MANAGER VEGETABLE GARDEN
Growing Together, Harvesting Local
Welcome to a unique corner of Topas Ecolodge – our Managers’ Vegetable Garden, far more than just a source of fresh ingredients, but a living reflection of the people who nurture it with care and intention.
Nestled beside our beloved Stilt House restaurant, this organic garden thrives under the dedicated hands of our managers, each of whom has thoughtfully selected local plants that resonate with their personal interests and cultural heritage. Every plant tells a story, and every harvest carries the passion of those who tend to it. Through our managers’ careful curation of indigenous species, the garden embodies our deep commitment to local authenticity and environmental stewardship. These selections are far from arbitrary, they represent a conscious choice to celebrate and preserve the botanical traditions of our region while supporting sustainable practices.
Join us on a journey to meet the people behind the garden and discover the meaningful stories woven into each plant they’ve chosen to grow.
NANG VU | INDIGO
Among the plants of the mountains, indigo does not reveal its beauty immediately. Its leaves appear simple and quiet, almost hidden among the endless greens of the forest. Yet within them lies one of the deepest and most meaningful colors of the highlands, a color that can only be revealed through patience, knowledge, and time.
For generations, the Dao and Hmong communities have used indigo to dye their traditional clothing through a careful process of harvesting, fermenting, stirring, and transforming the leaves by hand. It is a tradition that teaches true value is never rushed.
Indigo reflects Nang’s presence as one of the lodge’s longest serving managers. Calm and grounded, his strength comes from years of experience, deep understanding of local culture, and quiet dedication to both the people and spirit of the mountains.
JAY | CHILI
Bold, energetic, and impossible to overlook, chili reflects Jay’s vibrant personality and dynamic presence as the restaurant manager.
Known for bringing both heat and depth to a dish, chili has long been valued not only for its flavor but also for its health benefits, from supporting heart health and digestion to boosting immunity and encouraging vitality. Much like the ingredient itself, Jay brings energy, warmth, and excitement into every space she steps into.
Often known among the team as “Spicy Jay,” she has a lively spirit that leaves a lasting impression while keeping the atmosphere welcoming and full of life. Beneath the boldness is someone deeply passionate about creating memorable dining experiences and meaningful connections with both guests and colleagues.
BEN | ONION
Layered, bold, and unexpectedly versatile, the onion reflects Ben’s personality and approach as head chef.
At first glance, it may seem simple with its tough outer shell and strong character, yet beneath the surface are countless layers that bring depth, balance, and richness to every dish. Known as one of the most essential ingredients in cooking, the onion has the unique ability to quietly elevate everything around it when handled with care and understanding.
Ben shares those same qualities in the kitchen. Strong-minded and full of character, he brings intensity, creativity, and depth into every dining experience he creates. His adaptability and sharp culinary instincts allow him to transform humble ingredients into dishes filled with warmth and soul. Behind his confident presence is a chef who understands that great cooking is not only about flavor, but about bringing people together through food that feels honest, comforting, and memorable.
VIEN | PUMPKIN
A symbol of warmth, abundance, and quiet generosity, the pumpkin reflects Vien’s approach to Vietnamese cuisine through its humble appearance and rich versatility.
From comforting soups to hearty home-cooked dishes, pumpkin has long been a familiar ingredient in Vietnamese family meals, bringing a natural sweetness and sense of comfort to the table.
Much like the ingredient itself, Vien’s cooking is honest, nourishing, and deeply rooted in tradition. As a chef devoted to authentic Vietnamese flavors, he believes the best meals are the ones that bring people together, creating moments of connection, comfort, and shared memories through food.
ANNA| CORRIANDER
Fresh, vibrant, and unexpectedly memorable, coriander reflects Anna’s unique personality and presence within the team.
Often described as an ingredient people either instantly love or slowly grow to appreciate, coriander carries a distinctive character that leaves a lasting impression, much like Anna herself. Quick to grow and remarkably versatile, every part of the plant can be used, from leaf to seed, bringing flavor, freshness, and balance into countless dishes.
In mountain cooking, coriander is often the finishing touch that brightens a meal and brings familiar comfort to the table. For Anna, it serves as a reminder that even the smallest detail can completely transform an experience.
WAYNE | BEETROOT
Bold in color and rich in nourishment, beetroot reflects Wayne’s vibrant spirit and youthful energy, the old guy behind the lodge’s construction projects. Known for its heart health benefits and natural vitality, beetroot is something Wayne strongly believes in, often sharing that a glass each day is a simple habit for a healthier life. Much like the vegetable itself, Wayne brings warmth, positivity, and character wherever he goes.
Originally from Australia, he has become a familiar and well-loved presence among both staff and locals, admired for his open spirit, sharp sense of humor, and enduring energy that never seems to fade.
HUY | GINGER
Strong, resilient, and full of character, ginger reflects Huy’s role as the maintenance manager who quietly keeps everything running smoothly behind the scenes. Known for its ability to thrive in changing conditions and bring warmth wherever it is used, ginger mirrors Huy’s steady presence, adaptability, and practical nature.
In Vietnamese culture, ginger is often associated with warmth, healing, and reliability, qualities that are deeply connected to the way Huy approaches his work each day.
Huy is our newest manager at the lodge, taking care of Maintenance works for all of our bungalows and outlets.
THIEN | HEMP
Strong, versatile, and deeply connected to the mountains, hemp reflects Thien’s grounded and dependable nature as a restaurant manager. Long cultivated by local communities in the highlands, hemp is valued not only as a traditional plant woven into everyday life, but also for its highly nutritious seeds known to support heart health, digestion, and healthy skin. Harvesting hemp seeds requires patience and care, a process that mirrors Thien’s thoughtful and steady approach in everything he does.
Much like the plant itself, Thien brings balance, resilience, and quiet strength to the team. Rooted in local culture and genuine hospitality, he believes that meaningful experiences are created through consistency, attention to detail, and sincere care for others.
VINH | SAPA RED PERILLA
Deeply rooted in the mountains of Sapa, red perilla reflects Vinh’s calm presence and thoughtful approach as the spa manager. Native to cooler climates and widely cultivated in areas such as Ta Phin, this distinctive plant is valued not only for its resilience but also for its many medicinal properties. Rich in natural antioxidants and essential nutrients, red perilla is commonly used to produce herbal teas, essential oils, and wellness products known for helping calm the mind, support relaxation, and nourish healthy skin.
Much like the plant itself, Vinh brings a quiet sense of balance and restoration to those around him. Through his gentle nature and attention to detail, he creates spaces where guests can slow down, recharge, and reconnect with themselves.
CAM VAN | PERILLA
Gentle yet full of character, perilla reflects Cẩm Vân’s thoughtful and caring nature as the Human Resource manager who supports people both quietly and wholeheartedly.
In Vietnamese culture, perilla has long been valued as a traditional herb known for improving overall well-being, helping to relieve colds, supporting respiratory and digestive health, reducing inflammation, improve immunity, and naturally cooling and detoxifying the body.
Much like perilla itself, Cam Van brings a sense of balance, care, and comfort to those around her. Beneath her calm and gentle presence is a steady source of support that helps the team feel cared for, connected, and encouraged.
About us
Wondering what to expect when reserving your stay at Topas Ecolodge? Head to our about us page and start planning your stay with us!