Posted in Blog |
The participants from 45 countries have join the Vietnam Mountain Marathon in Sapa by Topas Travel & Denmark Embassy in Hanoi. Sanya Khanchai (from Thailand) and Samantha Young (from USA) are the male & female winners for the 70-km racers. We proudly welcome Mr. Sanya Khanchai to VMM 70km. The ultra-champion of Thailand, now signed up for Vietnam Mountain Marathon ready to race to his limits. Vietnam Mountain Marathon 24-27nd of September 2015. (Race day 26th of September) Welcome to the hardest run in Vietnam! VMM is Unique trail running of 10km, 21km, 42km or 70km in a spectacular mountain region of north Vietnam. Welcome to the mountains of Vietnam to thousands of yellow rice fields, water buffaloes and colorful ethnic minority groups. The small dirt roads and narrow trails will take you through the majestic mountains and valleys that are only used by locals. Each route will encompass challenging climbs, exhilarating descents and a true glimpse of local life through the rice fields and ethnic minority villages. In general The trails – with cumulative positive vertical meters ranging from around 1000m (21km) to round 3000 meters (70km) – will be on a marked route, tagged at crucial navigational points. Water and fruit will be available at aid stations every 10-15km. Runners doing the marathon or the ultra-distance must bring their own additional energy bars, gel or personal food and other important mandatory equipment (see equipment). Given the altitude and general hard conditions this cannot be your first Full or Ultra Marathon. Very strong sun or heavy rain is always a possibility in the mountains. Any participation in this unique event is completely at your own risk and you will be required to sign a waiver in order to participate. After the race we will enjoy the very special social life of mountain runners and a good meal around a big bonfire where we can share our running experiences, the mountains and the twinkling stars above. Bring your family, your friends or join this unique event on your own. You don’t have to be a fast runner, but you better be tough and looking for a unique adventure of hiking or running. You can also extend the journey and make the race a part of a longer active adventure in Vietnam. How to get to Sapa: Airport/Train/Bus We recommend all runners to buy a 3 or 4 days runners package from Hanoi, to the mountains and back to Hanoi. From Hanoi International Airport In order to reach the Bus Stop for your journey from Hanoi to the mountains, you need to calculate emigration at the airport, maybe 30min, plus 1 hour of driving from the airport to the Bus Stop. We can arrange your airport pickup to the Bus Stop or to your hotel in Hanoi center at the price of 15US$ per person. Take the VMM bus...
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Posted in 5 days more, In the North |
This must be one of the nicest Vietnam Tours as it takes us from the charming beauty in northern mountains where offers amazing scenery, culture to one of Vietnam world’s heritages and values and end up with a great relaxation in Ninh Binh, the newest vacation destination in the north of Vietnam. HIGHLIGHTS Enjoying the water puppet show in Hanoi Exploring the beautiful nature and challenging yourselves with Fansipan Trek Cruising off the beaten track to Bai Tu Long Bay Relaxing on the most luxurious resort in Ninh Binh OUTLINE Day 01: Arrival Hanoi Day 02: Fansipan Trekking up Day 03: Fansipan Trekking down Day 04: Biking to Binh Lu, bus to Hanoi Day 05: Outing to Bai Tu Long Bay, overnight on the sea Day 06: Kayaking and overnight in Emeralda Ninh Binh Day 07: Trang An- Hoa Lu- Mua Cave, overnight in Ninh Binh Day 08: Departure DETAILS Day 01: Arrival Hanoi (no meals) You will be met at the airport and transferred to your centrally located hotel. 17:00 check out the room to have the water puppet show at Thang Long Theater in Hoan Kiem Lake. Have dinner on your own account. 19:50 our guide will meet the group to transfer to Hanoi station for the soft sleeper train to Lao Cai Day 02: Fansipan Trekking up (L, D) Early arrival in Lao Cai station, your driver will meet and transfer the group to Sapa. We begin this tour at a practical time of 9.00am. After meeting both your guide and driver, we are transferred by car, a short distance of 15km to begin the start of the climb to Fansipan Mountain. We start the climb at the Park Rangers’ Station at a height of 2,000m. Throughout this climb, we can observe and learn about the local cardamom plants, and the uses they have for this local area. Local birds can also be seen throughout this walk, with seasons varying, and the time of year you visit. As we trek up to the height of 2,200m, we relax with a picnic lunch. We then keep on trekking up to the height of 2,800m, taking in the spectacular views along the way. After setting up camp for the night, dinner is cooked on the campfire. Ready to unwind from the day, you will find yourself sleeping soundly, while nestled in amongst the rugged beauty of the mountains. Day 03: Fansipan Trekking down (B, L) With an early rise of 6.30-7.00am, we have breakfast together before we undertake the final ascent to the very top of Fansipan Mountain. Around 10.00-10.30am, we can celebrate the victorious achievement as we arrive at the very top, 3,143m above sea level. Take some time out, as you absorb the combination of the fresh crisp air, and beautiful views while overlooking Sapa town, admiring its thick green forestry landscape. After enjoying the remarkable...
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Posted in Blog |
To travel from Sapa to Nha Trang, firstly you need to go back to the capital, Hanoi- Vietnam. You can get Sapa Express or Sapa Train to Hanoi. Then, from Hanoi, we recommend to get a short flight from Noi Bai Airport to Cam Ranh Airport. Check the flights at VietnamAirlines.com or VietJetAir.com Indeed Nha Trang Bay is a natural world of sparkling sea, marine life and islands waiting to be explored in style. Emperor Cruises combines oriental style with contemporary luxury. Together these create the perfect recipe for exploration, luxury adventures, enchantment, relaxation and memorable experiences. The official site: http://emperorcruises.com The first luxury cruise operator to offer five-star experiential travel in Nha Trang Bay, the Emperor Cruises fleet is designed to be a sanctuary to ensure that every moment counts for the guests. The benefit of a luxury cruise with Emperor Cruises is that, apart from being small ships with personalized service and outstanding facilities, on an all-inclusive basis often there is no bill to pay at the end whether on a two- or three-day cruise. With Emperor Cruises, luxury doesn’t mean there won’t be adventure! Guests spend their time watching wildlife, scuba diving, snorkeling, boating, kayaking, embracing Mother Nature, and passing the time with their fellow passengers and crew. Your clients will be some of the privileged few who have discovered the huge difference that a small luxury ship with truly personalized service can make. Anything that is required, Emperor Cruises staff will make it happen. Emperor Cruises has been designed as a traditional ship but using high-quality materials with an exquisite gold-plated motif, fine silk, velvet and other luxury items such as brass, crystal and gem stones. Works of art commissioned from well-known Vietnamese artists will adorn the walls. This masterpiece will be a place for the most sophisticated travelers to enjoy Vietnamese culture, history and gourmet cuisine, and where royal glamour and heritage will combine to create the epitome of elegance. Each VIP customer will be treated like an emperor and experience the best of the best, in privacy, and with every detail attended to. Everything is designed in accordance with the particular requirements and preferences of individual travelers in mind. The private butler and reception services will be available round the clock. During the day there is a choice of activities or just relaxation; in the evening there is time to socialize, indulge at the spa or enjoy the ‘Movies Under the Stars’ shown on the sundeck. Guests can even go fishing for squid if the weather permits. On our luxury cruise there are only 16 passengers on board. Such small, boutique ships means they can slip into more exotic, unique and remote places in the bay. All cabins are en-suite with ocean views and with private balconies. Meals and drinks can be taken anytime, anywhere. The mini-bar is filled with complimentary drinks, including spirits....
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Posted in Useful information |
Direct Limousine Drive Hanoi to Topas Sapa Daily Departures Experienced and professional drivers 8 comfortable and spacious seats Elegant decoration 06 rechargeable USB ports Surround sound system and TV LED 19” Individual reading lights Wifi available SCHEDULE Hanoi – Sapa 6:30 Pick-up at your hotel (Hanoi Old Quarter or Tay Ho area) 5 hour direct drive, incl. 20 min. break 12:00 Arrive at Topas Ecolodge 13:00 Arrive at your hotel in Sapa town Sapa – Hanoi 14:00 Pickup at your hotel in Sapa 15:00 Pickup at Topas Ecolodge 5 hour direct drive, incl. 20 min. break 20:30 Arrive at your hotel in Hanoi (Hanoi Old Quarter or Tay Ho area) INCLUSION – Hotel pick-up and drop-off – Safe and direct drive – Free wifi – Cake and fruits on board – Water and wet tissue – Tea at break place PRICE US$ 47/ PERSON/ WAY BOOKING To book the Limousine Luxury Shuttle bus tickets, we recommend to do that in advance, at least 1 week before departure. Please send the request to Sapa Travel: – Email: info@travelsapa.com/ longquoctran@hotmail.com – Person in charge- Sapa Travel expert, Mr. Tran Quoc Long – His telephone number: +84912217448 Topas Travel Limousine Luxury Transfer Hanoi Sapa Luxury inside the limousine bus Luxury Limousine pick up at hotels Luxury Limousine Sapa Hanoi Luxury shuttle bus to Topas Sapa We provided the Type of Limousine car has the combination of luxury feature, convenience and comfort. It create the private space for the guest with two modern LCD screen, a luxury bar and the best sound system. Description: The limousine transfer provides a wide range of luxury cars for Hanoi Sapa transfer, Hanoi transfer business events or personal travel needs. Fleet Description The limousines van is a refurbished 16-seater van with premium leather seats, soundproof walls separating cabins with chauffeur, equipped with mini bar, LCD screen, stereo, the system automatic doors, working desks, Wi-Fi, and 3G system. Drivers have minimum of three years safe driving experience. The friendly and professional drivers possess basic English proficiency. They are happy to help and always polite and...
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Posted in Blog |
Sapa – What to Bring Bring as little as possible but bring everything you need. Travelling light is much less of a hassle, so do not bring things you can do without. Thanks to its geographic condition, Sapa has one of the most favourable climates in Vietnam. The temperature remains stably cool throughout the year though winter may see more severe changes, with frost and even snow (mostly from mid-December to mid-January). Trying to predict the weather in Sapa is almost impossible. However, here is our best attempt: Sapa weather is characterized by sub-tropical climate. However, as a result of the high latitude, weather in Sapa is cool all year round. In summer, Sapa does not suffer the harsh heat like that in coastal plains. Temperature in summer fluctuates from 10 – 18 °C at night time and 20 – 32°C during the day. When the sun shines it can be harsh and even on cloudy days, expect to need sun protection. Rain and fog is possible throughout the year. In winter, Sapa Town is often blanketed by fog and cold air. Temperature may fall to below zero Celsius. Luggage and bags: Most hotels in Sapa have temporary room for trekkers to wash up on arrival or departing from/to Hanoi. Most trekkers leave their main luggage in the room and take a lighter backpack for treks and homestays. A day pack to bring on your treks is a good idea. These can be bought in Sapa. ETHOS can store luggage securely should you require. Clothing/Shoes/Weather Gear: Bring clothes to suit the local weather. Always keep your spare clothes in a watertight bag to ensure they stay dry if there is a sudden downpour. The Sapa climate is totally unlike the rest of Vietnam. Essential items to have for the trek are some layers of warm & light clothing (morning can be cold but get pretty warm during the day as you trek). A pair of sturdy trekking shoes is essential. In January to March it can be quite cold, foggy and rainy. A fleece and raincoat/poncho is advisable. These items are available in Sapa at good prices. Photo Equipment: Bring your camera. Any camera will do. You will regret it if not bringing one! Recommended Kit list for homestays: Clothing: Long-Sleeved Shirt / T-Shirt Yes Fleece for evenings Yes Trousers (Such As Lightweight Cargo Trousers, Avoid Jeans) Yes Shorts Optional Swimwear Optional Lightweight Water & Wind Proof (Jacket & Trousers) Yes Walking Shoes (Sturdy, with good grip) Yes Sun Hat Yes +++ Hygiene: Toothbrush & Toothpaste: Yes Travel Towel Yes +++ Health Insect Repellent Recommended Sun Protection: Yes Travel Insurance: Yes Ear Plugs & Eye Mask Optional For our Mountain Riders motorbike trips, long sleeves, long trousers and strong shoes are...
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Posted in 3 days, Hanoi Sapa Routes |
TOPAS ECOLODGE HIKING PACKAGE Reference: NPT3 Activity: Hiking Grade: Easy Duration: 3 days and 2 nights – it’s possible to extend with one or more nights. OVERVIEW Topas Ecolodge, set deep in the Hoang Lien National Park, 18 km from Sapa town, offers you an ideal stay during your hiking tour into the Sapa Mountains. Enjoy the return Hanoi – Sapa ride with our luxurious Topas Mountain Express; take the best hiking tours on hilly trails to experience the ethnic communities with their unique cultures, the deep valleys covered by terraced rice fields, and relax stay with breathtaking mountain views at Topas Ecolodge. SUMMARY Day 1: Take Topas Mountain Express to Sapa. Hike to Topas Ecolodge. Day 2: Explore the remote Red Dao village of Nam Cang and hike to the surrounding mountains. Day 3: Relax at Topas Ecolodge or visit Sapa town. Transfer by Topas Mountain Express to Hanoi. DETAILS Day 1: Comfortable drive to Sapa and hike to Topas Ecolodge (-,-,-) From 6:30 – 7:00 AM, you will commence from your hotel with Topas Mountain Express for a 5 hours transfer to the mountain town of Sapa. After having lunch in Sapa town at your own expense, you will have a transfer to the trekking point near Hau Thao village. Trekking is the best activity to enjoy the beautiful nature and get in touch with the unique culture of Sapa. The 2.5 hour trek today is on the trails running through a pure and beautiful mountainous area, home to Black H’mong minority. Some parts of the trek are a little bit challenging with steep ascents, but as compensation, you will enjoy the breathtaking views of towering mountains and paddling rice terraces valleys. You will visit the two villages of Hang Da and Hau Chu Ngai and be charmed by the unmixed culture of the Black H’mong minority, who has special skills in making agricultural tools, wooden furniture, musical instruments and jewelry. They are also famous for their hemp production and indigo dying. You then have another short transfer to the remote hilltop located 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. Day 2: Explore the most remote land of Sapa (B, L,-) The Red Dao village of Nam Cang is 20km from Topas Ecolodge. At 8:45 AM, you have a drive to the village, enjoying the picturesque views of peaky mountains, endless rice terraces, waterfalls and Hill tribes’ villages on the way. Nam Cang village locates at the far end of the road. 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 around the village and...
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