Topas Ecolodge 3 days & 2 nights – Relaxing & market visiting

Overview
Itinerary
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The ethnic minority markets of Northern Vietnam are the colorful meeting places for the hill tribes of Vietnam. Minorities come down from the mountains to sell their produce; sometimes it is a long hike for the tribes to come to sell or exchange their goods. Others may simply come in order to catch up on the latest news or gossips. With the various tribes in their colorful traditional dress, the smell of exotic herbs and spices, abundant rice wine and food stalls – you can be assured that market day in Vietnam is truly an unforgettable experience.
Your journey from Hanoi to Sapa is by the Topas Mountain Express. The 8 seats limousine has luxurious modern interior design with wood and leather, spacious and soft chairs, offers you a comfortable journey for the 5 hours transfer.
You will stay the 2 nights at Topas Ecolodge, set deep in the Hoang Lien Mountains. The 25 bungalows overlook the entire valley with magnificent views to the ethnic minority villages, valleys covered by rice terraces and towering mountains.

Day 1 – Friday: Comfortable drive to Topas Ecolodge

Our luxury Topas Mountain Express will pick you up at your Hanoi hotel between 6,30 and 7,00 and your approximately 5 hour journey to Topas Ecolodge has begun.
After checking into your bungalow, sit back and enjoy the beautiful and peaceful view of the surrounding mountains and valleys from your private balcony.

Day 2 – Saturday: Topas Ecolodge

The morning is at your leisure at Topas Ecolodge. You can relax or borrow our complimentary quality mountain bikes for a cycle of exploration to neighboring villages; or you can sign up for another adventure:

Join a half day or full day walking / biking excursion, the best way to experience nature and the local cultures of the ethnic minority people
Book a half day tour to explore the highest peak of Indochina, Mt. Fansipan (3.143m) with the newly launched cable car, which includes a visit to Sapa town
Try a traditional Red Dao herbal bath at the lodge’s spa

Day 3 (Sunday) – Bac Ha minority market and return to Hanoi (B,L,-)

At 8:00, you will commence the market tour from Topas Ecolodge with an 80km transfer to Bac Ha township. The market is the largest of the area and happens only on Sunday mornings, it is literally a riot of color as many different ethnic groups such as the Flower H’mong, Phu La, Black Dao, Tay and Nung minorities gather to trade. Most of the goods are simply agricultural produce such as rice, corn, root crops, vegetables, herbs, spices, fruits, nuts or tobacco… But there is also a cattle market, medicinal herbs and spices, flowers, local hardware, minority group handicrafts and an array of local street food delicacies. While the local women are more interested in foods and clothing, the unique cattle section draws a lot of attention from the local men. After spending the rest of the morning exploring the bustling market, you will enjoy lunch at a local family house in a nearby village.
In the afternoon, you will enjoy a drive downhill to Trung Do village to visit the Tay ethnic minority who live in charming traditional houses on stilts on the riverbanks. The Tay People are very friendly and open minded, they are agricultural experts, very organized and tend to keep their villages very clean and well maintained.
You will then continue to Xuan Giao, get on to Topas Mountain Express and head back to Hanoi.

Solo (incl. single supplement)	From 2 persons(*)
773 USD	451 USD

*The price might change due to the bungalow’s availability

Price includes
- English speaking guide during shared excursions*
- 2 nights at Topas Ecolodge (twin shared Premium Executive bungalow)
- Daily breakfast + 1 lunch (B = breakfast, L = lunch)**
- Transfer by Topas Mountain Express Hanoi – Topas Ecolodge – Hanoi (SIC)
- Mineral water and snack during excursions
- All entrance fees to the indicated places

*The excursions are based on sharing group of maximum 10 travelers
**Other meals at Topas Ecolodge are recommended to be booked in advance.

If you would like upgrade to romantic package, please request this upon booking.