Day 1: Arrival in Da Nang – Welcome to the Present Moment

As the plane touches down in Da Nang, a sense of stillness begins to settle. Outside the gates, gentle smiles await — the team from Truly Voyage stands quietly in graceful Ao Dai, offering not only a warm welcome, but a sense of homecoming.

Into each hand, a handcrafted lantern is placed — glowing softly, a symbol of light carried not just through the journey, but within each guest. In this simple gesture, the experience begins: not with noise or rush, but with quiet beauty, and the feeling of being truly seen.

The Truly Voyage team greets the group at the airport — a quiet beginning to a meaningful journey, taken together.

We continue our journey to the ancient town of Hoi An, where the air carries the scent of river breeze and the streets whisper stories from another time. The pace slows, and with it, the mind gently unwinds.

At the edge of the river, nestled between water and sand, stands the Hoi An River Beach Resort — a place of quiet heritage, where French colonial charm meets the simplicity of Vietnamese life. Here, guests find not only rest, but a sense of still belonging.

As the sun dips low, a vegetarian dinner is served — light, nourishing, and lovingly prepared with ingredients from the nearby Tra Que Village, a garden of purity cultivated for over two centuries. In this village, the soil is touched only by hands, not machines. Fertilized with seaweed drawn from the De Vong River and tended by families who live in rhythm with the land, each leaf of basil, mint, or morning glory holds within it a story of care and quiet devotion. Every meal shared throughout the retreat is a reflection of this harmony — a gentle offering that nourishes the body and stills the heart.

As evening arrives, guests gather to prepare the meditation space together. There is no instruction, only intention — some arrange flowers, others light candles or softly place cushions. In these small acts, a sense of community takes root, held in silence. A tender celebration unfolds — a few kind words, perhaps a smile or song — honoring life’s quiet joys in the midst of stillness.

Hands meet gently over blooms — tour members helping one another decorate the meditation space, one flower at a time.

Before the silence begins — a simple stage, humbly adorned with fresh flowers, waiting to be touched by intention and care.

After the gathering of hearts — the space is now alive with color, light, and a gentle presence. A sacred corner, lovingly created by many hands, centered around the calm gaze of the Buddha.

It was more than just a beautiful stage — it was the gentle result of many kind hands coming together in quiet harmony. Each flower placed, each candle lit, reflected the care and compassion of individuals who offered their time not for recognition, but from a shared desire to create something meaningful. In that moment, surrounded by soft colors and the serene presence of the Buddha, it became clear that this was more than a meditation retreat — it was a celebration of love, mindfulness, and the simple beauty of giving to life and to one another.

Days 2–6: Deep Dive into Stillness and Silence

Each day begins beneath a quiet sky, where the first light of sunrise meets the stillness of the mind. From 6:30 AM to 9:30 PM, the hours unfold like a gentle wave — guided meditations, tea breaks, and plant-based meals prepared with care and simplicity.

All 68 participants move slowly through the day, releasing the noise of work, deadlines, and routine, and stepping gently into a space of presence. With each breath, something ancient is remembered — a quiet connection to self, to silence, to something beyond words. No phones. No rush. Just being.

Faces alight with calm joy — every member of the tour sharing a gentle, peaceful smile after the morning meditation session.

Day 7: Rising Above – The Spirit of Ba Na Hills

This journey was not only about sitting in stillness, but also about opening the heart to new lands. After days of quiet meditation, the group gently stepped into a different kind of exploration - one of discovery, of giving, and of receiving. From wandering through sacred temples and chanting alongside local devotees, to savoring vegetarian meals lovingly prepared in local restaurants, every encounter became a thread in a tapestry of connection. These moments - simple, sincere - remain etched in memory, gently returning to us each time we think of Da Nang and Hoi An.

The path of discovery began at Ba Na Hills, often called the holy land of Buddha in Da Nang. Here stands one of the city’s tallest and most revered Buddha statues - a serene guardian above the clouds, watching over the land with timeless grace.

After days spent looking inward, the mist‑cloaked peaks of Bà Nà Hills invite you to lift your gaze outward once more. You wander across the Golden Bridge, its elegant span seeming to float between sky and forest, each step a gentle reminder of the vastness that surrounds you.

As you approach Linh Ứng Bà Nà Pagoda, your breath catches at the sight of the Buddha Sakyamuni—seated serenely on a lotus pedestal, 27 meters tall and 14 meters across, carved from pure white stone. Eight relief panels at the base tell the Buddha’s lives through delicate carvings, inviting silent contemplation.

Here, set against emerald pines and drifting mists, the Buddha’s hands rest in a mudrā of peace, her eyes half‑closed in compassionate vigilance, and a gentle smile graces her face. In this sacred enclave—where stone and sky, forest and faith converge—you feel the stillness of the mountains echo within you, and the timeless kindness of the Buddha settles softly in your heart.

Gathered in reverence and joy — the group pauses for a moment of unity before the majestic Statue of Buddha Sakyamuni.

After this moment of awe and reverence, you descend to lunch at the elegant Four Seasons Restaurant, where refined flavors and artful presentation mirror the day’s sense of grace. As dusk falls, you gather again for a serene vegetarian dinner at Nhà Hàng Chay Ngọc Chi, where each dish—infused with fragrant spices and mindful intention—feels like a final, peaceful bow to the wisdom of the mountain.

Day 8: Sacred Giving and the Light of Hoi An

When arriving in Da Nang, one cannot miss the winding road that gently ascends toward Linh Ứng Mountain — a path where each turn feels like a quiet step into paradise, surrounded by clouds, forest, and sacred stillness. 

At the summit, you pause before the majestic Buddha Mother statue, her back resting against the mountain while she faces the shimmering sea below. With one hand she forms the Samādhi seal—symbolizing deep, meditative peace—and with the other she cradles a vase of nectar, poised to sprinkle drops of tranquility upon all who sincerely seek her blessing. Here, amid clouds and pines, you feel the promise of protection she offers: peace for every devoted heart in the pagoda, and calm for the fishermen who drift on distant waters to earn their living.

Together in reverence — the group stands before Linh Ứng Pagoda, framed by its iconic Buddha and the timeless calm of its sacred grounds.

From there, you journey to the ancient Marble Mountains, where limestone peaks and hidden grottoes invite a gentle exploration of body and spirit. Candlelight flickers in secluded caverns, reminding you that illumination always finds its way through shadow.

In quiet unity, the group sits within the pagoda’s hush, reading heartfelt blessings to the Buddha in soft reverence.

As afternoon softens into evening, you return to Hoi An’s lantern‑lit streets, where every corner holds a story of resilience and hope. Dinner at Tiệm Chay Xưa (or Minh Hiền Vegetarian Restaurant), fragrant bowls of local specialties restore the senses, each bite a meditation in flavor.

Under the glow of a thousand lanterns, you close the day with a shared meal—vegetarian dishes served with mindful intention—carrying forward the kindness you gave and received, and the gentle promise of peace in every heart.

Day 9: Departure – Carrying the Peace Within

As dawn breaks on your final day, the quiet you’ve cultivated breathes with you. Minds are still; hearts are open. What began as a journey through rituals and rituals of preparation has become a transformation of being.

In the slow unpacking of backpacks and the soft farewells, two insights linger most gently:

1. True calm arises from within. Walking meditation reminded us that joy need not come from applause or praise, but from the simple act of moving with awareness, content in our own company.
   
2. Connection transcends the self. Meditation is never solitary - it harmonizes us with the universe and illuminates the hearts of those who walk alongside us.
   

With this in mind, Truly Voyage extends its deepest gratitude to the Basic Buddhism community from Singapore for journeying with kind hearts to Vietnam’s serene shores. Thank you for embracing our land, our traditions, and our shared practice of mindfulness.

May the peace you carry today ripple outward—enriching your own path, and touching every life you meet. We at Truly Voyage remain committed to sharing Vietnam’s beauty, its soulful heritage, and the gentle rhythms of meditation with the world, and to connecting hearts wherever they wander.

Safe travels, and may your inner light continue to glow brightly.

Why This Journey Resonates for Your MICE Group

• Nurtures corporate well‑being: Crafted to guide executive teams toward balance, clarity, and shared calm.
• Wholesome, heartfelt experiences: From gentle meditation guidance to organic vegetarian feasts, every moment is designed to awaken the body, mind, and spirit.
• Meaningful connection and mindful bonding: Discover new depths of teamwork through shared stillness, quiet reflection, and cultural immersion.
• Seamless, peaceful beginnings and endings: Complimentary airport pick‑up and drop‑off ensure your journey unfolds—and concludes—with ease and intention, accompanied by the Truly Voyage team.
• A riverside haven with heritage charm: Stay at the River Beach Resort & Residences - the very first four‑star beachfront retreat in Hoi An - where elegance meets sea‑breeze serenity. As the Truly Voyage team, we are continually inspired by the warmth and serenity of River Beach Resort & Residences. 
  • Each vegetarian lunch and dinner they present is a masterclass in flavor—vibrant, richly satisfying, and deeply nourishing.
  • Our guests delight in the spacious rooms, many of which offer luxurious bathtubs for a slow, meditative soak as the sun dances across the river and sea. 
  • Waking each morning to sweeping views of water and sky reminds us why this special place feels like a true sanctuary. 
  • And perhaps most of all, we are touched by the ever‑friendly, ever‑attentive staff—devoted Buddhist meditators themselves—who move with gentle enthusiasm day and night, making each moment of our stay both effortless and heartfelt.

If you’d like to learn more about the peaceful haven of River Beach Resort & Residences, you’re warmly invited to explore their website and discover its sanctuary for yourself

If your team is yearning for a pause that soothes both spirit and spirit, we would be honored to share this path with you. Let us walk together toward gentle renewal, carrying the light of mindfulness into every moment ahead.

Reconnect. Rebalance. Return renewed.

When you’re ready to bring this path of calm and connection to your team, we’d be honored to walk alongside you.

Feel free to learn more or gently begin the conversation:
📧 sales@trulyvoyage.com
🌐 trulyvoyage.com

May your days be filled with presence and peace.