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Stunning setting of the ecolodge in Sapa, Vietnam - Sapa Eco Retreat, Vietnam
Stunning setting of the ecolodge in Sapa, Vietnam
The famous rice field terraces of Northern Vietnam - Sapa Eco Retreat, Vietnam
The famous rice field terraces of Northern Vietnam

Sapa Eco Retreat

Wander remote trails by day, then retreat to one of Vietnam’s most beautiful sustainable lodges.

Vietnam
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 6 reviews

4 Days from

$ 

Trip Code: SER
View dates to Book
Essential Information
Duration
  • 4 Days
Activities
  • 3 days adventure touring
Accommodation
  • 2 nights eco lodge
  • 1 night train
Meals
  • 2 Lunches
  • 3 Breakfasts
Difficulty Grading  
2 / 10

Adventure touring

Carbon Footprint  

85kg of CO2-e PP per day

(255kg of CO2-e PP entire trip)

Trip highlights

  • Unwind in the misty mountains and rice terraces of northern Vietnam’s Hoang Lien National Park
  • Stay in a sustainable ecolodge set high on a peaceful mountain ridgeline, with stone bungalows, infinity pools and panoramic views over Sapa’s rice terraces
  • Enjoy gentle guided walks through terraced valleys, bamboo forests and quiet mountain paths
  • Explore remote hill tribe villages and meet H’mong and Red Dao artisans, known for their vibrant traditional dress and intricate embroidery

Overview

Discover the slower, tranquil side of northern Vietnam on this retreat, based in an award-winning ecolodge in the heart of Hoang Lien National Park. Set high above the valley floor with sweeping views across rice terraces and minority villages, this short trip offers a gentle, enriching insight into Sapa’s landscapes and cultures.

Enjoy easy paced day walks through the spectacular Muong Hoa Valley, meet local H’mong and Red Dao communities, and unwind each evening in your private mountain bungalow with private balconies to soak up the spectacular mountain views.

Itinerary

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Your guide and driver will pick you up from your hotel in Hanoi city centre and transfer you to Hanoi Railway Station for your night train to Lao Cai. Your train ticket will be delivred to you hotel in Hanoi and will include all essential details such as the station address, train carriage, cabin number, and your allocated bed. To ensure a smooth journey, your guide will collect you from your hotel approximately 2 to 2.5 hours before the scheduled train departure time shown on your ticket (usually 22:00). If you prefer to make your own way to the station, please ensure you arrive at least two hour before departure and advise us in advance. On arrival at Hanoi Railway Station, present your ticket to the station staff for boarding. No meals are served onboard the train, however a snacks trolley will be available. We recommend having dinner before leaving for the station. Drinks, snacks, and other essentials are limited both at the station and on the train, so please purchase anything you may need beforehand. Accommodation: Four-berth soft sleeper cabin You can upgrade to a private twin-share cabin on request for an additional cost, subject to availability.

Meals: Nil

Arrive early at Lao Cai Station (around 06:50) and meet your friendly driver and guide for an approximate one-hour drive to Sapa. Upon arrival, enjoy breakfast before starting your hike at 09:00. Begin by exploring the charming town of Sapa, then follow a dirt trail through vegetable gardens and rice paddy terraces, with the stunning Muong Hoa Valley unfolding before you. Follow the river through the valley to Y Linh Ho, a Black H'mong village, where you'll take a break for a picnic lunch. Continue your hike between Y Linh Ho and Lao Chai, with the trail offering expanding views of the valley. In Lao Chai village, visit a local house to experience the traditional lifestyle before continuing to Ta Van village, home to the Giay minority. End your day with a transfer to Topas Ecolodge, nestled deep in the Hoang Lien Mountains. Check into your bungalow and enjoy breathtaking views of the valley and surrounding ethnic minority villages far below. Drive: +/- 1h30min Hiking: 13km ~ +/- 5hrs Accommodation: Topas Ecolodge Note: Please be aware that on rainy days the trail is muddy and slippery.

Meals: B,L

Enjoy a hearty breakfast before setting off for the day. Your adventure begins with a transfer deeper into Hoang Lien National Park, reaching the trek's starting point near Sin Chai village. As you venture off the beaten path, you'll be greeted by stunning views of towering mountains, cascading waterfalls, and deep valleys. The trail leads you to the Red Dao village of Nam Nhiu, where you’ll meet locals, enjoy a cup of green tea in their home, and gain insights into their daily life. From there, a small dirt trail takes you to a breathtaking view of the rice valley, dotted with bamboo huts used by farmers during harvest. Continuing through rice terraces and along a quiet road, you'll arrive at Nam Cang village, one of the most remote areas in Sapa. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, then explore the village with your guide. The Red Dao women are known for their vibrant costumes, and you'll learn about their skills in herbal baths, local medicine, and embroidery. You’ll also see how they make rice paper, jewelry, and intricate embroidery. In the mid-afternoon, return to the serene Topas Ecolodge. Hiking: 8.5 km ~ +/- 3.5hrs Accommodation: Topas Ecolodge Note: Please be aware that on rainy days the trail is muddy and slippery.

Meals: B,L

After breakfast, the morning and early afternoon are yours to enjoy at your leisure. You can relax at Topas Ecolodge, join an optional activity, or take the scheduled shuttle bus to Sapa town for a visit. Check-out is at 11:00 AM. The Topas Mountain Express departs Topas Ecolodge at 14:30, ensuring a convenient return to Hanoi, arriving around 19:30-20:30. If you're staying in the Old Quarter, you'll be dropped off directly at your hotel. Should you need accommodation, please contact your World Expeditions consultant. On Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, certain roads in the Old Quarter are closed for the night market and pedestrian activities. Consequently, on these days, we will drop you at the nearest possible location, allowing you to enjoy a brief and enjoyable walk to your hotel. Please be aware that the Topas Mountain Express is only able to drop off passengers at hotels or residences located in Hanoi's Old Quarter and Tay Ho District.

Meals: B

Ready to start your adventure?

332 scheduled departures between 8 Oct 2026 and 29 Dec 2027.

  • Departs 8 Oct 2026 – ends 11 Oct 2026 (4 days)
  • Departs 9 Oct 2026 – ends 12 Oct 2026 (4 days)
  • Departs 10 Oct 2026 – ends 13 Oct 2026 (4 days)
  • Departs 11 Oct 2026 – ends 14 Oct 2026 (4 days)
  • Departs 12 Oct 2026 – ends 15 Oct 2026 (4 days)
  • Departs 13 Oct 2026 – ends 16 Oct 2026 (4 days)
  • … and 326 more departures.
View dates to Book

What's included?

Included

  • 3 breakfasts and 2 lunches
  • 2 nights eco lodge accommodation on a twin share basis
  • Train ticket Hanoi - Lao Cai (soft sleeper)
  • Transfers as indicated in itinerary
  • Sightseeing and entry fees as listed in itinerary
  • English speaking local guide during excursions in Sapa
  • Minibus transfer from Sapa - Hanoi

Not included

  • Travel to/from Hanoi
  • Travel Insurance (compulsory)
  • Visa
  • Meals and beverages not indicated in the itinerary
  • Pre or post tour accommodation in Hanoi
  • Tips
  • Any items not listed as included

Reviews (6)

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Such a fantastic trip. Our guide was just brilliant, she was friendly and knowledgeable and most of all a local. The accommodation was fantastic!!

Emily Kirkwood|Newport, NSW Australia
26 Mar 2024
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Relaxing quick getaway

Marie Oriente|Coogee, WA Australia
28 Feb 2024
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A trip to Sapa is literally a breathe of fresh air. At times you're up in the clouds and when it clears the views of mountains, sculptured hillside rice paddys, and valleys are spectacular. The Sapa Eco Lodge offers superior individual cottage type accommodation with a high quality tasty buffet dinner that changes daily. Take a hike or relax around the infinity pool and drink in the peace or step down to the local artisan Market for some hand woven souvenirs. Don't leave Sapa off your itinerary!

A. Marsh|Auckland, New Zealand
15 Sep 2018
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Who knew that you'd need a cardigan in Vietnam in July! Of all my experiences in Vietnam, trekking in Sapa was by far my favourite. We had a private guide which was wonderful to swap stories and get an intimate look into life for these minority ethnicities. The highlight was lunch at a homestay, 6 course meal, the best meal we had the whole week! The eco lodge was absolutely stunning, pure luxury, and I know I will be back.

S. Hunt|Sydney, Australia
27 Jul 2017
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Abigail Macklin|Exeter, United Kingdom
3 May 2023
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Susanne Clark|Mollymook, NSW
5 Nov 2022

Extra trip info

AccommodationWill My Trip Run?Why Book With Us
Topas Ecolodge Sapa

Stunning hill top location with infinity pool

Topas Ecolodge is a small lodge situated on a beautiful hilltop deep in the mountains of Hoang Lien National Park only 45 min outside Sapa town in North Vietnam. The bungalows are designed in a relaxed style, each offering a private balcony from which you can enjoy magnificent views of towering peaks and endless valleys dotted with ethnic minority villages. The lodge makes a perfect base for exploring the surrounding area.

Topas Ecolodge Sapa

Well appointed, comfortable rooms with spectacular views

Topas Ecolodge offers stylish bungalows that blend rustic charm with Scandinavian minimalism. Enjoy the warmth of stone walls, wooden furnishings, and a plush bed. The private balcony provides stunning views of mountains and valleys, perfect for a peaceful morning coffee with loved ones.

Sleeper 4-Berth (Deluxe) cabins, enjoy a personalised experience from start to finish.

Experience the Overnight Train to Sapa

Enjoy a overnight journey to Sapa in a soft 4 berth cabin. Accommodating four passengers, these air-conditioned cabins feature cushioned beds, clean linens, and blankets, providing a comfortable ride. As you travel, take in the transition from Vietnam’s vibrant cities to the tranquil, mountainous landscapes approaching Sapa.

Sleeper 2-Berth (VIP) cabins, enjoy a personalised experience from start to finish.

Upgrade to a Private 2-Berth Cabin on the Overnight Train to Sapa

These exclusive cabins are designed for just two passengers. Equipped with plush bedding, soft linens, the cabin provides a restful night’s sleep. The added privacy allows for a more peaceful journey, free from distractions.

Every departure date advises whether the date is confirmed, and roughly how full it is. Here is what each one means.

Is the departure confirmed?

Guaranteed to go This departure has reached its minimum number and will run.
It is the point travellers should wait for before booking any non-refundable flights.
Close to guaranteed This appears only when a date is close to reaching minimum numbers. If it shows 1 or 2 to guaranteed, book as a pair on a date needing two and it reaches its minimum. Your booking confirms the date for everybody already booked.

How full is the date I am looking at?

Space is filling or Space is filling fast This date has bookings and places are still open. Filling fast means limited spots available, so don't leave your decision too late.
Closing soon Down to its last few places, or close enough to departure that we are finalising numbers. Still bookable online.
Closed Not bookable online - either full, or inside the notice we need to arrange permits, flights and logistics. Ask us anyway, you never know!

Availability questions answered

Will this trip actually go ahead, or could it be cancelled?

If a date shows Guaranteed to go, it runs regardless of further bookings.

What does 2 to guarantee mean?

It means two travellers are enough to confirm the departure. It could be 2 more to add to the group, or the date only needs 2 people to run. Either way, if you book for two people, the date will become guaranteed to run.

What happens if my departure does not reach minimum numbers?

You will know the status before you book. Every date on this page is labelled, and dates marked “Guaranteed to go” are running regardless of further bookings. Where a date has not reached its minimum we either offer a surcharge to operate for a smaller group size so it can still run, or we cancel it. We contact you directly either way.

Will I get my money back if you cancel a departure?

If we cancel a departure due to not meeting minimum trip numbers, you receive a full refund of everything you have paid us less any non recoverable costs, where insurance may cover you. We cannot refund money committed elsewhere – additional non refundable deposits advised at the time of booking, flights, visas, vaccinations, gear - which is why it is worth waiting for “Guaranteed to go” before booking other arrangements around this trip date. Please read our Booking Terms and Conditions before you book.

Why can't I book some dates online?

Each trip closes online a set time before departure. Permits, internal flights and hut or campsite bookings all have to be arranged before we take payment. Call or enquire as it might still be possible to organise last minute places.

The date I want is closed. What are my options and why does it say to enquire?

Cancellations happen and places do open up on closed dates, so it is worth being on our list. We can also tell you which nearby date on the same trip has space, which is usually the faster route.

None of these dates suit me. Can you run this trip on another date?

Yes, as a private departure. We can run this trip on a date you choose, for your own group - family, friends, a club, or in many cases, just for the two of you. Tell us when you want to travel and who is coming, and we will build it around that.

  • World Expeditions have been pioneering active adventures to all corners of the globe since 1975.
  • Our local guides have in-depth knowledge of the region, ensuring a richer understanding of the culture, history, and environment.
  • Full pre and post trip support from your local office to help with flight booking, travel insurance and any of those pre trip queries you might have.
  • World Expeditions focuses on responsible travel, ensuring minimal environmental impact. This trip includes eco-friendly accommodation, supporting local communities and sustainable practices.

Guaranteeing A Great Vietnam Trip

Pioneering World Firsts
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Our all inclusive approach

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