Explore Vietnamese meditation retreats
With deep Buddhist roots and tranquil natural settings, Vietnamese meditation offers a unique way to explore the country. From mountain monasteries to forest retreats, meditation is now part of the Vietnam travel experience. Let’s discover some peaceful places in Vietnam where you can travel and explore Vietnamese meditation at the same time!
Meditation in Vietnam
Meditation, or “thien” in Vietnamese, has long been a part of Vietnam’s spiritual and cultural life. It has been part of daily life for centuries, closely connected to Buddhism and traditional spiritual values.
Vietnamese meditation began more than 1,000 years ago, with the arrival of Mahayana Buddhism. Over time, Zen Buddhism (known as Thien Tong in Vietnamese) became the most common form of meditation. It teaches people to observe their thoughts, live mindfully, and understand the nature of the mind through silence and simplicity. Many famous monks such as King Tran Nhan Tong helped develop and spread meditation practices in Vietnam and around the world.
Over the years, meditation in Vietnam has grown from a monastic practice to something more open and accessible. Today, you can find meditation practiced everywhere: in mountain monasteries, city temples, beach resorts, and even weekend wellness retreats.
Types of meditation in Vietnam
Today, there are several types of meditation practiced in Vietnam.
Zen meditation
This is the oldest and most traditional form of meditation in Vietnam. Deeply rooted in Mahayana Buddhism, Zen meditation focuses on breathing, posture, and quiet awareness. Practitioners often sit in silence, observing their thoughts without judgment.
You can find this style practiced in historic temples across the country, especially in mountainous regions like Yen Tu or Da Lat, where the natural surroundings enhance the meditative atmosphere. Some temples welcome visitors to join short sessions, or even attend multi-day retreats guided by resident monks.
Vipassana meditation
Vipassana is a technique of self-observation that comes from the Theravāda Buddhist tradition. It’s known for its strict 10-day silent retreats, where participants meditate for up to 10 hours a day with no phones, no books, and no talking. While it sounds intense, many people find the experience deeply rewarding.
In Vietnam, many Vipassana centers welcome both Vietnamese and international visitors. These retreats are donation-based, making them accessible for travelers seeking a meaningful inner journey without luxury costs.
Mindfulness meditation
Mindfulness meditation, known as thien chanh niem in Vietnamese, is one of the most accessible and widely practiced forms of meditation in the country today. Rooted in both Buddhist teachings and modern wellness practices, it encourages you to bring full awareness to the present moment – observing your breath, body, thoughts, and surroundings without judgment.
This type of meditation is suitable for everyone, including beginners. You can try it through simple breathing exercises, walking meditation, or guided sessions. It’s a gentle way to slow down, reduce stress, and connect more deeply with your surroundings during your trip.
Top travel destinations in Vietnam offering meditation experiences
If you’re looking to combine travel with meditation, Vietnam offers a variety of destinations offering this special experience. These retreats and monasteries welcome visitors with open arms, giving you the chance to slow down, breathe, and experience peace in beautiful landscapes.
Truc Lam Yen Tu Zen Monastery
Nestled in the misty hills of Quang Ninh province, Truc Lam Yen Tu Zen Monastery is a sacred destination where meditation practice blends harmoniously with Vietnam’s spiritual heritage and natural beauty. Founded on the grounds of ancient Lan Pagoda, this monastery revives the teachings of King Tran Nhan Tong, who established the Vietnamese Truc Lam Zen School in the 13th century.
Throughout the year, especially during summer, the monastery holds retreats and meditation programs for both locals and international guests. These include daily sitting meditation, walking meditation around pine-lined paths, Dharma talks, and mindful communal living.
In addition, Truc Lam Yen Tu has also held Vipassana meditation retreats, focused on mindfulness through the Four Foundations of Awareness, allowing practitioners to dive deeper into observation of body, feelings, and mind.
The monastery itself is surrounded by ancient stupas, pine forests, and stone paths, creating a quiet and sacred atmosphere for meditation.
Tam Chuc pagoda
Set against a breathtaking backdrop of limestone mountains and serene lakes, Tam Chuc Pagoda in Ha Nam province is one of the largest Buddhist complexes in the world. Besides being a famous tourist attraction, this spiritual landmark also offers visitors a chance to truly slow down and connect with themselves through its special Temple Stay program.
The Temple Stay at Tam Chuc is a 2-day, 1-night retreat designed to help visitors to immerse in monastic life. Participants follow a peaceful daily routine similar to that of resident monks, including meditation sessions, tea mindfulness (Zen tea), and Dharma sharing. Beyond meditation, guests also take part in cultural activities like incense making, traditional tea ceremonies, and guided walks through the pagoda’s sacred spaces.
Bliss Hoi An Beach Resort & Wellness
If you’re looking for a softer place to explore Vietnamese meditation combined with wellness, nature, and culture, Bliss Hoi An Beach Resort & Wellness is a perfect fit. Located along the untouched Binh Minh beach, it invites you to come and start each day in peace with sunrise meditation sessions by the sea.
The fresh ocean breeze, the soft sound of the waves, and the golden morning light create a perfect setting for relaxation. These meditation sessions are led by experienced instructors who gently guide you through mindful breathing and simple techniques to calm your mind. They’re easy to follow, even if you’re new to meditation. After the session, you can enjoy a healthy vegetarian breakfast, relax at the spa, or take a peaceful walk through nearby rice fields and fishing villages.
If you’re looking for a wellness escape that combines coastal beauty with daily mindfulness, taking part in sunrise meditation courses in Bliss Hoi An Beach Resort & Wellness is a good choice.
Vipassana meditation centers
For travelers looking to explore mindfulness in a deeper way, Vipassana Meditation Centers in Vietnam offer a rare and meaningful experience. These centers follow the ancient Vipassana tradition — a silent form of meditation that helps you observe your thoughts and emotions clearly, without reacting.
Vipassana courses are organized at various times throughout the year in different locations. Courses are open to both Vietnamese and foreigners. At Vipassana centers in Vietnam, you can join a 10-day silent meditation retreat, where accommodation and meals are offered entirely free of charge.
Throughout the retreat, participants follow a structured daily schedule with nearly 10 hours of meditation each day. There are no phones, no books, and no talking. It’s not a luxurious getaway, but rather a mental detox and a test of true patience. Yet, those who complete the course often describe it as one of the most profound and life-changing experiences they’ve ever had.
If you’re unable to join a full 10-day retreat, there are still options to explore Vipassana in Vietnam. Several meditation centers across the country offer shorter retreats and regular weekly sessions. For instance, Giac Ngo Buddhist Temple in Ho Chi Minh City holds Vipassana sessions every Sunday, offering a more accessible way to begin your mindfulness journey.
So if you’re ready to disconnect from the outside world and reconnect with your inner self, a Vipassana course in Vietnam promises to bring you unforgettable experiences.
Beyond the busy cities and famous landmarks, Vietnam offers a world of quiet temples and peaceful retreats where your mind can truly rest. If you’re looking for a truly restful journey, don’t hesitate to come to these places.
