This place was sensational - from the service, the accommodation, the food and view were all spectacular. The infinity pool adds that’s touch of elegance and the day spa massage didn’t disappoint.
The tours on offer were great also to Sapa town. A must do in the mountains!
Dear Martina S,
We are so glad that you fully enjoyed your stay at Topas Ecolodge!
Thank you so much for sharing with worldwide travelers.
You are welcome to visit us again when you want.
Sincerely,
Hubert de Murard
Lodge Manager
I have stayed at the Ecolodge twice now and both times were fantastic experiences. The rooms are excellent, the food very high quality and the pool and spa were also great. Last time I stayed one night at the Riverside lodge and one night at the Ecolodge - this was a great experience.
Highly recommend this location as an alternative to Sapa town itself. The Ecolodge is in a quiet area well away from the main town (Sapa town is a mess of construction, too many cheap hotels and is way too crowded). Note that there isn’t much in the surrounding villages so you really only have the choice of eating at the Ecolodge (we didn’t find this to be a problem though because the food is excellent and reasonably priced).
We did a hiking and mountain biking package this time and the tours were challenging but fun. Our guide, Hai, was great and we got to see some amazing places. One minor issue was that the mountain bikes needed to be better maintained - it took me a few tries to find a bike that had working brakes and gears and tires with enough grip.
The transfer from Hanoi is very comfortable and the drivers are excellent.
Overall a fantastic place to spend a couple of nights - we will definitely be returning.
Dear AGeo1,
Thank you very much for all your good comments.
Do not hesitate to contact me directly to plan your future trip as I can meet you in person.
I will transmit your feedback to Hai, I'm sure he will be glad.
Sincerely,
Hubert de Murard
Lodge Manager
For anyone who enjoys nature and doesn’t mind insects, Topas Ecolodge is the perfect place for you to relax and get to know the culture of minority groups in Vietnam.
We went with the hiking package of 3 days/2 nights. It takes around 5 hours to Topas from Hanoi. The driver does not speak English so don’t try to ask him any doubts. The van is super confortable, but the road needs to be improved so I recommend you to take a pill to avoid diziness.
Our tour guide was Song and she was the best guide I could have asked for. The first hike is around the hotel. It takes around 2 hours and a half and you are accompanied by local minority women. They sell you hand-crafted items at the end of the hike and you should bargain at least 40-50% less.
The second tour takes much longer, it’s 7kms in the jungle and when the sun is out it becomes very hard to walk. You have lunch at a lodge. Basically this includes rice, chicken, pork, spring rolls and some vegetables. There is a river at the end of the hike so maybe you want to take your swimsuit with you.
The hotel has awesome views, and this is why it is totally worth-going. The pool is heated at 27 degrees which really helps a lot. You can also order drinks at the pool.
We also tried two massages: the lodge signature and the smooth body treatment. For this I have to say that although they really relax and they are very good, both massages are exactly the same but one much more expensive than the other.
In terms of food, the breakfast is very good with a wide variety. Luch and dinner is à la carte with a mix of European and Vietnamese dishes. Prices are very affordable. Totally recommend the watermelon juice.
The rooms are good, although you see a lot of insects, but yet again, you are in the mountain.
Service is good and very helpful, although most of them don’t speak English and it was very difficult to communicate at some points.
Overall, I totally recommend and I hope I will visit again!
Dear Silvia P,
Thank you so much for your kind review and nice pictures.
It is great that you had such a good tour guide, Song is indeed a proactive one and always here to guide you with a smile.
It would be great to host you again in the Northern Mountains of Vietnam.
Kind regards,
Hubert de Murard
Lodge Manager
It was like a holiday bungalow stay and definitely a soothing getaway for the city dwellers. It started with the 6-hours road trip from Hanoi, which one could take as the beginning to unwind yourselves from the bustling city, as you would slowly be shown the changed of scenes as you getting nearer.
The hotel location is amazing as it is sited all alone by itself. It feel like your own private paradise when you roam the entire compound as only hotel guest could gain access.
Only regrets was the persistence locals trying to sell their handicrafts. You could not walk far once you are out of the hotel "body guards" protection zone at the main entrance. If not, a by-foot or bicycle exploring of the surrounding would be even more satisfying & purposeful.
Staffs were very polite and helpful. Very commendable was the Chefs whom had prepared very delicious meals (from breakfast to dinner). The pricing of the menu was reasonable and portion was more than adequate for us.
Our bungalow was wonderful and spacious. Cleanliness from toilet to the comfortable bed was top notch. The heated infinity swimming pool would certainly take all your stress away with its infinity views.
Highly recommended to stay at this premise although it is considered expensive.
Dear Lpulitude,
Thank you so much for your amazing review.
It is always very pleasant to read such comments on our team. They are of course a big part of the experience.
As you mentioned, taking the Topas Mountain Express is the best mean of transportation, easy, comfortable and safe.
Then, at the lodge, the cuisine is using local and fresh ingredients for you to discover the area through its gastronomy.
It would be a pleasure to host you again in the future.
Sincerely,
Hubert de Murard
Lodge Manager
This lodge is located about 18 km away from Sapa town. The whole resort is laid out beautifully with infinity pool, spa and a stunning view from every bungalow. There is a restaurant with a la carte menu and a lounge/bar. The food is really nice (pre-order the hot pot!), the bungalows are just right in size and style, and the staff is helpful. The tours we've taken were nice with good guides, but the communication of the resort's staff could definitely be improved. That's why I just give 4 out of 5, but all in all I think you won't find a better place to stay. You are far away from ugly Sapa town and the really touristy surrounding there. Instead, you will find true nature, villages not just maintained for tourists, and if you take the long day hike, you won't see one other tourist. So, yes, of course it has its price. But when you've seen Sapa town, your will be glad to have spent every single penny on the Topas Lodge.
Dear valueformoney71,
Thank you very much for your review.
We are glad that you fully enjoyed your time with us as we want to provide to all our guests an experience, something different away from standard places.
It would be a pleasure to welcome you again in the future.
Kind regards,
Hubert de Murard
Lodge Manager
