Itinerary

Side by side, we are embarking on a textile discovery tour as we unveil the unspoilt haven of Mai Chau, home to the Ban Lac people, whose Thai ancestors settled northwest Vietnam. The two tribes, known as the White Tay and Black Tay, migrated from the Yunnan province in China, and are renowned for their vibrant embroidery and mastery in decorative silk production.

On this retreat, we will seek inspiration for life, discover ancestral textile knowledge, slow down our footsteps and treat ourselves to a rejuvenation of the mind, body and spirit amid the beating heart of this unique cultural setting.

Through curated workshops, and carefully planned tours to vibrant markets, contemplative museums, old craft quarters and bucolic villages, our 6 day, 5 night kaleidoscopic itinerary will ensure you get to broaden your mind, taste authentic local cuisine, connect with diverse tribes and fellow wayfarers, while exploring what it means to travel solo with eyes, minds, and hearts wide open.

Day One

We begin in Hanoi, where the pulse of Vietnam beats the loudest in an alluring capital city, where old and new come together. After arriving at your boutique hotel, take your time to unpack and join me for a refreshing welcome drink. Here you will meet me, as well as the TextileSeekers tribe.

Day two

It’s Inspiration Day! On your second day of the trip, we will be exploring selected museums, wandering the alleys of Hanoi’s 36 Street in the Old Quarter, which buzzes with artisans and craftspeople. We will also visit curated antique stores, and visit the studio of Ms. Tinh, a proud member of the Black Tay tribe who works with natural dyes and vintage looms. We’ll have the opportunity to purchase some of her handicrafts, and explore how she has adopted the city as her home from which to continue her tribal traditions. 

Day three

Today we will head to Mai Chau taking in the majestic scenery as we wind our way through forests and mountainous vistas. Upon arriving at the beautiful Avana Retreat, our new home in Mai Chau, we will have time to reconvene over dinner, share our hopes and aspirations for this part of our journey, and take in the truly breathtaking surroundings as we adapt to a wholly different pace of life.

Day Four

We will greet the fourth day of our tour with a morning of meditation. Once refreshed and invigorated, we will drive to the home of White Tay, Ms. Trang, where we will uncover first-hand the silkmaking process from farm to cocoon, and explore the ingenious use of natural dyes made from indigenous plants and flowers, which lend the region its iconic colours. We harvest from her garden natural plants to soften her silk lengths.

Day FOUR

We will dive deeply into the weaving traditions of the Tay people, and follow the journey of brocade and jacquard which is enlivened with imagery and countless symbols, each with its own unique story to tell of the Tay tribe’s unique heritage. You and your fellow travellers will participate in creating your own interpretations, finding inspiration in yourself and your new surroundings. 

Day FIVE

It’s impossible to overstate the significance of hemp in Mai Chau, a cornerstone of the Blue H’mong tribespeople in the region. We will partake in a hemp making workshop to better understand the culture behind hemp and its various products, which include the woven fibres which result in a highly versatile fabric. You’ll be invited to try your hand at batik drawing, as well as freehand fabric drawing to create a design of your choice.

In the evening, we’ll come together for a sumptuous meal, where we will reflect on all we’ve discovered along the way.

Day SIX

Today is all about relaxing, catching up with one another, and enjoying the facilities at our resort. Continue on your creative endeavours, as well as plenty of time to relax, read, and share ideas and stories with your fellow travellers.

Mid afternoon It’s time to return to whichever corner of the globe we call home. Our hearts and minds full of colour, inspiration, and new approaches to time-honoured practices, one journey has ended… and yet countless more have begun.

Avana Retreat - whose name comes from the Sanskrit word for ‘beautiful flower’ - is pristinely situated amid lush jungles and leafy valleys, and sits in the heartland of three of Vietnam’s ethnic groups. A beautiful example of high-end hospitality with sustainability at its core, it has been meticulously designed to reflect a love and respect for nature. Since the first villa was built, more than 10 hectares have been reforested at Avana and the surrounding region.

At this hotel retreat, we’re able to immerse ourselves in local culture and celebrate the heritage of this landscape, and guests are invited to explore all fifteen spectacular hectares of its mountainous environs - perfect for nature lovers and those seeking inspiration from the landscape!

Further accentuating the retreat’s position in such a culturally rich location, there is an on-site museum that awaits your exploration. Surrounded by wild grasses and dense woodland, a 1970s traditional stilt house has been turned into an educational centre, showcasing artefacts and handicrafts produced by the ethnic groups who call this landscape home. This collection weaves a potent story about the rituals, beliefs, symbolism, and everyday life of the groups, and provides a comfortable insight into a time-honoured set of cultures to pique your curiosity.

Guests are also welcome to unwind in the beauty of the Orchid Spa, Avana’s wellness centre which utilises local organic oils, herbs, and extracts, restoring balance, increasing wellbeing, and cultivating a holistic approach to mental health and happiness. Coupled with wonderful local gastronomic encounters, the Pung Waterfall Private Dining area, a cinema, cultural dance performances, blissful villas, a sustainable ethos and a staff featuring 90% local community members, it’s a hospitality experience which allows you to get closer to this unique and unforgettable corner of Vietnam.

Overland transportation in a private comfortable air-conditioned 16 seater car commencing from and concluding in Hanoi, including entrance fees into villages at Mai Chau.

Private airport transfers if you arrive and depart within 24 hours of the tour dates, available upon pre-request, payment is to be made directly to the driver.

Hanoi accommodation: x2 nights in a boutique hotel.

Mai Chau accommodation: x3 nights at the luxury Avana Retreat.

Lunch is included during most workshops, featuring local dishes made with seasonal ingredients, with vegan and vegetarian options available. Including spring water.

Farewell complimentary dinner.

Breakfast is included with your hotel accommodation.

Workshops, demonstrations and all materials are included for batik, indigo and natural dyeing, embellishment, weaving, applique and embroidery, bamboo basket weaving.

Morning meditation classes - x3 sessions at the lodge.

Tickets and entrance fees into museums, with optional audio or guides.

PRICE

Double Occupancy US$TBC per person (additional surcharge of US$1000 for single occupancy), excl. IVA.

If you are not ready to take this next step, there is no hurry at all. You can take all the time you need to ponder over your priorities, remind yourself of what you enjoy doing in your free time and dream about what you wish to achieve for your next trip. We are carving a space here within our community to open a dialogue about what wellness means and redefining luxury beyond its current contained interpretation.