Six destinations in Vietnam for Global Wellness Day

Global Wellness Day (GWD) is a non-profit day event - a social project dedicated to living well, held on the 2nd Saturday of June every year internationally.

The below five travel destinations in Vietnam may suitable for both local and international travelers who look for trips to “live well” or “discover inner peace in mind” on the occasion of GWD 2022, which will fall on June 11 this year.

From natural breath-taking beauty at Sapa Town to the clear jade waters at Quang Binh Province’s caves, the below travel ideas will inspire you to find the right destination for a peaceful and relaxing escape.

The tranquil of Hanoi’s pagodas 

Hanoi is considered sacred land where thousands of ancient pagodas and communal houses are located. Some famous ones are Tran Quoc, Ba Da and Quan Su Pagoda.

Situated on the bank of the West Lake, the 1,500-year- old Tran Quoc Pagoda is one of the spiritual sanctuaries for Hanoians. The pagoda was built between 541 – 547 during the reign of King Ly Nam De, in Yen Hoa village near the bank of the Hong (Red) River. Back then, it bore the name Khai Quoc Pagoda (Khai Quoc means Founding a Nation), which was later changed to An Quoc (Pacification of the Realm) during the reign of King Le Thai Tong (1434 – 1442).

The recent name of the pagoda- Tran Quoc or National Defence – was placed by King Le Hy Tong in the early 17th century when the pagoda was moved to the new position after a landslide on the river bank crumbled its foundation. Hundreds of years later, Hanoi people and visitors have come to the Tran Quoc Pagoda to pray for peace, happiness and protection from natural disasters. 

The name "Quan Su" comes from the ancient word "embassy", associated with the pagoda's history, which dates back to the Le Dynasty in the 15th century. The pagoda, however, remained closed until 1822. Today, the pagoda is famous nationwide for its sacred and hallowed beliefs. 

The dreamy city of Da Lat 

A romantic scene in Da Lat City. Photo: Ngo Dong

Da Lat is definitely the first option for travelers to alleviate stress or escape from a hectic and bustling lifestyle.

According to tourism experts, this dreamy city is the destination to welcome any romantic souls seeking a chilly atmosphere, tranquil scenery, and fascinating attractions.

Langbiang Mountain is one of the most favorite attractions that is highly recommended by tourists. Located at a height of over 2.000 meters above sea level, the mountain is well-known for its majestic scenes and campfire festivals, horseback riding, among other interesting entertaining activities.

Besides, the waterfall Datanla with the longest slide system through the forest of Southeast Asia, and the Lumiere Light Garden with nine art galleries comprising various themes are distinctive destinations to highlight the specialty of Da Lat.

 The foggy ancient town of Sapa

The magnificent Buddha statue is looming in the mist of early sunrise in Fansipan Moutain. Photo: Le Viet Khanh

Located in the northeastern province of Lao Cai, some 300 kilometers away from Hanoi, Sapa is a small town in the northern mountainous region inhabited by some ethnic minorities.

Over the years, the place has become an interesting tourist destination with spectacular views of the great forests and mountains that are always shrouded in thick fog.

“If you are looking for a journey of self-discovery and rejuvenation as spectacular natural settings await you, Sapa is the place to be,” according to Booking.com.

“Travelers can immerse in the magnificent sceneries and numerous interesting activities while enjoying the chilly atmosphere in Sapa,” it added.

Situated at an altitude of 3,143metres above sea level, Mount Fansipan, the “Roof of Indochina” is picturesque all year round.

The misty forests and mountains and blooming flowers weave a colorful coat for Fansipan in Spring. The place is dyed with red of the rose valleys blooming in a cool climate in the Summer. Autumn is the season for photographers to hunt for cloud pictures.

Meanwhile, the icy coldness of Fansipan in Winter turns the place into a Christmas postcard in a tropical country like Vietnam. The temperature may drop to below 9 degrees C and transparent stalactites of ice were formed on house roofs, or on trees and flowers.

Peaceful former citadel of Hue

King Khai Dinh Tomb in Hue City. Photo: Truong Bui

For those who have once visited Hue, this ancient capital truly fits the title of a dreamy and romantic city. The diversity of vintage landscapes, cultural values, and historical imprints of an ancient feudal era in Hue highlight the traditional culture and spirit of Vietnam, which cannot be found in other destinations.

Coming to the ancient capital of Hue, visitors can take a sightseeing tour of the Huong River and listen to Hue royal music. They can also visit mausoleum relics such as Minh Mang Tomb, Tu Duc Tomb and taste Thanh Tra fruit or the unique cuisine of Hue.

For more exciting entertainment, visitors can also ride bicycles to visit the peaceful Thuy Bieu ancient village and explore traditional craft villages.

Heart-breaking scenery of Ninh Binh Province

The ripping rice season in Tam Coc-Bich Dong Tourist Area in Ninh Binh Province. Photo: Tam Coc Horizon Bungalow

The province in the northern coastal region of Vietnam is considered a remarkable destination that attracts the attention of travel enthusiasts from all over the world.

The province possesses the most famous beautiful scenes in the country with Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex, Bai Dinh Mountain, Cuc Phuong National Park, Van Long wetland natural reserve, Kenh Ga mineral hot springs, and Kim Son coastal area.

In particular, the Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex has been recognized by UNESCO as the World Natural and Cultural Heritage, the first mixed heritage in Southeast Asia.

“The invaluable cultural heritage treasure has made Ninh Binh one of the country’s most appealing destinations,” according to a representative from Ninh Binh Tourism Department. “Visitors to Tam Coc can admire the limestone mountains and fanciful natural caves on a boat and down the winding rivers,” he told The Hanoi Times.

Meanwhile, a US press- The Times used to advise travelers to go off-piste to spot endangered Delacour’s langur in Van Long Lagoon.

The Van Long Lagoon in Gia Vien District, Ninh Binh Province. Photo: Arana Dao Huynh

Mysterious caves in Quang Binh province 

The mysterious and unique beauty of the caves in Quang Binh is no longer a secret for those who enjoy travel. Each cave in Quang Binh has its unique features, attracting the attention and interest of visitors. For example, the Thuy Cung cave with clear jade water and stalactites with diverse shapes create a magical beauty.

Furthermore, Son Doong cave, with lush primeval forests, natural skylights, and giant clouds formations in the cave, makes visitors think they are lost in a fairyland.

When visiting the caves, tourists can also participate in extreme sports activities to challenge their limits, creating many memorable memories in their travels.

Phong Nha - Ke Bang Park in Bo Trach District, Quang Binh Province. Photo: Sam Ne

As per the Travel Predictions 2022 report by Booking.com, 79% of Vietnamese travelers feel that travel is the leading method to strengthen people’s mental and emotional well-being and 84% confirmed that planning a vacation creates a positive impact on their emotional well-being. Based on this data, it is therefore clear that self-care travel is still a priority.

The research was commissioned by the accommodation booking platform and conducted among a sample of adults who plan to travel for business or leisure in the next 12-24 months.

First celebrated in 2012 in Turkey, the Global Wellness Day has now been observed worldwide, spreading to over 110 countries and territories around the world.

With the slogan “One day can change your whole life”, GWD helps each individual and society as a whole to start “living well”.

The main objectives of the day are: to recognize the value of our lives; to pause and think, even for just one day of the year; to be free from the stress of city life and bad habits; to make peace with ourselves; and to raise awareness about living well and increase motivation, not just for today, but for the remaining 364 days of the year.