Sapa’s Topas Ecolodge has been featured in the National Geographic Traveller’s Lakes and Mountains Collection for 2024. It is the only resort in Vietnam to be included on this prestigious list. This accolade follows the resort previously being named by National Geographic as one of the world’s Top Places to Stay if You Care About The Planet.
The National Geographic Traveller Lakes and Mountains Collection is renowned for showcasing the world's most remarkable mountain and lakeside escapes. With its inclusion on the list, Topas Ecolodge has placed Sapa as a top destination for the very best mountain accommodation worldwide.
National Geographic highlights the lodge’s majestic location, emphasizing its commitment to supporting local community and providing guests with an authentic experience in the heart of the Hoang Lien Son National Park in Sa Pa, Vietnam.
Beyond Breathtaking Views: A Philosophy of Responsible Luxury
According to National Geographic: “Topas Ecolodge is a boutique resort situated on a beautiful mountaintop among the majestic hills of Northern Vietnam. Nestled amid the mountains, the lodge offers unobstructed vistas of nature’s grandeur from bungalows that are meticulously crafted from local materials and traditional elements with a Scandinavian touch.”
Sustainability and Responsibility Woven into the Experience
The article highlights that Vietnam’s Topas Ecolodge is a model for sustainability, writing: "The lodge minimizes its environmental footprint through eco-friendly heated pools, a constructed wetland for wastewater filtration, the absolute minimal use of single use plastics and much more. The lodge also gives back to the local community and employs many from the surrounding villages, providing on-the-job training in hospitality to those with no experience.”
In Vietnam, A Culinary Journey Awaits
The National Geographic article also highlights the culinary experience on offer in the Vietnamese mountains: “Guests can indulge in expertly crafted cuisine, with a top team of both Vietnamese and Danish chefs crafting menus of both local and international flavours. Dining options include the breathtaking Restaurant 360, named for its panoramic views of the mountains, and the cosy, traditional Stilt House Restaurant.”
Adventure or Tranquility: The Choice is Yours
National Geographic notes the active experiences available in Sapa, including the chance to hike on trails through rice terraces and learn about the ancient culture of the various ethnic groups that have villages in the surrounding hills.
Vietnam’s oldest mountain running race also gets a mention: “The lodge is also the finish line for the Vietnam Mountain Marathon which hosts around 5,000 trail runners every September, so high quality running guides are ready to show you the trails.”
With its combination of Sapa’s beauty, the choice of different adventures and the culinary journey experiences on offer, the National Geographic article neatly sums up the wonderful holiday opportunities that await visitors in the mountains of Northern Vietnam.
