Topas Ecolodge is the perfect place for a sustainable stay in Northern Vietnam
All About Topas Ecolodge & Topas Riverside Lodge
The first thing you see when you pull up to the entrance of Topas Ecolodge are the colourful Red Dzao women and their beautiful handicrafts. A hive of activity will ensue as you exit your vehicle following a stunning journey through spectacular mountain scenery and the terraced rice fields for which this remote area of Vietnam is renowned. The Red Dzao are one of a number of ethnic groups that inhabit this region of northern Vietnam (there are 54 different ethnic groups throughout the country) and they are part of the fabric at Topas Ecolodge. The Ecolodge itself was built in conjunction with the local community, is staffed by the region’s locals, and supports the nearby villages.
This boutique resort sits atop a beautiful hillside deep in the mountains of Hoang Lien National Park, just 45 minutes outside Sapa in Northern Vietnam. The property has some of the best views in Vietnam, and is a firm favourite with Khiri due to its impeccably high service standards, outstanding setting, and commitment to giving our clients an experience they will not forget. Topas Ecolodge is a sustainable hotel operation and strives to ensure minimum impact on the surrounding environment while offering guests a unique position to immerse themselves in local communities.
Staff are made up of people from nearby villages, and products and goods are sourced locally in order to bring economic benefits to the regional communities. Along with other initiatives, Topas Ecolodge has constructed a wetland to treat wastewater from the kitchen and laundry. A glass crusher, which allows bottles to be recycled, is another onsite initiative.
The 41 rustic mountain bungalows, built in a minimalistic chalet style, are built from local white granite and materials. All necessary comforts are taken care of while letting the main attraction, the magnificent and raw natural beauty of Vietnam, take centre stage. The reception, restaurant area, and bungalows offer stunning 360 degree views of the surrounding area. A beautiful infinity pool mirrors the nearby rice-terraces.
Although a perfect place to stay and just relax, Topas Ecolodge is the perfect base to explore the surrounding areas by foot or bike. The surrounding area offers excellent trekking and mountain biking for all levels with some of the most stunning scenery in Vietnam. A trip to the sister Nam Cang Riverside Lodge is also an experience itself and this can be combined with a number of trekking or biking options.
Deep in one of the remotest areas of Sapa, the Riverside Lodge gives guests an unrivalled opportunity to experience comfort and tranquility while seeing the authentic ethnic villages of the Red Dzao and Black H’Mong minority groups. No trip would be complete without exploring the surrounding area though! Take a lovely walk through the local villages and countryside before jumping into the cleverly designed plunge pools in the river.
Set on a stunning river embankment, this quaint, cute, and minimalistic accommodation option gives you the chance to feel like you are part of the local community. A fantastic menu of local specialities provides the opportunity to truly understand this unique part of Vietnam.
Combine a stay in Sapa with a trip to this region or check with us for other options in the area.
Full Day To Topas Riverside (start from Sapa)
On this trip, you will go to the most remote part of Sapa area to explore the natural life of ethnic minority groups living in the mountains. You will commence the tour with a transfer deeper into Hoang Lien National Park to the trek starting point near Sin Chai village. You are now “off the beaten track”.
Enjoy beautiful views of high mountains, waterfalls and deep valleys. The trails will soon lead you to the Red Dao village of Nam Nhiu, where you will meet the villagers, enjoy a cup of green tea in their house, and learn about their daily life as farmers. Leaving the village behind, you will turn onto a small dirt trail and soon note the marvellous views of the valley dotted with bamboo huts, which are used by local farmers as overnight lodges during harvest season.
After passing the rice terraces and a river you will walk on a quiet road for a while before arriving at the charming Nam Cang village. Your lunch is served at Topas Riverside Lodge, with the jungle just behind and connected with the village by its own suspended bridge. Nam Cang village is located at the far end of Sapa valley and the Red Dao women wear some of the most colorful and diverse costumes of all Vietnam’s ethnic groups. They are also famous for herbal bath, local medicine and embroidery. Accompanied by your guide, you will explore the village and learn how the local villagers make writing paper by rice, silver jewelry and colorful embroidery. You may also want to take a swim in the river, before meeting your vehicle for the journey back.
Approx: 7.1 km hiking/ 3 – 3.5 hours; 2 hours driving; 1 hour for lunch