Topas Riverside Run Retreat

3-day, 2-night private Sapa run package at Topas Riverside Lodge

Enjoy the comfortable, rustic accommodation of Topas Riverside Lodge set within the majestic mountains and rice-terraced valleys of northern Vietnam. Challenge yourself on the mountainous terrain while taking in the sweeping views of glistening rice fields and jungle-clad hills and passing through picturesque ethnic minority villages. 

Trip Type: Active | Trail Level: Moderate | Service Level: Standard

Product Code:  RRV2

Route Preview 

TRL Greenery

Day 1: Call of the Wild
Hanoi – Topas Riverside Lodge

Head for the wild jungles of Sapa aboard our comfortable Topas Mountain Express outfitted with Wi-Fi, snacks, and water for the 4.5-hour journey from Hanoi to Thanh Phu Bridge, then continue a quick 30 minutes more by shuttle bus to Nam Cang Village. Wander through the village streets until you reach a wooden suspension bridge, the only thing which separates you from your fresh, local farm-to-table lunch at Topas Riverside Lodge. 

Check into your comfortable room before spending the afternoon at your leisure. Would you rather take a walk or run along the riverside; read a book on our terrace; or wander through Nam Cang Village? Whatever the case, don’t forget to reserve a time for your complimentary traditional Red Dzao herbal bath, either for today or tomorrow! 

Running distance: N/A 

Included meals: lunch

Overnight: Topas Riverside Lodge 

Day 2: The “Run”cation Begins
Topas Riverside Lodge trails

Wake up to the sounds of the river and start your morning with a light breakfast in the beautiful dining space as you prepare to depart Topas Riverside Lodge for a thrilling run through a variety of different ethnic minority villages. 

The trail starts with a steep ascent to a small Blue H’mong village and then heads down to the Red Dzao village of Nam Nhiu, renowned for its stunning views of mountains, rice terraces, and valleys. Fill up your water bottle and grab a couple of snacks before continuing along the trail as it cuts through a rice valley dotted with bamboo huts used by farmers during the harvest season. 

Return to Topas Riverside Lodge just in time for a hearty lunch inspired by the region’s specialty produce, herbs and spices. The afternoon is yours to do as you please, perhaps going for a swim in the two natural river pools outside of the lodge or hopping onto a complimentary bicycle to explore the surrounding area. 

Running distance: 13 km 

Included meals: breakfast, lunch, snacks 

Overnight: Topas Riverside Lodge 

Note: If you have non-runners on the trip with you, there are many activities they can join while you hit the trails. See some of our favorite on-site experiences here

Sapa Vietnam Hiking
TRL Greenery

Day 3: Jungle & waterfall hike with BBQ lunch. Back to the bustling streets of Hanoi (B,L,-)

Today’s run will depart from Topas Riverside Lodge, heading through the quiet lanes of Nam Cang village. You will soon be rewarded with views of rice terraces, cassava and cinnamon fields. Continue running uphill while enjoying views of the beautiful deep valley behind you. Soon you’ll start running along a jungle path thick with huge trees, bamboo, and lush plants and herbs used by the Red Dao for their medicine and herbal treatments. After some time, you’ll reach a pretty stream and waterfall where you can swim in the natural pool or just cool down by dipping your feet in the water. Across a suspension bridge, another cool waterfall cascades down from the mountains – the perfect spot to rest and take in the beauty of nature. 

Refreshed and invigorated, you’ll start the trail back to Topas Riverside Lodge. Here a delicious BBQ lunch will be served in the lodge garden by a local Red Dzao lady. Smoked Nam Cang salmon or sturgeon, vegetables, tofu and beef with mushrooms will be served straight from the grill on a bed of freshly picked herbs.  Take your time to enjoy the BBQ feast before relaxing on the riverbank in front of the lodge or booking a special footbath to soothe your muscles and increase blood circulation (with additional fee and must be booked in advance). At 14:15, you will transfer to the Thanh Phu Bridge, where the Topas Mountain Express will depart at 15:00 and return you to your hotel in Hanoi. 

Approximate grade: Moderate/ 2 hours running. 

INCLUDED

  • Transfer by Topas Mountain Express: Hanoi – Thanh Phu Bridge – Hanoi (Seat in coach)
  • 2-night twin shared Standard room at Topas Riverside Lodge
  • 2 guided runs with local guide
  • All meals as indicated in the program
  • Water and snacks during run (bring your own bottle)
  • All entrance tickets and tour permits to local villages and Hoang Lien National Park
  • 1 complimentary herbal bath at Topas Riverside Lodge

NOT INCLUDED

  • Alcoholic beverages, sodas, and juices
  • Personal travel items
  • Personal Insurance

TERMS AND CONDITIONS:

Please note that it is your responsibility to ensure that you are in possession of travel insurance with adequate protection for the full duration of the program

Pick-up destinations and times are as follows:

  • From Hanoi’s Old Quarter or Tay Ho Districts: 6:30 – 7:00 am
  • From Noi Bai Airport – your flight must arrive by 7.30 am to join this program
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     INCLUSIVE

  • English speaking guide
  • BBQ lunch
  • Water and fruit
  • Entrance free

     EXCLUSIVE

  • Personal pocket money
  • Drinks and Beverage
  • Insurance
  • All other services not indicated above

Note: Group tour is available for a minimum of 2 and a maximum of 10 people