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Topas Ecolodge named on the National Geographic List
Update day: 06/06/2018
National Geographic has named Việt Nam’s Topas Ecolodge on its list of unique lodges around the world. It is the first resort from Việt Nam and the fifth resort in Asia to be included in the list, including Sukau Rainforest Lodge in Malaysia and Three Camel Lodge in Mongolia. Earlier, National Geographic also named Topas Ecolodge top of its list of “21 places to stay if you care about the planet”.
About the Topas Ecolodge
Topas Group, the lodge’s parent company, was a fixture in northern Vietnam even before the country completely opened its doors to foreign tourists in 1997—and long before Sa Pa became a popular trekking destination. In partnership with a local Vietnamese family, the Danish company began offering tours through the region in 1993; and as their connections in the valley expanded, so too did their vision for an experience that would truly immerse guests in hill tribe culture.
To that end, Topas Ecolodge opened in 2005 on a mountaintop far removed from the emerging tourist hub of Sa Pa town. The lodge vision has stood the test of time. Even with other tourism outfits popping up across Sa Pa, the lodge still offers one of the area’s most culturally enriching travel experiences. Here, visitors live among the hill tribe communities, rather than trekking through them for a day or two before returning to the city; and they leave with a deeper understanding of life in these rural villages.
Highlights of the Lodge
Trek through rice paddies and deep into the forests of Hoang Lien National Park to visit a Red Dao village—one of the more remote hill tribe communities in Sa Pa.
On a guided mountain bike ride, learn about the distinct languages, customs, and traditions of five ethnic minority groups that still live much as they have for centuries.
Ride the longest cable car in the world to the summit of Mount Fansipan—Indochina’s highest peak—and see all the way to China on a clear day.
Peruse the stalls of Bac Ha, Sa Pa’s largest Sunday market, then enjoy lunch in a village home.
Relax in the lodge’s heated hilltop infinity pool, and take in incredible 360-degree views of mountain peaks ringed with rice terraces.
Lodge Features
33 mountaintop bungalows, each with a private patio overlooking the surrounding peaks and valleys
Heated saltwater infinity pool with dramatic mountain views and a dedicated bar
Restaurant that serves traditional Vietnamese food with a European twist
Bar and lounge supplied with books and games and heated by a stone fireplace
Terrace furnished with lounge chairs, dining accommodations, and a fire pit
Secluded outdoor pavilion, equipped with a barbecue and available for private parties
Fleet of bicycles available for guest use
Gift shop selling handicrafts made by artisans from local hill tribes
Free Wi-fi in the main building
Spotlight on Sustainability
As one of the longest-running and most philanthropic lodges in the region, Topas Ecolodge has nurtured strong relationships with the local hill tribes—and with each passing year, the lodge conceives new ways to give back to these communities that are so integral to their operation.
Throughout its time in the region, Topas has invested in improving infrastructure for many of the area villages, with projects that range from building schools and bridges to improving water filtration and recycling systems. The lodge also engages community members on a more regular basis by offering ample employment opportunities and sharing resources. For example, water from their freshwater reserve is used by neighbors, leftover food is donated for livestock, and locals who tend lodge-owned paddies are invited to keep the harvest for their families. In the coming year, Topas plans to build a shop where Red Dao ladies can sell their crafts. Source: National Geographic
For more information or reservation, please contact:
FantaSea Saigon: 41A Nguyen Phi Khanh, Dist 1., HCMC, Vietnam | Tel + 84.28.6298 8855
FantaSea Hanoi: 181 Xa Dan 2, Dong Da Dist., Hanoi, Vietnam | Tel + 84.24.6258 8855
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Update day: 06/06/2018
