Are heritage retreats poised to become a new “revolution” in Vietnamese tourism?

Tucked away along the lyrical Thu Bon River, Namia River Retreat captures the spirit of ancient Hoi An through the healing wisdom of Vietnamese herbal traditions. Comprising 60 private pool villas fashioned from bamboo, wood, and other sustainable materials, the Vietnamese tourism retreat evokes the charm of an old village, while offering every modern luxury.

Each morning begins gently with tai chi, a cherished Vietnamese practice, or sunrise yoga by the riverbank, where the sounds of rippling water and birdsong restore a profound sense of peace. At Lumina Wellbeing Spa, herbal hammam rituals and treatments using fragrant lemongrass, mint, ginger and more, provide deep relief and renewal. Inspired by age-old Vietnamese healing traditions, these therapies nurture not just the body, but awaken an intimate connection to ancestral wisdom. Wandering village lanes by bamboo bicycle, visiting the flourishing Tra Que vegetable gardens, or handcrafting a lantern infused with the spirit of the old town adds layers of joy to the heritage journey.

The retreat also offers complimentary shuttle service to Hoi An’s ancient heart, where moss-covered rooftops and storied sites like the Japanese Covered Bridge and Fujian Assembly Hall speak of a glorious era of global trade. As evening descends, a sunset cruise along the Thu Bon River, with cocktails in hand and local tales spinning from a guide’s lips, immerses guests in the living soul of Hoi An.

The day closes at Mia Merchant restaurant, where flavours of traditional Vietnamese cuisine shine. Ingredients are sourced fresh from Tra Que’s gardens and the vibrant local seafood markets, ensuring a dining experience that is as rooted in authenticity as it is unforgettable.

Situated gracefully on the white sands of Khem Beach, Phu Quoc, JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay Resort & Spa is like a dream spun from a fairy tale. Under the imaginative hand of architect Bill Bensley, the Vietnamese tourism resort breathes life into Lamarck University—a fictional 19th-century institution—through a vivid blend of classical Indochinese architecture and refined modernity.

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Step inside and it feels as though you have wandered into the grounds of a grand old university, with 231 beautifully crafted rooms, suites and villas that pay tribute to 18 imagined academic departments, offering a rich, layered encounter with the natural world.

At Chanterelle Spa, a whimsical space inspired by Alice in Wonderland, guests are treated to distinctive therapies. From soul-soothing massages and bespoke skincare to full-body treatments using Phu Quoc sea salt and aromatic coconut oil, every sense is reawakened, fatigue melts away, and vitality is restored. Mornings invite graceful yoga on the beach to the gentle sound of waves, while evenings call for sunset meditation by the serene infinity pool.

A gentle stroll along the leafy “Rue de Lamarck” reveals a fascinating East-West architectural fusion, where ancient libraries stand alongside whimsical laboratories. The resort also curates visits to Ham Ninh fishing village and the bustling Phu Quoc night market, offering a window into the island’s vibrant local life and the storied craft of traditional fish sauce making.

Tempus Fugit Restaurant promises to enchant with dishes such as fresh herring salad and rich vermicelli noodles, using the finest seafood from local waters. Each plate tells a part of Pearl Island’s culinary story, weaving a deeper appreciation of the island’s rich cultural tapestry and illustrious past as a trading hub.

Garrya Mu Cang Chai Resort sits quietly amid the striking beauty of the Northwest, embraced by rolling terraced fields and soaring mountains. The retreat offers 110 thoughtfully designed rooms, where minimalist style meets distinctive bamboo structures and intricate H’Mong motifs, creating a perfect harmony with the landscape.

At 8lements Spa, soothing therapies draw on local traditions. Flower and fruit scrubs, massages, and the healing touch of traditional H’Mong medicine transport guests into a deeper realm of relaxation. Outdoor yoga and meditation sessions, especially during the golden ripening season, offer moments where every breath carries the scent of young rice and the freshness of the mountain breeze, leaving memories of profound inner calm.

From Garrya, heritage journeys unfold into vivid cultural encounters. Winding trails lead to H’Mong villages such as La Pan Tan and Che Cu Nha, where locals share centuries-old secrets of terraced farming. Guests may also join brocade weaving workshops or learn to craft fragrant men men, discovering first-hand the deep-rooted skills and spirited resilience of the local communities.

Coming to Mu Cang Chai during the festival season feels like stepping into another world, where the sound of Mong flutes echoes across the mountains, colourful brocade costumes bloom like flowers on the hillsides, and the highland markets hum with laughter. Together, they paint a vibrant cultural scene, rich in identity and captivating to all the senses.

After a day of delightful discovery, Refresh restaurant offers the perfect retreat, where dishes artfully combine traditional H’Mong flavours with wellness cuisine. Fresh, local ingredients nourish not only the body but also celebrate and honour the unique culinary heritage of the region.

Nestled between the untouched forests and shimmering beaches of Son Tra Peninsula, InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort stands as one of Bill Bensley’s masterpieces, where nature’s wild beauty is elegantly entwined with Vietnamese tourism and cultural sophistication. Inspired by the Hue royal court and traditional village architecture, with yin-yang tiled roofs and intricately carved wooden pillars, the resort feels like a living, breathing heritage painting.

Through the Energy Zen Retreat programme, held monthly, guests embark on a journey of profound rejuvenation. From the calming practice of the Insync Meditation Ritual and yoga sessions overlooking the ocean to graceful tai chi movements led by Master Trung Dao, each experience draws you closer to harmony. Mindful walks beneath the lush canopy of the “Coconut Grove Zen” and the daily gratitude journaling ritual cultivate a deep bond with nature and restore inner peace. At Mi Sol Spa—the most serene sanctuary in Da Nang—healing comes through tuning forks and the soft melodies of the lagoon waters, creating a holistic experience that gently realigns body, mind, and spirit.

The resort’s heritage journeys also offer meaningful insight. The Heavenly Stroll tour through the Son Tra primeval forest reveals the peninsula’s rich biodiversity and storied past as a vital military base. Excursions to Ngu Hanh Son and the ancient town of Hoi An unveil the fascinating cultural treasures of Central Vietnam. At La Maison 1888, a culinary landmark once hailed among the world’s finest restaurants, sophisticated French-Vietnamese dishes crafted from local delicacies—from Da Nang tiger prawns to Son Tra wild vegetables—promise an unforgettable dining experience. Guests are also invited to take part in cooking classes or explore the art of traditional conical hat making, forging authentic, lasting connections with the Central region’s rich culture.

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