Topas Ecolodge and Hiking Package 3d/4n

Ref.ET3A
Activity: Hiking
Grade: Easy
Validity: from Jan 1^st - Dec 31^st 2010

Overview:
Topas Ecolodge is located 18 km from Sapa, deep in the Hoang Lien Mountains. The 25 bungalows overlook the entire valley with the ethnic minority villages of Ban Ho and Thanh Phu, 400 altitude meters beneath. This package has been designed to give you the walking excursions to the Ethnic Minority villages locating along the Muong Hoa Valley, as well as having the opportunity to experience the best highlights of northern Vietnam: the ethnic communities with their unique cultures, the deep valleys covered by terraced rice fields, the breathtaking mountains...

Short Itinerary:
Day 1: Night train from Hanoi to Lao Cai.
Day 2: Transfer to Sapa. Walk along the Muong Hoa Valley to Topas Ecolodge.
Day 3: Full day walk to Moi and Lech villages.
Day 4: Back to Sapa. PM: transfer to Lao Cai. Train to Hanoi.
Day 5: Tour ends in Hanoi.

Detailed Itinerary:

Day 1: Hanoi - night train to Lao Cai (-,-,-)
You will take the night train from Hanoi Station to Lao Cai.

Day 2: Full day walking - Topas Ecolodge (B,L,D)
The train arrives at Lao Cai Station approx at 05h30. From here you will take Topas Shuttle bus to Sapa, where you enjoy your breakfast at a local restaurant.
At 9h00, you will commence the excursion today with a walk through the town of Sapa and along a dirt trail through vegetable gardens and rice paddy terraces. The spectacular scenery of Muong Hoa valley gradually appears within your eyesight. You will then reach the river running at the bottom of the valley and continue the walk on the bank of the river. You eventually arrive in Y Linh Ho village of Black H'mong minority, where you will take a rest and have lunch at a nice spot.
After lunch, the walk from Y Linh Ho village to Lao Chai village of Black H'mong minority is almost on the hillsides. The view of the valley is more and more extending and stretching to the horizon. You take a stop at Lao Chai village to visit a local house, before following the dirt path linking the village with Ta Van village, the only one in the valley inhabited by Giay minority. From Ta Van, you will have a transfer to Topas Ecolodge. You check in to your bungalow and enjoy the view into the valley and dotted mountain surroundings.
Dinner and overnight at Topas Ecolodge.

Approx: Grade 2 of 5/ 30 minutes driving/ 5 hours walking/ 1 hour lunch.

Day 3: Topas Ecolodge – Ban Moi - Ban Lech – Topas Ecolodge (B,L,D)
At 8h00, you commence your walk from Topas Ecolodge along the footpaths of Silver Stone Mount. During the walk you will witness the stunning views of the valleys and rice paddy terraces. At noon you will arrive at the Lech village, inhabited by the Red Dao minority. You will visit the village and have your lunch in a local house.
After lunch, you will continue the walk to a nearby Red Dao village. If it is a school day, a visit to the village’s school is the nice opportunity to meet all the children, who can be from Red Dao or Hmong minority, or are at different ages, but sharing the same class room. From the village, you will follow the hill trails up to the main road, enjoying the surrounding breath-taking view of dotted peaks, endless rice terraces and the beautiful Muong Bo river. You will arrive back to Topas Ecolodge after another 15 minute walk on the main road.
Dinner and overnight at Topas Ecolodge.

Approx: Grade: 3 of 5/ 5 hours walking/ 1 hour lunch.

Day 4: Topas Ecolodge - Sapa - Lao Cai (B,-,-)
At 9h00 you will take the Topas Ecolodge Shuttle bus to Sapa. The day is at your leisure to visit the town. At 17h30, you will take the shuttle bus to Lao Cai for the night train back to Hanoi.

Day 5: Arrival in Hanoi (-,-,-)
The train will arrive in Hanoi around 4h30 am. End of trip.

Inclusive:

English/ French Speaking Guide during excursions.
2 nights at Topas Ecolodge (twin shared Deluxe bungalow).
All indicated meals (B as breakfast, L as lunch, D as dinner)
Return train ticket Hanoi – Lao Cai – Hanoi (soft sleeper in 4-berth AC cabin).
All indicated transfer by Topas Ecolodge Shuttle Bus (private transfer from Ta Van village to Topas Ecolodge on day 2)
All entrance fees to the indicated places.

Exclusive:

Insurance.
Pre and post trip accommodation.
Private expenses.
Drink and Beverage.
All other services not mentioned as inclusive.

Note: Other meals in Topas Ecolodge are recommended to be booked in advance

Promotion: Topas Ecolodge is running the Summer 2010 promotion of stay 3 nights pay 2 nights only from 6th May to 30th Sep. 2010. The promotion is also applied to the package in case you extend your stay in Topas Ecolodge to at least 3 consecutive nights.

Topas Ecolodge and Hiking Package 3d/4n

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