Topas Ecolodge is certified as a “Unique Lodge” by National Geographic.
Location and surrounding area
Topas Ecolodge is located in the north part of Vietnam, close to Sapa. Sapa is a major tourist destination, famous for its mountainous area, including Mount Fansipan – the highest mountain in Indochina’s region, 3143 m – and Hoang Lien Son Mountain.
Sapa is also home to a few ethnic minorities and visiting them is one of the most famous tourist attractionS in the area.
Topas Ecolodge is part of Topas group, which is involved in a few special hotels that are individual in their design or location. We can truly say that this lodge is the most unique place we’ve ever been to, not only by its design, but also because of its LOCATION.
Topas group’s philosophy centers around offering unique adventures in remote parts of the world, considering today’s traveler is more adventurous, looking for more challenging experiences. We blend in the exact philosophy, so for us it was a perfect match.
Topas Ecolodge is situated 18 km north of Sapa, located on a beautiful hilltop in Hoang Lien National Park. They offer a free shuttle from Sapa, the journey will take about 45 min and it can be quite adventurous because of the road condition in some places. We are more adventurous and we rode our motorbike from Sapa to Topas. The journey was one of the most spectacular ones, the road goes through the Hoang Lien valley and has breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, meeting local minorities and a few water buffalos on the way. We absolutely loved the ride and we can truly recommend it.
Facilities at Topas Ecolodge
Upon arrival, you will be greeted in a welcome house where a receptionist will check your reservation and will take your luggage which will be transported to your bungalow. We’ve been welcomed with ginger tea.
There’s a few minute walk to the main reception area, but it worth all the effort. You will be rewarded with stunning views of the mountains. The resort is eco-friendly and prides itself with its plastic-free policy, so each guest will receive a drinking bottle made of bamboo and stainless steel.
Water refilling is free.
The accommodation is done in 33 unique bungalows built from white granite coming from Hoang Lien Mountains and based on sustainable principles, making sure that the lodge has a minimal impact on the surrounding environment. Each bungalow has a big balcony with a breathtaking view over the valley with rice paddies and over some stunning mountain peaks. From your balcony you can experience a stunning sunrise or a romantic sunset, depending on which part of the hill you will be accommodated. We had ours with a sunrise.
The bungalows are extremely beautiful, having a rustic touch and its rocky feel is blending in perfectly with the environment. Although the main theme is simplicity, they are elegant and luxurious. There’s no TV and wifi available in the room, but hey, you’re here to enjoy the views, the nature, the peace, and tranquillity. You’ll find wifi available in the reception and pool area. Inside the room there’s a gorgeous and comfortable bed with a mosquito net. There are some cozy wooden rustic pieces of furniture (desk, chairs, and table). You’ll find some candles in case you want to switch the atmosphere to a romantic one. A minibar with all necessary things and a price list are available.
The coffee and tea are free and they come packed in nice jars. We enjoyed green tea with jasmine, lovely for a cool evening.
There was one interesting thing which we liked very much. First, we need to say that Topas is proud of employing people from local communities, so sometimes you will have to be patient with the language barrier as not all of them are good in English. But don’t worry, there will always be someone from the staff who can help. Coming back, there’s a handcrafted stuffed animal made from textile material by the local minority community. You can buy it and an important part of the money will return to the community.
The restaurant and the lodge bar are situated in the same building where the main reception is. Breakfast is included in the price of accommodation and is a buffet type with lots of goodies. Except for the food which was absolutely delicious and with a big range of choices, we loved the way they serve coffee in a French Press and the fresh juice options (orange, passion fruit, guava, watermelon or mix). You could even make your own juice from fresh fruits in the juice maker. The breakfast can be served outside, on a lovely terrace with stunning views.
Lunch and dinner are available as well and there’s a sitting area outside with, again, a lovely view.
One of the best parts at Topas is the infinity pool with warm water (don’t forget you’re on top of a hill in a mountainous region). You can have a cocktail from the bar near the swimming pool, have a swim and enjoy the stunning mountain’s view.
There are lots of biking and hiking opportunities around Topas Ecolodge, so they offer organized tours ranging from a few hours to a full day or more.
Social responsibility
Topas Ecolodge is the perfect example of sustainable tourism in remote areas. Social responsibility is their priority and they are committed to producing real sustainable benefits. They employ almost 100 staff and almost all of them come from the local villages. There are two houses that were built for them and they are offered facilities to grow their own vegetables and cook their own meals.
While you’ll have a walk through the alleys of the resort, you’ll most probably meet women working at the rice fields and in the gardens around; they will be very curious about you and they will chat with you. Give them credits, stop for a few minutes and have a conversation. You’ll make their day.
Training and developing programs are being offered. Topas cares about education and they are the main sponsor of the local school. Almost all of the food is bought at the local market, shops or directly from the mountain farmers. Chickens are raised at the local farm and some vegetables and herbs are grown in the garden behind the restaurant. There’s a goat house as well. Leftover food goes to the local farmers to feed their livestock. Wastewater from the kitchen and laundry is treated in a constructed wetland through massive sand and plant filters.
Conclusions
Topas Ecolodge was the best place we’ve ever stayed so far. Baing the adventurous type of travelers, this place suited us. We haven’t seen a more beautiful positioning of an accommodation facility so far. Oh, those mountains … we already miss them.
We recommend with warmth this place to anyone who’s seeking a truly unique experience, being adventurous travelers, couples or families as well.
Find more information about the lodge on their website: https://topasecolodge.com/
