Day 1: Down by the riverside | Hanoi – Nam Cang Village – Topas Riverside Lodge
After an early morning breakfast, sit back and relax aboard the Topas Mountain Express (TME), a plush minivan outfitted with snacks, water, and Wi-Fi that covers the 4.5-hour journey from Hanoi to Thanh Phu Bridge. Then, disembark from the TME and board a shuttle bus for the final 30-minute drive to Nam Cang Village. A short stroll through the quiet village ends in an adventurous crossing of a wooden suspension bridge to Topas Riverside Lodge, just in time for lunch.
In the afternoon, visit the attached village of the Dzao, famous for their exquisite embroidery and botanical knowledge. Peer in on silver jewelers and families creating paper from bamboo for spiritual reasons.
Then, head back to the lodge and make friends with the local children as you swim in the natural rock pools just out front of the property before sitting down for a delicious, home-cooked dinner.
Included meals: Lunch
Distance: 5h transfer
Activities: 1h village walk
Day 2: Deep in the jungle | Topas Riverside Lodge
The hike will depart from Topas Riverside Lodge, 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 to soothe your muscles and increase blood circulation (with additional fee and must be booked in advance).
Included Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Distance: N/A
Activities: 3 hours hike
Note: hiking route is subject to change for family with children under 8 years old
Day 3: Up to the mountains | Topas Riverside Lodge – Topas Ecolodge
Wake up to the sounds of nature and enjoy a final breakfast cooked by the Topas Riverside Lodge staff. Sightseeing freely, bathing in streams, reading books,… until 14:15, take the shuttle bus to Topas Ecolodge.
Enjoy a day free at leisure with incredible views of mountains and rice terraces. Splash around in the double infinity swimming pools or go for a bike ride to the neighborhood village on your own.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Distance: 45′ transfer
Activities: N/A
Day 4: In the clouds | Topas Ecolodge – Hanoi
The day is yours at leisure until a mid-afternoon departure for Hanoi via the TME. Sunbathe and splash in the two infinity pools, sample delicious cuisine at the restaurant, breathe in the fresh mountain air from your bungalow’s patio, or indulge in some locally-inspired treatments at the wonderful spa on site.
Departure is set at 14:30, arriving in Hanoi around 19:30, refreshed and rejuvenated from your time spent in nature.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Distance: 5h transfer
Activities: N/A
