Keep calm at a Far Eastern paradise
WHAT better place to master a headstand than at the base of a sacred mountain with a Buddhist yoga instructor?
Despite being quite a keen yogi, I’ve always been nervous about trying the pose. But my teacher, Thuy, patiently demonstrates the steps and calmly guides me through them.
The tranquillity of the Yen Tu Mountain must have worked its magic on me, because I’m able to lift my legs for a few moments, while balancing upside down with my hands either side of my head.
My feat is carried out at the newlyopened Legacy Yen Tu MGallery hotel, in the Quang Ninh Province of northern Vietnam, built on Yen Tu Mountain - a sacred site considered to be the cradle of Buddhism in Vietnam.
It’s revered as the place where King Tran Nhan Tong (who reigned from 1279-1293) achieved enlightenment after he renounced his earthly possessions and established Truc Lam, the Vietnamese school of Zen Buddhism.
The mountain is rich in natural beauty. Winding stone paths, dotted with striking temples, snake up through the dense forest and offer spectacular views.
The 133-room hotel is part of a 2.8 hectare complex, which was inspired by the story of the Buddha King. It’s built in the style of a 13th century Vietnamese village, a quaint collection of buildings with low-slung tiled roofs, as well as shops and market stalls selling local arts and crafts, including woven baskets and delicious ginger sweets, and a hostel for travellers on a budget.
Strolling through the tranquil cloistered hallways, it’s easy to imagine you’re in an ancient monastery. The property is even more magical when it rains and the secluded courtyards are filled with the sound of drumming water.
There’s a calm atmosphere and stillness flowing around every corner. Within hours of arriving, I can feel the worries of everyday life slipping away.
In the village square, dancers dressed as lions, birds and dragons put on a mesmerising display of music and dance.
I’m even invited to join in and manage to do the traditional bamboo dance, where participants run over a line of poles as they are tapped and clapped in rhythm to the music. At the end of the •