wellness
Journaling for Mindfulness in Ho Chi Minh City
Learn how to start a daily journaling practice for stress relief. Join 180+ Ho Chi Minh City residents at Tao Dan Park journaling groups and discover mindfulness tools for busy schedules.
How we reported this
Over 180 residents signed up for guided journaling sessions at Tao Dan Park on the first Saturday of July 2026.
City workers and students report mounting stress from long commutes along Nguyen Hue Boulevard and tight deadlines in District 1 offices. Journaling offers a low-cost entry point into mindfulness that fits between morning exercise routines and evening meals of fresh pho and herbs. Local health officials note rising demand for simple mental tools that require no special equipment beyond paper and pen.
Spots where residents already journal
Groups meet at Tao Dan Park near the central fountain each Tuesday and Thursday at 6:30 a.m., right after tai chi circles finish. Participants sit on benches facing the banyan trees and write for ten minutes before sharing one line aloud. FV Hospital on Le Van Luong Street in District 7 runs a six-week mindfulness series that includes a journaling module every Wednesday evening from 7 to 8:30. The hospital charges 250,000 VND for the full course, which covers notebooks and basic prompts.
A June 2026 report from the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Health recorded a 28 percent rise in registered mindfulness activities compared with the same month in 2024. Average notebook prices at street stalls near Ben Thanh Market sit at 45,000 VND, while imported dotted journals at bookstores on Pasteur Street reach 120,000 VND. Both figures appear in the department survey that polled 1,200 residents.
Three steps to begin this week
Pick one consistent time each day, such as right after cycling along the Saigon River at sunset. Write three sentences about what you noticed during the ride without judging the words. Review the page the next morning and circle any phrase that still feels true. Repeat the cycle for seven days before deciding whether to adjust the prompt list. Residents who follow this pattern at Tao Dan Park report finishing their first notebook within three weeks.
Those ready for extra structure can join the next open session at FV Hospital on 15 July. No prior experience is required, and the hospital supplies sample prompts focused on breath and local surroundings. Start with whatever paper is on hand and build from there.