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"Let the forest recharge itself."
"The pace and temperature of city life have never been ideal environments for peace of mind and body. But you can't leave the city for the forest. So let the forest be your energy charging station. Disconnect from the world, lie quietly on king-size rocks, and breathe slowly and deeply, allowing your chakras to be cleansed and balanced. Relax, loosen your muscles, and deeply feel the connection between yourself and nature, and then you'll realize how fulfilled you are to return to the city," shared Thuy Nguyen, founder of Thong Dong Retreat in Ta Xua, Son La.
Numerous studies have shown positive results, indicating that spending time surrounded by trees helps reduce stress, improve mood, and boost energy. Simply put, nature can heal our minds and bodies.
From Thong Dong Retreat, visitors can also explore local villages, walk under the cool forest canopy, or discover and experience trekking activities.
Ms. Thuy Nguyen - founder of Thong Dong Retreat in Ta Xua, Son La
In a conversation with Travellive, Thuy Nguyen shared: "After quitting my job in the city, I spent a lot of time traveling to many places. During my travels, I explored what kind of life I wanted, and the more I traveled, the more new perspectives I gained compared to my previous narrow-minded thinking. After discovering many things in the outside world that I had previously only seen from my own limited perspective, I wanted to settle in a place with beautiful scenery and close to nature. And Ta Xua is a place I visited and stayed in for a whole year, and I still want to stay there."
Ta Xua is known as a highland commune in Bac Yen district, Son La province, with a total area of over 44 square kilometers.2Located at an altitude of 1,500 to 2,000 meters above sea level, Ta Xua is surrounded by high mountain ranges, resulting in dense fog and swirling clouds. Ta Xua is primarily inhabited by the Mong ethnic group.
Thong Dong Retreat is both an accommodation option and a place offering tours that allow you to experience the natural beauty of the mountains and forests in Ta Xua, Son La.
According to Thuy Nguyen, most people often experience mental stress. When participating in tours at Thong Dong Retreat, everything disconnects from the factors causing stress. Connecting with nature, connecting with oneself to regain positive energy so that when returning to the city, one feels empowered to continue facing personal challenges.
Experience touch, explore nature, and heal body, mind, and spirit.
This season, Thong Dong Retreat is adorned in lush green, nestled halfway up the mountain, surrounded by a Hmong village and overlooking the legendary Dinosaur Ridge. It serves as both accommodation and a destination for tours that allow visitors to experience the natural beauty of the mountains and forests of Ta Xua, Son La. Currently, Thong Dong Retreat offers two tours to cater to the diverse preferences of visitors of all ages: a tour exploring the Ta Xua mountains and forests, and a tour for healing body, mind, and spirit.
Enjoying tea in the forest
The Ta Xua mountain and forest exploration tour will include activities such as trekking to the stream, free time in the forest, swimming in the stream, exploring the pristine forest, and picking wild vegetables... In addition, it focuses on families: bonding between parents and young children.
Conversely, a mind-healing tour connects with oneself and eliminates the need for contact with the outside world. A mind-body healing tour will include activities such as: forest bathing, meditation, body-mind connection, water relaxation therapy, grounding, moon bathing, stargazing, watching sunrises and sunsets in the forest, or brilliant starry nights rarely found in the city... All aimed at recharging oneself so that upon returning to the city, one is filled with renewed energy and a sense of fulfillment. It attracts abundance, peace, and completeness.
"This isn't a tourism product suitable for everyone; you need to have a bit of an adventurous spirit or dare to let go of your preconceived notions about life. To participate in this experiential tour, people need to shed some of their fears and venture out a bit to discover the interesting things that lie ahead," said Thuy Nguyen.
Meditating at the base of an ancient tree in the forest
In addition, Thong Dong Retreat collaborates with the Hmong people to connect and interact with tourists, introducing them to local culture, traditional music, costumes, and the craft of brocade weaving. The Hmong people in Chong Tra village have also become accustomed to visiting Thong Dong Retreat to share their flute music and dances, joining in the joyful atmosphere with tourists.
"Stepping into nature-based experiences also brings some anxiety, because when people find out about places like this, they'll flock here and gradually destroy the landscape. Nature lovers like myself would be quite heartbroken. I just want them to visit, preserve the natural environment, and leave instead of trampling on the ecosystem or littering... Even in the future, when tourists come to Thong Dong Retreat or other tourism companies, they will all be more conscious of preserving nature," Thuy Nguyen further shared.
