Name: Asia Cruises & Tours
Brand: Adventure Life
Rating: 4.8 (405 reviews)

Situated in the serene Mai Chau Valley, Vietnam, Avana Retreat provides a dreamy haven amidst verdant foliage and tranquil surroundings. This boutique retreat is a sanctuary for those seeking respite from the bustle of city life. Visitors can fully immerse themselves in the vibrant local culture, with traditional stilt houses offering cozy lodgings with a touch of the region's charm.

Enjoy authentic Vietnamese cuisine prepared with fresh, locally sourced ingredients, and unwind with yoga sessions or guided nature walks through rice paddies and bamboo forests. Whether seeking adventure or relaxation, Avana Retreat provides a harmonious blend of nature, culture, and rejuvenation.

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Rooms

Itineraries

$1,086

EXPLORE

Avana Retreat Extension

3 Day Itinerary

Explore Mai Chau landscape
See native animals in Bamboo Forest
Engage with locals
Taste authentic local cuisine
Enjoy indoor and outdoor activities
Stay in a nature retreat house

Activities:: Homestays, Spa Relaxation, Village Visits, Wildlife Viewing
Activity Level:: Variable

Tour Details

Retreat Villas

The Avana Retreat offers 36 villas to preserve natural beauty and privacy for guests. This number is final, and there's no plan for expansion. Al villas are scattered along the mountainside, divided into two main pathways.

22 Bahinia Mountain Suites:
1 King Bed with private balcony, a bathtub and large seating area with a view of the mountain, valley, or field
Room Size: 98 sqm

6 Ferns Grand Mountain Suites:
1 King Bed with private balcony, a bathtub and large seating area with a view of the mountain, valley, or field
Room Size: 115 sqm

1 Senna Hilltop Pool Villa:
1 King bedroom with a 61 sqm private infinity pool, a bathtub, and a living room with a view of valley and rice field
Room Size: 194 Sqm

5 Lantana Mountain Bungalow:
2 Bed rooms or 2 twin bedrooms, a private balcony, 2 bathtubs; 2 small seating areas with a view of the mountain, Valley, or Rice Field
Room Size: 124 Sqm

Retreat venues and other facilities

Green Chili Restaurant: This all-day dining restaurant features an elegant interior and serves a gourmet dining experience with a focus on Vietnamese traditional food and fusion food.
Location: On the foothill, next to the KOI pond. Opening Hours: 06:00–22:00
Capacity: 138 seats
Category: Buffet, Àal carter, Set menu

Cloud Pool: One of the most favorite places at Avana is the main swimming pool. Waterfall, valley, rice field, and forest provide the breathtaking backdrop. A beautiful sunset is something to behold.

Hidden Spring Lagoon: Avana's hidden gem and a place to chill. Come soak in the natural spring water and the gentle sunlight.
Location: somewhere between the Green Chili Restaurant and Stilt House Museum
Opening Hours: 11:00–17:00
Capacity: 12 seats
Category: Beverage

Cloud Pool Bar: Perfectly located next to the three-level infinity pool, the best place for the sunset, with a breathtaking view over the terraced rice fields and the waterfall, Cloud Pool Bar offers delectable lunch and a premium selection of cocktails. Outdoor seating is available.
Location: On the hilltop
Opening Hours: 11:00–22:00
Capacity: 56 seats
Category: Beverage, À la carte menu

Retreat Tours & Adventures

Backdropped by mountainous landscapes, Avana is a luxury retreat from which guests can plan a wide range of adventures and experiences.

Mai Chau’s 56,454 hectares of mountains, valleys, forests, rivers, and rice fields provide invigorating opportunities for both adventurers and those looking to unwind in nature. Step out of the car, venture deep into the jungle, conquer the river, and discover the natural self in you.

Kayak Escape: Splash your paddles, drift through the waves, discover the beauty of Hoa Binh Lake, and enjoy a sense of tranquility in the midst of untouched nature. Must be booked 24 hours in advance.

Jeep Adventure: Sit back, catch the sights, feel the touch of freedom, and experience the world from a completely different perspective.
All Jeeps is available daily between 6 AM to 6 PM (last booking at 4 PM).
Duration: 1.5 hours
Number of Jeep: 02
Maximum Guests: 3 pax

Jungle and Village Trek (full-day tour): Challenge yourself to an adventure time in the mountain’s beaten tracks. Coordinate your momentum at a steady pace while soaking in the panoramic view along the trek. A picnic lunch is served mid-tour, with time to rest and enjoy the peaceful mountain scenery. Must be booked 24 hours in advance.
Duration: 2.5 hours
Distance: 6 km
Difficult level: Easy
Maximum Guests: 10 pax
Suitable for: Ages 8 and up

Nature Trek (half-day tour): Escape into the mountains and truly feel their magnificent allure. Trek through the beaten paths till you reach the mountaintop, as the whole Mai Chau valley opens up with Thai villages dotting below. Continue on the journey, and you will arrive at the local villages, where friendly locals welcome you with warm smiles, rustic stories, and authentic culture. Must be booked 24 hours in advance.
Duration: 3 hours
Distance: 6km
Difficult level: Intermediate
Maximum Guests: 10 pax
Suitable for: Ages 10 and up

Local Village Walk: This lovely walk is suitable for explorers who are looking for a restful time while enjoying some of the most serene countryside scenery. Wander through different terrains and rural roads with a guide side by side to learn about the mountain lifestyle and stunning nature features here. Must be booked 24 hours in advance.
Duration: 7 hours
Distance: 14km
Difficult level: Upper Intermediate
Maximum Guests: 10 pax
Suitable for: Ages 10 and up

Optional Activities

Half-day Nature Walk: Start your walk from Avana, and along the route, you will witness the beautiful countryside surrounding you. Feel the peace emanating from the majestic green forests, the deserted country roads, and the verdant rice paddy fields. Get an insight into local life by meandering through the ethnic villages and admiring the charming scenery of the area.

Duration: 2 hours, 30 minutes
Distance: 6 kilometers
Difficulty level: 1
Elevation: From 100m to 300m
Note: This hike is suitable for those 10 years old and older. Must be booked 24 hours in advance.

Full-day Hiking: A View from the Top (Picnic Lunch Included): Walking this trail is an iconic mountain trekking experience in Mai Chau. You will hike directly uphill into the mountains behind Avana until you reach the top of Bò Buôi Mountain. From there, you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the whole valley below and experience a true sense of freedom. After a rest, continue to an ethnic Hmong village before hiking further downhill to visit some Thai ethnic villages. The hike provides an awesome opportunity to enjoy spectacular grasslands, hills, valleys, and local scenery. Avana's culinary team will prepare a gourmet picnic lunch as part of the package.

Duration: 8 hours, 30 minutes
Distance: 15 kilometers
Level: 3
Difference in height: 100 meters
Elevation: 450m (from 350m to 800m)
Terrain: Mountain trails
Note: This hike is not recommended for guests younger than 15 years of age. Good physical fitness is required

Full-day Hiking: Hike to Hmong Village (picnic lunch included): After a 30-minute drive, you will reach the home of some Hmong ethnic people in Tau Na village. From there, you will hike further up until you can almost feel at one with the mountain while taking in the sights and sounds of the remote region. The hike then continues through a beautiful meadow dotted with Hmong stilt houses. You will likely see Hmong children in colorful clothes sitting on the rocks and playing while their parents work in the garden. Walking along the winding red dirt roads, you will certainly see buffalo roaming their trails before heading back down to Tau Na. A tasty picnic lunch will be served mid-tour, with an opportunity to rest and soak up the tranquil mountain atmosphere. After lunch, you will meet your driver and be transferred back to the resort.

Duration: 7 hours
Distance: 14 kilometers
Difficulty level: 2
Terrain: Mountain trails
Difference in height: 200 meters
Elevation: 550m (from 350m to 900m)
Note: This hike is suitable for those 10 years old and older.

Full-day kayak getaway (lunch is included) After a two-hour drive today, you will arrive at Ba Lake and be prepared for your kayaking adventure. Enjoy the breathtaking view of tree-covered mountains, islands, and islets during your two-hour kayaking excursion on the lake's tranquil waters. Then, enjoy lunch at a local house as you admire the idyllic lake view before returning to Avana Retreat.

Distance: 55 kilometers
Duration: 2 hours per way (Avana-Ngoi Village-Avana)
Duration of the Kayak activity: 2 hours
Distance: 10 kilometers
Level: Intermediate
Time: From 07:30 to 16:00 (Hanoi - Ngoi Village - Avana)

Morning Jeep tour in the countryside: You will start your jeep tour from Avana Retreat and leave the area via the backroads, passing through areas of natural wonder as well as the local village. During the 1.5-hour Jeep tour, you will see a lot of beautiful rice fields and rice terraces, cross some small rivers and bridges, and witness the beauty of the countryside. You will have a lot of opportunities to learn about the culture and the region, and you will be able to stop for pictures.

Duration: 1.5 hours
Notes: 3 people per Jeep

Cooking Class with the Chef (Meals Included: Lunch): Uncover the tasteful secrets of local cuisine with a cooking class at the resort. You will start the experience on a ride with the chef to visit a local garden, learn about the local vegetables, and hand-pick the ones needed for the cooking session. Then, travel back to Avana Retreat and try crafting a delicious meal. The chef will reveal his cooking techniques and the ingredients behind each dish. Finish with a tasting session of the food prepared in class.

Duration: 5 hours, 30 minutes, from 08:00 to 13:30

Orchid Spa and Wellness

Designed to blend into the pristine nature, Orchid Spa aims to bring relaxation to health-conscious travelers. Feel at ease in our private treatment room, built along the waterfall’s flow, where gurgling streams follow your every step.

Mountain Stone: It enhances your soothing treatment. During the treatment, heated stones are placed on specific body areas to loosen tight muscles and allow your therapist to access deeper muscle layers.

Vietnamese Energy Healing: This treatment benefits the healing properties of natural oil to enhance skin penetration and create an overall sense of well-being using a combination of gentle to medium pressure, with long strokes and kneading techniques.

Escape Romance: Escape to the land of well-being in a spa bungalow just for couples. Laidback and relax in a romantic and peaceful environment. From a refreshing facial to body tension-release therapy, this treatment will leave you wholly recharged.

AVANA Signature: Vietnamese traditional herbs have long been providing healing benefits for the mind, body, and soul. This signature treatment, which is customized to meet individual needs, is meant to completely immerse you in an authentic mountain retreat experience.

Local Signature Cuisine

With its exquisite presentation and flawless cooking, the cuisine, which is influenced by the local specialties and the most popular herbs and spices in every Vietnamese northern mountain kitchen, creates unforgettable moments and a distinct sense of place.

Green Chili Restaurant: This restaurant treats its guests to some of the most awe-inspiring vistas: picturesque terraced rice fields, dense clouds covering mountain peaks in early winter mornings, happy-go-lucky ducks chilling on the green grass, and natural cascades playing the music while they are drizzling on the rocks. It’s the venue to relax, enjoy the serenity, soak in the greenery, and get some quality time in the great outdoors.

Private Dining: There are romantic moments to be shared at Avana Retreat, whether for a honeymoon, an anniversary, or simply a chance to surprise your loved ones. Enjoy our exclusive experience with a table for two, a gourmet menu, and a private butler. Reserved for privacy, lined with candles, and framed by the gorgeous nature, few settings compete with this level of romance.

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Beyond expectations! Then again we weren't sure what to expect. Lovely stay at the lodge, met other like-minded travelers (many had their trips planned by Adventure Life) and the owner was a gracious hostess. It felt like you were one happy family, visiting with a favorite aunt.

Nancy Sin

Avana Retreat

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Rooms

Itineraries

Avana Retreat Extension

Retreat Villas

Retreat venues and other facilities

Retreat Tours & Adventures

Optional Activities

Orchid Spa and Wellness

Local Signature Cuisine

Inquire

We Love to Talk Travel

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