I’m taking in the photo above with an enormous grin and gargantuan sigh, having traveled home 8,106 miles from northernmost Thailand and my beloved Chang Rai, after two healing weeks in North and South Vietnam, welcoming the new year of the Horse 2026. In the past, It’s been important to me to write and I suppose post while traveling and visiting with my fiends and family in Vietnam. And books will soon be written inspired by Phan Doan Tuan, my northern brother, as well as his daughters, my sweet nieces Phan Châu Giang, Phan Châu Anh, and Phan Châu Phuong. Alas, this year, so many tuyet voi (wonderful) experiences and realizations occurred, I took notes, I even clearly took videos, but the trip was mine. And now, safely home, as the magical Mekong Delta dust settles, we’re happy to share.
So much posting must occur, fortunately or unfortunately. After a week in Saigon with Phuc traveling to new seaside cities like Vung Tàu, New Year’s Day led us North to the sacred Huong or Perfume Pagoda, where Tuan first took me in 2009. The name "Perfume Pagoda" is said to come from the sweet fragrance of the wildflowers and herbs that fill the area during the blooming season, particularly in spring. The fragrance is believed to carry the blessings of the goddess Quan Am, electrifying the spiritual atmosphere. In Vietnamese, "Chua Huong" directly translates to "Pagoda of Fragrance", a name that perfectly encapsulates the divine aroma that lingers in the air during pilgrimages. An exotic, peaceful, prayerful New Year’s Day.
Call me Diên, “Crazy” in Vietnamese, and some good Viet people no doubt have, but I spotted this beautiful Catholic Church from aways off on the motor bike ride back to Ha Noi, and had Tuan stop. “This is the Church in Phu Xuyên - Ha Tay”, Tuan informed me later. It was a wonderful moment, capturing the congregation happily celebrating New Years Day, along with wishing some curious children Chuc Mung Nam Moi, Happy New Year! This happens all over the land, the locals sweetly curious of the người nước ngoài (foreigner).
After all expectations for Holiday healing and renewal were blown sky high, we made our way to the mountainous city and province Chiang Rai, the very special area known as The Golden Triangle. There, where, Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar all converge along the banks of the Mekong River, I made a few new friends as well as a new commitment to land and animal conservation at Elephant Camp. I also learned valuable information about the Moh Phi, or the Soul Doctor, the traditional healers of the White Hmong, Lahu, Akha, & Padong “Long Neck” Tribe of Myanmar. It doesn’t all occur in one visit, and so we’ll be back.
Lastly, our visit concluded with a visit to Thailand’s Opium Museum, highlighting Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother of Thailand, recognized for her vital role in transforming the Golden Triangle by promoting alternative livelihoods for local hill tribes. Through the SUPPORT Foundation and royal development projects, she helped shift the region from opium poppy cultivation toward sustainable agriculture and traditional handicrafts, reducing poverty and improving rural living conditions. Quite a feat, and the work of a true, beloved leader
As a former marketing guy, I found the video marking the concluding corridor of the museum pretty brilliant, accompanied by quotes like: “Live not as though there were a thousand years ahead of you; Fate is at your elbow, make yourself good while life and power are still yours.” ~ Marcus Aurelius Roman Emperor-Philosopher (A.D. 121-180). Truth! Powerful new aims have overtaken our efforts at The Higher Haven. Yet, I’m happy to report that having just completed April’s Way of the Contrary Ceremonial weekend, we will indeed be offering our semi-secret, supercharged, signature healing weekend in May, and June, and July, to the general public, for now. And 2026’s first chance to take in our world-renowned, signature Vipassana Meditation class - Meditation and Mindfulness 101- happens Mother’s Day weekend. Welcome Xuân (Spring)!
