Home – About Us
MD Retreat holds special meaning for me. “MD” stands for my name. Manh Do…“M” for Mountain and “D” for Dew, symbolising my origins and the simplicity of a son from the north-west mountains of Vietnam.
I grew up poor in remote Lai Chau, a far northern province of Vietnam. Unable to afford university, I moved to Sapa in 2005 to work in a small guesthouse, where I met travellers from around the world. Motivated to learn, I practised English with guests and moved to Hanoi in 2006 in search of new opportunities. It was here that the seeds of my ambition were sown.
My eco-tourism dream starts with protecting what makes a place special, not packaging it for quick profit. It means working with local communities, providing jobs, keeping impact low, and offering experiences that feel genuine rather than staged. Done properly, it is slower to grow, but far more meaningful and sustainable in the long term.
Escape the hum of Hanoi and rediscover a slower pace of life. Nestled in the foothills of Ba Vi national park, MD Ba Vi Retreat is more than just a place to stay-it is an antidote to the city. We offer a simple, grounded retreat where space, fresh air, and tranquillity set the tone.
Our rooms are designed as private sanctuaries. Blending traditional Vietnamese aesthetics with modern comfort, each space features comfortable bedding, air conditioning, and thoughtfully appointed bathrooms or wet rooms. Whether you wake to views of misty mountains or our landscaped gardens, your comfort is our priority.
Experience the true flavours of the Vietnamese countryside. Our chef prepares home-style meals using ingredients sourced largely from our own organic gardens. Each dish reflects seasonal produce and traditional cooking.
The chef (name) is also a school friend who relocated to Ba Vì to support this project. He specialises in Lai Châu cuisine, which reflects the region’s ethnic diversity, particularly Thai and Hmong influences. With simple, bold flavours shaped by the mountains, dishes often include grilled meats, river fish, sticky rice, and wild herbs, with highlights such as smoked buffalo and bamboo-cooked rice. Meals are rustic and seasonal, based on what is grown, foraged, or raised locally rather than elaborate preparation.
We provide everything you need for a comfortable and relaxing stay. You can take a cool swim in our outdoor pool or find a quiet, hidden spot in the garden to read and relax.
Even while you rest, we provide the essentials:
Our lush gardens are filled with many different types of local plants:
Hibiscus, Boston Fern, Yellow Cosmos, Elephant Ear, Cluster Fig, Inch Plant, Gardenia, Ti Plant, Coconut Palm, Fan Palm, Areca Palm, Banana Plant, Ferns, and Mosses.
This green oasis is the perfect place to feel close to nature. You will find six separate seating areas tucked away from the main buildings. Each spot offers a unique view of the flowers and trees. There is also a soft, grassy lawn that is perfect for a family picnic.
When night falls, the garden changes. Warm lanterns light up the pool area, and a soft breeze moves through the tall trees. It is a peaceful time to sit back with a drink and enjoy the quiet sounds of the night. Beautiful stone arches frame the paths, making every view look like a professional photograph. It is a perfect place to rest your mind and enjoy the beauty of the outdoors.
The real draw here is the landscape. At MD Ba Vi, time is yours to shape. Cycle through quiet rural lanes on our complimentary bicycles, wander at your own pace, or head into nearby Ba Vi National Park, where clearly marked trails make exploration straightforward. Along the way, you will come across remnants of French colonial-era ruins slowly being reclaimed by the forest. It is less about curated activities and more about having the space to switch off and reconnect.
Located just 60–90 minutes from Hanoi, the retreat is easily reached by road, with the journey gradually giving way to the quieter, winding routes of rural Ba Vì.
Our parent company, Eco Travel, can include the retreat as part of organised tours in the area, with further details available from Manh Do.
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