The Zen Of Vietnam: 5 Places To Go To Lose Yourself

South East Asia is known as a place where travellers go to get lost, and find themselves. For some its beach parties in Thailand, for others it’s in Buddhist Monastery’s way off in the hills.

But for us, Vietnam is the best place to get lost: the history, the scenery and the people all provide amazing ways to immerse yourself in something bigger than yourself – and find your place in the world.

If you really want to go on a mission of self-discovery and find your true Zen in Vietnam – here’s are our 5 essential places to visit.

You won’t come back the same:

1 – Thien Thu Phuc Monastery

This 13th Century monastery is one of Vietnam’s most well preserved and tranquil destinations to really find peace.

Located in the Cong Hoa Commune, it’s a beautiful place to lose yourself in Buddhist Art, teachings and incredible spots for mediation. It has over 83 rooms to explore and over 283 statues dedicated to Buddhist teachings and ideals throughout the ages.

From the moment you arrive to the moment you leave, the architecture of the place will fill you with awe you never knew you could feel. With only minor repairs in the 16th and 17th Centuries, it’s almost perfectly preserved.

If you want to really feel your place in the world and lose yourself, Thien Thu Phuc is the perfect place to find inner peace.

2 – Ha Long Bay (At Sunset)

As a traveller, you’ll have heard along about the beauty of Ha Long Bay and how it is a must see attraction of Vietnam.

But, most travellers only experience it in the day. Which can be bustling with tourists, noisy cameras and people out on the water.

If you truly want to lose yourself in the scenery, head to the bay at night. When the beautiful orange glow fills the sky and you can see the richness of the water reflect a beautiful night sky, in almost complete silence – that’s when you really find your Zen.

3 – Ha Giang Province

The Ha Giang Province remains mostly unexplored by the western world. The scenery is undulating, vast and incredibly unique. It’s safe to say you’ll never stumble into a place quite as tranquil, anywhere else in the world.

If you’re really looking to lose yourself, take a motorbike trip up into the gorges and find a quiet spot overlooking the stepped hills and out onto the vast expanse of mountains: and take a moment to reflect.

The gorgeous scenery, the abundance of silence and time alone can only bring you to your centre and make you feel aware of your place in the world.

4 – Phu Quoc Island

This is one of the few places in Vietnam that stays quiet year round, even in the most densely populated tourist months. Despite being Vietnam’s largest Island, it’s isolated location directly to the South West takes it out of the reach of a lot of travellers.

If you love being alone, or meditating with friends, to the sound of the ocean: this is the place to do it. Anywhere along the islands coast you can find a remote, tranquil beach with crystal clear waters and gently lapping waves.

It is also one of the few places in Vietnam it’s truly possible to have a beach entirely to yourself.

If you want to escape life and lose yourself on a beautiful beach, with nothing but the breeze to disturb you – Phu Quoc Island is the place to do it.

5 – Thien Mu Pagoda

Located in the city of Hue, the Thien Mu Pagoda is one of the most widely recognised and beautifully crafted Buddhist Pagoda’s in the world.

If you want to lose yourself, whilst still in the midst of the hustle and bustle of a city – this is the place for you.

The temple is still fully functioning, with practicing monks and students there all year round. Access to the Pagoda is free (at time of writing), and there are always people willing to share their craft for meditation and mindfulness.

It’s a great place to lose yourself in the history of the building and find yourself again with a wonderful moment of meditation and reflection.

Read more:

• Follow the journey of the rice in Vietnam
• Vietnam and the famous pagodas