Health and fitness should never be neglected and if you’re a yogi or you’re thinking of taking up yoga classes, Saigon has several places worth visiting.
Most of the larger establishments have Indian yoga masters and the pace is fast and furious, leaving lessons feeling like a Bikram class, given the climate. There are also oases of calm to be found in the more contemplative meditation centres. Many offer a free first lesson, so don’t hesitate to sample the many teachers and their various styles and intensities before settling.
Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centre
https://sivanandayogavietnam.org/
facebook.com/Yogasivanandavietnam
25 Tran Quy Khoach, D1; +84 28 6680 5427
Price: Member: VND126,000/lesson; Non-Member: VND150,000/lesson
Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centre is a branch of International Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centres, applying traditional yoga methods and principles inherited from a lineage of yoga masters Swami Sivananda and Swami Vishnudevananda. Yoga teachings are simplified into five points, showing specific ways to develop physical and mental health as well as spiritual growth through proper exercise (Asanas), proper breathing (Pranayama), proper relaxation (Savasana), proper diet (vegetarian), positive thinking (Vedanta) and meditation (Dhyana).
Yoga Living
Price: VND50,000-270,000/first trial; VND2,388,000-VND8,376,000/yr
Unashamedly aimed at “smart high net worth” individuals, this studio is usually the first port of call for expatriates. Specialises in Ashatanga, Hatha and Vinyasa. Well priced, with flexible membership packages and special deals.
Yoga & Bodywork with Daphne
http://www.yogawithdaphne.com/; +84 76 662 6467
Daphne Chua is proficient in both English and Chinese. She teaches Hatha, Vinyasa, partner, yin, restorative and therapeutic yoga in HCMC. She also offers one-on-one bodywork treatments. Her schedule changes weekly. Check her website for the correct time and venue to join her classes.
For studios in other areas in HCMC, please see Best Yoga Studios in Saigon.
For information on health and fitness in Vietnam go to Vietnamese People Among the Most Physically Inactive but Least Obese