Sapa Eco Retreat

Our team will deliver your boarding pass to the reception of your hotel. The train boarding pass contains essential information including the station address, train carriage details, cabin assignment, and your bed number. To ensure a smooth journey, we recommend that you depart from your hotel approximately 2 hours before the scheduled train departure time indicated on our ticket (usually 22h00). Upon reaching Hanoi's train station, please present your ticket to the staff for boarding. Kindly note that no meals will be served onboard the train, but there will be a snacks trolley available. To avoid any inconvenience, we suggest having dinner before heading to the station. There is limited availability of drinks, snacks, and other essentials at the station prior to departure. If you require anything, please ensure you collect it before arriving at the station. Overnight: four berth soft sleeper cabin.

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. 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: 13 km ~ +/- 5hrs Overnight: 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 Overnight: 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 and from Sapa at 13:15, ensuring a convenient return to Hanoi, arriving around 19:30-20:00. 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