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Health & Fitness
Learning & Upskilling
Blend Running, Wellness, and Culture in Vietnam
From $5,595
per person sharing
select dates
09 Nov 2024 - 18 Nov 2024
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Duration
10 Days
places
Hanoi, Vietnam
Accommodation
9 Nights Included
Meals
Most Meals Included
participants
Small Group of Women
How This Trip Can Change Your Life
  • You will gain a deeper connection with yourself: Through mindful running, yoga, and wellness practices, you’ll reconnect with your inner self, fostering a sense of clarity and peace that can positively impact your daily life.
  • You will experience the joy of cultural immersion: By engaging in local activities like farming, embroidery, and cooking, you’ll build meaningful connections with the Vietnamese culture, enriching your understanding of the world and your place within it.
  • You will rejuvenate your body and mind: The combination of physical activity, relaxation, and serene natural surroundings will help you release stress, leaving you refreshed and energised, ready to return to your life with a renewed sense of purpose.
overview

Imagine embarking on a nine-day journey through the beautiful landscapes of northern Vietnam, where running and wellness come together to create a meaningful experience. This is an opportunity to discover a new approach to running—one that values joy and mindfulness as much as distance.

Your adventure begins in the lively city of Hanoi, where you’ll explore the rich history and vibrant energy of the Old Quarter. Enjoy the local street food, take in the sights, and immerse yourself in the culture. From there, you’ll travel to the peaceful Mai Chau region, known for its terraced rice paddies and misty peaks. Here, you’ll stay at the comfortable Avana Retreat, where traditional Hmong and Thai architecture blend seamlessly with modern amenities. Relax with private yoga sessions, enjoy soothing spa treatments, and take in the serene surroundings.

This retreat offers more than just running—it’s a chance to reconnect with yourself and the present moment. You’ll also experience the beauty of Ha Long Bay on an overnight cruise aboard the Paradise Grand, where you can explore hidden caves, kayak through calm waters, and enjoy fresh seafood. Throughout the retreat, you’ll participate in cultural activities like farming, embroidery, and cooking classes, helping you connect with the local culture in a meaningful way.

You’ll find joy in running through stunning landscapes, ease stress with forest bathing in bamboo groves, and rejuvenate your body with spa treatments. Whether you’re new to trail running or have more experience, this retreat is designed to help you connect more deeply with nature, yourself, and a community of like-minded women.

With all the details carefully planned—from logistics to accommodations—this retreat allows you to focus on the experience. This is your chance to explore northern Vietnam and return home with a renewed sense of clarity, joy, and connection. If you’re ready for a journey that combines running, wellness, and cultural immersion, this retreat is the perfect opportunity to refresh your mind, body, and spirit.

What's Included
  • Four nights at the Silk Path Hotel Hanoi
  • Four nights at the Avana Retreat in Mai Chau
  • 1 night on the Paradise Grand ship (Halong Bay Cruise)
  • Nine breakfasts, eight lunches & seven dinners
  • English speaking tour guide for the entire retreat except overnight at Halong Bay
  • Running guide during runs
  • Private ground transportation
  • Yoga and Tai Chi Classes
  • Visit to White Thai Ethnic Minority Village
  • Hanoi City Jeep Tour
  • Temple visit/sampan ride and running on a day excursion in Ninh Binh Province
  • Dedicated retreat leader

GOOD TO KNOW

  • Flights to/from Hanoi, Vietnam are not included
ITINERARY
GETTING TO HANOI, VIETNAM (HOW TO PLAN YOUR TRAVEL)
This retreat will begin on Monday, November 20, 2023, at Hanoi’s Noi Bai Airport at 4:00 PM. Here you will meet your Retreat Leader and the rest of the group. We recommend flights that arrive in Hanoi no later than 3:00 PM to allow you time to collect your luggage and meet up for the short regional flight to Danang, which is scheduled for 6:00 PM. If you would prefer to arrive in Hanoi a day prior, we offer a 1-night pre-retreat package which includes transportation and a tour of the city.
Please Note: If you are also booked in our Northern Vietnam Trail Running + Wellness Retreat you will arrive at the airport with your retreat leader.
This retreat will end on Sunday, November 26, 2023. We recommend booking your return flight for any time on or after this day. Your retreat package includes a transfer from the hotel in Hanoi to the airport.
A VISA IS REQUIRED FOR VIETNAM (not included). Your passport must be valid for at least six months after the date of travel.
Day 1
FLY FROM HANOI TO DANANG; ARRIVE ANANTARA HOI AN RESORT
Upon arriving at Hanoi's Noi Bai Airport, collect your luggage and exit the baggage claim area. Wait here for your retreat leader, who will be arriving at the airport at approximately 4:00 PM. You will then check back in for the group flight to Danang, departing at 6:00 PM.

Upon arrival in Danang, your driver and guide will be waiting to welcome you and transfer you to the Anantara Hoi An Wellness Spa & Resort. Enjoy dinner at the hotel.

Please Note: Guests who are on our Northern Vietnam Trail Running + Wellness Retreat will arrive at Hanoi’s Noi Bai airport from Halong Bay, and join the rest of the group.

Overnight at Anantara Hoi An Resort

Meals included: Dinner
Day 2
HOI AN BIKING + COOKING CLASS + TAI CHI
After breakfast at the hotel, meet your Retreat Leader for the Official Retreat Welcome meeting. Following the welcome meeting, you'll be met by your local guide and depart by bike for a leisurely ride to the beautiful Cam Thanh Village located in the countryside outside of Hoi An. The village is nestled among a system of narrow rivers and surrounded by lush palm groves, tranquil rice paddies and historical buildings. Following your bike ride, hop in a traditional basket boat to explore the Co Co River and the local fisherman from a different perspective. You’ll arrive at a bamboo riverside restaurant to learn the art of Vietnamese cooking with a local chef. Enjoy the lunch you prepared yourself overlooking the river and surrounding palm trees. You can return to the hotel by bike or car, with time to relax before an afternoon introduction to Tai Chi class. In the evening, walk into Hoi An’s ancient quarter for a Vietnamese fine dining experience.

Overnight at Anantara Hoi An Resort

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3
VISIT HOI AN ANCIENT TOWN + OPTIONAL VESPA TOUR
After breakfast at the hotel, join your local guide for a half-day excursion to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hoi An. This ancient town, located on the banks of the Thu Bon River, is a historic trading port dating back to the 15th century and is known for an exceptionally well-preserved mix of Chinese, Japanese and French architecture. It’s easy to spend a day wandering the charming village and browsing the myriad of shops, cafes and restaurants.

Included in your retreat package is a spa treatment at the Anantara Hoi An Resort, so some of you may have your treatment there this afternoon, otherwise, your afternoon is free to enjoy the resort amenities.

OPTIONAL: For those feeling more adventurous, join your guide in the morning to explore the roads less traveled on the back of a vintage Vespa. Navigated by an experienced driver, you will ride along the riverbank and rural countryside to areas less frequently visited by tourists. You will stop to visit the 100-year old ancestral house of Mr. Huynh Ri, and other local families, with the chance to learn how they have perfected the art of mat weaving and basket boat making using local materials. You will have a final stop at the Noi Rang Market and enjoy a panoramic view of Hoi An on your way to lunch at a local restaurant. End back at the hotel in the early afternoon.

Overnight at Anantara Hoi An Resort

Meals Included: Breakfast (lunch is provided on optional Vespa tour)
Day 4
YOGA + ANTANARA SIGNATURE SPA EXPERIENCE
After breakfast, gather for a private yoga class, followed by individual spa appointments at the Anantara Spa, where you will be treated to the Anantara Signature Experience. Start with a stimulating massage combining Eastern and Western massage techniques, followed by a green tea salt scrub for a deep-cleansing exfoliation, and wind down with a revitalizing Vietnamese herbal bath. Following lunch at the resort, you will depart for the city of Hue, via the Hai Van pass with expansive views stretching out over the South China Sea. In the late afternoon arrive at the Pilgrimage Village Boutique Resort and Spa.

Overnight at Pilgrimage Village Boutique Resort & Spa

Meals Included: Breakfast, Luch, Dinner
Day 5
HUE'S ANCIENT CITADEL, AFTERNOON TEA + MEDITATION
After breakfast, you’ll depart for a morning tour of Hue’s ancient citadel. This UNESCO World Heritage site serves as a great introduction to the history of Vietnam in imperial times, Mandarin culture and the former feudal system. Enjoy an easy-paced visit to the Thien Mu Pagoda, one of the most beautiful religious buildings in Vietnam dating back to the early 1600s. You will cross the Perfume River by boat for lunch at a local house in Thuy Bieu village. The village is a maze of narrow alleys with ancient homes and impressive gardens. You will enjoy some gentle cycling on the island with stops along the way to meet local villagers and sample some of the fresh fruit.

Your afternoon is at leisure. This afternoon, your Vietnamese guide and driver will take you to a local pagoda to meet with local monks and learn about Vietnamese Buddhism. Sitting together for a hot pot of tea, immerse yourself in the faint aroma and join the monks for a meditation session focused on breathing and relaxation. Following our visit to the pagoda, we will enjoy a dinner in town and transfer back to the hotel.

Overnight at Pilgrimage Village Resort Boutique & Spa

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6
FLY TO HANOI, STREET FOOD TOUR
After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to Hue Airport for a morning flight to Hanoi (included in your retreat). Upon arrival in Hanoi, transfer and check in to your hotel, centrally located in the heart of Hanoi’s Old Quarter. The rest of the day is at leisurely exploring the city. In the early evening, meet your guide and set out on a deep dive into Hanoi’s legendary street food culture. Stop at Hang Be Market, one of the Old Quarter’s most vibrant fresh markets, with picture-perfect mountains of vegetables and a rainbow of tropical fruits. Next dive into a nearby alley and settle down with some Bun Ca and Ca Cuon (noodles with fried fish and fried fish cakes) served with or without soup and plenty of fresh vegetables. You’ll continue on to one of Hanoi’s most famous food streets where you can take your pick from a delightful assortment of Vietnamese cuisine. Finish the day with egg coffee; a quintessential Hanoi speciality with a fascinating history.

Overnight at May De Ville Luxury Hotel & Spa

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7
DEPARTURES FROM HANOI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
We have no scheduled group activities today, as people will be departing for their return flights at various times throughout the day. If you have time, enjoy the extensive buffet breakfast offered at the hotel, as well as the rooftop pool. Our driver will take you to the airport at the appointed time based on your flight itinerary. If you want to enjoy more shopping and free time to explore Hanoi before heading to the airport, this is your chance to do that! Or, if you want even more pampering, book yourself one last treatment at the May Spa

Meals Included: Breakfast

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