Topas Ecolodge sits in the hills in the Thanh Kim area, well outside the town, with sweeping views of the mountains and valley. It has a property class of 3.5 and offers bungalows, suites and a villa with a private pool, an outdoor pool with a poolside bar, a restaurant, a spa, a garden and a terrace. Free bicycle rentals, hiking and biking trails and eco tours are on offer, along with a free area shuttle. It is built for guests who want to wake to a mountain view, walk out of the door into the countryside and do very little else. Guests give it a high rating. The compromise is distance: the lodge is roughly 45 minutes by car from Sa Pa Square, and Wi-Fi is limited to some public areas.
Location and getting around
The lodge is on a ridge near Ban Lech, in the Thanh Kim commune, about 17 miles or roughly 45 minutes from the centre of Sa Pa by car. That distance is the whole point for guests who want quiet, but it means a car or a lodge shuttle for sightseeing. Free area shuttle and bicycle rentals help, and walking trails start at the door. Expect to plan your Sa Pa activities as day trips and then return to the lodge for the evening.
The rooms and facilities
Accommodation is in individual bungalows and suites, with some larger suites and a villa with a private pool. Rooms have air conditioning, a safe and rainfall showers. The outdoor pool is a feature, though it is best used in warm weather, so check conditions in November. There is a spa, a restaurant serving meals through the day and a bar. Wi-Fi is free but limited to public areas, and the property is on one level without an elevator, though the site has steps and slopes.
What to know
Check-in is from 1 PM, and the front desk has limited hours, so contact the lodge if you plan to arrive after 6 PM. Check-out is at 11 AM. Credit cards are accepted and cash is not. Some older reviews mention a limited menu and shuttle timing, so confirm transport. It suits couples, walkers and photographers who want solitude more than shopping, and who are happy to spend part of the day travelling.
Why stay here
- ✓Outdoor pool and poolside bar
- ✓Restaurant
- ✓Spa and massage
- ✓Garden and terrace
- ✓Free bicycle rentals
- ✓Hiking and biking trails
- ✓Free area shuttle
- ✓Free parking
Good questions
How far is Topas Ecolodge from Sa Pa town?+
It is roughly 45 minutes by car from Sa Pa Square. Plan transport, or use the lodge shuttle, for sightseeing.
Is Wi-Fi available?+
Free Wi-Fi is limited to some public areas, so do not rely on it in your room. Download maps and entertainment in advance.
Is the pool usable in November?+
The outdoor pool is best in warm weather, and November days can be cool, so check conditions with the lodge. Many guests come for the views and walks instead.
