Topas Ecolodge Vietnam

Topas Ecolodge is a boutique resort situated atop a beautiful hillside deep in the mountains of Hoang Lien National Park, just 45 minutes outside Sapa in Northern Vietnam.

Nominated as one of the best places to stay if you care about the Earth, Topas Ecolodge provides the perfect setting to indulge in guilt-free modern convenience all while protecting the surrounding environment and local cultures.

Our 49 rustic mountain bungalows are designed out of local white granite in a minimalistic chalet-style, providing you with all comforts while letting the main attraction, the magnificent and raw natural beauty of Vietnam, take center stage.

Whether you’re enjoying the view from your private balcony or using us as the perfect base to explore the surrounding areas by foot or bike, Topas Ecolodge is the only place to go in Sapa for those who want the utmost in exclusivity as well as the finest mountains views in all of Vietnam.

Sapa is a popular tourist destination in northern Vietnam and a natural starting point for those discovering the unique mountainous area, including the Hoang Lien Son mountain range and Mt Fansipan – Indochina’s highest peak at 3,143m.

The region is also home to five different ethnic minority groups, each with their own distinct language, dress and cultural values. Some of the villages, especially those located deep in more remote areas, are still largely untouched by modern life.

Visiting these villages is one of the major highlights of exploring the area, and there are an array of opportunities to experience the hidden trails, breathtaking scenery, and fascinating local culture

Topas Ecolodge is based on sustainable hotel operation values to ensure minimum impact on the surrounding environment while offering guests a unique position to immerse themselves in local communities.

We employ people from nearby villages and use local products and goods in order to bring economic benefits to our regional communities. Amongst many other initiatives, we have a constructed wetland to treat our wastewater from the kitchen and laundry. We also have a glass crusher which allows us to recycle bottles.

Wondering what to expect when reserving your stay at Topas Ecolodge? First and foremost, we are situated 18 km outside of Sapa town, (a 45-minute drive). The road meanders through valleys, local villages, and mountains and can be expected to be in poor condition at times. You may have to stop once in awhile to let a buffalo cross the street!

While we do have “luxury” in terms of our awe-inspiring mountain views, we are not a 5-star resort but a lodge similar to what you would find in Scandinavia.

Our bungalows were surrounded by pure nature with rustic but comfy interior design, hoping to help you completely escape from everyday life and immerse yourself into pure nature.

You can spend the whole day on your private balcony mesmerized by the mountains, in our two saltwater infinity pools, or the Rice spa. One of the pillars of our organization is our committment to the local community, therefore all of our employees are hired from the nearby local tribes.

As they work at Topas, they learn English as well as other hospitality skills through training. We ask guests to be patient and kind when ordering in English, and that in the event of any language barriers, you can always find someone to help you at Reception!

Due to our mountain location, the weather can be unpredictable – so please do pack something for all seasons when coming, as we have a famous phrase that this location can experience all 4 seasons in one day!

We are so excited to welcome you here at Topas Ecolodge and our little slice of Vietnam. So go ahead and escape your busy city life and truly experience the peacefulness and authenticity of a real mountain getaway.

THE HISTORY
When Danish travel firm Topas Travel first began exploring the remote regions of northern Vietnam with the help of a local Vietnamese family in 1993, they fell in love with the area’s wild nature and incredible mountain passes. Little did they know that one piece of land in Hoang Lien National Park would start the adventure of a lifetime.

They asked themselves if they could create a comfortable base near enough to the surrounding ethnic minority villages yet far enough from any population to be a true retreat into nature. Somehow, a fully serviced 5-star brand name hotel did not seem appropriate for the area, hence construction began on a simple lodge founded on principles of sustainability in June of 2003.

Just short of two years later, in April 2005, Topas Ecolodge opened its doors for the first time, with no electricity, wi-fi, or mobile reception. How much has changed since then…

After years of wonderful adventures in Sapa’s mountains, our team envisioned a hiker’s dream – an eco-friendly mountain lodge with basic comforts close to community life.

At first, we considered building all structures from wood, but it was made apparent that wood houses might only last 10 years due to the hard climate made up of humid summers, cold wet winters, and strong downpours at a moment’s notice.

So we looked to Sapa’s history, more specifically, Notre Dame Cathedral, which has been standing since 1902 in the town square. Built from beautiful, white granite and held together with a mixture of sand, lime, and molasses, the stunning structure had stood the test of time for more than 100 years. The stones were so beautiful, how could we not use the same?

Then, the process began of bringing in the materials, using 4-wheel drive Lada’s and wheelbarrows to carry each granite piece to our chosen location, and then building solid stone wall structures. You won’t find any concrete or fake stone walls here! We hope our bungalows will stand the test of time, just as Notre Dame Cathedral has done in Sapa town.

Nordic design is a very popular kind of interior design style known for its ability to make any space cozy yet functional. Although in direct contrast to the richness and ornate detail favored by Vietnamese design, there’s something very special about the marriage of these two contrasting ideals at Topas Ecolodge.

There are at least 7 principles used in Danish minimalism which you will see when visiting us, whether in your bungalow, the main lounge, or while dining. They include a neutral-heavy color palette, natural lighting, sleek modern furniture with gentle lines and subtle curves, decluttered spaces, warm toned wooden features, greenery for accents, and objects that are simple yet practical.

Combining this with the great materials found throughout Vietnam, you’ll find a certain “luxury” in our attention to detail, putting great importance on locally sourced genuine materials rather than quick fixes.

SUSTAINABILITY
At Topas we believe both the environment and local community should benefit from our sustainable resorts, which is why we are committed to producing long term sustainable benefits by listening closely to what the locals want and need from us.

Sustainability has been at the front of our minds since we conceived the idea of Topas Ecolodge. By working with DANIDA (Denmark’s development cooperation, under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs), the lodge has become a showcase of sustainable tourism in remote areas.

What does it mean to be an ecolodge exactly? There are three basic principles any property must follow in order to be considered as such, namely, to be set in a natural environment, benefits the local community, and provides awareness and educational support.

THE BUNGALOWS 
Each of our 49 stylish bungalows are made from local white granite carved out from the Hoang Lien Mountains by one of Vietnam’s best stone-cutter team from Ninh Binh. Within the bungalows, you will find the finest local materials have been used to furnish the cool minimalist interior in an unmistakably Scandinavian aesthetic.

From the private balcony, take in the surrounding glory of the region’s beauty while enjoying a morning cup of coffee or tea with your loved ones. All bungalows can be set up with either 1 queen size or 2 twin beds. We also offer large wooden cribs for our guests with babies and toddlers.

POOL VILLAS 
Each Pool Villa comes with sweeping views of the surrounding mountains and valleys from its veranda and eco heated swimming pool. They are separated from the rest of the resort, providing the utmost privacy during your stay.

Pool Villa guests have the services of a butler who is there to make your stay as smooth as possible, beginning with your exclusive in-room check-in, complete with your complimentary bottle of champagne.

They can then help with everything from hanging your clothes, to making your spa bookings and dining reservations. You can reach them by phone, or simply using WhatsApp or your preferred messages app.

DELUXE SUITE BUNGALOWS
Our latest addition to the ecolodge family – the Deluxe Suite – has all the latest in modern sustainable technologies. Outfitted with heated floors and water heated via underground air pumps, you can relax in total comfort while ensuring the environment is protected. A true eco-dream!

As is standard in all of our bungalows, the Deluxe Suite comes with astonishing views of the surrounding mountains and valleys from both floors of the two-storey chalet style home decorated with tasteful Scandinavian accents, and is located near the saltwater infinity pools and Rice Spa for your added convenience.

Recommended for families and groups of friends especially as interconnecting deluxe suites are made possible by a ground floor corridor between each bungalow’s bedrooms!

SUITE BUNGALOWS
Spacious yet cozy, our Suites are built in a two-storey chalet style and decorated with premium wooden furniture and stylish accents. Located on the far-end of the resort, all suites offer breathtaking views of the towering mountains, sturdy pine trees, and deep rice terraced valleys from the comfort of a private balcony.

Suites can be combined with premium executive bungalows via a small garden area with outdoor seating to accommodate groups of friends and families who wish to stay together.

PREMIUM EXECUTIVE BUNGALOWS
The one that started it all! Each premium executive bungalow exudes a rustic coziness from the sturdy stone walls, plush bed in neutral tones, wooden furniture, and large private balcony overlooking the mountains and valleys outside. Situated on the far-end of the resort for maximum privacy amidst nature.

Premium executive bungalows can be combined with suite bungalows via a small garden area with outdoor seating to accommodate groups of friends and families who wish to stay together.

RESTAURANT 360° 
Experience breathtaking panoramic views of the majestic mountains of Hoang Lien National Park while dining at Restaurant 360°. The circular central show kitchen provides an immersive dining experience where you can watch our Head Chef and culinary team employ Scandinavian techniques, including open flame cooking.

We use only the highest quality produce infused with local ingredients to grill dishes to perfection. Our Restaurant Manager ensures everything runs smoothly, allowing you to relax and enjoy your meal. Please note that we are open for exclusive club breakfasts and dinner, and pre-booking is required.

THE STILT HOUSE RESTAURANT
The Stilt House is located on the second floor of a traditional Tay Stilt House. The restaurant prides itself on serving seasonal, local organic produce of the highest quality, with sustainability at its core, in a relaxed and warm environment.

Led by Head Chef Mr. Liem and Restaurant Manager Mr. Thien, the kitchen team conjure up an array of delectable Northern Vietnamese dishes, along with a few favorites from the center and south of Vietnam. The restaurant offers a breakfast buffet, lunch menu, as well as a la carte evening meals.

PAVILION RESTAURANT
Dine under the stars in our outdoor Pavillion restaurant, with limited seating ensuring a quiet and peaceful ambiance. The exciting seasonal menu reflects our vision for providing enjoyable experiences without compromising on our sustainable values.

With fresh vegetables picked from our Lodge farm, and nearby farmers providing the protein, our talented chefs do everything they can to make the local ingredients shine.

INFINITY POOL BAR
With breathtaking views of the surrounding mountain vista, our Pool Bar situated next to the upper-level infinity pool is not to be missed. If you’re feeling peckish while sunbathing or splashing around, we serve a range of finger foods including our popular steamed stuffed bao buns, as well as salted snacks, cocktails, beer, wine and ice-cold tea. Enjoy sunset happy hour by the pool on a beautiful evening.

INN BAR
Located on the ground floor of our traditional Tay Stilt House, the Lodge’s Inn Bar perfectly encapsulates the Danish Hygge, from the understated, comfortable furniture design to the soft lighting and muted color scheme.

At the heart of the bar is an open stone fireplace, perfect for gathering to roast marshmallows and chestnuts in winter or enjoying a cold craft beer while playing darts or boardgames in the summer. The menu offers a fine combination of wines, cocktails, and hot beverages, as well as a small selection of comforting finger foods.

THE INFINITY SWIMMING POOL 
Topas Ecolodge listed alongside some of the world’s most beautiful! Our tranquil infinity pools are surrounded by rice terraces high in the mountains and have incredible views of the peaks and valleys. It is the perfect setting to relax, take in the surroundings and feel at one with nature.

Just steps away from the Rice Spa, this decadent combo is ideal for a day of relaxation and rejuvenation, or an afternoon of recovery after a long morning spent hiking or cycling.

The remoteness of Topas Ecolodge is only more enhanced by the dramatic surrounding of crescendoing mountains hiding it away from the outside world. And this quiet seclusion makes it the ideal escape for time spent outside the chaos and noise of modern cities.

Positioned halfway up the hill overlooking the main lodge buildings, the upper pool is connected to the lower pool by a staircase and comes complete with a fully-stocked bar. Our lower “Adults-only” pool is unheated for those who prefer a refreshingly cool swim and comes with an accompanying jacuzzi.

The upper pool has a shallow section with a depth of 70cm for children as well as a regular swimming area ranging from 1.4 – 1.68m deep. This pool is also heated using an eco-friendly system using 85% less energy than standard heating technology, providing the perfect temperature to lounge in year-round.

RICE SPA
To help guests truly unwind, our mountain spa offers traditional Red Dzao herbal baths and an array of wellness treatments including massages and facials, providing the perfect treat after a day of intrepid exploration and a chance to discover more about the special ways the mountain people use herbs in their daily lives.

ACTIVITIES & EXPERIENCES
Due to our unique location in remote Hoang Lien National Park, yet just a quick 45-minute drive away from the little town of Sapa, guests are spoiled for choice when it comes to discovering one of the most beautiful regions in all of Vietnam.

Our comfortable base is ideal for exploring the awe-inspiring nature of northern Vietnam as well as the diverse minority villages of the area via active pursuits like hiking and biking and/or cultural immersion through village visits, market stops, and textile workshops.

A CYCLIST’S DREAM
Prefer putting your pedal to the metal? Hop on our imported mountain bikes and discover the beautiful landscape and idyllic villages around us on a half-day 7 km circuit.

SAPA TREKKING – TRAILS OF THE RED DZAO
Topas Ecolodge, set deep in the Hoang Lien National Park, 18 km from Sapa town, offers you an ideal stay during your hiking tour into the Sapa Mountains.

Enjoy the direct Hanoi – Sapa ride with our luxurious Topas Mountain Express limousine; take the best hiking tours along hilly trails to experience the ethnic communities and their interesting cultures, explore the deep valleys covered by terraced rice fields, and relax with breathtaking mountain views at Topas Ecolodge.

TEXTILE WORKSHOP
Join Black H’mong artisans in Lao Chai Village for an introduction to hemp production, batik design, and natural dyeing with indigo over the course of this full-day specially designed textile workshop paired with a gentle walk to and from the Lai Chau Village to Ta Van Village.

RED DZAO PHOTOGRAPHY 
Grab your camera for a half-day photography and walking tour to Lech Village, a Red Dzao tribe. Situated high in the mountains of Thanh Kim Commune, you’ll see magnificent views of terraced rice valleys and picturesque villages.

ON TOP OF THE WORLD
Summit Mount Fansipan, mainland Southeast Asia’s highest peak, towering at an astonishing 3,143m on Asia’s longest and tallest cable car on this family-friendly day-trip filled with unbelievable views of Muong Hoa Valley, China, and Laos.

SUNDAY MARKET
Bac Ha Market is the largest ethnic minority market in northern Vietnam. Flower H’mong, Phu La, Black Dzao, Tay, and Nung tribes all come together every Sunday to trade produce, animals, textiles, and other local products, creating a vibrancy not existing in any other market in the country.

The ethnic minority markets of Northern Vietnam are the colorful meeting places for the hill tribes of Vietnam. Minorities come down from the mountains to sell their produce; sometimes it is a long hike for the tribes to come to sell or exchange their goods.

Others may simply come to catch up on the latest news or gossip. With the various tribes in their colorful traditional dress, the smell of exotic herbs and spices, abundant rice wine and food stalls – you can be assured that market day in Vietnam is truly an unforgettable experience.

RED DZAO CULTURE – THE NEIGHBOUR VILLAGE
Lech Dao village is located in the hilly mountains of Thanh Kim Commune, inhabited by Red Dao people. This half-day walk offers you a chance to meet local people, visit their homes and learn about Red Dao culture. Enjoy the magnificent view of rice valley and take some great photos of the landscape.

Website: www.topasecolodge.com

Rooms: 49

Price: from 244 EUR per night