Travel

Sa Pa lodge named among world’s most unique

Sa Pa in the northern mountainous province of Lao Cai has become increasingly attractive to visitors in recent years, making it important for those who love the pristine beauty of the town to find a place where they can breathe in the fresh air, dive into the green jungle, gaze over the vast paddy fields and experience ethnic culture.
Sa Pa lodge named among world’s most unique ảnh 1Topas Ecolodge in Ban Lich village has been named in the new list of Unique Lodges of the World (Photo: Nationalgeographic.com)

LaoCai (VNA) - Sa Pa in the northern mountainous province of Lao Cai hasbecome increasingly attractive to visitors in recent years, making it importantfor those who love the pristine beauty of the town to find a place where theycan breathe in the fresh air, dive into the green jungle, gaze over the vastpaddy fields and experience ethnic culture.

National Geographic has the answer: Topas Ecolodge in Ban Lich village.

Naming the lodge in its new list of Unique Lodges of the World, the USpublisher says guests can “wake in the morning to the mist rising with the sun,and spend your days exploring the surrounding forests and ethnic villages, andyou’ll start to feel the pull of the hill tribes’ centuries-old lifestyle,native to these mountains and virtually untouched by the modern world.”

“The stilted common buildings at the heart of the lodge were sourced from anearby community of ethnic Tay people; and private guest bungalows swirl alongthe ridgeline, ensuring a spectacular view no matter which one you check into.”

Opened in 2005 on a mountaintop near Sa Pa town, Topas Ecolodge offers itsguests a rare experience of culture since there are five different ethnicgroups in the region with distinctive languages and lifestyles.

The resort is the first in Vietnam and the fifth in Asia to make the NationalGeographic list.-VNA
VNA
#Sa Pa #Lao Cai province #Topas Ecolodge #Ban Lich village #Unique Lodges of the World #National Geographic #updated Vietnam news #Vietnamplus #Vietnam News Agency Lao Cai
Follow VietnamPlus

Related News

Homestay tourism in Sa Pa attracts holidaymakers

Homestay tourism in Sa Pa attracts holidaymakers

Among the crowds of visitors in Sa Pa district in the northern mountainous province of Lao Cai in the early days of 2018, many chose to stay at the homes of local ethnic minority people to experience the unique culture first-hand.
Sa Pa Summer Tourism Festival begins

Sa Pa Summer Tourism Festival begins

The annual Sa Pa Summer Tourism Festival 2018, the third of its kind, kicked off at Sa Pa resort town, the northern mountainous province of Lao Cai on April 28.

See more

Russian tourists buy fresh seafood in Khanh Hoa province. (Photo: VNA)

Russian tourist wave hits Vietnam at record pace

The Association of Tour Operators of Russia (ATOR) expects Russian demand to keep surging in the second half. Russian Express sees a highly positive outlook, citing easy transport, a variety of resorts and limited seasonality.

Sun PhuQuoc Airways to expand long-haul network with eight A330s

Sun PhuQuoc Airways to expand long-haul network with eight A330s

Sun PhuQuoc Airways has finalised plans to receive eight Airbus A330 wide-body aircraft, with four expected to join its fleet in 2026 and the remaining four to be delivered during the first four months of 2027. The move marks a key step in the airline’s strategy to expand its operations and progressively connect Phu Quoc with more distant international markets.

Hoi An Ancient Town in Da Nang city is a magnet for both domestic and foreign visitors. (Photo: VNA)

More European travellers love to visit Vietnam

A recent report from Agoda has revealed that Vietnam has been ranked among the top spots as the most-searched Asian destinations by European travellers, showcasing a surge in interest among global tourists.

Participants in the working session in Can Tho on August 7 (Photo: VNA)

Can Tho steps up tourism cooperation with Korean partners

The Mekong Delta city of Can Tho and Jeonbuk province of the Republic of Korea are stepping up tourism cooperation by strengthening business links, developing tourism products and building tours and travel routes between the two localities.

Beyond admiring scenic landscapes, travellers are increasingly seeking to become preservationist of the natural environment. (Photo: VNA)

Green, responsible tourism gains ground in Vietnam

By choosing to walk, cycle or use double-decker buses and metro systems in major cities such as Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, travellers can reduce their carbon footprint while experiencing the authentic rhythm of urban life.

The conference brings together representatives from the Vietnamese Embassy and the Vietnam Trade Office in Thailand, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), and more than 30 businesses from the two countries. (Photo: VNA)

Can Tho promotes tourism potential in Thailand

In her speech, Minister Counsellor at the Embassy of Vietnam in Thailand Hoang Diem Hanh welcomed Can Tho's decision to choose Thailand for its tourism promotion programme, saying it offered an opportunity not only to introduce the city's attractions but also to exchange experience in developing tourism linked to preserving traditional cultural values.

Kem Beach remains one of Phu Quoc's most breathtaking coastal gems, captivating visitors from around the world. (Photo: Sun Group)

Reasons why Phu Quoc shines even during rainy season

Recently named by Expedia among the "10 Best Islands to Visit in 2026" for offering premium holidays at reasonable prices, Phu Quoc is far from being just a dry season destination. Even during the rainy months, Pearl Island offers enough experiences to fill every hour of the day, with short tropical showers rarely disrupting the journey.

A tour guide leads visitors on a tour of Bay Bon fish farm in Con Son Islet, Can Tho city. (Photo: VNA)

Experts recommend tourism workforce overhaul amid digital, green transition

Rapid technological advances and growing concerns over climate change are changing travel demand, with tourists increasingly seeking seamless digital experiences and environmentally responsible destinations. As a result, digital transformation and green transition have been identified as inevitable trends and key strategic pillars for driving the rapid and sustainable development of Vietnam's tourism industry.

Ruwan Ranasinghe, Deputy Minister of Tourism at Sri Lanka's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism, speaks at a Vietnamese tourism promotion event in Colombo on the evening of July 31, 2026. (Photo courtesy of Vietnamese Embassy in Sri Lanka)

Vietnam steps up tourism promotion ahead of direct flights to Sri Lanka

The new direct routes will not only shorten travel times between Vietnam and Sri Lanka but also provide fresh impetus for cooperation in tourism, trade, investment and people-to-people exchanges, helping to deepen the longstanding bilateral friendship in a more substantive and comprehensive manner.

Experiences in Phu Quoc made a Dubai traveler describe the destination as “far exceeded expectations.” (Photo: Fabl Belek)

What makes Dubai visitors say Phu Quoc “far exceeded expectations”?

While Phu Quoc was once primarily known for its turquoise waters, white-sand beaches, and beachfront resorts, the island is now attracting visitors with a full-day journey of experiences stretching from morning until night, rather than simply offering a traditional beach holiday.

The craft of making banh cuon Thanh Tri (Thanh Tri steamed rice rolls) has officially been recognised as part of Vietnam’s National Intangible Cultural Heritage, upholding Hanoi’s long‑standing culinary traditions (Photo: VNA)

Hanoi ranks among world's top 10 street food cities

With its rich culinary diversity, distinctive flavours and affordable prices, Hanoi's street food has long been one of the capital's signature tourism products, helping promote its image and attract an increasing number of international visitors.