Topas Ecolodge recognized as ASEAN Green Hotel 2026
Topas Ecolodge is honored to be among the five Vietnamese hotels and resorts recognized with the ASEAN Green Hotel Award 2026. The award was announced by the Viet Nam National Authority of Tourism at the ASEAN Tourism Forum – ATF 2026, held in Cebu, Philippines in January 30 2026.
The ASEAN Green Hotel Award is a comprehensive scoring system based on 11 main criteria, ranging from environmental policy and waste management to renewable energy integration.
This award is recognized as a regional standard for sustainable development in the tourism industry, honoring accommodations that meet strict criteria for environmental protection, efficient resource use, preservation of local cultural values, and positive community contribution. Topas Ecolodge’s recognition affirms the company’s service quality and contributes to promoting Vietnam’s tourism image aligned with the national destination brand “Vietnam – Timeless Charm.”
Receiving the ASEAN Green Hotel Award 2026 is a source of pride for the enterprise and reinforces Lao Cai’s pioneering role in developing green tourism and sustainable tourism, in line with regional and global trends. It also demonstrates the Vietnamese tourism industry’s correct direction in combining economic development with environmental protection and preservation of traditional cultural values.
For Topas Ecolodge, the ASEAN Green Hotel designation is a recognition that strengthens our commitment and efforts in providing guests with unique resort experiences while maintaining environmental protection.
Waste Management
The resort has completely eliminated single-use plastics. Instead, it has transitioned to using bags made from 100% self-degradable rice flour, reusable bamboo straws, and drinking water in glass bottles. Most notably, an on-site glass grinding machine recycles bottles and jars into building materials, while food waste is converted into fertilizer or livestock feed for neighboring households.
Water and Energy Conservation
Topas Ecolodge applies the Hydroloop system to European standards to ensure safe drinking water for guests. According to the latest water quality analysis results (September 2025), all indicators (pH, turbidity, iron, arsenic) meet QCVN 01-1:2024/BYT standards set by the Ministry of Health. Additionally, solar energy application significantly reduces carbon emissions in operations.
Ecosystem Protection
The resort regularly organizes trash collection teams around the valley area and encourages guests to participate in “Green Leaf Initiative” activities to preserve the pristine beauty of the Hoang Lien Son mountain range.
Community Engagement
More than 98% of the staff are ethnic minorities from surrounding villages. The resort not only creates employment but also regularly conducts professional skills training and environmental awareness programs. Over 80% of food and supplies at the restaurant are purchased directly from local farms in Ban Ho, Nam Cang, and Thanh Kim. Specialties such as Ban Ho sour bamboo shoots, duck, hill chicken, local rice, and many other unique dishes offer guests an unforgettable and authentic taste of Sapa’s mountains.
Beyond displaying local products, Topas Ecolodge operates a souvenir shop featuring products handcrafted by H’Mong and Red Dao artisans from Ban Ho commune. All profits are directed to the artisans to encourage them to continue traditional handicraft work.
Learn more about sustainable tourism development activities at Topas Ecolodge: https://topasecolodge.com/vi/social-responsibility/
Nestled among the majestic mountains of Sapa, Topas Ecolodge offers a peaceful retreat, a gentle pause where guests can reconnect with nature and rediscover inner peace.
Previously, in October 2025, Topas Ecolodge was honored by the prestigious Condé Nast Traveler at the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2025, with a score of 98.41/100, ranking 3rd in the list of Best resorts in Asia, based on voting results from over 757,100 readers worldwide, according to evaluation criteria that highly value resort experience and service quality.
We sincerely thank the recognition from leadership at all levels and the support of local authorities, as well as our guests and partners. Going forward, we remain committed to continuing sustainable development activities not only in environmental protection but also in improving the livelihoods of local people, creating more opportunities for long-term employment and better income sources for the community.