DAY 1 – ARRIVE HANOI
Arrive in Hanoi. You are met at the airport and transferred to our hotel. Relax after your flight.
Early evening, we meet in the hotel cocktail bar for pre-dinner drinks, then enjoy a Welcome Dinner in-house.
Overnight: Meritel Hotel (Welcome Cocktail & Dinner)
DAY 2 – HANOI
*Wake up to a guided morning Yoga or Tai Chi class at Le Balcon, the serene rooftop garden.
This morning we embark on a jeep tour of the Old Quarter and the French Quarter. The Hanoi Old Quarter and the French Quarter are two distinct historic districts next to Hoan Kiem Lake in Hanoi, Vietnam, differing mainly in age, architecture, layout, and atmosphere. The Old Quarter lies north and west of Hoan Kiem Lake. It features a dense, labyrinth-like network of narrow streets originally named after the specific trade goods sold there. It buzzes with chaotic energy, dense motorbike traffic, bustling street markets, and abundant sidewalk food vendors. The French Quarter lies south and east of Hoan Kiem Lake. French colonial authorities meticulously planned it with wide, tree-lined boulevards and grid-style streets. It offers a calm, elegant, and upscale environment. It is quieter, cleaner, and home to luxury hotels, high-end boutiques, fine dining, and foreign embassies.
Our lunch stop will be private dining at a colonial villa restaurant built around regional Vietnamese home cooking.
After lunch, we will have a private viewing at Art Vietnam Gallery, which provides a fantastic introduction to Vietnam’s art history, from the earliest periods through to modern 20th-century movements when Vietnamese art exploded with artists working in every style and medium available: realism, impressionism, expressionism, surrealism, and abstract art; drawings, oils, woodcuts, and lacquer. Founded by Suzanne Lecht in 2002, this is Hanoi’s most serious commercial gallery for contemporary Vietnamese art, with a roster that includes major female painters — Dinh Y Nhi, Nguyen Thi Chau Giang, and others exploring identity and womanhood directly in their work.
We return to the hotel, and your evening is free.
Overnight: Meritel Hotel (B / L)
DAY 3 – HANOI
*Wake up to a guided morning Yoga or Tai Chi class at Le Balcon, the serene rooftop garden.
This morning we visit Kilomet109, a pioneering slow-fashion brand. Designer Thảo Vũ built an entire eco-fashion house around natural dyeing, hand-spinning, and beeswax batik, working directly with H’mong, Nùng An, and other ethnic-minority artisan communities on techniques passed down for generations. Her flagship store is a beautifully designed retail space in its own right — closer to visiting a serious atelier than shopping.
En route back to the French Quarter, we will stop at Hiên Vân Ceramics, a boutique artisanal pottery studio in Hanoi, Vietnam, known for reviving traditional Vietnamese ceramic aesthetics. It is worth seeking out for pieces with more restrained, artist-led design than the standard blue-and-white export ware. Time permitting, we will also pop into Cerender Ceramics, a studio-gallery near the Cathedral doing genuinely contemporary work: everything handmade, one-of-a-kind.
This afternoon is yours to do as you wish. It is a perfect time for a wellness break. Le Spa du Metropole overlooks the charming garden courtyard and pool. Each massage area is private, allowing guests to meditate, recharge, and make the most of the spa experience. With 2 thematic spa suites, 6 individually designed spa suites, one manicure and pedicure booth, a humid zone with a steam bath, Le Spa du Metropole offers the ultimate blend of health and relaxation in the privacy of an intimate setting. You can opt for a massage, a facial, body wraps, body scrubs, aromatic baths, or a full a ‘Wellness Journey’.
Tonight, we dine at a restaurant that reimagines Vietnamese home cooking through a contemporary tasting menu, in an intimate dining room in Ba Dinh.
Overnight at Meritel Hotel. (B / D)
DAY 4 – TO HALONG BAY
After breakfast, we transfer to Halong Bay (2.5 hours; private transfer)
Bhaya Soul pioneers mindful travel on the tranquil waters of Ha Long Bay. With only 20 meticulously curated suites, this intimate vessel glides gracefully among the Bay’s legendary limestone towers, offering a sanctuary where luxury meets serenity. Here, wellness flows through every detail, from sunrise meditations to nature-inspired therapies, inviting you to slow down, breathe deeply, and rediscover balance. In the stillness of the sea, time softens, the world quiets, and you realise that true freedom begins within.
Our 2-night mindful cruise offers a sanctuary on the water. Sailing far from the standard routes, this journey seamlessly connects the breathtaking majesty of Halong Bay with the quiet, emerald waters of Lan Ha Bay. With curated wellness experiences and authentic encounters with local coastal life, this voyage turns a beautiful getaway into a profoundly renewing retreat.
We board Bhaya Soul at 12:00 PM, settle into our cabins, and gather at the restaurant for a welcome drink and an introduction to the crew. Shortly after, we’ll enjoy a curated 4-course meal featuring fresh seafood sourced directly from the local waters of Halong Bay as the cruise glides past the iconic Trong Mai and Ngon Tay Islets toward the secluded beauty of Ba Ham Lake.
In the afternoon, we set out to explore the tranquil Ba Ham Lake by kayak, gliding through emerald waters to uncover hidden lakes connected by narrow passages. (Optional)
On board, you can indulge in a complimentary 40-minute herbal foot ritual & wellness treatment (available once per journey), where the soothing touch of skilled therapists melts away tension against the serene backdrop of the bay. Alternatively, unwind in the four-season swimming pool onboard and take in mesmerising 360-degree views of the surrounding seascape.
As the sun begins to set, the magic of Happy Hour awakens on the stylish lounge or pool deck with crafted drinks and gourmet canapés. Dinner is presented as an elegant 5-course fine dining experience, with each dish artfully prepared using premium ingredients sourced across Vietnam – from the northern mountains to the southern coast.
The evening winds down beneath the stars with a peaceful “Sleep Well” meditation session before a restful night at sea.
NOTE: Our time on the Bhaya Soul will be designed as more of a Wellness Journey. Inspired by the ancient philosophy of the Five Great Elements (Earth, Water, Fire, Wind, Space), and the Five Senses (Smell, Taste, Sight, Touch, Sound), this journey invites you to reconnect with nature, awakening a deeper state of balance, awareness, and inner presence.
On offer:
• Sunrise Yoga and mindful breathing on secluded Trinh Nu Beach
• Guided meditation and forest immersion in Cat Ba National Park
• Signature Floating Sound Bath sessions onboard, Mindfulness Walking at Tien Ong Cave
• Restorative Yin Yoga
• Kayaking and gentle exploration of hidden lagoons and floating villages
• Wellness cuisine featuring seasonal ingredients, mindful dining, healthy beverages and fresh mocktails
• Herbal wellness spa treatments
• Journaling and reflection rituals designed to cultivate inner awareness
• Authentic cultural encounters that foster a deeper connection with Vietnam’s natural and local heritage
Overnight Halong Bay Cruise – Bhaya Soul (B / L / D)
Day 5 – HALONG BAY to LAN HA BAY
Your second day on board begins with a mindful walking meditation session in Tien Ong Cave, celebrated for its archaeological wonders and natural charm. The peaceful surroundings provide an ideal setting for reflection before enjoying a delightful à la carte and semi-buffet breakfast on board.
The journey then continues to Tung Sau, a secluded area surrounded by cascading mountains that jut into the jewel-coloured waters. Known for its traditional pearl farming, this hidden corner is explored by kayak or traditional rowing boat, offering a unique glimpse into local maritime life. Later in the day, proceed to Trinh Nu Area – home to one of the finest sunlight-filled caves in the bay – to admire its majestic stalactites or enjoy swimming in the emerald waters.
Return to Bhaya Soul for a curated 4-course lunch amid the serene seascape.
The afternoon offers dedicated leisure time to indulge in a complimentary 40-minute wellness treatment with skilled therapists or simply ease into the warm waters of the onboard swimming pool.
As the sun begins to set, Happy Hour returns to the lounge deck with favourite drinks and gourmet canapés. Dinner is served shortly after, artfully blending bold regional flavours with culinary creativity against the breathtaking backdrop of Halong Bay.
The day gently transitions into night with a choice of peaceful experiences: join the crew for squid fishing on the moonlit waters or find stillness during a “Sleep Well” meditation session beneath the stars before retiring to your cabin.
Overnight Halong Bay Cruise – Bhaya Soul (B / L / D)
DAY 6 – HALONG BAY to HANOI
Our final day on board begins with a serene walking meditation session in Tien Ong Cave, renowned for its ancient archaeological treasures and enchanting natural beauty. Surrounded by magnificent limestone formations, guests can enjoy a quiet, peaceful start to the morning before a delicious breakfast, served à la carte or buffet-style from 07:00 AM to 09:30 AM.
After breakfast, the journey continues to the Cua Van Floating Culture Centre, a jewel of Halong Bay hailed as one of the world’s most captivating destinations. Explore its stunning surroundings by kayak or traditional rowing boat and observe the timeless daily life and traditions of the local fishing community.As the cruise slowly returns toward the harbour, enjoy a final wellness treatment if you haven’t yet, while taking in the last views of Halong Bay’s spectacular limestone landscape. At 10:00 AM, the journey ends with disembarkation at Tuan Chau International Marina.
We then transfer back to Hanoi for the night.
On arrival at our hotel, your afternoon is free to meander, rest, and relax. We will meet this evening for a cocktail and dinner.
*We should arrive at the hotel by 1.30-2.30 pm.
Dinner tonight will be at a restaurant helmed by a mother-daughter duo without formal culinary training who opened their doors to share family recipes, earning a Michelin star in 2023 simply by cooking “like a mother to their children.”
Overnight: Meritel Hotel (B / D)
DAY 7 – HANOI to PHONG NHA
This morning, we are transferred to the airport to catch our flight to Dong Hoi. This flight is just over an hour.
On arrival at Dong Hoi airport, we are transferred for approx. 1 hour to Auko.
Phong Nha, in Central Vietnam, has long been one of Vietnam’s most interesting destinations. It is home to the UNESCO-listed Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, an extraordinary landscape of limestone karsts, jungle, underground rivers and hundreds of caves, including the legendary Son Doong cave, the largest known cave in the world.
Auko Eco-Wellness Lodge sits along the Son River, embraced by the limestone peaks of Phong Nha–Ke Bang. The lodge features elevated bamboo walkways above historic flood levels, eco-tented lodge structures designed to adapt to seasonal water movement, and architecture crafted from renewable bamboo, reclaimed timber, and naturally ventilated materials. The tents are thoughtfully positioned across the landscape in small clusters, nestled beneath indigenous planting.
Inspired by indigenous wisdom, native botanicals, healing waters, and the natural rhythms of Phong Nha’s landscape, AUKO’s wellness philosophy comes to life through regenerative journeys that cultivate belonging, embodied presence, and deep restoration. Wellness is a big part of the stay, with in-lodge reflexology, wild-herb foot baths, yoga and other nature-based treatments and classes. The property offers hot and cold plunges, a forest shower, a sky yoga studio, and even a sound cave. Guests can choose how much or how little they want to do.
After we check in and settle into your stilted, eco-tented canopy tent, we will join for a forest-to-table dinner at Origin Restaurant.
Before dinner, enjoy an in-lodge 30-minute Wild Herb Foot Bath & Reflexology session using indigenous botanical formulas.
Overnight at AUKO (B / L / D)
DAY 8 – AUKO WELLNESS
While we are at Auko, we will enjoy our own curated experience journeys, because we are all on our own path; some are after stillness, while others seek adventure. We will follow the ‘Open Way ’-the path of balance, where yin meets yang, movement meets rest, and every day is shaped by your own inner rhythm. There is no fixed schedule. No assigned programme; we move through Auko at our own pace. Dip into movement classes and sound sessions when you feel called to. The Open Way is for those who want to be their own guide, with freedom to explore and self-discover a restful balance.
On offer, all included:
● In-lodge wild herb foot bath & reflexology – 30-minute restorative in-lodge ritual using native botanicals and therapeutic touch to ground the body and prepare you for hydro journeys.
● Eco-wellness hydro journey – a 60-minute regenerative circuit moving through a heated Kaolin clay steam chamber, an outdoor forest rainfall shower, and a cliff-top cool plunge overlooking the limestone landscape.
● Sound Rituals – daily sound experience drawing on indigenous instruments to regulate the nervous system, restore presence, and connect to the rhythms of the land.
● Flow Classes – daily movement classes, combining breath, functional mobility, and nature-connected somatic awareness, open to all levels. Gentle Yoga practice – stretching, some simple postures, cleansing techniques or Sun Salutation – to awaken the body and mind.
● Still Spaces – silent meditation cave available throughout the day for self-guided stillness, breathwork, and quiet reflection. A gentle 60-minute introduction to traditional Hatha Yoga, combining mindful Asana movements with basic breathing techniques. Suitable for beginners and all levels.
● Auko Gathering – shared evening experience bringing guests together around music, storytelling, and acoustic ritual beneath the open sky.
● Art of Belonging – workshop exploring the art of human connection — through ritual, shared culture, and the practices that bring people together.
On offer, all included:
● Phong Nha mini adventures – guided explorations into the natural landscape of Phong Nha — by river and on foot, led at a pace that suits you.
● Seasonal outings – curated outings shaped by the season — from forest picnics to communal meals shared with the local community.
● Guided walks – Wander through the village with a local guide, connecting with everyday traditions, stories and the surrounding landscape.
● Bicycle trails – Cycle through peaceful village paths, discovering local life and the gentle beauty of the countryside at an unhurried pace.
● Son River Scenic Boating – Enjoy a boat ride along the tranquil Son River and take in the timeless beauty of its mountains, riverside villages and peaceful surroundings.
Overnight at AUKO (B / L / D)
DAY 9 – AUKO WELLNESS
Today is yours to amble through as you wish. No rush, no appointments, no immediacy.
Your time here is about rest, deep introspection, and mindfulness.
Overnight at AUKO (B / L / D)
DAY 10 – AUKO WELLNESS to HOI AN
This morning, we depart Auko for a five-hour private transfer to Hoi An.
Our destination, besides Hoi An itself, is the divine Namia River Retreat, set on the quiet Cồn Ba Xã Islet, nestled amidst lush landscapes and tranquil waters. Just a short bicycle ride from Hoi An’s bustling central market and vibrant café scene, Namia is the perfect stay for UNESCO-listed grid of tailors, temple courtyards, and some of Vietnam’s best street food.
Your experience here will be grounded in well-being. Namia River Retreat is thoughtfully crafted with wellness-inclusive therapies inspired by Vietnamese herbology.
You’ll stay in a one-bedroom pool villa with garden and nipa palm views. After check-in and a moment to take in your gorgeous pool villa, we’ll join for a 60-minute Private Sound Healing to settle our brains and bodies after a long travel day. Guided by a practitioner using sound bowls, we will relax our nervous system, balance our energy, and settle into deep rest.
We meet this evening at the pool bar for a cocktail, then have dinner at The Fisherman Restaurant.
You may even have time to join the Sleep Yoga class in the Yoga Studio.
Our time at Namia includes:
- Daily Wellness Journey (per night), including 90-minute hydrotherapy and traditional spa therapy
- Daily Cultural Experiences, including bamboo bicycle trail and other activities from our activity calendar
- Hosts to guide and personalise your stay
- Resort shuttle boat to Hoi An Town and sunset shuttle boat
- Complimentary use of yoga studio with props and outdoor meditation shala
The wellness spaces in the resort are:
- Traditional apothecaries (Herbal Remedy for Body or Mind / In-Room Ritual Teas and Bath Herbs)
- 8 Herbal steam rooms (Herbal Hammam – Scrub with Steam)
- 2 Indoor relaxation lounges
- 4 Single and 6 double treatment rooms (Vietnamese Massage / Diện Chẩn Facial Reflexology / Acupressure Therapy / Herbal Poultice Therapy)
- River-view terrace with sauna & cool plunge
- Indoor studios – yoga & fitness.
- Outdoor salas – meditation & yoga. From Morning Flow to Sleep Yoga.
- Wellness retail therapy
- Alkaline water refill stations
Overnight at Namia River Retreat (B / D)
DAY 11 – HOI AN
*Each morning at Namia, there is a Dưỡng Sinh class, a partly indigenous breathing and yoga exercise similar to Tai Chi, popularised in Vietnam by historian Nguyễn Khắc Viện.
After breakfast, we enjoy a walking tour of Hoi An, visiting former merchants’ homes, the 400-year-old Japanese Covered Bridge, and the colourful market. Hoi An central market sits right by the river and is the bustling heart of town. Outside, you will find fruit and veggie stalls; by the river, fresh fish and seafood; at the hall entrance, the butchery section; and further in, you eat with the locals.
After lunch, your afternoon and evening are free. Hoi An is one of those towns where you can spend a morning wandering and watching, because part of its charm is slowing down, sitting back, and watching the world go by. Hoi An Ancient Town dates to the 15th century, when it became a trading port. Even before that, trade was the name of the game here, though tourism is now the main activity, likely thanks to its status as a UNESCO World Heritage site. You will find a mix of architecture in town – from European colonial styles to Chinese trade and shophouses.
Or spend the afternoon at your stunning villa, swimming in your private pool.
Overnight at Namia River Retreat (B / L)
DAY 12 – HOI AN
After breakfast, we meet for a private/custom Yoga & Mindfulness hour. This mini journey will be tailored to your needs, whether to ease body tension, release stress, or deepen relaxation, and will be complemented by a guided meditation to cultivate inner peace.
The rest of your day is free, with options; we can help with all arrangements. (Namia has a river shuttle into Hoi An town 4 times a day.)
• Cooking School
• Clothes shopping
• Local village visit
• Visit An Bang Beach
• Rent a bike and ride past lush green rice paddies and water buffaloes.
• Lean into Hoi An’s amazing café culture.
• Day trip to My Son
• Coffee workshop with a factory tour
Alternatively, enjoy your time in Namia with massage, spa, holistic healing, sleeping, and swimming. Your time, your journey.
This evening we will meet for a Spice Route Journey on board the Merchant River Cruise. This refined sunset river dining experience brings an entirely new dimension to evenings on the Thu Bon River, where merchants once sailed the ancient trading routes, where lanterns glow, and flavours mingle.
Overnight at Namia River Retreat (B / Farewell Dinner – River Cruise)
DAY 13 – DEPARTURE
Breakfast, check-out.
Transfer to Da Nang Airport for your flight home or elsewhere in Vietnam.
Wishing you a safe flight and thank you for sharing this wonderful journey with us.
