The country is a giant wellness playground hiding in plain sight. Sure, it kind of slides under the radar next to Thailand and Bali fitness retreats, but it’s slowly catching up. 

Why is Vietnam a Wellness Wonderland?

Let’s start with the obvious: Vietnam’s landscape is downright jaw-dropping. From sprawling beaches and craggly limestone cliffs to terraced mountains and lush rice fields, Vietnam is a kaleidoscope of experiences that can nourish the soul just as much as it does the body.

And we haven’t even mentioned the culture. 

Vietnam has this unique ability to blend worlds without losing its authenticity. It doesn’t box itself into “modern” or “traditional”, “East” or “West”. It’s unapologetic about its contrasts. Its quirks, the bold and the serene, the old and new, all mashed up in a colorful mosaic.

It’s balanced and that’s the magic of fitness retreats in Vietnam. It’s not “work hard, rest hard” like those trendy wellness cliches. It’s a more grounded, kind of synergy. It’s sweat dripping onto green earth followed by soothing recovery sessions. 

And let’s not forget about the hidden benefits of being an underdog in this fitness retreat space: AFFORDABILITY. 

Because most of the world looks to Thailand and Bali, Vietnam fitness retreats are often less expensive. 

But don’t mistake affordability for mediocrity. The country attracts some of the world’s best fitness and nutrition experts who’ve traded the London gyms and LA studios for the peaceful buzz of mornings in Vietnam.

The Best Retreat Spots in Vietnam

Vietnam isn’t a one-size-fits-all destination. 

So, if you want a specific vibe for your retreat, keep reading.

Sa Pa: A Highland Haven

You’ve probably heard the science: high-altitude training can have a huge impact on overall fitness. The air’s thinner, the stakes are higher, and your lowland body has to work harder for every breath. 

So, for peak-chasing athletes, Vietnam’s highest point in Sa Pa, is where the adventure’s at. You can trek the valleys with a quiet kind of intensity, that meditative burn of placing one foot in front of the other.

In this part of Vietnam, Topas Ecolodge offers the best retreat experiences. From any of its lodging options, you’ll see layers upon layers of peaks roll out before your eyes. 

But let’s not kid ourselves here, no matter how perfect the lodgings are, the true star is always going to be the multi-day curated adventures they offer. But if you’re after a more intense workout retreat, then you’ll be left wanting. 

Da Nang: Coastal Bliss Meets Hustle

Da Nang isn’t one of those places where your fitness retreat is confined to just one stuffy gym or a outdoor workout space. 

No, Da Nang, has plenty of options. Here, your workout mat could be the powder soft sand, or you could change your daily routine to try out stand up paddle boarding across the calming waters of My Khe Beach.

Speaking of calming, the yoga, especially at the TIA Wellness Resort will have you stretching into a downward dog while the sun filters through palm leaves. They also have retreat full-board packages for strength and recovery, creative healing, and mind and body cleanse.

Phu Quoc

At first glance, you might think that the island city of Phu Quoc is just another manicured paradise that was meant to look good on travel brochures. But, if you look closer, it’s easy to see that the whole island is a living community and playground. 

The shoreline at Sao Beach stretches for miles, just begging to see how fast you can go. 

And the jungles? They’re dense, breathing monsters, ripe for hiking, trail running, and sweat-dripping HIIT sessions. 

Forget “nature walks”, every root and rock here is a dare. This is functional fitness in its rawest form.

And if you’re looking for an all-inclusive package that can give you all that Phu Quoc has to offer, look no further than Nova Fitness Retreat.

Nova tosses you headfirst into the heart of Phu Quoc: amazing amenities, first-class equipment, trainers who know how to light a fire in your belly, and food that’s as nourishing as it is bold.

Unlike typical gyms or resorts, Nova combines world-class coaching with relaxation, creating the perfect balance of challenge and rejuvenation. All located on-site.

Nova Fitness programs blend high-energy HIIT and strength training with endurance conditioning, functional bodyweight workouts, and guided mobility and recovery sessions to keep your body performing at its best.

Mindfulness practices are woven throughout, creating balance between intensity and restoration. Recovery isn’t an afterthought here - it’s an art form. Sunrise yoga on the beach, ice baths, and sunset feasts all come included in the fitness retreat packages.

Slots for the October 20 launch are quickly running out so book your founding member retreat now!

Ready for Vietnam’s Wellness Wonderland?

Fitness retreats in Vietnam are not your quick-fix wellness destination. They’re designed to challenge you, move you, and ultimately transform you. From yoga flows next to ancient temples, to sweat-soaked bootcamps in coastal cliffs, this country has everything that you might need in a retreat.

So, lean into the unknown. Venture beyond the predictable Bali wellness retreats and Thai yoga packages. Now go - find your fitness retreat in Vietnam, and start your adventure.