When life goes fast and the days and weeks fly by, setting aside time to slow down and reflect can help us appreciate where we are in the moment. With its naturally peaceful rhythms and abundant beauty, Hoi An is the perfect choice for wellness seekers. Here are few practices to gently restore balance.

Immersion in nature

While many people want to stay close to the Ancient Town, the Hoi An countryside is where you’ll be surrounded by nature and its powerful healing benefits. If you’ve never stayed next to a rice field before, you’re in for a treat in Hoi An, where processions of ducks and water buffalo cross the rice fields daily. Or choose a retreat along one of the many rivers, where palms of every kind shade the paths, and tropical flowers bloom in radiant hues under the sun.

Reconnect to your food

Hoi An’s organic farms and vegetable gardens are where — if you want to — you can put your hands in the dirt, plant seedlings, water the ground, and gather a small harvest of your own. If you enjoy cooking, stroll the markets to feast your eyes on all the fresh produce, just plucked from the soil and sea, or join a cooking class to add a few light Vietnamese dishes to your repertoire. Hoi An’s healthy restaurants will delight in feeding you delicious, nourishing meals every day.

Make time for body movement

There’s no need to push yourself when you’re in a laid-back location like Hoi An, however if you’re the type that enjoys walking, running, swimming and cycling, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to move your body while taking in Hoi An’s wonderful scenery. Yoga classes on the beach or by the rice fields will bring you back into alignment. You may also like to rent a kayak or stand up paddleboard to explore Hoi An’s lovely waterways — the perfect workout to start your day.

TIP: Mint Yoga Studio in Hoi An offers hammock yoga classes for all levels that will give you a full body workout, as well as a fun experience!

Explore natural spa treatments

Excellent and affordable spa treatments and traditional therapies are two highlights you will love in Hoi An. From short head massages to three-hour wellness journeys, you can find a wide variety of treatments in Hoi An’s many spas. Choose herbal baths and body scrubs that use local ingredients such as coconut oil, ginger, lemongrass, and fresh herbs; then try the uniquely Vietnamese warm bamboo massage for whole-body relaxation and refreshment.

Witness cycles and seasons

In Hội An it’s easy to observe what can be lost in urban life: the steady, silent rhythms of life. Allow yourself time daily to watch the sunrise over the beach or across the rice fields. Situate yourself near a river in the late afternoons so you can appreciate the glow of the last light on the water. Hoi An is famous for its full moon festivals. Soak up the soothing, cool evenings watching the moon shine over the dark nipa palms and hearing the sounds of the countryside at night.

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