Ho Chi Minh City – Meditation retreat – 2 days 1 night

Ho Chi Minh City – Meditation Retreat (2 Days, 1 Night) – A Balanced Look

Imagine a weekend dedicated to finding peace amid bustling Vietnam, where you can learn meditation techniques, explore Buddhist philosophies, and do some volunteer work—all in the tranquil setting of a pagoda. We’ve reviewed this 2-day meditation retreat offered by JANGTOURS, which promises an authentic Buddhist experience just a short drive from Ho Chi Minh City.

What we really appreciate about this retreat is its focus on practical meditation techniques, deepening understanding of Buddhist doctrines, and offering a genuine chance to live alongside monks and nuns. An added bonus is the opportunity to partake in volunteer activities, which can give a sense of meaningful contribution. However, potential participants should be aware that the experience may not be quite as polished or guided as some might hope, especially for those expecting a full-on wellness retreat.

This experience suits travelers who are genuinely interested in learning about Buddhist practices, seeking a peaceful break from city life, or curious about monastic living. Those with flexible expectations and an open mind will find value in the authentic, if somewhat rustic, atmosphere.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Authentic Buddhist atmosphere with staying in a pagoda and living alongside monks
• Learn meditation techniques and study Buddhist doctrines in a practical setting
• Volunteer work offers a chance to gain blessings and contribute
• Basic facilities mean communal sleeping and simple accommodations
• Vegetarian meals serve as a nourishing part of the experience
• Limited guidance and basic facilities may not suit those seeking luxury or detailed instruction

An In-Depth Look at the 2-Day Meditation Retreat

How the Itinerary Unfolds

The retreat is designed as an immersive experience into monastic life and Buddhist rituals. It begins early, with a pickup from Ho Chi Minh City, roughly 100 km away from the pagoda, setting the stage for a day filled with spiritual activities.

Day 1 kicks off around 7:30 am, with a transfer to the Thien Ton Phat Quang Pagoda—a site that attracts tens of thousands of visitors from around the world. This already hints at the pagoda’s significance and spiritual reputation. Once there, you’ll settle into a simple but authentic environment, with vegetarian meals served at midday to align with monastic discipline.

The afternoon features your first meditation session, which could be a highlight for those eager to learn the correct technique—a practice that is often emphasized in this retreat. The reviews reveal that guidance during meditation may be minimal, with some participants reporting a lack of clear instruction or feeling placed in a half-dark basement without much support. One reviewer noted, “No guidance. This dark basement is also where you will sleep, on something resembling thick yoga mats, in a communal sleeping room.” So, this experience is more about participation rather than luxury.

Volunteer activities are woven into the schedule, including making cakes, tea, tofu, or painting on fabric. The purpose is to gain blessings and understand the monastic lifestyle. The evening closes with chanting, book reading, and a meditation session before bed, ending around 9:50 pm.

Day 2 starts early with the ringing of the Great Bell at 4 am, a classic Buddhist ritual. This is followed by meditation, chanting, and practicing Qigong or martial arts—a nice touch for those interested in holistic health practices. Breakfast comes around 7:00 am, after which there’s a second round of volunteer work, possibly picking vegetables or preparing food.

The retreat wraps up by around 11:30 am, returning you to Ho Chi Minh City, leaving participants with a sense of having glimpsed monastic discipline and Buddhist rituals firsthand.

Facilities and Comfort

Accommodation is basic but genuine—sleeping on mats in a communal room, with communal bathrooms. The food, however, is typically praised as delicious vegetarian fare, which is surprisingly satisfying and nourishing after a day of meditation and volunteer activity. The inclusion of full board, entrance fees, and a local guide makes it a straightforward package, but transportation from your hotel to the pagoda isn’t included, so you’ll need to organize this separately.

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What Travelers Should Know

Multiple reviews highlight the need for realistic expectations. One reviewer mentioned feeling unsure about the organization, and others pointed out that the guidance during meditation was minimal, which might not satisfy those expecting structured meditation instruction. One traveler left after six hours—”everyone is really nice and friendly, but don’t seem to know what to do with you,” they said.

Despite some logistical flaws, the overall experience offers a rare chance to live like a monk for a few days, participate in rituals, and learn about Buddhist doctrines in an authentic setting. It’s a cost-effective way to gain insight into monastic life that might not be available in more polished, commercial retreats.

Who Will Get the Most Out of This

This tour is best suited for curious beginners, those genuinely interested in Buddhism, or adventurers open to rustic experiences. If your main goal is a polished wellness retreat with detailed instruction and luxury, this isn’t it. But if you’re seeking authenticity, culture, and spiritual insight on a budget, you’ll find this quite compelling.

Additional Practical Details

• Price: $80 per person, which covers vegetarian meals, accommodation, and entrance fees—offering good value for the experience of staying overnight in a religious setting.
• Duration: 2 days, with flexible starting times based on availability.
• Group size: Usually small, which allows for a more intimate experience, but only limited to 1 participant per booking.
• Inclusions: Local guide, all meals, and entrance fees.
• Exclusions: Transportation from your hotel and pickup/drop-off service—so plan to organize your transport separately.
• Languages: The guide leads in English, but the overall guidance during meditation may be minimal.
• What to bring: Long-sleeved shirts and long pants are recommended for modesty and comfort.
• Restrictions: Not suitable for wheelchair users or those with altitude sickness, and alcohol, drugs, or fireworks are not permitted.

The Bottom Line

This meditation retreat offers an honest glimpse into Buddhist monastic life, with the chance to learn meditation, participate in rituals, and do volunteer work. It’s a straightforward, affordable way to step out of the city chaos and into a more reflective state of mind.

While it’s not a polished or guided meditation program, the authentic environment and cultural exposure can be rewarding for travelers seeking spiritual insights rather than luxury. The communal living and basic facilities might not appeal to everyone, but for those open to a rustic, immersive experience, it’s a unique opportunity.

If you’re curious about Buddhist practices or want an experience that’s both educational and transformative, this retreat can be a meaningful addition to your Vietnam journey. Just come with an open mind, realistic expectations, and a sense of adventure.

FAQ

Is transportation from Ho Chi Minh City included? No, transportation to and from the pagoda is not included, so you’ll need to arrange this separately.

What is the accommodation like? It’s basic: communal sleeping on mats in a shared room, with communal bathrooms, reflecting a true monastic environment.

Are meals included? Yes, full vegetarian board is provided, which many find surprisingly delicious and nourishing after a day of activities.

How is the guidance during meditation? Several reviews mention that guidance can be minimal, with some participants feeling unsure about the meditation process.

Can I participate if I don’t speak English? The guide operates in English, so basic English communication is necessary.

What should I bring? Long-sleeved shirts and long pants are recommended for modesty and comfort during activities and rituals.

Is this experience suitable for children? The experience is designed for adults and may not be suitable for children, especially due to communal living and early mornings.

Can I cancel? Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is this experience suitable for people with disabilities? No, it’s not suitable for wheelchair users or those with altitude sickness.

Is alcohol or drugs allowed? No, these are strictly prohibited during the retreat.

To sum it up, this meditation retreat in Vietnam is a straightforward, authentic experience primarily for those curious about Buddhist practices and monastic life. It offers a chance to live simply, learn meditation techniques, and participate in spiritual rituals—ideal for travelers with an open mind and a desire for culture. While the facilities are modest and guidance may be limited, the genuine atmosphere and affordable price make it worth considering for your Vietnam itinerary.

You can check availability for your dates here: