IT’S TIME TO KNOW MORE ABOUT US
Your Peaceful Haven in Phong Nha
Welcome to Nguyen Shack Retreat — a peaceful sanctuary tucked inside the majestic Phong Nha–Ke Bang National Park.
We are a Vietnamese–Canadian family dedicated to sustainable living and genuine local hospitality. For more than 14 years, our Nguyen Shack homestays across Vietnam earned a reputation for authenticity, simplicity, and heartfelt human connection. Today, we’ve brought all that experience into one special place. Our mission remains unchanged: to create a space where you can disconnect from digital noise and reconnect with what truly matters — nature, animals, and yourself.
Here, you’re not just a guest. You’re part of our extended family.
🌿 The Retreat Experience
A regenerative sanctuary
Nguyen Shack Retreat is designed for those who crave space to breathe, slow down, and return to a simpler rhythm of life.
Mindful Moments
Begin your day with a self-guided yoga session in our dedicated shala or on your lakeside balcony, using our provided equipment.
Or simply slip into the forest trails for a quiet, meditative walk around the peaceful lake — a gentle way to ground yourself in nature before the adventures ahead.
Unmatched Location
Our retreat overlooks a tranquil lake framed by romantic mountains, with the soft jungle noise and fresh air surrounding you. Just a stone’s throw from the entrance of the UNESCO-listed Phong Nha–Ke Bang National Park, this breathtaking landscape becomes the starting point for your explorations to trekking lush jungle paths reaching majestic caves.
Animal Companionship
Our retreat is also home to a joyful family of animals who roam freely and live happily alongside us. Dogs, cats, rabbits, pigs, ducks, chickens, goats, and even our gentle cow are part of the daily life here. Guests are always welcome to interact with them, feed them, and enjoy their calming presence.
Feel the Vibe
To help you experience the atmosphere of our retreat, we created a video clip featuring a beautiful song written by one of our beloved guests. This heartfelt music perfectly captures the spirit of slow living, healing, and the peaceful rhythm of life at Nguyen Shack Retreat. Watch the video here and let the calm wash over you: “Retreat (Nguyen Shack Song)”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GQD65vBaWTk
Our Retreat is Your Oasis
Join us at Nguyen Shack Retreat and discover the perfect balance of adventure and tranquility.
We look forward to welcoming you to your home away from home!
Let us now introduce ourselves, the family behind the retreat.
Nguyen Thi Theu
For over 25 years I’ve worn many hats in Vietnam’s tourism industry, starting in ktichen and working my way up through different roles in managment, even becoming an OTA agent. This diverse experience gave me a deep understanding of the industry, and ultimately, the desire to create something truly special for travelers.
In 2012, that dream materialized with the opening of Nguyen Shack, my very own homestay in Can Tho. Fate intervened shortly after, when I met my wonderful husband. Together, we poured our hearts into Nguyen Shack, bringing it from a rustic homestay into a comfee resort/retreat nestled in the breathtaking beauty of Phong Nha.
This journey has been incredibly rewarding. It’s more than just running a retreat; it’s about creating a welcoming space for guests and helping them craft unforgettable memories in Vietnam.
Maxime Godin-Murphy
Travel and destiny collided in 2012 when I met my amazing wife, Theu, at her charming homestay in Can Tho. While it was basic then, I saw the potential and joined forces with her. Together, we combined her deep roots in Vietnamese tourism with my global travel experience.
This dream team created unique accommodations across Vietnam, culminating in our ultimate project: a retreat nestled in the stunning Phong Nha landscape.
Living the dream in the Vietnamese countryside, I share my love for this adopted home with every traveler I meet. My mission? To make them fall in love with Vietnam as much as I have.
Kim & An
Family is at the heart of everything we do. Our two daughters, the fruits of our love, are a constant source of inspiration. We believe raising them in the Vietnamese countryside, surrounded by breathtaking nature, offers a unique and enriching experience fro them.
They enjoy very much to meeting travelers from all over the world. Be expose to different cultures and having friend for many different countries broadens their horizons. While they enjoy these multicultural interactions, they also receive a strong academic foundation through homeschooling. This also allows us to travel with them during the off-season, exposing them to diverse cultures around the globe.
Charity
At Nguyen Shack, your journey to inner peace and connection with nature has a beautiful ripple effect, reaching the heart of our local community in Cu Lac 2, Phong Nha. We believe that the deep sense of connection you cultivate with yourself and the natural world during your time here can blossom into positive change within our local community. It’s with this philosophy at heart that a meaningful portion of the investment you make in your well-being directly supports the families and individuals who reside in the beautiful surroundings of our retreat.
Your choice to stay with us becomes a vital thread in a tapestry of care. These contributions help us provide essential resources, ensuring that more of our neighbors have access to nutritious food, and the support they need to build more secure and dignified lives. It’s our way of expressing gratitude to the community that so warmly embraces us and fostering a stronger, more resilient environment for everyone.
At Nguyen Shack, we see a beautiful interconnectedness between personal growth, the tranquility of nature, and the well-being of our community. By choosing to embark on your journey of self-discovery with us, you become an integral part of this circle of compassion, helping us create a brighter future for our neighbors in Cu Lac 2. Thank you for being a partner in this heartfelt endeavor, where your inner peace contributes to a wider sense of harmony and well-being.
