TOPAS ECOLODGE PACKAGES
explore northern vietnam; hiking, biking and relaxation
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are you ready for a mountain getaway? Topas Ecolodge is located 18 km from Sapa, deep in the Hoang Lien Mountains. Our 25 bungalows overlook the entire valley with the ethnic minority villages of Ban Ho and Thanh Phu, 400 altitude meters beneath. Our selection of packages has been carefully designed to give you the best opportunity to experience the highlights of northern Vietnam; the ethnic communities with their unique cultures, the deep valleys covered by terraced rice fields, the breathtaking mountains and the peacefulness. All our packages has been created in a way where we will take care of you all the way from Hanoi to our lodge outside of Sapa town. All packages include train transfer, transportation, accommodation as well as selected meals. We have spiced up some packages with the best hiking or biking activities in the area or chosen the most beautiful markets and homestay to visit combined with your stay at Topas Ecolodge. We look forward to welcoming you. 3
welcome to Topas Ecolodge
Sapa has been becoming a major tourist desti-
Topas Ecolodge is based on sustainable principles
nation of North Vietnam, a natural starting point
to ensure that the lodge has a minimum impact
for the unique experiences in the mountainous
on the surrounding environment. We employ local
area, which includes the Hoang Lien Son moun-
people and use local products and goods, in order
tain range, Indochina’s highest peak of Fansipan
to bring economic benefits to the local commu-
(3,143m) and 5 different hilltribes, each one colour-
nity as well as we have implemented a wastewater
ful, distinct, and with its own language and cultural
facility to avoid pollution of the local area.
values. Some of the villages, especially the more remote
It all started around 1993 when Topas Travel from
ones, are still largely untouched by modern ways
Denmark arranged tours to the area in corporation
of life.
with a local Vietnamese family. Together we got the idea for Topas Ecolodge in 1999. After investigating
The main attraction in Sapa is to visit the hill
the area and applying for permissions the building
tribe’s villages. There are many unique opportuni-
project was launched in June 2003.
ties to experience the hidden trails, breathtaking sceneries, unmixed culture and way of life…but
The main idea when we first started to consider
without the availability of basic accommodation.
building the lodge was to create a comfortable
You can either sleep in local houses, or in tents
base near the minority villages. We wanted to offer
outside the villages.
a comfortable stay for our guests in a remote area,
Here began our idea of building the Ecolodge.
close to the local life. We felt that a full-service five star hotel would not be the right fit. So we built a
Topas Ecolodge is now the only one of its kind in
simple base that would have the least amount of
Vietnam. It has a perfect location – situated atop
impact on the natural surroundings.
two cone formed hills, set deep in the spectacular
When we first built here there was no electricity, no
Sapa valley of Northern Vietnam.
mobile reception and no internet. Much has happened since.
www.topasecolodge.com
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Topas Ecolodge is located deep in the Hoang Lien Mountains just 18 km from Sapa. The 25 bungalows overlook the entire valley with the ethnic minority villages of Ban Ho and Thanh Phu 400 metres beneath. This package has been carefully designed for you to experience the highlights of northern Vietnam: ethnic communities with their unique cultures, deep valleys covered by terraced rice fields, breathtaking mountains... and glorious rural tranquillity.
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Mountain Getaway At topas ecolodge Reference kode: EP2 Duration: 2 days and 3 nights
Inclusive 1 nights at Topas Ecolodge Twin shared Deluxe bungalow
Day 1: night train from Hanoi to Lao Cai (-,-,-) Depart from Hanoi in the evening by night train to Lao Cai near the Chinese border.
Day 2: Lao Cai - Sapa - Topas Ecolodge (B,-,-) Arrive early in the morning in Lao Cai and meet your driver for the transfer to Sapa and further on to Topas Ecolodge. The drive takes approximately 1 hour 45 minutes. Upon arrival at Topas Ecolodge enjoy breakfast.
All indicated meals B = breakfast, L = lunch, D = dinner
The rest of the day is at your leisure and you may join
Return transfer by shuttle bus: Lao Cai - Sapa - Topas Ecolodge
Spend the night in your own private bungalow with a
Return soft sleeper in 4-berth cabin on the train Hanoi-Lao Cai.
Day 3: Topas Ecolodge - Sapa - Lao Cai (B,-,-)
an excursion to the surrounding villages if you wish. view of the valley and the surrounding mountains.
Start the day with breakfast. Spend the remainder of the day relaxing, join an excursion or explore Sapa town by taking the free shuttle bus which runs from Topas Ecolodge throughout the day. At 17h30, take the shuttle bus from Sapa to Lao Cai for the night train back to Hanoi.
Day 4: Arrival in Hanoi (-,-,-) The train arrives in Hanoi early in the morning and your trip ends here.
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Mountain Getaway At topas ecolodge Reference kode: EP3 Duration: 3 days and 4 nights
Inclusive 2 nights at Topas Ecolodge Twin shared Deluxe bungalow All indicated meals B = breakfast, L = lunch, D = dinner
Day 1: night train from Hanoi to Lao Cai (-,-,-) Depart from Hanoi in the evening by night train to Lao Cai near the Chinese border.
Day 2: Lao Cai - Sapa - Topas Ecolodge (B,-,-) Arrive early in the morning in Lao Cai and meet your driver for the transfer to Sapa and further on to Topas Ecolodge. The drive is approximately 1 hour 45 minutes. Upon arrival at Topas Ecolodge enjoy breakfast. The rest of the day is at your leisure and you may join an excursion to the surrounding villages if you wish. Spend the night in your own private bungalow with a
Return transfer by shuttle bus: Lao Cai - Sapa - Topas Ecolodge Return soft sleeper in 4-berth cabin on the train Hanoi-Lao Cai.
view of the valley and the surrounding mountains.
Day 3: A day at Topas Ecolodge (B,-,-) Today is spent at your leisure at Topas Ecolodge. You may spend the day relaxing, join an excursion or explore Sapa town by taking the free shuttle bus which runs between Topas Ecolodge and Sapa throughout the day. Spend the night in your own private bungalow enjoying the peacefulness of this remote and unspoilt environment.
Day 4: Topas Ecolodge - Sapa - Lao Cai (B,-,-) Enjoy breakfast at the lodge. You may spend the remainder of the day relaxing, join an excursion or explore Sapa town by taking the free shuttle bus which runs throughout the day. Depart Sapa town at 17h30, by shuttle bus to Lao Cai for the night train back to Hanoi.
Day 5: Arrival in Hanoi (-,-,-) The train arrives in Hanoi early in the morning and your trip ends here. 9
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There are 54 ethnic groups in Vietnam. The resultant diversity in culture and history of these minorities has created one of the most complex human environments in South East Asia. The markets in the Northern Vietnam are always the colourful meeting places for the hill tribes of Vietnam. Minority people come down from the mountains to sell their products, or just for catching up on the latest news or gossip. Don’t miss the change to experience these colourful and busy markets. 11
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Market and Topas Ecolodge Package Reference kode: EMP2 Duration: 2 days and 3 nights
Inclusive English speaking guide during excursions 1 nights at Topas Ecolodge Twin shared Deluxe bungalow All indicated meals B = breakfast, L = lunch, D = dinner
Day 1: night train from Hanoi to Lao Cai (-,-,-) Depart from Hanoi in the evening by night train to Lao Cai near the Chinese border.
Day 2: Full day visit to a Market – Topas Ecolodge (B,L,-) Arrive early in the morning in Lao Cai. Here you meet your guide and driver and enjoy breakfast at a local restaurant before travelling to one of the local markets. The market varies according to day of the week; there’s the market of Coc Ly (or Ban Cam on Tuesdays), Lung Khau Nhin (on Thursdays), Can Cau (Saturdays) or Bac Ha (or Muong Khuong or Muong Hum on Sundays). Each is located in the surrounding mountainous area, 70 – 90 km from Lao Cai. Each market is colourful; the various nearby ethnic groups gather at the local market not only to trade in local products but also
All transportation and entrance fees as indicated.
to meet friends and family at this special social event.
Return transfer by shuttle bus: Lao Cai - Sapa - Topas Ecolodge
In the mid-afternoon you will travel to Topas Ecolodge. Check
Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.
into your bungalow on arrival and enjoy the view of the valley and surrounding mountains.
Return soft sleeper in 4-berth cabin on the train Hanoi-Lao Cai.
Day 3: Topas Ecolodge – Sapa – Lao Cai (B,-,-) Start the day with breakfast at Topas Ecolodge. You may spend the day relaxing, join an excursion or explore Sapa town by taking the free scheduled shuttle bus which runs throughout the day. Depart Sapa town at 17h30, by shuttle bus to Lao Cai for the night train back to Hanoi.
Day 4: Arrival in Hanoi (-,-,-) The train arrives in Hanoi early in the morning and your trip ends here.
Note: The market day may be changed to day 3 if there is no market on day 2. In that case you would take the Topas Ecolodge shuttle bus directly from Lao Cai Station to Topas Ecolodge, and have the whole of day 2 relaxing at the lodge.
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In the valley of Hoang Lien National Park live some of Vietnam’s most colourful and interesting ethnic minorities. In this are 5 different tribes: H’mong, Red Dao, Tay, Giay and Xa Pho, all with their own language, dress and culture. Reaching the homestay is a hike deep into the valley on a path off the beaten track. It is the best way to experience the local culture on first hand. You will spend a night in a local home and enjoy the hospitality of a Red Dao family.
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homestay and Topas Ecolodge Package Reference kode: EHP3A Duration: 3 days and 4 nights Activity’: Hiking and homestay Grade: Easy to moderate
Day 1: night train from Hanoi to Lao Cai (-,-,-) You depart by train from Hanoi in the evening, the night train is bound for Lao Cai town, near the Chinese border.
Day 2: Full day walk to homestay (B,L,D) Arrive early in the morning in Lao Cai and meet your driver for the transfer to Sapa. The drive takes approximately 1 hour.
Inclusive English speaking guide during excursions 1 night in homestay
Enjoy breakfast at a restaurant in Sapa. Your experienced guide will introduce you to the program and you will pack all items you need for the afternoon and night at the homestay. Your luggage will be safely transferred in waterproof bags to the destination. Meanwhile we only walk with the few needed
1 nights at Topas Ecolodge Twin shared Deluxe bungalow All indicated meals B = breakfast, L = lunch, D = dinner All transportation and entrance fees as indicated.
things for the day trip. At 9h00 your walk quickly takes you to the quiet countryside of Sapa, to an area where the traditional life of Black H’mong ethnic minority still is based on handicraft and hard work in the forest and rice paddy fields. Few other visitors come here and it is a pleasure to leave the busy town behind you. The mountains of Hoang Lien National park is behind you and the big rice paddies of Ta Phin in front
Return transfer by shuttle bus: Lao Cai - Sapa - Topas Ecolodge Return soft sleeper in 4-berth cabin on the train Hanoi-Lao Cai.
of you, here colourful minorities walking with their water buffalos and kids are playing along the path. Picnic lunch will be served on a beautiful spot in the nature. After lunch you walk some hours more and soon the traditional Red Dao Village of Ta Phin is seen in the distance. After around 6 hours you see the homestay, which is quietly located on a hillside with a direct view to mountains, forests and rice paddies. Our hosts are a young, lovely couple having a clean and open minded private house. You can now rest and enjoy the daily life of Red Dao people.
Grade: Easy Duration: Approximately 5 hours walking
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Day 3: Half day hike - Sapa - Topas Ecolodge (B,-,-) The rooster crows, the fire crackles and it is now morning in the village. Your hosts prepare breakfast and you can enjoy it from their balcony facing the beautiful valley. After breakfast you can take a walk in the surroundings, visit the local herbal factory producing natural mixtures for the famous Red Dao herbal baths or you are welcome to join the family in their daily doings. Finally, you say goodbye to our hosts and walk some hours through great landscapes and sceneries to the road and a waiting car. 30 minutes later you arrive in Sapa town. In town you can enjoy your lunch in one of many restaurants, visit the authentic market or see the old colonial French church. At 14h30 it’s time to take the Topas Ecolodge shuttle bus, through Hoang Lien national park and out to the unusual hilltop with fantastic location and local minority staff. Now it´s time for relaxation and letting the experiences settle in.
Grade: Moderate Duration: Approximately 30 min. driving and 3 hours walking
Day 4: Topas Ecolodge – Sapa – Lao Cai (B,-,-) Start the day with breakfast at the lodge. You may spend the day relaxing, join an excursion or explore Sapa town by taking the free scheduled shuttle bus which runs throughout the day. Depart Sapa town at 17h30, by shuttle bus to Lao Cai for the night train back to Hanoi.
Day 5: Arrival in Hanoi (-,-,-) The train arrives in Hanoi early in the morning and your trip ends here.
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homestay and Topas Ecolodge Package Reference kode: EHP3B Duration: 3 days and 4 nights Activity’: Hiking and homestay Grade: Moderate to hard
Day 1: night train from Hanoi to Lao Cai (-,-,-) Depart from Hanoi in the evening by night train to Lao Cai near the Chinese border.
Day 2: Full day hike to homestay (B,L,D) Arrive early in the morning in Lao Cai where your guide and driver will collect you. Enjoy breakfast at a local restaurant
Inclusive English speaking guide during excursions 1 night in homestay 1 nights at Topas Ecolodge Twin shared Deluxe bungalow All indicated meals B = breakfast, L = lunch, D = dinner All transportation and entrance fees as indicated.
and freshen up for 2 days adventure. Your experienced tour guide will introduce you to the program and you will have a chance to pack all items you want for upcoming trip. Your other luggage will be safely transferred to Topas Ecolodge. Start your trip with a transfer of around one hour from Lao Cai to Ta Thang village. From Ta Thang village, start your walk on an undulating dirt path running uphill and continue on a trail with the Muong Bo River flowing in the contrary direction beneath you. The heights of this trail afford extensive views over the green valley and seemingly endless mountains. You pass through Nam Ket village, which is inhabited by the Red Dao minority people, and make a short visit to local houses or to a local school if it’s a school day when you visit. Probably
Return transfer by shuttle bus: Lao Cai - Sapa - Topas Ecolodge Return soft sleeper in 4-berth cabin on the train Hanoi-Lao Cai.
the highlight of the day is the trek from Nam Ket village to Nam Phang which includes a walk through bamboo forest and a dense, almost jungle-like area of trees before you arrive at a local school for enjoying a picnic lunch. After lunch, continue your trek among rice terraces along a hillside trail descending to a small stream where you may take a short rest. The last part of today’s trek needs extra effort as the trail from the stream rises steeply uphill for around an hour until it reaches Sin Chai village, the last destination of the day. Enjoy dinner and overnight in a house of the local Red Dao ethnic minority.
Grade: Moderate Duration: Approximately 1 hour driving and 7 hours walking
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Day 3: Full day hike - Topas Ecolodge (B,L,-) After a local breakfast in a peaceful village atmosphere, start the trek with an easy walk to another Red Dao village, Nam Nhiu Before descending to My Son village where you will lunch in a local house or on the riverbank. My Son village is inhabited by the Xa Pho ethnic minority - one of the smallest minority groups in Vietnam and who make up just 2% of the population of Sapa. After lunch, trek on a small uphill trail to Nam Toong village which affords spectacular views of the large valley through which the Muong Bo River runs. A soft descent in mid-afternoon brings you to Ban Ho village. Ban Ho is the area’s largest village, spread along the banks of Muong Bo River, where the Tay minority still live as their ancestors lived in traditional stilt houses. You will be collected at Ban Ho village and transported to Topas Ecolodge, where you will overnight.
Grade: Moderate Duration: Approximately 30 min. driving and 6 hours walking.
Day 4: Topas Ecolodge – Sapa – Lao Cai (B,-,-) Start the day with breakfast at the lodge. You may spend the day relaxing, join an excursion or explore Sapa town by taking the free scheduled shuttle bus which runs throughout the day. Depart Sapa town at 17h30, by shuttle bus to Lao Cai for the night train back to Hanoi.
Day 5: Arrival in Hanoi (-,-,-) The train arrives in Hanoi early in the morning and your trip ends here.
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Surrounding the mountainous area of Sapa is some of the most breathtaking scenery in Vietnam. There are a number of ethnic minority hill tribes whose culture and way of life are truly amazing. Hiking in the area is a great way to get closer to the culture and experience the daily life of the local hill tribes.
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hiking and Topas Ecolodge Package Reference kode: ETP2 Duration: 2 days and 3 nights Activity’: Hiking Grade: Easy
Day 1: night train from Hanoi to Lao Cai (-,-,-) Depart from Hanoi in the evening by night train to Lao Cai near the Chinese border.
Day 2: Full day hiking - Topas Ecolodge (B,L,-) Arrive early in the morning in Lao Cai and meet your driver for the transfer to Sapa. The drive takes approximately 1 hour.
Inclusive English speaking guide during excursions 1 nights at Topas Ecolodge Twin shared Deluxe bungalow All indicated meals B = breakfast, L = lunch, D = dinner Mineral water and snack during walking trips
Enjoy breakfast at a restaurant in Sapa. Your hike starts at 9h00 with a walk through the town of Sapa and along a dirt trail through vegetable gardens and rice paddy terraces. The spectacular scenery of Muong Hoa valley gradually appears before you. You will then reach the river running along the bottom of the valley and continue your walk on the bank of the river. In the Black H’mong minority village of Y Linh Ho take a rest and enjoy a picnic lunch. After lunch, the walk between the Black H’mong ethnic minority villages of Y Linh Ho and Lao Chai follows the hillside. The view of the valley expands as you progress and soon there is a wide valley panorama before you. Next, visit a local house
All transportation and entrance fees as indicated. Return transfer by shuttle bus: Lao Cai - Sapa - Topas Ecolodge
at Lao Chai village before following the dirt path linking Lao Chai with Ta Van village, the only village in the valley inhabited by the Giay ethnic minority. From Ta Van village you will be transferred to Topas Ecolodge. Here you may check into your bungalow and enjoy
Return soft sleeper in 4-berth cabin on the train Hanoi-Lao Cai.
the view of the valley and surrounding mountains.
Grade: Easy Duration: Approximately 30 min. driving and 5 hours walking.
Day 3: hiking to Lech Dao village - back to Lao Cai (B,-,-) Start the day with breakfast at the lodge. At 9h00 you begin your half day hike to the Red Dao ethnic minority village of Lech. You follow the road for a while before descending towards a river. Walking through rice paddy terraces gives you many opportunities to enjoy the magnificent valley view. Cross the river by a
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stone bridge and then follow a trail up to the village where you may experience daily life and learn how the women in their doorways do their traditional embroidery. From here, head back to the lodge where you may rest for the remainder of the day or take the scheduled shuttle bus into Sapa. Depart Sapa town at 17h30, by shuttle bus to Lao Cai for the night train back to Hanoi.
Grade: Easy Duration: Approximately 3 hours walking.
Day 4: Arrival in Hanoi (-,-,-) The train arrives in Hanoi early in the morning and your trip ends here.
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hiking and Topas Ecolodge Package Reference kode: ETP3 Duration: 3 days and 4 nights Activity’: Hiking Grade: Easy
Day 1: night train from Hanoi to Lao Cai (-,-,-) Depart from Hanoi in the evening by night train to Lao Cai near the Chinese border.
Day 2: Full day hiking – Topas Ecolodge (B,L,-) Arrive early in the morning in Lao Cai and meet your driver for the transfer to Sapa. The drive takes approximately 1 hour.
Inclusive English speaking guide during excursions 2 nights at Topas Ecolodge Twin shared Deluxe bungalow
Enjoy breakfast at a restaurant in Sapa. Your hike starts at 9h00 with a walk through the town of Sapa and along a dirt trail through vegetable gardens and rice paddy terraces. The spectacular scenery of Muong Hoa valley gradually appears before you. You will then reach the river running along the bottom of the valley and continue your walk on the bank of the river. In the Black H’mong ethnic mi-
All indicated meals B = breakfast, L = lunch, D = dinner Mineral water and snack during walking trips All transportation and entrance fees as indicated.
nority village of Y Linh Ho take a rest and enjoy picnic lunch. After lunch, the walk between the Black H’mong ethnic minority villages Y Linh Ho and Lao Chai follows the hillside. The view of the valley expands as you progress and soon there is a wide valley panorama before you. Next, visit a local house at Lao Chai village before following the dirt path linking Lao Chai with Ta Van village, the only village in the valley inhabited by the Giay minority.
Return transfer by shuttle bus: Lao Cai - Sapa - Topas Ecolodge Return soft sleeper in 4-berth cabin on the train Hanoi-Lao Cai.
From Ta Van village you will take a transfer to Topas Ecolodge. Here you may check into your bungalow and enjoy the view of the valley and the surrounding mountains.
Grade: Easy Duration: Approximately 30 min. driving and 5 hours walking.
Day 3: Full hiking day to Ban Moi and Ban Lech (B,L,-) After breakfast, begin your walk from Topas Ecolodge along the footpaths of Mount Silverstone. During the walk you will have stunning views of the valleys and rice paddy terraces in this remote and beautiful countryside. At noon you arrive at the Red Dao ethnic minority Lech village where your picnic lunch is served.
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After lunch, continue the walk to a nearby Red Dao village where you can meet the children at the local school if your visit is on a school day. From here your journey affords you breathtaking views of majestic peaks, endless rice terraces and the beautiful Muong Bo River. You will arrive back at Topas Ecolodge after a 15 minute walk along the main road.
Grade: Moderate Duration: Approximately 5 hours walking
Day 4: Topas Ecolodge - Sapa - Lao Cai (B,-,-) Start the day with breakfast at the lodge. The rest of the day is at your leisure, to relax at the lodge, join an excursion or explore Sapa town by taking the free scheduled shuttle bus which runs throughout the day. Depart Sapa town at 17h30, by shuttle bus to Lao Cai for the night train back to Hanoi.
Day 5: Arrival in Hanoi (-,-,-) The train arrives in Hanoi early in the morning and your trip ends here.
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Mountain biking is a great alternative way of experiencing the local culture. Our mountain bike packages are well designed so you will not only ride in nature areas with beautiful scenery, but also reach more remote villages and see more in shorter time. You will have a change to learn about the country, the culture and so much more.
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mountain bike and Topas Ecolodge Package Reference kode: EBP2 Duration: 2 days and 3 nights Activity’: Mountain biking Grade: Easy
Inclusive
Day 1: night train from Hanoi to Lao Cai (-,-,-) Depart from Hanoi in the evening by night train to Lao Cai near the Chinese border.
Day 2: Full day biking – Topas Ecolodge (B,L,-) Arrive early in the morning in Lao Cai and meet your driver for the transfer to Sapa. The drive takes approximately 1 hour. Enjoy breakfast at a restaurant in Sapa. At 9h00 you will be transferred to Heaven’s Gate (Tram Ton Pass), the highest mountain pass in Vietnam. From Tram Ton
English speaking guide during excursions Mountain bike with disk brakes, helmets and gloves. 1 nights at Topas Ecolodge Twin shared Deluxe bungalow
Pass you have a bird’s-eye view of the breathtaking Muong Hoa valley which you will cycle through later that day. Start your descent into the Sapa valley, seeing the fantastic scenery of mountains and rice paddies as you cycle along. With Leaving Sapa town behind you, make a turn onto a dirt road to the Black H’mong ethnic minority village of Lao Chai and thence to a village inhabited by the Giay ethnic minority. Pause to explore the Giay village and enjoy your picnic lunch.
All indicated meals B = breakfast, L = lunch, D = dinner Mineral water and snack during biking trips. All transportation and entrance fees as indicated. Return transfer by shuttle bus: Lao Cai - Sapa - Topas Ecolodge
After lunch you continue your ride along the valley before arriving at Topas Ecolodge in the mid-afternoon. On arrival at the lodge you may check into your bungalow and enjoy the spectacular valley views.
Grade: Easy Duration: Approximately 30 min. driving and 4 hours biking. Distance: 35 km, elevation up 180 m and down 1,300 m.
Day 3: biking to to Lech Dao village - Lao Cai (B,-,-) Enjoy breakfast at the lodge before your cycling trip starts
Return soft sleeper in 4-berth cabin on the train Hanoi-Lao Cai.
with a ride of 3 kilometres along the main road to Lech village of the Red Dao ethnic minority. Here take a short walk on a dirt road to visit a traditional Red Dao family, where you learn about traditional Red Dao culture whose peaceful lives echo those of their ancestors. Setting off again by bike you visit the new Lech village, where a longer break allows you to learn how the women in their
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doorways do traditional embroidery, for which the Red Dao people are famous. From new Lech village you head back to the lodge where you may rest for the remainder of the day or take the scheduled shuttle bus into Sapa. Depart Sapa town at 17h30, by shuttle bus to Lao Cai for the night train back to Hanoi.
Grade: Easy Duration: Approximately 1.5 hours biking, 30 min. walking. Distance: 8 km, elevation up 220 m and down 170 m.
Day 4: Arrival in Hanoi (-,-,-) The train arrives in Hanoi early in the morning and your trip ends here.
mountain bike and Topas Ecolodge Package
Day 1: night train from Hanoi to Lao Cai (-,-,-) You will depart from Hanoi in the evening by night train to Lao Cai near the Chinese border.
Reference kode: EBP3 Duration: 3 days and 4 nights Activity’: Mountain biking Grade: Easy
Day 2: Full day biking – Topas Ecolodge (B,L,- )
Inclusive
breakfast at a one of the recommended places in Sapa.
You will arrival early in the morning in Lao Cai and meet your driver who will transfer you to Sapa. The drive is approximately 1 hour. Here you will enjoy your
At 9h00 you will be transferred uphill to Heaven’s Gate (Tram English speaking guide during excursions Mountain bike with disk brakes, helmets and gloves. 2 nights at Topas Ecolodge Twin shared Deluxe bungalow
Ton Pass), the highest pass of Vietnam. From here you will have the bird’s-eye view of the breathtaking Muong Hoa valley, where you will have the opportunity to pass by during the day’s cycling trip. You will get on your bike and start descending into the Sapa valley, observing the fantastic scenery of mountains and rice paddy fields along the way. After leaving Sapa town behind for a while, you make a turn and follow a dirt road to the Black Hmong village of Lao Chai. From
All indicated meals B = breakfast, L = lunch, D = dinner Mineral water and snack during biking trips.
Lao Chai the road will take you to a village inhabited by the Giay tribe. You stop in a local house where you will enjoy lunch and have time to explore the village. After lunch you continue your ride along the valley. You arrive at Topas Ecolodge in the mid afternoon. You check in
All transportation and entrance fees as indicated. Return transfer by shuttle bus: Lao Cai - Sapa - Topas Ecolodge Return soft sleeper in 4-berth cabin on the train Hanoi-Lao Cai.
to your bungalow and enjoy the view over the valley and dotted mountain surroundings.
Grade: Easy Duration: Approximately 30 min. driving and 4 hours biking, Distance: 35 km, elevation up 180 m/ and down 1,300 m.
Day 3: Full day biking – Topas Ecolodge (B,L,- ) After having your breakfast, you will start by cycling from Topas Ecolodge down to the valley of Ban Ho. You will ride through the beautiful rice paddy fields along the river and continue until you reach the Tay minority village Thanh Phu.
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Here you will have a break and visit a local home. You will continue to My Son, which is a village of the small minority Xa Pho and return to Thanh Phu for lunch. Afterwards you will cycle to the Tay village Ban Ho, where you can visit the waterfall and have a rest until you will be picked up by jeep and go back to Topas Ecolodge where you will spend the night.
Grade: Easy Duration: Approximately 6 hours biking and 30 min. driving. Distance: 30 km, elevation up 580 m and down 1,150 m
Day 4: Topas Ecolodge - Sapa - Lao Cai (B,-,-) The day is at your leisure at Topas Ecolodge. You can either relax or go for a smaller hike or bike trip, or you can leave early and spent the day exploring Sapa town. At 17h30, you will take the shuttle bus from Sapa to Lao Cai for the night train back to Hanoi.
Day 5: Arrival in Hanoi (-,-,-) The train will arrive back in Hanoi early in the morning and your trip has ended.
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Combining the activities of hiking and biking gives diversity to your experience exploring the area and you get to see the best of the local culture. Enjoy Sapa valley and the fantastic scenery of mountains and rice paddy fields as you cycle along. And hike to meet Xa Pho, one of the smallest ethnic minorities in Vietnam.
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Hiking/Biking and topas ecolodge Package Reference kode: EAP3 Duration: 3 days and 4 nights Activity’: Biking and hiking Grade: Moderate
Inclusive
Day 1: night train from Hanoi to Lao Cai (-,-,-) Depart from Hanoi in the evening by night train to Lao Cai near the Chinese border.
Day 2: Full day biking – Topas Ecolodge (B,L,- ) Arrive early in the morning in Lao Cai and meet your driver for the transfer to Sapa. The drive takes approximately 1 hour. Enjoy breakfast at a restaurant in Sapa. At 9h00 you will be transferred to Heaven’s Gate (Tram Ton Pass), the highest mountain pass in Vietnam. From Tram Tron
English speaking guide during excursions Mountain bike with disk brakes, helmets and gloves. 2 nights at Topas Ecolodge Twin shared Deluxe bungalow
Pass you have a bird’s-eye view of the breathtaking Muong Hoa valley which you will cycle through later that day. Start your descent into the Sapa valley, seeing the fantastic scenery of mountains and rice paddy fields as you cycle along. Leaving Sapa town behind you, make a turn and follow a dirt road to the Black H’mong ethnic minority village of Lao Chai and thence to a village inhabited by the Giay ethnic minority.
All indicated meals B = breakfast, L = lunch, D = dinner
Pause to explore the Giay village and have picnic lunch.
Mineral water and snack during biking trips.
ing at Topas Ecolodge in the mid-afternoon. On arrival at the
After lunch continue your ride along the valley before arrivlodge you may check into your bungalow and enjoy the spectacular valley views.
All transportation and entrance fees as indicated. Return transfer by shuttle bus: Lao Cai - Sapa - Topas Ecolodge Return soft sleeper in 4-berth cabin on the train Hanoi-Lao Cai.
Grade: Moderate Duration: Approximately 4 hours biking and 30 min. driving Distance: 35 km/elevation up 180 m/ down 1,300 m
Day 3: Hiking to Thanh Phu and My Son (B,L,-) After breakfast, start your hike to the remote villages of Thanh Phu and My Son, both situated in the valley in the midst of rice paddies and near the river. You’ll reach your destination by hiking to Thanh Phu along small paths and crossing the rice fields. After 2-3 hours you’ll arrive in the Tay ethnic minority village of Thanh Phu where you have an early picnic lunch.
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After lunch, continue along the river to My Son village which is home to the Xa Pho, one of the smallest ethnic minorities in Vietnam. From My Son walk back on the road to Thanh Phu from where you will be transported back to Topas Ecolodge.
Grade: Moderate Duration: 7 hours walking and 45 min. driving.
Day 4: Topas Ecolodge - Sapa - Lao Cai (B,-,-) Start the day with breakfast at Topas Ecolodge. You may spend the day relaxing, join an excursion or explore Sapa town by taking the free scheduled shuttle bus which runs throughout the day. Depart Sapa town at 17h30, by shuttle bus to Lao Cai for the night train back to Hanoi.
Day 5: Arrival in Hanoi (-,-,-) The train arrives in Hanoi early in the morning and your trip ends here.
Have a quick tour to Topas Ecolodge
for more info please go to our website
www.topasecolodge.com
Our sales offices 52 To Ngoc Van Tay Ho, Hanoi, Vietnam +84 (0) 4 3715 1005 24 Muong Hoa Sapa, Lao Cai, Vietnam +84 (0) 20 3871 331 info@topasecolodge.com www.topasecolodge.com