Sometimes food is the best part of the travel experience, and Sapa is no exception to this universal truth. Combine a gentle 3-hour hike through lush jungle, cinnamon plantations and rice terraces leading to a natural pool and picturesque waterfalls, before tucking into a sumptuous Sapa-inspired BBQ served by Red Dzao women in the Topas Riverside Lodge garden.
Reference: SER3 | Approx: Grade moderate/3 hours hiking/ 2 hours driving/ 1 hour for lunch.
Depart from Topas Ecolodge by shuttle bus to Nam Cang village, home of Red Dzao minority. Heading through the quiet lanes of Nam Cang village, you will soon be rewarded with views of rice terraces, cassava and cinnamon fields. Continue hiking uphill while enjoying views of the beautiful deep valley behind you. Soon you’ll start trekking along a jungle path thick with huge trees, bamboo, and lush plants and herbs used by the Red Dao for their medicine and herbal treatments. After some time, you’ll reach a pretty stream and waterfall where you can swim in the natural pool or just cool down by dipping your feet in the water. Across a suspension bridge, another cool waterfall cascades down from the mountains – the perfect spot to rest and take in the beauty of nature.
Refreshed and invigorated, you’ll start the hike back to Topas Riverside Lodge. Here a delicious BBQ lunch will be served in the lodge garden by a local Red Dzao lady. Smoked Nam Cang salmon or sturgeon, vegetables, tofu and beef with mushrooms will be served straight from the grill on a bed of freshly picked herbs. Take your time to enjoy the BBQ feast before relaxing on the riverbank in front of the lodge or booking a special footbath (with additional charge and must be booked in advance) to soothe your muscles and increase blood circulation. At 14h15, our shuttle bus will take you back to Topas Ecolodge.