinating cultural traditions and enjoyed beautiful experiences designed to nourish both body and mind.
Most importantly, we leave with wonderful memories, new friendships and a renewed appreciation for the simple pleasure of slowing down.
Included Meals: Breakfast
