River & Mountain Lodge
3 days – 2 night
We offer a range of adventures and local experiences from half and full day tours to combined stays at Topas Riverside Lodge and Topas Ecolodge, all with exploration and authenticity central to our ethos
Day 1
From Red River Delta to the remote Topas Riverside Lodge
Our luxury Topas Mountain Express will pick you up at your Hanoi hotel between 6,30 and 7,00 and your approximately 5 hour journey to Thanh Phu Bridge begins, followed by a short transfer to Nam Cang village.
The scenery on the way to Nam Cang is breathtaking and you will find the village itself to be a truly authentic village experience where the Red Dao continue to live much the same way they have for centuries. At the end of the village you will come to the river’s edge, where you will cross the famous suspended bridge that leads to the whimsical Topas Riverside Lodge. After a brief check in to your private room, a fresh, wholesome local lunch will be served.
The afternoon brings an opportunity to explore this small Red Dao minority village in more detail and interact with its beautiful inhabitants. Nam Cang is located in a very remote area of Sapa and the Red Dao women wear some of the most colorful and diverse costumes of all Vietnam’s ethnic groups. Herbal baths, local medicine and embroidery are some of the things that the Red Dao are very skilled at.
Accompanied by your guide, you will explore and learn how the villagers make writing paper from rice, silver jewelry and embroidery.
Back at the lodge you may want to try a special herbal bath, made with handpicked herbs collected by your host in the jungle located just behind the house.
Dinner is served at the big wooden table or at the terrace overlooking the river.
Grade: Easy / approx. 1,5 – 2 hours walking.
Add on: Join a local woman and pick your own mixture of herbs and spend the evening in a special traditional bath, based on your blend. This must be pre-booked in advance.
Day 2
Discover the river and jungle - Transfer to Topas Ecolodge
After a hearty breakfast, your guide will take you on a walk into the jungle to explore the lush greenery, the many waterfalls, rice terraces and the surprising flora and fauna.
The entirety of the hike occurs along the river making for some breathtaking scenery. You will encounter the locals checking in on their animals, walking in and out of their farms or rice fields, and descending from the mountains after sometimes more than a week of harvesting wild cardamom in the higher elevations of the jungle. This hike is a gift of disconnection and inspiration offered by Mother Nature.
Back at Topas Riverside Lodge, you may want to take a refreshing swim in the river before enjoying your delicious home cooked lunch.
At 14:15, your driver will be waiting to transfer you to Topas Ecolodge and if you look out from your bungalow’s balcony, you will have an almost bird’s eye view of the valley and mountains where you have just been.
Grade: Easy / approx. 2,5 – 3 hours walking.
Day 3
Back to city life
The morning is at your leisure at Topas Ecolodge, don’t miss the majestic infinity pool overlooking the mountains; or explore the area on one of our complimentary mountain bikes. You can also take a scheduled complimentary shuttle bus to Sapa. You can simply discover the town or book a half day tour at the lodge to explore the highest peak of Indochina, Mt. Fansipan (3.143m), now accessible by the newly launched cable car. A relaxing treatment at our spa might be the perfect end to a fun-filled, adventurous getaway.
At 14:30, Topas Mountain Express departs from Topas Ecolodge and returns to your selected hotel in Hanoi.
Your Explorer Package includes:
- An English speaking guide
- 1 night at Topas Riverside Lodge (double or twin shared room)
- 1 night at Topas Ecolodge (double or twin shared Premium Executive Bungalow)
- 2 breakfasts
- Transfer by Topas Mountain Express Hanoi – Thanh Phu Bridge; Topas Ecolodge – Hanoi
- Transfer by shuttle bus Thanh Phu Bridge – Nam Cang Riverside Lodge – Topas Ecolodge
- National Park entrance fees and permits
If you would like to extend your stay at Topas Riverside Lodge or Topas Ecolodge, please request this when booking.
Please note:
- The package can be upgraded to a Suite Bungalow at Topas Ecolodge
- Topas Mountain Express can only pick up and return passengers at hotels / residences in Hanoi’s Old Quarter and Tay Ho District
- Transfers and excursions are based on sharing groups of maximum 10 travelers