Happy Day Retreat in Hoi An

If you’re seeking a peaceful break from sightseeing chaos, the Happy Day Retreat in Hoi An promises a gentle, restorative experience rooted in mindfulness and eco-conscious living. Based at Quoc Linh Eco Village, this day-long journey offers a balanced mix of meditation, mindful eating, gentle movement, and community connection—all for just $50 per person. While we haven’t personally done this exact tour, the detailed itinerary and glowing reviews paint a vivid picture of what you can expect.

What immediately stands out are the focus on holistic wellness, the authentic approach to Vietnamese cuisine through a hands-on Cao Lau cooking class, and the emphasis on giving back with a charity donation at the end. Plus, the scenic setting with natural surroundings promises a tranquil backdrop conducive to deep relaxation. The only consideration might be the full-day commitment, which could be a challenge if you prefer more active or sightseeing-focused tours.

This experience appeals most to travelers interested in mindfulness, wellness, or eco-friendly activities. If you’re looking for a meaningful way to pause, reset, and connect with your inner self while respecting the environment, the Happy Day Retreat could be your perfect fit.

Good To Know

• Holistic Approach: Combines meditation, yoga, mindful eating, and discussions for total mind-body harmony.
• Authentic Vietnamese Cuisine: Learn to prepare Cao Lau, a local specialty, during a hands-on cooking session.
• Serene Setting: Held at Quoc Linh Eco Village, offering natural scenery ideal for relaxation.
• Community and Giving: End with a charity donation, emphasizing generosity and compassion.
• Value for Money: At $50 for an 8-hour experience, it offers a well-rounded package of wellness and culture.
• Limited Group Size: Only your group participates, ensuring a personalized and focused experience.

An In-Depth Look at the Experience

The day begins bright and early at 8:00 AM at Quoc Linh Eco Village, where you’ll be greeted with a nourishing vegan soup breakfast. This simple yet wholesome start sets the tone for the day, emphasizing plant-based, eco-friendly living. The quiet, lush surroundings immediately put you in a relaxed state, away from busy streets.

Floating Raft Meditation and Nature Connection

At 9:00 AM, you’ll challenge yourself with floating raft activities. These aren’t just fun—they’re designed to foster concentration and mindfulness as you balance and move on the water. Following this, you’ll have a meditation session that encourages you to sync with the gentle pace of nature around you. Guests often comment that this part of the day helps reset their mental clutter, with one reviewer noting, “We loved the way floating meditation challenged us while also calming our minds.”

Tranquility with Tea and Reflection

By 10:00 AM, you’ll sip calming meditation tea, ideal for cultivating inner peace. The slow ritual of tea drinking—paired with guided reflection—helps center your thoughts and deepen your sense of tranquility. This early part of the morning emphasizes slowing down and appreciating simple pleasures.

The Highlight: Vietnamese Cao Lau Cooking Class

At 11:00 AM, the group transitions into a mindful cooking session, focusing on Cao Lau, a signature dish of Hoi An. This isn’t merely a cooking lesson but an opportunity to appreciate local ingredients, techniques, and flavors. One reviewer remarked that learning to make Cao Lau was “useful for life,” and you’ll likely enjoy the immersive experience of kneading noodles, preparing herbs, and understanding the cultural significance behind this dish.

Sharing the freshly prepared meal during lunch provides a sense of community and appreciation for local cuisine. It’s a genuine way to connect with Vietnamese culture through your own hands.

Walking Meditation and Relaxation

Post-lunch, at around 12:00 PM, you’ll engage in a serene walking meditation, which encourages mindful awareness of your surroundings and your body’s movements. The peaceful natural setting makes this a particularly calming activity, with many finding it helpful to clear their minds.

Deepening Mindfulness Through Discussions

By 2:00 PM, the focus shifts to group discussions and shared insights, providing a space to reflect on what you’ve learned and experienced so far. This part of the retreat is praised for fostering openness and a sense of community, even among strangers.

Movement and Energy Replenishment

In the late afternoon, from 3:00 PM, you’ll participate in Buddha yoga and Qi Gong, gentle practices that promote physical flexibility and energy flow. Guests who attend often comment on how these movements help release tension and bring harmony to both body and spirit.

Closing Moments and Giving Back

As the day winds down around 4:00 PM, you’ll enjoy a refreshing snack of vibrant fruits or kombucha, savoring the mindful taste and experience. The retreat concludes with a generous act—donating to a children’s charity—which highlights the emphasis on compassion and gratitude.

Practical Details and What You Should Know

Location and Meeting Point: The tour starts at Quoc Linh Eco Village, located in Huynh Thi Lu street, Hi An. This peaceful spot provides the perfect environment for a day dedicated to mindfulness. The experience ends back at the same meeting point, making logistics straightforward.

Duration and Group Size: At roughly 8 hours, this tour offers a comprehensive focus on wellness without feeling rushed. It’s a private experience, so only your group participates, which enhances personalization and comfort.

Price and Value: For $50 per person, you receive a full day of activities that blend cultural learning, health practices, and community spirit. When compared to typical tour prices in Hoi An, this is a strong value, especially considering the inclusion of a cooking class, guided meditations, yoga, and a charitable component.

Accessibility and Suitability: The experience is designed to be accessible to most travelers, with most participating without issues. Service animals are allowed, and the activity is near public transportation, easing logistical concerns.

Booking and Cancellation: Confirmations come within 48 hours and can be canceled free of charge up to 24 hours before the start. This flexibility offers peace of mind for travelers with unpredictable schedules.

Authentic Experiences That Make a Difference

From reviews, it’s clear that this retreat isn’t just about ticking boxes. The emphasis on eco-friendliness, with many aspects of the day reflecting sustainable practices, appeals to conscious travelers. The connection to nature and community-oriented activities foster a sense of genuine purpose.

Participants have expressed how the retreat promoted health, mindfulness, love, and compassion—not just as lofty ideals but as practical daily practices. The opportunity to learn and practice Cao Lau, a dish rooted in local tradition, adds a tangible cultural element that deepens your appreciation of Hoi An beyond sightseeing.

Who Will Love This Retreat?

This tour is perfect for mindfulness seekers, wellness enthusiasts, or anyone wanting a meaningful break from busy travel days. It’s ideal if you’re interested in culture through cooking, or simply desire a quiet space to reflect and reconnect.

Travelers who appreciate natural settings, gentle movement, and community sharing will find this experience enriching. It’s also suited for those who want to support eco-friendly initiatives and give back, making this a tour with purpose beyond personal benefit.

Final Thoughts

The Happy Day Retreat in Hoi An offers a rare chance to slow down and focus on your inner well-being while engaging with Vietnamese culture in a meaningful way. Its blend of meditation, mindful eating, gentle movement, and community service makes it more than just a tour—it’s a holistic journey toward balance, kindness, and self-awareness.

For anyone craving a day of peace amid the busy tourist spots, this retreat provides an authentic, affordable way to nurture your mind and body. You’ll leave feeling refreshed, inspired, and perhaps a little more in tune with yourself—and your surroundings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Most travelers can participate, and it’s designed to be accessible, but it’s best suited for those comfortable with a full day of activities and gentle movement.

Do I need to bring anything?
The tour provides all necessary materials. Just wear comfortable clothing suitable for sitting, walking, and gentle yoga, and bring a water bottle if you’d like.

How long is the tour?
The entire experience lasts approximately 8 hours, starting at 8:00 AM and ending back at the meeting point.

Is the tour private?
Yes, this is a private experience, meaning only your group will participate, ensuring a more personalized and relaxing atmosphere.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the tour, providing flexibility for unforeseen circumstances.

What is included in the price?
The price covers all activities, meals, drinks, and your charitable donation. No hidden fees or extra costs are mentioned.

Is the experience eco-friendly?
Yes, the retreat emphasizes sustainable practices and reconnects guests with nature, making it a responsible choice for eco-conscious travelers.

In summary, the Happy Day Retreat in Hoi An makes for a thoughtful, meaningful way to explore mindfulness and Vietnamese culture within a peaceful natural setting. Its focus on holistic wellness, community, and eco-awareness creates a genuinely authentic experience—one that can leave you feeling rejuvenated long after the day ends.