The Ultimate Pickleball Retreat in the Mekong Delta

Dong Nai Province — just 1.5 hours from Ho Chi Minh City — is the last place most people expect to find a world-class pickleball retreat. And that's exactly the point.

Sportkation sits on a 6,000 m² estate in Dong Nai Province, surrounded by lush countryside and tropical gardens. It's Vietnam's first — and currently only — dedicated pickleball retreat, combining professional courts with a full resort experience just a short drive from the city.

The concept is simple: instead of squeezing a game into your lunch break at an urban court, you take an entire weekend to immerse yourself in the sport. Play in the morning when the air is cool, relax by the pool at midday, have a coaching session in the afternoon, then round out the day with a BBQ dinner and sauna under the stars.

The estate features 2 professional-grade pickleball courts with proper surfacing, nets, and night lighting for evening play. Whether you're a complete beginner or a competitive tournament player, the courts are designed for all levels.

Accommodation is in private wooden cabins scattered across the property, each with air conditioning, ensuite bathrooms, and terraces overlooking the orchard gardens. The outdoor Finnish-style sauna seats 6–8 people and sits beside a cold plunge area, making it a perfect post-match recovery ritual.

The BBQ pavilion serves as the social heart of Sportkation — a covered outdoor kitchen where guests grill together in the evening, sharing stories from the day's games over local Mekong Delta produce. A swimming pool, hammock garden, and cycling paths through the surrounding rice paddies complete the retreat experience.

Dong Nai Province is one of southern Vietnam's most naturally diverse regions, offering a rich mix of forests, rivers, and cultural heritage — all within easy reach of Ho Chi Minh City.

Cat Tien National Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, is the crown jewel — home to endangered species, ancient trees, and world-class birdwatching. The Dong Nai River provides scenic boat trips and kayaking opportunities through peaceful countryside.

The province's food scene is vibrant — fresh tropical fruits from its famous orchards (pomelo, rambutan, durian), grilled river fish, and local Vietnamese cuisine at roadside eateries. The Long Thanh area is known for its coffee plantations and dairy farms.

The countryside is perfect for cycling — quiet lanes pass through rubber plantations, fruit orchards, and small villages. Visit the Trị An Lake for stunning sunset views, or explore the ancient temples and pagodas scattered across the province.

From Ho Chi Minh City, the drive to Sportkation takes approximately 1.5 hours via the Long Thanh Expressway. You can rent a private car, take a bus to Dong Nai and arrange local transport, or book a transfer through Sportkation.

Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) in Ho Chi Minh City is the nearest major airport, making Sportkation easily accessible for both domestic and international visitors. For groups, the entire estate can be booked exclusively for corporate retreats, birthday weekends, or private tournaments.

The best time to visit is from November through April, during the dry season when temperatures hover between 25–32°C and rain is minimal. However, the lush greenery is most photogenic during and just after the wet season (June–October), if you don't mind occasional afternoon showers.

Weekend packages at Sportkation include cabin accommodation, court access, sauna, BBQ facilities, and garden access. Coaching sessions, equipment rental, and custom catering can be added to any package.

Sportkation is designed for anyone who wants more than just a game. Couples looking for an active weekend escape love the combination of sport and relaxation. Groups of friends book for birthday weekends and holiday gatherings. Corporate teams use the retreat for team building with a twist — pickleball tournaments followed by BBQ and sauna bonding.

You don't need to be a pickleball expert. The retreat welcomes complete beginners with on-site coaching and equipment available. Many guests pick up a paddle for the first time at Sportkation and leave as converts to the sport.

What makes the Mekong Delta retreat unique isn't just the courts — it's the full sensory experience. The sound of birds in the orchard, the smell of lemongrass on the BBQ, the cool Delta breeze after a hard-fought rally. It's pickleball the way it was meant to be played — surrounded by nature, with nowhere to rush to.