Happy Life Retreat

A decent, inexpensive place to stay. The rooms are on the small side.

I keep coming back even when I don't have a particular reason. Sometimes I just stretch out in the hammock with a book, or check on the flowers I left Mr. Bao to look after. It feels like visiting my grandmother's house, and I might leave with some vegetables or a few ripe strawberries. hihi The program itself gave me a real sense of space and happiness, and I felt that way on later visits too. The mind-cleansing brought a deeper calm than I'd known before. I study Buddhism, and the talks still struck a chord. They were deep but practical, with morality at the heart of it all. I also loved the nutrition and health lessons. I've been keen to learn about that for a while, and it felt like a cow finding fresh grass. I took in so much, and it opened up a subject I'd only just started exploring. :) Then came the detox treatment. Wow, my parents! I'd never experienced cellular detoxification before. I nearly took up a whole tourist apartment, though I only used the bathroom. I got home at 10 pm and hugged the house. My neighbor saw my pale face and asked what kind of detox it was. He may still be traumatized, and hasn't dared take the medicine. If he still hasn't next week, I'll take it for him! The next day I felt much lighter, the mild fevers that had bothered me for days were gone, and there was more besides. Life is pretty good! I was truly HAPPY to be here, not only during the program but whenever I came back.

Never coming back. At 800k VND a night, I expected better than an old hotel with furnishings that look decades old and haven't been updated. The Wi-Fi and water pressure were both weak, there was no mini safe in the room, and the bathroom felt like a sauna. The door didn't have a security lock either.

The best part for me was learning Yoga and Meditation directly from an Indian expert. I also really enjoyed the fresh air and the amazing vegan food.