5 Relaxing Retreats to Escape the Daily Grind

Are you in need of some “healing” and relaxation after a busy period, but don’t know where to go? In today’s article, we suggest some spots for you to unwind, from resorts and cafes to glamping, bars, and delicious eateries. Discover them now!

1 Resort – Amaya Retreat

Resort – Amaya Retreat

Quality Rating: 4.8/5 (Rated by Google)

Address: Lam Truong Village, Minh Phu Commune, Soc Son District, Hanoi

Price Range: VND 1,800,000 – 2,500,000/person/night

Opening Hours: All day

Phone Number: 0984798565 

Website: Amaya Retreat

Facebook: AMAYA Retreat

Pros: Luxurious, modern, diverse services, a range of accommodation options to suit different customer needs

Cons: Room rates are quite high compared to average prices; located far from the city center, which may be inconvenient for those wishing to visit other tourist spots

Nestled in the majestic nature, Amaya Retreat is like a fairytale painting with a total area of 10 hectares in Lam Truong Village, Minh Phu Commune, Soc Son District, about 40km from the center of Hanoi.

The resort boasts 9 cozy bungalows and 14 bedrooms, as well as a luxurious wooden suite villa with a private pool, all designed in a refined and elegant European architectural style.

Standing out in the peaceful landscape are rustic wooden houses hidden under the green pine forest, offering a sense of serenity and tranquility like no other. A visit to Amaya Retreat on the weekends will allow you to escape the hustle and bustle of city life, immerse yourself in nature, and enjoy a quiet time to recharge your energy.

Here, you can indulge in countless diverse experiences such as enjoying unique cuisine, relaxing at the spa, practicing yoga and meditation, or simply swimming in the four-season pool. Amaya Retreat promises to be an ideal destination to find peace and tranquility for your soul.

2 Cafe – Phe La Ngoc Ha

Cafe – Phe La Ngoc Ha

Food Quality Rating: 3.7/5 (Rated by Google)

Address: 19A Ngoc Ha, Doi Can Ward, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi

Price Range: VND 11,000 – 60,000

Opening Hours: 07:00 – 22:45

Phone Number: 0911802252 

Website: Phe La

Facebook: Phe La

Delivery: Available (Shopee Food)

Menu: Milk tea, blended drinks, coffee, fruit tea, oolong matcha, etc.

Signature Dish: Oolong Jasmine Milk Tea (VND 54,000)

Pros: Reputable brand, extremely chill ambiance, delicious drinks

Cons: During peak hours, the waiting time for orders may be long

Experience the unique handcrafted brewing process for the first time in Hanoi at Phe La Ngoc Ha, located right next to the Ho Chi Minh Museum. Drawing inspiration from the old Hanoi, Phe La brings a refreshing green space filled with flowers, leaves, and young vegetables, harmoniously blended with traditional values. Rustic materials such as bamboo and straw, along with images of flower-selling carts and newsstands, create a distinctive character for the cafe.

3 Camping – Lac Glamping

Camping – Lac Glamping

Quality Rating: 4.4/5 (Rated by Google)

Address: 1460/2 Province Road 767, Ap 1, Ma Da Commune, Vinh An Town, Vinh Cuu District, Dong Nai Province 

Price Range: VND 1,400,000 – 1,600,000/person

Opening Hours: 06:00 – 22:00

Phone Number: 0345893003 

Facebook: LAC Glamping 

Pros: Each tent is fully equipped; Tent rental includes breakfast and BBQ dinner

Cons: Tents get booked up quickly, so early reservation is recommended

Lac Glamping offers you a luxurious camping experience by the romantic Tri An Lake with a variety of tents to cater to different needs, whether you’re traveling solo, with a group of friends, or with your family.

The safari-style lakeside tents feature relaxing wooden floors and stunning lake views, complete with modern amenities. The spacious two-story tents are perfect for families of four or larger groups of friends. The cute lotus-shaped tents nestled among the fruit-laden jackfruit trees offer a private lawn and campfire area. The Mongolian-style grass tents are located in a central and convenient location, while the family tents exude elegance like a miniature palace, suitable for a group of ten with a private and spacious wooden floor area. All tents are equipped with air conditioning and sunshades to ensure the comfort of the guests.

Besides the cozy BBQ dinners by the campfire and the breathtaking sunsets over the lake, Lac Glamping also offers countless entertaining activities such as: outdoor or in-tent movie nights, fishing, cycling, archery, SUP boarding, jeep tours of the conservation area, and forest trekking/hiking.

4 Bar – Sip999.izakaya

Bar – Sip999.izakaya

Food Quality Rating: 4.8/5 (Rated by Google)

Address: 66 Pham Ngoc Thach, Ward 6, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City

Price Range: VND 100,000 – 500,000

Opening Hours: 17:00 – 01:00 (Usually busy at 22:00)

Phone Number: 0907287241

Facebook: Sip999 izakaya

Delivery: Not available

Menu: Yakitori, Kushikatsu, Okonomiyaki, Gyoza, Edamame, beer, sake, shochu, Umeshu, wine, cocktails, fruit juice, soft drinks

Signature Dish: Sapporo Draft Beer, Dassai 23, Choya Extra Dry, Choya Umeshu

Pros: Fragrant drinks, delicious food, beautiful ambiance, great music, friendly and helpful bartenders

Cons: To be updated

On a small alley off Pham Ngoc Thach Street, a seemingly ordinary liquor shelf holds a fascinating secret. Gently push the shelf aside, and a hidden door will open, leading you to Sip999.izakaya – a “paradise” full of surprises.

Sip999.izakaya offers a unique experience that combines the traditional Japanese izakaya – a sake bar, with a modern Western cocktail twist. Patrons can find delicious Japanese dishes such as grilled skewers, fried dishes, sushi, and sashimi, accompanied by fine sake. While the space may not be too spacious, it exudes a cozy and comfortable atmosphere. The soft lighting, soothing music, and subtle aromas from the food create the perfect ambiance for a relaxing evening. Sip999.izakaya promises to be an ideal destination for those who love discovering unique “hidden bars” and wish to indulge in the wonderful flavors of Japanese cuisine and Western cocktails.

5 Delicious Eatery – Xoi Mem

Delicious Eatery – Xoi Mem

Food Quality Rating: 4.5/5 (Rated by Google)

Address: 25/17/1, Cuu Long, Ward 2, Tan Binh District, Ho Chi Minh City 

Price Range: VND 11,000 – 60,000

Opening Hours: 07:00 – 21:00 (Usually busy at 10:00)

Phone Number: 0985227002 

Facebook: Mem 

Delivery: Available (Shopee Food)

Menu: Xoi xeo, xoi cha bong, xoi thit kho, xoi trung kho, etc.

Signature Dish: Xoi xeo

Pros: Spacious and beautifully decorated dining area

Cons: During peak hours, the waiting time for orders may be long

Once a small shop hidden in the alleys of Cuu Long, Mem has now expanded into a larger space in the adjacent building, attracting not only xoi (sticky rice) lovers but also those seeking a creative atmosphere.

Mem’s menu offers the traditional Northern sticky rice dishes such as xoi xeo (sticky rice with fried shallots), xoi bap (sticky rice with corn), banh giò (fried dumplings), and banh mi thit xien (meat skewers with bread). In addition, you can also enjoy unique tea, coffee, and other beverages to relax with your friends.

Mem is also a place that fosters creativity. With the artistic soul of the owner, the place often hosts workshops on handicrafts, canvas painting, and statue painting. In the future, Mem promises to bring even more exciting activities, along with rooftop music nights, making it a must-visit destination for Saigon’s youth.

The above suggestions offer a range of interesting places to relax and unwind during the weekends. Start planning today to relieve stress, heal, and enjoy life to the fullest!