Perched 1,000 metres above sea level and framed by mist-cloaked mountains, Garrya Mù Cang Chải in Vietnam has opened its doors as the world’s largest luxury bamboo retreat. Set within the sculpted rice terraces of Yen Bai province, the new property marks Banyan Group’s first Garrya resort in the country.
The resort is also the first internationally branded hospitality offering in the Mù Cang Chải district, a National Heritage Landscape. Designed in collaboration with Vietnamese studio LG Architects, the resort is rooted in the land’s cultural and natural heritage.
One With Nature
Sweeping bamboo forms at the retreat evoke the resilience of the Vietnam spirit. The brocade-inspired motifs also pay homage to the artistry of the H’Mong people, whose traditions have long shaped the terraced valleys. Across 110 rooms, suites, and villas, simplicity and serenity define the aesthetic, with private wellness spaces, valley-facing terraces and interiors designed for natural ventilation.
“We didn’t set out to create just another retreat, we wanted to shape a place where the mountains themselves could do the talking,” says Thinh Phan, General Manager. “From the architecture to the guest journey, every detail is rooted in the land and its heritage, making the resort more than a luxury retreat. It’s a cultural destination where guests can slow down, listen inward and reconnect with what truly matters.”
Wellness And More
Wellness lies at the heart of the resort’s offering. The signature Awakening in the Mountains programme blends holistic therapies with mindful encounters, available as a four-day or six-day retreat. Morning breathwork sessions in the open air set the tone for days spent at the 8LEMENTS Spa, where thermal pools, cold plunges and infrared saunas restore balance, while guided meditation, aqua yoga and natural detox rituals encourage a deeper connection to the self.
Dining follows the same philosophy. At Refresh, seasonal plant-led menus celebrate regional flavours, while Charcoal Grill showcases fire-based cooking and indigenous ingredients. Cultural immersion is seamlessly woven into the guest journey, with experiences ranging from brocade weaving and herbal craft workshops to village-led treks and storytelling with the neighbouring H’Mong communities.
Just six hours from Hanoi, Garrya Mù Cang Chải is more than a mountain escape, it serves more of an invitation to experience Vietnam’s cultural soul. With nearby landmarks such as Mam Xoi Hill, Khau Pha Pass and the Mù Cang Chải Bamboo Forest within easy reach, the resort sets the stage for meaningful, mindful travel in one of the country’s most storied landscapes.
(Images: Banyan Group)
