Where ancient spirituality meets refined design — a transformative retreat in the cradle of Truc Lam Zen Buddhism
T
ucked away in the misty mountains of northern Vietnam, Legacy Yen Tu, MGallery by Sofitel is more than a hotel — it’s a journey into stillness. This elegant sanctuary, rising from the spiritual soil of the Yen Tu range, offers a rare fusion of luxury, tradition, and mindfulness, making it one of the most distinctive retreats in Southeast Asia. Designed as a modern-day hermitage, the resort draws inspiration from 13th-century Vietnamese Buddhist architecture, blending seamlessly with the sacred landscape that has drawn pilgrims for centuries.
Located in Uong Bi City, just a one-hour drive from the UNESCO-recognized Halong Bay and Cat Bi International Airport, the resort is easily accessible yet feels worlds apart. As you ascend through lush forests and winding mountain roads, the noise of modern life fades, replaced by birdsong, rustling bamboo, and the quiet hum of contemplation. Here, at the heart of the Truc Lam Zen Buddhist tradition, time slows down, and every breath feels deeper.
The resort’s 133 rooms and suites are a masterclass in understated elegance. Rooted in Oriental minimalism, they combine handcrafted woodwork, natural materials, and subtle Vietnamese motifs with modern comforts like private bathrooms with rain showers or bathtubs, minibars, safes, and spacious work desks. Free Wi-Fi and 24-hour room service ensure convenience, but it’s the atmosphere — serene, warm, deeply connected to place — that leaves the lasting impression. Large windows frame panoramic views of emerald hills and tranquil courtyards, inviting guests to wake up to nature’s rhythm.
Legacy Yen Tu retreat
But the true soul of Legacy Yen Tu lies in its purpose: to inspire inner peace. Whether you’re seeking a quiet escape from urban chaos, a mindful business retreat, or a spiritual pilgrimage, the resort serves as a gateway to deeper awareness. Its proximity to Yen Tu Mountain, revered as the birthplace of Vietnamese Zen Buddhism, makes it an ideal base for hikes to ancient pagodas like Dong Pagoda, where monks once meditated and taught. Guided cultural walks, meditation sessions, and Buddhist philosophy talks are available for those who wish to go beyond sightseeing and into understanding.
Wellness is woven into every layer of the experience. The resort’s spa is a haven of holistic healing, offering traditional Vietnamese massages, herbal body wraps, facial rituals with local botanicals, and energy-balancing therapies. Complement your treatment with a session in the sauna, a workout in the fitness center with mountain views, or a refreshing swim in the seasonal outdoor pool — a shimmering mirror reflecting the sky and surrounding greenery.
Dining at Legacy Yen Tu is equally thoughtful. The all-day Tho Quang Restaurant serves an exquisite blend of international cuisine and authentic Vietnamese flavors, using fresh, locally sourced ingredients — from mountain-grown rice to seafood from Halong Bay. Every dish tells a story of land and tradition. For lighter moments, the lounge bar, poolside bar, and café offer artisanal coffee, herbal teas, creative cocktails, and light bites in relaxed, elegant settings. And with 24-hour room service, comfort is always within reach.
The resort also caters to deeper needs: free Wi-Fi, concierge services, and picnic areas enhance the guest experience, while the staff — warm, attentive, and fluent in multiple languages — embody the Vietnamese spirit of chào đón (warm welcome). 
Whether you’re planning a hike, a quiet afternoon of reading, or a cultural immersion, they help you craft a stay that feels personal and meaningful.
Legacy Yen Tu, MGallery by Sofitel, doesn’t just offer luxury — it redefines it. Here, luxury isn’t about gold taps or grand lobbies; it’s found in silence, in space, in the quality of attention — to nature, to culture, to oneself. It’s a place where design serves serenity, where history breathes through modern hospitality, and where every detail invites you to pause, reflect, and reconnect.
In a world that never stops moving, Legacy Yen Tu stands as a quiet revolution: a reminder that the most profound journeys are the ones that lead inward.
Watch FantasiaAsia video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YC3UtNPVL5Q
