Enriching Yoga Retreat & Hiking in Vietnam 2026
Trek through Sapa’s dramatic hills and rice fields, explore the charming minority villages and relax on the warm shores of Hoi An. With yoga, hiking, and cultural exploration, this retreat perfectly blends energy and serenity.
Overview:
Vietnam has stunning contrasts: towering mountains, lush rice fields, golden beaches, and vibrant cities. From Sapa's misty peaks to Hoi An's peaceful shores, nature and culture unite beautifully.
Vietnam is a perfect yoga and hiking retreat destination for those who love adventure and mindfulness. You can trek through hidden mountain trails, passing ethnic villages and breathtaking landscapes, then unwind with yoga by the beach, fresh local food, and time to recharge. The mix of movement, nature, and local traditions makes this journey more than just a trip—it’s an experience that refreshes both body and mind.
Hanoi is the capital of Vietnam, the city where the old meets the new. Its ancient temples, bustling markets, and streets are filled with the scent of street food. From the peaceful Hoan Kiem Lake to the lively Train Street, it’s full of history, culture, and energy.
Sapa is a gateway to some of Vietnam’s best trekking experiences. Nestled in the misty mountains of northern Vietnam, it is a place where time slows down, and nature weaves its magic across rolling hills and deep valleys. This highland town in Lào Cai Province near the Chinese border is about 1,500 meters above sea level in the Hoàng Liên Son mountain range. It is home to Fansipan, the highest peak in Indochina (3,143 meters).
Sapa’s beauty is not just in its scenery but also in its people. The region has several ethnic minority groups, including the Hmong, Dao, Tay, Giay, and Xa Pho, each with unique traditions, clothing, and way of life. Wandering through the villages, you might encounter Hmong women dressed in intricate, handwoven textiles, selling their crafts in the bustling markets.
Hoi An is an ancient city on the bank of the Thu Bon River and is considered to be one of the most beautiful cities in Vietnam. Its old town is as photogenic as it gets, and you will be surrounded by all kinds of old yellow-painted traditional houses, Chinese-style temples, and many more beautiful structures waiting for you to explore.
Program:
Day 1, November 25 - Arrival day in Hanoi
Take a taxi from the airport to the hotel. On your first day in Hanoi, explore the city on your own or with our fellow travelers. If you have more time, take a boat trip to Ha Long Bay (40-50 USD). Book your stay at the Hanoi Old Quarter, 3-star hotel, The West Hotel & Spa, or another hotel of your choice.
Visit the Old Quarter and Train Street. This narrow alleyway, where a train passes just inches from houses, cafes, and people, is located in the Old Quarter, a residential area where locals have lived for decades.
Visit the French Quarter and the National Museum of Vietnamese History. Vietnam was a French colony for almost 100 years, leaving some cultural heritage.
Visit the oldest Buddhist Temple in Hanoi, Trấn Quốc Pagoda.
Try street food or dine together with the group. Dinner is not included in the price.
Day 2, November 26 - Transfer from Hanoi to Sapa 5,5-7 hrs
Pick up from the hotel in Hanoi and arrive in Sapa in the afternoon.
Afternoon hike to picturesque Cat Cat Village, 3 km. It is one of the most famous cultural villages in northern Vietnam. Nestled in a scenic valley at the foot of the Hoàng Liên Son mountains, it is home to the Black Hmong people, who have preserved their traditional way of life for generations. The journey begins with a scenic walk along stone-paved pathways leading downhill into the village. Along the way, you'll pass wooden houses with thatched roofs, terraced rice fields, and lush green hills. Local women dressed in colorful, embroidered outfits often sit along the path, selling handmade textiles, jewelry, and other crafts. Many houses in the village are open to visitors, offering a glimpse into the daily lives of the Hmong people. Inside, you’ll see tools for weaving, farming, and cooking, and large wooden looms where Hmong women create intricate textiles using natural dyes. One of the highlights of the village is the beautiful Cat Cat Waterfall. It’s a peaceful spot where the water cascades down rocky ledges, surrounded by lush greenery. Many shops in the village rent traditional Hmong clothing, allowing visitors to dress in beautifully embroidered outfits and take photos against the stunning mountain backdrop.
Day 3, November 27 - Trekking with Sapa Sisters - Sapa to Ta Van Village 6 hrs, 23 km
Breakfast and morning yoga at the hotel.
The Sapa Sisters aims to empower young Black H’Mong women and pay them reasonably for their skilled services. All the guides speak English and have extensive experience as guides.
We will leave our luggage at the hotel or the Sapa Sisters' office. The trek begins with a descent into the valley, where we’ll walk along narrow dirt paths flanked by cascading terraces, small streams, and wooden houses. Lunch and dinner are included in the price. The first village along the trek is Lao Chai, home to the Black Hmong ethnic group. Walking through the village, you’ll see local women in dark indigo-dyed clothing, hand-embroidered with intricate patterns. The trek to Lao Chai takes 2 hours and is 9 km. There, we will eat lunch.
As the trek continues, the trail winds through rolling hills and along the Muong Hoa River, with wooden and bamboo bridges connecting different parts of the valley. You’ll likely encounter water buffalo lazily grazing, ducks waddling through rice paddies, and farmers tending to their crops using age-old techniques.
After 3-4 hours of trekking, 13 km, we’ll reach Ta Van Village, home to the Giay ethnic group. Unlike the Black Hmong, the Giay people wear lighter clothing and live in more straightforward, modern houses. The village is peaceful, with tiny homes nestled among the fields, and the people are warm and welcoming. We will eat dinner, practice yoga, and stay overnight at the local homestay. Dinner and lunch are included in the price.
Day 4, November 28 - Trekking back to Sapa and one more night at the hotel in Sapa.
The price includes breakfast and lunch. Dinner is not included; you can dine at the local restaurant or grab something from the street. You can also take a cable car to Fansipan, the highest mountain in Indochina, where you can meet many tourists.
Day 5, November 29 - Transfer from Sapa to Hoi An
Transfer from Sapa to Hanoi International Airport (6-7 hrs), followed by a local flight to Da Nang International Airport and a shuttle to Hoi An. Afternoon yoga session.
Day 6, November 30 - Relaxing in Hoi An
Stay at the beachfront villa, relax, join our yoga session, and explore the area on your own or with the group. Breakfast is included in the price.
Day 7, December 01- Hoi An - Bicycle city and cultural tour
Morning yoga, breakfast, and a half-day bicycle tour with a local guide.
Day 8, December 02 - Golden Bridge and Ba Na Hills
Morning yoga and breakfast. Then, we will take an excursion to the Golden Bridge and Ba Na Hills, a 1.5-hour drive one-way.
Day 9, December 03 - My Son Sanctuary tour.
Lonely Planet magazine says one of the ‘15 best things to do in Vietnam’ is to visit Mỹ Sơn Sanctuary. The complex of stunning red-brick temples and towers near Hoi An offers insight into the architectural legacy of the Champa civilization, crystallized in enduring material relics. My Son Sanctuary reveals historical, cultural, architectural, and artistic values that have developed over 9 centuries (from the 4th to the 13th centuries).
Day 10, December 04: Check out of the hotel at 11 a.m. and transfer to the airport or bus/train station.
Accommodation:
Accommodation at the 3-star hotel, private villa and one night home stay during the hike in Sapa.
Food:
Vietnamese traditional food is fresh, flavorful, and balanced. It often combines herbs, rice, and locally sourced ingredients. Dishes like pho (noodle soup), banh mi (crispy baguette sandwich), and fresh spring rolls showcase a mix of influences from Vietnamese, French, and Chinese cuisine.
In Sapa, during our 2-day hike, breakfasts, lunches, and one dinner are included.
Your investment:
Early Bird Price (booking until January 31, 2026):
Single room for 1 person 1990 USD
Shared/Doubble room for 2 persons 3380 USD (1690 per person)
Last minute Price after January 31, 2026:
Single room for 1 person 2390 USD
Shared/Doubble room for 2 persons 4180 USD (2090 per person)
Booking and refund options:
- A reservation requires a deposit of 300 USD.
- The deposit is refundable if the booking is canceled 90 days before the retreat starts.
- The remaining payment is due 90 days before arrival and is non-refundable.
Payment methods:
- Bank transfer
- Wise
- Debit or credit card (an additional charge of 4,8 % of the transferred amount will be charged)
What is included:
- Seven nights ' accommodation at the villa and hotel
- One night's accommodation in Sapa at the local family
- Breakfasts all days
- Guided hikes in Sapa, two lunches, and one dinner at the local family
- Hoi An bicycle tour
- Excursion to Golden Bridge and Ba Na Hills
- My Son Sanctuary tour
- Yoga and meditation classes
- Yoga mats
- The transfer during the retreat, except for the local flight from Hanoi to Hoi An, is 95 USD with Vietnam Airlines.
- Personal attention, motivation, care, and enthusiasm
What is not included:
- Airfare
- Dinners
- Lunches
- Travel insurance (medical and trip cancellation) is mandatory to protect you from unforeseen emergencies.
- First night in Hanoi
- Transfer from Hanoi International Airport (Noi Bai) to the Hotel in the city center with a taxi costs 10-15 USD
- Transfer from Hoi An to Hanoi with a night bus costs ~30 USD, or with Vietnam Airways is 95 USD
Additional Information:
Weather and Packing Tips:
- Sapa (North Vietnam): It's cooler, especially in the mountains (it can be 10–20°C / 50–68°F, colder at night). Bring layers, a rain jacket, and good hiking shoes.
- Hoi An (Central Vietnam): Warm, rainy, and humid (18–23°C / 64–73°F). Pack light clothes, a rain jacket, swimwear, and sunscreen.
Yoga & Meditation sessions:
- Suitable for all levels, from beginners to experienced yogis.
- Yoga mats are provided, but bringing a lightweight travel mat is a good idea.
Accommodation & Food:
- Sapa: Stay at the hotel and local homestays, experiencing ethnic culture and home-cooked meals.
- Hoi An: Stay at a beachfront hotel and relax by the ocean.
- Food: Expect fresh, local meals featuring rice, noodles, vegetables, tofu, seafood, and meat.
Cultural Etiquette & Local Experience:
- Respect local traditions, especially in ethnic minority villages (e.g., ask before taking photos).
- Bring small cash for local purchases, as card payments are limited in rural areas.
- Modest clothing (covered shoulders/knees) is appreciated in some temples or homestays.
Health & Travel Essentials:
- No special vaccinations are required, but insect repellent is useful for trekking.
- Travel insurance covering hiking and medical emergencies is recommended.
- ATMs are available, but bring some cash in Vietnamese dong (VND), especially for rural areas.
Fitness Level and Trekking Details:
- Expect 3 days of hiking in Sapa, with moderate-to-challenging trails (6–15 km per day).
- Trails can be muddy or slippery, so sturdy hiking shoes are essential.
