Package Tours to Topas Ecolodge
-
Upload
topas-ecolodge -
Category
Documents
-
view
219 -
download
1
description
Transcript of Package Tours to Topas Ecolodge
1
explore northernvietnam; hiking, biking and relaxation
TOPAS ECOLODGE PACKAGES
2
3
topas ecolodge is located 18 km from Sapa, deep in the hoang lien mountains. our 25 bungalows overlook the entire valley with the ethnic minority villages of ban ho and thanh phu, 400 altitude meters beneath.
our selection of packages has been carefully designed to give you the best opportunity to experience the highlights of northern vietnam; the ethnic communities with their unique cultures, the deep valleys covered by terraced rice fields, the breathtaking mountains and the peacefulness.
all our packages has been created in a way where we will take care of you all the way from hanoi to our lodge outside of Sapa town. all packages include train transfer, transportation, accommodation as well as selected meals.
We have spiced up some packages with the best hiking or biking activities in the area or chosen the most beautiful markets and homestay to visit com-bined with your stay at topas ecolodge.
We look forward to welcoming you.
are you ready for a mountain
getaWay?
welcome to Topas Ecolodge
Sapa has been becoming a major tourist desti-
nation of north vietnam, a natural starting point
for the unique experiences in the mountainous
area, which includes the hoang lien Son moun-
tain range, indochina’s highest peak of fansipan
(3,143m) and 5 different hilltribes, each one colour-
ful, distinct, and with its own language and cultural
values.
Some of the villages, especially the more remote
ones, are still largely untouched by modern ways
of life.
the main attraction in Sapa is to visit the hill
tribe’s villages. there are many unique opportuni-
ties to experience the hidden trails, breathtaking
sceneries, unmixed culture and way of life…but
without the availability of basic accommodation.
you can either sleep in local houses, or in tents
outside the villages.
here began our idea of building the ecolodge.
topas ecolodge is now the only one of its kind in
vietnam. it has a perfect location – situated atop
two cone formed hills, set deep in the spectacular
Sapa valley of northern vietnam.
topas ecolodge is based on sustainable principles
to ensure that the lodge has a minimum impact
on the surrounding environment. We employ local
people and use local products and goods, in order
to bring economic benefits to the local commu-
nity as well as we have implemented a wastewater
facility to avoid pollution of the local area.
it all started around 1993 when topas travel from
denmark arranged tours to the area in corporation
with a local vietnamese family. together we got the
idea for topas ecolodge in 1999. after investigating
the area and applying for permissions the building
project was launched in June 2003.
the main idea when we first started to consider
building the lodge was to create a comfortable
base near the minority villages. We wanted to offer
a comfortable stay for our guests in a remote area,
close to the local life. We felt that a full-service five
star hotel would not be the right fit. So we built a
simple base that would have the least amount of
impact on the natural surroundings.
When we first built here there was no electricity, no
mobile reception and no internet.
much has happened since.
www.topasecolodge.com
6
7
topas ecolodge is located deep in the hoang lien mountains just 18 km from Sapa.
the 25 bungalows overlook the entire valley with the ethnic minority villages of ban
ho and thanh phu 400 metres beneath.
this package has been carefully designed for you to experience the highlights of
northern vietnam: ethnic communities with their unique cultures, deep valleys cov-
ered by terraced rice fields, breathtaking mountains... and glorious rural tranquillity.
8
Day 1: night train from Hanoi to Lao Cai (-,-,-)
depart from hanoi in the evening by night train to lao
Cai near the Chinese border.
Day 2: Lao Cai - Sapa - Topas Ecolodge (B,-,-)
arrive early in the morning in lao Cai and meet your
driver for the transfer to Sapa and further on to topas
ecolodge. the drive takes approximately 1 hour 45 min-
utes. upon arrival at topas ecolodge enjoy breakfast.
the rest of the day is at your leisure and you may join
an excursion to the surrounding villages if you wish.
Spend the night in your own private bungalow with a
view of the valley and the surrounding mountains.
Day 3: Topas Ecolodge - Sapa - Lao Cai (B,-,-)
Start the day with breakfast. Spend the remainder of the
day relaxing, join an excursion or explore Sapa town
by taking the free shuttle bus which runs from topas
ecolodge throughout the day.
at 17h30, take the shuttle bus from Sapa to lao Cai for
the night train back to hanoi.
Day 4: Arrival in Hanoi (-,-,-)
the train arrives in hanoi early in the morning and your
trip ends here.
Mountain Getaway At topas ecolodgereference kode: ep2duration: 2 days and 3 nights
Inclusive
1 nights at topas ecolodge twin shared deluxe bungalow
all indicated mealsb = breakfast, l = lunch, d = dinner
return transfer by shuttle bus:lao Cai - Sapa - topas ecolodge
return soft sleeper in 4-berth cabin on the train hanoi-lao Cai.
9
Day 1: night train from Hanoi to Lao Cai (-,-,-)depart from hanoi in the evening by night train to lao
Cai near the Chinese border.
Day 2: Lao Cai - Sapa - Topas Ecolodge (B,-,-)arrive early in the morning in lao Cai and meet your
driver for the transfer to Sapa and further on to topas
ecolodge. the drive is approximately 1 hour 45 minutes.
upon arrival at topas ecolodge enjoy breakfast.
the rest of the day is at your leisure and you may join
an excursion to the surrounding villages if you wish.
Spend the night in your own private bungalow with a
view of the valley and the surrounding mountains.
Day 3: A day at Topas Ecolodge (B,-,-)today is spent at your leisure at topas ecolodge.
you may spend the day relaxing, join an excursion or
explore Sapa town by taking the free shuttle bus which
runs between topas ecolodge and Sapa throughout the
day.
Spend the night in your own private bungalow enjoying
the peacefulness of this remote and unspoilt environ-
ment.
Day 4: Topas Ecolodge - Sapa - Lao Cai (B,-,-)enjoy breakfast at the lodge. you may spend the re-
mainder of the day relaxing, join an excursion or ex-
plore Sapa town by taking the free shuttle bus which
runs throughout the day.
depart Sapa town at 17h30, by shuttle bus to lao Cai for
the night train back to hanoi.
Day 5: Arrival in Hanoi (-,-,-)the train arrives in hanoi early in the morning and your
trip ends here.
Mountain Getaway At topas ecolodgereference kode: ep3duration: 3 days and 4 nights
Inclusive
2 nights at topas ecolodge twin shared deluxe bungalow
all indicated mealsb = breakfast, l = lunch, d = dinner
return transfer by shuttle bus:lao Cai - Sapa - topas ecolodge
return soft sleeper in 4-berth cabin on the train hanoi-lao Cai.
10
11
there are 54 ethnic groups in vietnam. the resultant diversity in culture and
history of these minorities has created one of the most complex human environ-
ments in South east asia.
the markets in the northern vietnam are always the colourful meeting places for
the hill tribes of vietnam. minority people come down from the mountains to sell
their products, or just for catching up on the latest news or gossip.
don’t miss the change to experience these colourful and busy markets.
12
13
Day 1: night train from Hanoi to Lao Cai (-,-,-)depart from hanoi in the evening by night train to lao Cai
near the Chinese border.
Day 2: Full day visit to a Market – Topas Ecolodge (B,L,-)arrive early in the morning in lao Cai. here you meet your
guide and driver and enjoy breakfast at a local restaurant
before travelling to one of the local markets.
the market varies according to day of the week; there’s the
market of Coc ly (or ban Cam on tuesdays), lung khau nhin
(on thursdays), Can Cau (Saturdays) or bac ha (or muong
khuong or muong hum on Sundays). each is located in the
surrounding mountainous area, 70 – 90 km from lao Cai. each
market is colourful; the various nearby ethnic groups gather
at the local market not only to trade in local products but also
to meet friends and family at this special social event.
enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.
in the mid-afternoon you will travel to topas ecolodge. Check
into your bungalow on arrival and enjoy the view of the valley
and surrounding mountains.
Day 3: Topas Ecolodge – Sapa – Lao Cai (B,-,-)Start the day with breakfast at topas ecolodge. you may spend
the day relaxing, join an excursion or explore Sapa town by
taking the free scheduled shuttle bus which runs throughout
the day.
depart Sapa town at 17h30, by shuttle bus to lao Cai for the
night train back to hanoi.
Day 4: Arrival in Hanoi (-,-,-)the train arrives in hanoi early in the morning and your trip
ends here.
note: the market day may be changed to day 3 if there is no market on day 2. in that case you would take the topas ecolodge shuttle bus directly from lao Cai Station to topas ecolodge, and have the whole of day 2 relaxing at the lodge.
Market and Topas Ecolodge Packagereference kode: emp2duration: 2 days and 3 nights
Inclusive
english speaking guide during excursions
1 nights at topas ecolodge twin shared deluxe bungalow
all indicated mealsb = breakfast, l = lunch, d = dinner
all transportation and entrance fees as indicated.
return transfer by shuttle bus:lao Cai - Sapa - topas ecolodge
return soft sleeper in 4-berth cabin on the train hanoi-lao Cai.
14
15
in the valley of hoang lien national park live some of vietnam’s most colourful
and interesting ethnic minorities. in this are 5 different tribes: h’mong, red dao,
tay, giay and xa pho, all with their own language, dress and culture.
reaching the homestay is a hike deep into the valley on a path off the beaten
track. it is the best way to experience the local culture on first hand. you will
spend a night in a local home and enjoy the hospitality of a red dao family.
16
Day 1: night train from Hanoi to Lao Cai (-,-,-)you depart by train from hanoi in the evening, the night train
is bound for lao Cai town, near the Chinese border.
Day 2: Full day walk to homestay (B,L,D)arrive early in the morning in lao Cai and meet your driver
for the transfer to Sapa. the drive takes approximately 1 hour.
enjoy breakfast at a restaurant in Sapa.
your experienced guide will introduce you to the program and
you will pack all items you need for the afternoon and night at
the homestay.
your luggage will be safely transferred in waterproof bags to
the destination. meanwhile we only walk with the few needed
things for the day trip.
at 9h00 your walk quickly takes you to the quiet countryside
of Sapa, to an area where the traditional life of black h’mong
ethnic minority still is based on handicraft and hard work in
the forest and rice paddy fields.
few other visitors come here and it is a pleasure to leave the
busy town behind you. the mountains of hoang lien national
park is behind you and the big rice paddies of ta phin in front
of you, here colourful minorities walking with their water buf-
falos and kids are playing along the path. picnic lunch will be
served on a beautiful spot in the nature.
after lunch you walk some hours more and soon the tra-
ditional red dao village of ta phin is seen in the distance.
after around 6 hours you see the homestay, which is quietly
located on a hillside with a direct view to mountains, forests
and rice paddies. our hosts are a young, lovely couple having
a clean and open minded private house. you can now rest and
enjoy the daily life of red dao people.
grade: easyduration: approximately 5 hours walking
homestay and Topas Ecolodge Packagereference kode: ehp3aduration: 3 days and 4 nightsactivity’: hiking and homestaygrade: easy to moderate
Inclusive
english speaking guide during excursions
1 night in homestay
1 nights at topas ecolodge twin shared deluxe bungalow
all indicated mealsb = breakfast, l = lunch, d = dinner
all transportation and entrance fees as indicated.
return transfer by shuttle bus:lao Cai - Sapa - topas ecolodge
return soft sleeper in 4-berth cabin on the train hanoi-lao Cai.
17
Day 3: Half day hike - Sapa - Topas Ecolodge (B,-,-)the rooster crows, the fire crackles and it is now morning in
the village. your hosts prepare breakfast and you can enjoy it
from their balcony facing the beautiful valley.
after breakfast you can take a walk in the surroundings, visit
the local herbal factory producing natural mixtures for the
famous red dao herbal baths or you are welcome to join the
family in their daily doings.
finally, you say goodbye to our hosts and walk some hours
through great landscapes and sceneries to the road and a
waiting car. 30 minutes later you arrive in Sapa town.
in town you can enjoy your lunch in one of many restaurants,
visit the authentic market or see the old colonial french
church.
at 14h30 it’s time to take the topas ecolodge shuttle bus,
through hoang lien national park and out to the unusual
hilltop with fantastic location and local minority staff. now it´s
time for relaxation and letting the experiences settle in.
grade: moderateduration: approximately 30 min. driving and 3 hours walking
Day 4: Topas Ecolodge – Sapa – Lao Cai (B,-,-)Start the day with breakfast at the lodge. you may spend the
day relaxing, join an excursion or explore Sapa town by taking
the free scheduled shuttle bus which runs throughout the
day.
depart Sapa town at 17h30, by shuttle bus to lao Cai for the
night train back to hanoi.
Day 5: Arrival in Hanoi (-,-,-)the train arrives in hanoi early in the morning and your trip
ends here.
18
Day 1: night train from Hanoi to Lao Cai (-,-,-)depart from hanoi in the evening by night train to lao Cai
near the Chinese border.
Day 2: Full day hike to homestay (B,L,D)arrive early in the morning in lao Cai where your guide and
driver will collect you. enjoy breakfast at a local restaurant
and freshen up for 2 days adventure.
your experienced tour guide will introduce you to the program
and you will have a chance to pack all items you want for
upcoming trip. your other luggage will be safely transferred to
topas ecolodge.
Start your trip with a transfer of around one hour from lao
Cai to ta thang village. from ta thang village, start your walk
on an undulating dirt path running uphill and continue on a
trail with the muong bo river flowing in the contrary direction
beneath you. the heights of this trail afford extensive views
over the green valley and seemingly endless mountains. you
pass through nam ket village, which is inhabited by the red
dao minority people, and make a short visit to local houses or
to a local school if it’s a school day when you visit. probably
the highlight of the day is the trek from nam ket village to
nam phang which includes a walk through bamboo forest and
a dense, almost jungle-like area of trees before you arrive at a
local school for enjoying a picnic lunch.
after lunch, continue your trek among rice terraces along a
hillside trail descending to a small stream where you may
take a short rest. the last part of today’s trek needs extra ef-
fort as the trail from the stream rises steeply uphill for around
an hour until it reaches Sin Chai village, the last destination
of the day. enjoy dinner and overnight in a house of the local
red dao ethnic minority.
grade: moderateduration: approximately 1 hour driving and 7 hours walking
homestay and Topas Ecolodge Packagereference kode: ehp3bduration: 3 days and 4 nightsactivity’: hiking and homestaygrade: moderate to hard
Inclusive
english speaking guide during excursions
1 night in homestay
1 nights at topas ecolodge twin shared deluxe bungalow
all indicated mealsb = breakfast, l = lunch, d = dinner
all transportation and entrance fees as indicated.
return transfer by shuttle bus:lao Cai - Sapa - topas ecolodge
return soft sleeper in 4-berth cabin on the train hanoi-lao Cai.
19
Day 3: Full day hike - Topas Ecolodge (B,L,-)after a local breakfast in a peaceful village atmosphere, start
the trek with an easy walk to another red dao village, nam
nhiu before descending to my Son village where you will
lunch in a local house or on the riverbank. my Son village is
inhabited by the xa pho ethnic minority - one of the smallest
minority groups in vietnam and who make up just 2% of the
population of Sapa.
after lunch, trek on a small uphill trail to nam toong village
which affords spectacular views of the large valley through
which the muong bo river runs.
a soft descent in mid-afternoon brings you to ban ho village.
ban ho is the area’s largest village, spread along the banks
of muong bo river, where the tay minority still live as their
ancestors lived in traditional stilt houses. you will be collected
at ban ho village and transported to topas ecolodge, where
you will overnight.
grade: moderateduration: approximately 30 min. driving and 6 hours walking.
Day 4: Topas Ecolodge – Sapa – Lao Cai (B,-,-)Start the day with breakfast at the lodge. you may spend the
day relaxing, join an excursion or explore Sapa town by taking
the free scheduled shuttle bus which runs throughout the
day.
depart Sapa town at 17h30, by shuttle bus to lao Cai for the
night train back to hanoi.
Day 5: Arrival in Hanoi (-,-,-)the train arrives in hanoi early in the morning and your trip
ends here.
20
21
Surrounding the mountainous area of Sapa is some of the most breathtaking
scenery in vietnam. there are a number of ethnic minority hill tribes whose cul-
ture and way of life are truly amazing.
hiking in the area is a great way to get closer to the culture and experience the
daily life of the local hill tribes.
22
Day 1: night train from Hanoi to Lao Cai (-,-,-)depart from hanoi in the evening by night train to lao Cai
near the Chinese border.
Day 2: Full day hiking - Topas Ecolodge (B,L,-)arrive early in the morning in lao Cai and meet your driver
for the transfer to Sapa. the drive takes approximately 1 hour.
enjoy breakfast at a restaurant in Sapa.
your hike starts at 9h00 with a walk through the town of Sapa
and along a dirt trail through vegetable gardens and rice
paddy terraces. the spectacular scenery of muong hoa valley
gradually appears before you. you will then reach the river
running along the bottom of the valley and continue your
walk on the bank of the river. in the black h’mong minority
village of y linh ho take a rest and enjoy a picnic lunch.
after lunch, the walk between the black h’mong ethnic minority
villages of y linh ho and lao Chai follows the hillside.
the view of the valley expands as you progress and soon there
is a wide valley panorama before you. next, visit a local house
at lao Chai village before following the dirt path linking lao
Chai with ta van village, the only village in the valley inhabited
by the giay ethnic minority.
from ta van village you will be transferred to topas
ecolodge. here you may check into your bungalow and enjoy
the view of the valley and surrounding mountains.
grade: easyduration: approximately 30 min. driving and 5 hours walking.
Day 3: hiking to Lech Dao village - back to Lao Cai (B,-,-)Start the day with breakfast at the lodge. at 9h00 you begin
your half day hike to the red dao ethnic minority village of
lech. you follow the road for a while before descending to-
wards a river.
Walking through rice paddy terraces gives you many opportu-
nities to enjoy the magnificent valley view. Cross the river by a
hiking and Topas Ecolodge Packagereference kode: etp2duration: 2 days and 3 nightsactivity’: hikinggrade: easy
Inclusive
english speaking guide during excursions
1 nights at topas ecolodge twin shared deluxe bungalow
all indicated mealsb = breakfast, l = lunch, d = dinner
mineral water and snack during walking trips
all transportation and entrance fees as indicated.
return transfer by shuttle bus:lao Cai - Sapa - topas ecolodge
return soft sleeper in 4-berth cabin on the train hanoi-lao Cai.
23
stone bridge and then follow a trail up to the village where you
may experience daily life and learn how the women in their
doorways do their traditional embroidery. from here, head
back to the lodge where you may rest for the remainder of the
day or take the scheduled shuttle bus into Sapa.
depart Sapa town at 17h30, by shuttle bus to lao Cai for the
night train back to hanoi.
grade: easyduration: approximately 3 hours walking.
Day 4: Arrival in Hanoi (-,-,-)the train arrives in hanoi early in the morning and your trip
ends here.
24
Day 1: night train from Hanoi to Lao Cai (-,-,-)depart from hanoi in the evening by night train to lao Cai
near the Chinese border.
Day 2: Full day hiking – Topas Ecolodge (B,L,-)arrive early in the morning in lao Cai and meet your driver
for the transfer to Sapa. the drive takes approximately 1 hour.
enjoy breakfast at a restaurant in Sapa.
your hike starts at 9h00 with a walk through the town of Sapa
and along a dirt trail through vegetable gardens and rice
paddy terraces. the spectacular scenery of muong hoa valley
gradually appears before you. you will then reach the river
running along the bottom of the valley and continue your
walk on the bank of the river. in the black h’mong ethnic mi-
nority village of y linh ho take a rest and enjoy picnic lunch.
after lunch, the walk between the black h’mong ethnic minor-
ity villages y linh ho and lao Chai follows the hillside. the
view of the valley expands as you progress and soon there is
a wide valley panorama before you. next, visit a local house at
lao Chai village before following the dirt path linking lao Chai
with ta van village, the only village in the valley inhabited by
the giay minority.
from ta van village you will take a transfer to topas
ecolodge. here you may check into your bungalow and enjoy
the view of the valley and the surrounding mountains.
grade: easy duration: approximately 30 min. driving and 5 hours walking.
Day 3: Full hiking day to Ban Moi and Ban Lech (B,L,-)after breakfast, begin your walk from topas ecolodge along
the footpaths of mount Silverstone. during the walk you will
have stunning views of the valleys and rice paddy terraces in
this remote and beautiful countryside.
at noon you arrive at the red dao ethnic minority lech village
where your picnic lunch is served.
hiking and Topas Ecolodge Packagereference kode: etp3duration: 3 days and 4 nightsactivity’: hikinggrade: easy
Inclusive
english speaking guide during excursions
2 nights at topas ecolodge twin shared deluxe bungalow
all indicated mealsb = breakfast, l = lunch, d = dinner
mineral water and snack during walking trips
all transportation and entrance fees as indicated.
return transfer by shuttle bus:lao Cai - Sapa - topas ecolodge
return soft sleeper in 4-berth cabin on the train hanoi-lao Cai.
25
after lunch, continue the walk to a nearby red dao village
where you can meet the children at the local school if your
visit is on a school day.
from here your journey affords you breathtaking views of ma-
jestic peaks, endless rice terraces and the beautiful muong bo
river. you will arrive back at topas ecolodge after a 15 minute
walk along the main road.
grade: moderate duration: approximately 5 hours walking
Day 4: Topas Ecolodge - Sapa - Lao Cai (B,-,-)Start the day with breakfast at the lodge. the rest of the day
is at your leisure, to relax at the lodge, join an excursion or
explore Sapa town by taking the free scheduled shuttle bus
which runs throughout the day.
depart Sapa town at 17h30, by shuttle bus to lao Cai for the
night train back to hanoi.
Day 5: Arrival in Hanoi (-,-,-)the train arrives in hanoi early in the morning and your trip
ends here.
26
27
mountain biking is a great alternative way of experiencing the local culture.
our mountain bike packages are well designed so you will not only ride in nature
areas with beautiful scenery, but also reach more remote villages and see more in
shorter time. you will have a change to learn about the country, the culture and so
much more.
28
Day 1: night train from Hanoi to Lao Cai (-,-,-)depart from hanoi in the evening by night train to lao Cai
near the Chinese border.
Day 2: Full day biking – Topas Ecolodge (B,L,-)arrive early in the morning in lao Cai and meet your driver
for the transfer to Sapa. the drive takes approximately 1 hour.
enjoy breakfast at a restaurant in Sapa.
at 9h00 you will be transferred to heaven’s gate (tram ton
pass), the highest mountain pass in vietnam. from tram ton
pass you have a bird’s-eye view of the breathtaking muong
hoa valley which you will cycle through later that day.
Start your descent into the Sapa valley, seeing the fantastic
scenery of mountains and rice paddies as you cycle along.
With leaving Sapa town behind you, make a turn onto a dirt
road to the black h’mong ethnic minority village of lao Chai
and thence to a village inhabited by the giay ethnic minority.
pause to explore the giay village and enjoy your picnic lunch.
after lunch you continue your ride along the valley before
arriving at topas ecolodge in the mid-afternoon. on arrival at
the lodge you may check into your bungalow and enjoy the
spectacular valley views.
grade: easy duration: approximately 30 min. driving and 4 hours biking.distance: 35 km, elevation up 180 m and down 1,300 m.
Day 3: biking to to Lech Dao village - Lao Cai (B,-,-)enjoy breakfast at the lodge before your cycling trip starts
with a ride of 3 kilometres along the main road to lech village
of the red dao ethnic minority.
here take a short walk on a dirt road to visit a traditional red
dao family, where you learn about traditional red dao culture
whose peaceful lives echo those of their ancestors.
Setting off again by bike you visit the new lech village, where
a longer break allows you to learn how the women in their
mountain bike and Topas Ecolodge Packagereference kode: ebp2duration: 2 days and 3 nightsactivity’: mountain bikinggrade: easy
Inclusive
english speaking guide during excursions
mountain bike with disk brakes, helmets and gloves.
1 nights at topas ecolodge twin shared deluxe bungalow
all indicated mealsb = breakfast, l = lunch, d = dinner
mineral water and snack during biking trips.
all transportation and entrance fees as indicated.
return transfer by shuttle bus:lao Cai - Sapa - topas ecolodge
return soft sleeper in 4-berth cabin on the train hanoi-lao Cai.
doorways do traditional embroidery, for which the red dao
people are famous.
from new lech village you head back to the lodge where you
may rest for the remainder of the day or take the scheduled
shuttle bus into Sapa. depart Sapa town at 17h30, by shuttle
bus to lao Cai for the night train back to hanoi.
grade: easyduration: approximately 1.5 hours biking, 30 min. walking.distance: 8 km, elevation up 220 m and down 170 m.
Day 4: Arrival in Hanoi (-,-,-)the train arrives in hanoi early in the morning and your trip
ends here.
30
Day 1: night train from Hanoi to Lao Cai (-,-,-)you will depart from hanoi in the evening by night train to lao
Cai near the Chinese border.
Day 2: Full day biking – Topas Ecolodge (B,L,- )you will arrival early in the morning in lao Cai and meet your
driver who will transfer you to Sapa.
the drive is approximately 1 hour. here you will enjoy your
breakfast at a one of the recommended places in Sapa.
at 9h00 you will be transferred uphill to heaven’s gate (tram
ton pass), the highest pass of vietnam. from here you will
have the bird’s-eye view of the breathtaking muong hoa valley,
where you will have the opportunity to pass by during the day’s
cycling trip. you will get on your bike and start descending into
the Sapa valley, observing the fantastic scenery of mountains
and rice paddy fields along the way.
after leaving Sapa town behind for a while, you make a turn and
follow a dirt road to the black hmong village of lao Chai. from
lao Chai the road will take you to a village inhabited by the giay
tribe. you stop in a local house where you will enjoy lunch and
have time to explore the village.
after lunch you continue your ride along the valley.
you arrive at topas ecolodge in the mid afternoon. you check in
to your bungalow and enjoy the view over the valley and dotted
mountain surroundings.
grade: easy duration: approximately 30 min. driving and 4 hours biking, distance: 35 km, elevation up 180 m/ and down 1,300 m.
Day 3: Full day biking – Topas Ecolodge (B,L,- )after having your breakfast, you will start by cycling from topas
ecolodge down to the valley of ban ho. you will ride through the
beautiful rice paddy fields along the river and continue until
you reach the tay minority village thanh phu.
mountain bike and Topas Ecolodge Packagereference kode: ebp3duration: 3 days and 4 nightsactivity’: mountain bikinggrade: easy
Inclusive
english speaking guide during excursions
mountain bike with disk brakes, helmets and gloves.
2 nights at topas ecolodge twin shared deluxe bungalow
all indicated mealsb = breakfast, l = lunch, d = dinner
mineral water and snack during biking trips.
all transportation and entrance fees as indicated.
return transfer by shuttle bus:lao Cai - Sapa - topas ecolodge
return soft sleeper in 4-berth cabin on the train hanoi-lao Cai.
here you will have a break and visit a local home. you will con-
tinue to my Son, which is a village of the small minority xa pho
and return to thanh phu for lunch.
afterwards you will cycle to the tay village ban ho, where you
can visit the waterfall and have a rest until you will be picked
up by jeep and go back to topas ecolodge where you will spend
the night.
grade: easyduration: approximately 6 hours biking and 30 min. driving.distance: 30 km, elevation up 580 m and down 1,150 m
Day 4: Topas Ecolodge - Sapa - Lao Cai (B,-,-)the day is at your leisure at topas ecolodge. you can either
relax or go for a smaller hike or bike trip, or you can leave early
and spent the day exploring Sapa town.
at 17h30, you will take the shuttle bus from Sapa to lao Cai for
the night train back to hanoi.
Day 5: Arrival in Hanoi (-,-,-)the train will arrive back in hanoi early in the morning and your
trip has ended.
32
33
Combining the activities of hiking and biking gives diversity to your experience
exploring the area and you get to see the best of the local culture.
enjoy Sapa valley and the fantastic scenery of mountains and rice paddy fields as
you cycle along. and hike to meet xa pho, one of the smallest ethnic minorities in
vietnam.
34
Day 1: night train from Hanoi to Lao Cai (-,-,-)depart from hanoi in the evening by night train to lao Cai
near the Chinese border.
Day 2: Full day biking – Topas Ecolodge (B,L,- )arrive early in the morning in lao Cai and meet your driver
for the transfer to Sapa. the drive takes approximately 1 hour.
enjoy breakfast at a restaurant in Sapa.
at 9h00 you will be transferred to heaven’s gate (tram ton
pass), the highest mountain pass in vietnam. from tram tron
pass you have a bird’s-eye view of the breathtaking muong
hoa valley which you will cycle through later that day.
Start your descent into the Sapa valley, seeing the fantas-
tic scenery of mountains and rice paddy fields as you cycle
along.
leaving Sapa town behind you, make a turn and follow a dirt
road to the black h’mong ethnic minority village of lao Chai
and thence to a village inhabited by the giay ethnic minority.
pause to explore the giay village and have picnic lunch.
after lunch continue your ride along the valley before arriv-
ing at topas ecolodge in the mid-afternoon. on arrival at the
lodge you may check into your bungalow and enjoy the spec-
tacular valley views.
grade: moderate duration: approximately 4 hours biking and 30 min. drivingdistance: 35 km/elevation up 180 m/ down 1,300 m
Day 3: Hiking to Thanh Phu and My Son (B,L,-)after breakfast, start your hike to the remote villages of thanh
phu and my Son, both situated in the valley in the midst of
rice paddies and near the river.
you’ll reach your destination by hiking to thanh phu along
small paths and crossing the rice fields. after 2-3 hours you’ll
arrive in the tay ethnic minority village of thanh phu where
you have an early picnic lunch.
Hiking/Biking and topas ecolodge Packagereference kode: eap3duration: 3 days and 4 nightsactivity’: biking and hikinggrade: moderate
Inclusive
english speaking guide during excursions
mountain bike with disk brakes, helmets and gloves.
2 nights at topas ecolodge twin shared deluxe bungalow
all indicated mealsb = breakfast, l = lunch, d = dinner
mineral water and snack during biking trips.
all transportation and entrance fees as indicated.
return transfer by shuttle bus:lao Cai - Sapa - topas ecolodge
return soft sleeper in 4-berth cabin on the train hanoi-lao Cai.
after lunch, continue along the river to my Son village which
is home to the xa pho, one of the smallest ethnic minorities
in vietnam. from my Son walk back on the road to thanh phu
from where you will be transported back to topas ecolodge.
grade: moderateduration: 7 hours walking and 45 min. driving.
Day 4: Topas Ecolodge - Sapa - Lao Cai (B,-,-)Start the day with breakfast at topas ecolodge. you may spend
the day relaxing, join an excursion or explore Sapa town by
taking the free scheduled shuttle bus which runs throughout
the day.
depart Sapa town at 17h30, by shuttle bus to lao Cai for the
night train back to hanoi.
Day 5: Arrival in Hanoi (-,-,-)the train arrives in hanoi early in the morning and your trip
ends here.
Our sales offices
52 to ngoc vantay ho, hanoi, vietnam
+84 (0) 4 3715 1005
24 muong hoaSapa, lao Cai, vietnam
+84 (0) 20 3871 331
www.topasecolodge.comfor more info please go to our website
Have a quick tour to Topas Ecolodge