Nestled in the ancient village of Ky Son, just 60km from Hanoi, Moon Garden provides a home away from home for those who want to be immersed in the true rural culture of Vietnam. Originally a summer home for a Hanoi-based architect and his family, the property has since been expanded with the addition of two new houses, built in the style of surrounding ethnic villages, each adorned with wonderful Vietnamese antiquities and traditional furniture.
The original, restored Vietnamese home offers two en suite guest rooms, while the two newer buildings each have two en suite bedrooms and separate living areas.
The ambience is enhanced by a lovely central courtyard, a small pond and bonsai garden overlooking a lake and surrounding rice paddies. You can also step inside the century-old church, which was rescued from a neighbouring province and rebuilt piece by piece in the grounds.
The homestay offers a range of activities designed to provide a unique glimpse of authentic Vietnam. Start your day with gentle yijin jing exercises. Try your hand at making traditional Vietnamese delicacies (spring rolls, of course) in a cooking class, cycle to local villages, visit a school and help out on a farm. After a day exploring, return to your reward of a hand spa and steam bath with fragrant herbs like lemon grass, pomelo leaves, and holy basil leaves.
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