Stunning setting of the ecolodge in Sapa, Vietnam
Stunning setting of the ecolodge in Sapa, Vietnam
The famous rice field terraces of Northern Vietnam

Sapa Eco Retreat

Wander remote trails by day, then retreat to one of Vietnam’s most beautiful sustainable lodges.

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 6 reviews

4 Days from

$790 USD

Trip Code: SER
View dates to BookEssential Information

Extra trip options & supplements

*Prices listed are per person

Train Upgrade: Private Cabin Hanoi to Lao Cai (twin share pp)
$70 USD
Sapa Eco Retreat Single Supplement
$330 USD
Solo Traveller Supplement
$930 USD

Duration

  • 4 Days

Activities

  • 3 days adventure touring

Accommodation

  • 2 nights eco lodge
  • 1 night train

Meals

  • 2 Lunches
  • 3 Breakfasts

Difficulty Grading  

2 / 10

Adventure touring

Carbon Footprint  

85kg of CO2-e PP per day

(255kg of CO2-e PP entire trip)

Trip highlights

  • Unwind in the misty mountains and rice terraces of northern Vietnam’s Hoang Lien National Park
  • Stay in a sustainable ecolodge set high on a peaceful mountain ridgeline, with stone bungalows, infinity pools and panoramic views over Sapa’s rice terraces
  • Enjoy gentle guided walks through terraced valleys, bamboo forests and quiet mountain paths
  • Explore remote hill tribe villages and meet H’mong and Red Dao artisans, known for their vibrant traditional dress and intricate embroidery

Overview

Discover the slower, tranquil side of northern Vietnam on this four day retreat, based in an award-winning ecolodge in the heart of Hoang Lien National Park. Set high above the valley floor with sweeping views across rice terraces and minority villages, this short trip offers a gentle, enriching insight into Sapa’s landscapes and cultures.

Enjoy easy paced day walks through the spectacular Muong Hoa Valley, meet local H’mong and Red Dao communities, and unwind each evening in your private mountain bungalow with private balconies to soak up the spectacular mountain views.

Itinerary

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Your guide and driver will pick you up from your hotel in Hanoi city centre and transfer you to Hanoi Railway Station for your night train to Lao Cai. Your train ticket will be delivered to your hotel reception in advance and will include all essential details such as the station address, train carriage, cabin number, and your allocated bed. To ensure a smooth journey, your guide will collect you from your hotel approximately 2 to 2.5 hours before the scheduled train departure time shown on your ticket (usually 22:00). If you prefer to make your own way to the station, please ensure you arrive at least two hour before departure and advise us in advance. On arrival at Hanoi Railway Station, present your ticket to the station staff for boarding. No meals are served onboard the train, however a snacks trolley will be available. We recommend having dinner before leaving for the station. Drinks, snacks, and other essentials are limited both at the station and on the train, so please purchase anything you may need beforehand. Overnight: Four-berth soft sleeper cabin You can upgrade to a private twin-share cabin on request for an additional cost, subject to availability.

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: 13km ~ +/- 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, ensuring a convenient return to Hanoi, arriving around 19:30-20:30. 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

Ready to start your adventure?

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What’s included?

Included

  • 3 breakfasts and 2 lunches
  • 3 nights eco lodge accommodation on a twin share basis
  • Train ticket Hanoi - Lao Cai (soft sleeper)
  • Transfers as indicated in itinerary
  • Sightseeing and entry fees as listed in itinerary
  • English speaking local guide during excursions in Sapa
  • Minibus transfer from Sapa - Hanoi

Not included

  • Travel to/from Hanoi
  • Travel Insurance (compulsory)
  • Visa
  • Meals and beverages not indicated in the itinerary
  • Pre or post tour accommodation in Hanoi
  • Tips

Reviews (6)

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