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, Dinner

Distance: 5h transfer 

Activities: 1h village walk

Day 2: Deep in the jungle | Topas Riverside Lodge

Discover the most remote corners of Sapa Valley on an upstream hike this morning. See where the villagers plant cardamom along with other herbs and spices that can fetch a good price in the local markets at the foot of Hoang Lien Mountains before meeting the river where it forms a picturesque waterfall under a suspended bridge. Dip your toes in or go for a swim as your BBQ lunch is set up, complete with fresh trout and a variety of vegetables and jungle herbs. 

Return to Topas Riverside Lodge after lunch, with the day at leisure to soak up the wild ambiance with a hot cup of fresh lemongrass and ginger tea or a mug of traditional Vietnamese coffee on the wrap-around outdoor patio. Or, play in the river with local families looking to beat the heat!

Included Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Distance: N/A 

Activities: 8km hike (2.5 hours total) 

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. Then, say good-bye and head up the mountain on a 45’ transfer to the certified unique lodge by National Geographic, 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