Day 1: Comfortable drive to Topas Ecolodge. Take a biking tour to neighboring villages (-,-,-)
From 6:30 – 7:00 AM, you will commence from your Hanoi hotel with Topas Mountain Express for 5 hours transfer to Topas Ecolodge. After checking in your bungalow, you will enjoy the beautiful and peaceful view of the surrounding mountains and valleys from your private balcony.
You will start the afternoon cycling trip by following the main road for three kilometers to Lech village of the Red Dao minority, enjoying the magnificent valley view on the way. Here you will leave your bikes and take a short walk on a dirt road to visit a traditional Red Dao family and experience the culture of the minority villagers who are living peacefully in the same way as their ancestors. Back at the parking place, you will take a further ride to the Moi village and learn how the women in their doorways are doing their embroidery, which the Red Dao people are very famous for. From the village, you head back to the Lodge.
In the evening you may want to book a traditional Red Dao herbal bath at the lodge’s spa.
Approx: Grade: easy/ 1.5 hours biking/ 30 minutes walking
Day 2: Hiking to the remote area of Sapa (B,L,-)
Enjoy a great breakfast and prepare for today´s walk. At 8:30 AM, you will commence the excursion with a transfer deeper into Hoang Lien National Park to the trek starting point near Sin Chai village. You are now “off the beaten track” enjoying beautiful views of high mountains, waterfalls and deep valleys. The trails will soon lead you to the Red Dao village of Nam Nhiu, here you will meet the villagers, visit their houses, and learn about their daily way of life. Leaving the village behind, you will turn into a small dirt trail and soon be inspired by the marvelous view of the rice valley dotted with bamboo huts, which are used by local farmers as overnight lodges on harvesting days. Passing the rice terraces and a river you will walk on a quiet road for a while before arriving at Nam Cang village. Your lunch will be served at a local restaurant.
Nam Cang village locates in the most remote area of Sapa. The Red Dao women wear some of the most colorful and diverse costumes of all Vietnam’s ethnic groups. Herbal bath, local medicine and embroidery are some of the things that the Red Dao are very skilled at. Accompanied by your guide, you will explore the village and learn how the local villagers make writing paper, jewelry and embroidery. You may also want to take a swim in the river.
At 14:15, you will have a transfer back to Topas Ecolodge. The traditional Red Dao herbal bath is highly recommended if you missed the chance yesterday.
Approx: Grade: Moderate/ 3-3.5 hours walking
Day 3: Leaving the mountain and back to the city life of Hanoi (B,-,-)
After breakfast, you will check out and take our shuttle bus at 9h00 to Sapa town. Meet your guide and start your ride mostly downhill through the suburb of Sapa. You pass by Sapa town before heading downhill to Ma Tra village of Black H’mong. Stop along the way for photos and a chance for you to visit local houses. Black H’mong is the majority group living in Sapa, who are well known for their beautiful embroidery. You then will continue with the beautiful valley heading to Ta Phin. At the village, you will have time to take a short walk around to explore the village and culture of Red Dao. Later you will get in the car for the journey back to Sapa.
Approx: 11.3 km biking/ 2.5 hours/ 20 minutes walking.
You are free for lunch on your own expense. At 13h15, Topas Mountain Express will transfer you back to Hanoi. You will arrive at your hotel in Hanoi at around 19h30.
Please note for Topas Mountain Express:
- Only pick up and return passengers at hotels/residences in Hanoi’s Old Quarter and Tay Ho Area.
- Pick-up time is around 6.30 – 7.00 am but clients need to be ready at 6.30 for smooth services.
- Due to limited space, guests are requested to bring only 1 cabin bag/suitcase 115cm (56cm x 36cm x 23cm) per person.
Please note for biking:
- No supported car during the biking time.
- When joining a tour, one of the most important parts is selecting the right bike. Topas Travel provides mountain bikes that are suitable for people from 155cm only. Client’s height is requested at the booking time or at least 24 hours in advance for smooth services.
- Biking tours offer up and downhill segments. For safety, these tours are advisable for adults or children from 13-year-old up (For smaller children, please contact us) who are familiar with mountain road biking.
