Introduction – A Different Side of Vietnam
Hi, I’m Andrea, a designer, digital nomad, and travel writer behind Guides & Stories. Throughout my journey across Vietnam, I aimed to immerse myself in the country while continuously refining and updating the travel guides I create.
Somewhere along that journey, I came across something unexpected, a small surfing, yoga, and art retreat in Cam Lâm, just south of Nha Trang. BodyVàMind Retreat immediately stood out. Surf retreats are still quite uncommon in Vietnam, so finding one that also blends creativity and wellness felt truly special. It was exactly the kind of place I would normally include in our Guides & Stories content, so I decided to experience it myself.
Why I Chose BodyVàMind in Cam Lâm
What drew me in was the combination. Not just surfing, but also yoga and creative sessions. It felt less like a typical surf camp and more like a space designed for balance.
At that point in my trip, I had been moving quickly through different destinations, constantly researching, writing, and updating content. I wasn’t necessarily looking for a break, but I realized I needed one.
This felt like the right place to slow down without stepping out of the journey completely.
Discovering Cam Lâm, An Off-the-Beaten-Path Coast
Cam Lâm is not a destination that appears on most Vietnam travel itineraries. In many ways, it still feels off the beaten path, exactly the kind of place we enjoy covering at Guides & Stories.
Instead of resorts and nightlife, you’ll find empty coastlines and a slower pace that immediately sets the tone. As a result, it’s easy to disconnect from the usual travel rush while feeling excited to explore these quiet rural areas.
Life at the Retreat – Space, Atmosphere, and Daily Flow
The retreat is set in a quiet residential area, in a guesthouse surrounded by greenery and open views. The beach is close enough to reach easily, creating a perfect combination of mountains and sea, something I really love. Everything about the house encourages you to pause, look around, and slow down, with natural light, open spaces, and shared areas where people naturally gather.
It’s run by Linh, who lives there with her family. From the beginning, it feels less like arriving somewhere new and more like being welcomed into an existing rhythm. They are very lovely and helpful with everything you need, which adds an extra layer of comfort to the everyday experience.
Meals follow that same tone. Some ingredients used for breakfast and dinner come directly from the garden belonging to the house. Speaking of the garden, you are also more than welcome to explore it, take part in the harvest, and help out if you enjoy gardening, which makes the whole experience feel even more connected to what you are eating. The meals are prepared to fuel both your mind and your body, giving you everything you need to keep going throughout the day, while also bringing the essence and flavors of traditional Vietnamese cuisine, which, in my opinion, is one of the best.
First Surf Sessions – Learning in a Quiet Lineup
The days begin early, and they begin in the water.
The beach is about a seven-minute walk away, or a short scooter ride. When you arrive, everything is already prepared, boards, instructor, and a quick introduction before heading in.
The conditions here are ideal for learning. The waves are not large, but they are long and consistent, which gives you time to understand what you’re doing.
What stood out to me most was that we had the beach almost entirely to ourselves. There’s a small bar on the beach where they keep the surfboards, with a simple chill area set up, and it really feels like a private spot just for the retreat. It creates a completely different atmosphere compared to more crowded surf destinations. There’s no rush, no pressure, and no need to compete for waves, just space to focus, keep trying, and enjoy the process. We started with a brief introduction and warm-up on the sand, and then went straight into the water, easing into the session in a very relaxed way.
The setting adds another layer. Green hills frame the coastline, and in the early morning light everything feels still. Those moments before the session really begins are the ones you remember, the kind that make you wish this could be your perfect morning routine.
And if you wake up a little earlier than the usual lesson time, which normally starts around 7:30 AM, you can watch the sunrise over the sea. Believe me, it’s unbelievable.
Noons of Slowing Down and Connecting
After the session, the day opens up.
Sometimes I stayed by the beach, other times I went back to the house for breakfast. Midday is usually free time, allowing guests to relax, enjoy the quiet surroundings, or explore the town. Just riding around on a scooter is already an experience in itself. It is a mix of small moments, riding with no destination, sitting around talking, or simply staying still for a while, reading a book on the rooftop of the house.
This is also when connections start to build with the people around you. Conversations happen naturally, without planning.
Afternoons and Activities – Yoga, Surfskate, and Art
Later in the day, things shift slightly, with optional activities depending on how you feel.
Yoga sessions take place in an open space near a small pond, where everything is quiet enough to fully focus. The local teacher is very attentive and prepares the sessions in a way that stretches the body deeply and creates space to breathe. It feels both relaxing and reconnecting, especially after paddling in the morning.
Surfskating happens in the same area, often right after yoga. If you still feel like moving, it becomes a great way to continue. It helps translate movement from land to water and is very useful for practicing techniques that later apply to surfing. The space is wide, the music is good, and there’s a shared energy of helping each other and exchanging tips. It feels light and freeing.
On some afternoons, there are art sessions on the rooftop. From there, you see the outline of the mountains and a distant line of the sea. It is a slower, more internal activity, but it fits naturally into the rhythm of the day.
The People I Met – Shared Moments and Conversations
What stayed with me most were the people.
Everyone arrived for different reasons, but there was a shared intention behind it. I remember long evenings after dinner, talking and sharing moments, sometimes about our travels, sometimes about life in a more reflective way.
There were also nights when we gathered around the table and played games. The energy was always good, and it created even more opportunities to connect, in a way that feels more natural than in typical hostels.
One person had been traveling for months and needed a pause. Another was trying surfing for the first time and quietly working through that challenge.
Nothing felt forced. You don’t really “meet people” in the usual way. You simply start sharing space, and things grow from there.
Why This Experience Works – Balance Between Activity and Stillness
Normally, I prefer to travel independently and create my own structure.
But here, I understood the value of letting go of that.
When everything is taken care of, your attention shifts. You stop thinking about logistics and start paying attention to what is happening around you.
Surfing gives you a sense of progress. Yoga helps your body recover. Creative sessions give your mind space to slow down.
Together, BodyVàMind Retreat creates a balance that is difficult to achieve when you are constantly moving.