How to get from Hanoi to Sapa and advice for the greatest travel experience
How to get from Hanoi to Sapa is a common question of many tourists when they plan to visit Sapa. The north of Vietnam is completely different from the rest of the country and Sapa is a must-see when you explore this amazing country. To help you choose the most convenient and affordable way to get to Sapa, let’s take a look at this post!
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- What is the Best Time to Visit Sapa?
- Best Things To Do in Sapa for First-Timers
- How Many Days Are Enough for Sapa Viet Nam?
How far is it between Sapa and Hanoi?
The beautiful town of Sapa is located roughly 370 kilometers from Hanoi and 38 kilometers from Lao Cai city. It usually takes approximately 8 hours by rail, 5 to 7 hours by bus, and 5 to 5.5 hours by private car to reach Sapa from Hanoi, depending on traffic.
More details on the various modes of transportation, estimated travel time, and bus or train ticket costs are provided below to assist you in selecting the best option.
>>> You may like to read more: <<< Best Hanoi Day Trip to Sapa – A Complete Guide for your Amazing Trip
How long does it take to get from Hanoi to Sapa?
The amount of time needed to get from Hanoi to Sapa varies based on traffic and mode of transportation. It will often take five to eight hours to get there.
- Option 1: Spend roughly five hours traveling on the CT05 highway.
- Option 2: Traveling there by bus after roughly six hours
- Option 3: It takes eight hours by train to go from Hanoi to the Lao Cai train station, which is 38 kilometers from Sapa town. Then, road travel to Sapa town takes an additional sixty-five minutes from Lao Cai Station.
Getting to Sapa from Hanoi by train
- Duration: 8 hours (Train) + 1 hour (Bus)
- Cost: starts at $30
Night train from Hanoi to Sapa is one of the most convenient and affordable ways to reach Sapa from Hanoi
Take the night train to Sapa for a more authentic travel experience in Vietnam. On the train, you can relax and take in the scenery as the train travels at a moderate speed. Depending on the kind of seat or sleeper cabin, tickets might cost anywhere from 350,000 to 1,700,000 VND. These trains all depart at Tran Quy Cap Station and arrive at Lao Cai Station. Below is the train schedule:
- SP1 departs from Hanoi at 9:35 p.m. and arrives in Lao Cai at 5:30 a.m. the next morning.
- SP3 departs from Hanoi at 10 p.m. and arrives in Lao Cai at 6 a.m. the next morning
After arriving, getting to Sapa town from Lao Cai takes around an hour by bus or private vehicle.
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Getting to Sapa from Hanoi by taxi
Taxi is another means of transportation available to get to Sapa from Hanoi. Traveling by taxi can be one of the greatest options for foreigners because of how convenient it is to get picked up and dropped off at your desired location.
But compared to other options, this kind is more costly. The one-way cost of a 4-seat taxi from Hanoi to Sapa is approximately 3,300,000 VND, while a 7-seat car will cost more than 3,800,000 VND.
From Hanoi to Sapa by Bus
- Duration: 6 hours.
- Cost: starts at $8.
If you want to save money, taking the bus from Hanoi to Sapa is an ideal choice. Travel time via the Noi Bai – Lao Cai highway is approximately 6 hours.
Some essential information for your bus trip is provided in the table below, including schedules, costs, and a list of well-known bus companies.
Bus Company | Time Table | Price |
Sapa Group Bus | 06.00am and 09.30pm | 400.000VND |
King Express Bus | 07.00am, 02.00pm,09.30pm | 350.000VND – 450.000VND |
Sapa Express | 07.00am, 02.00pm,09.30pm | 400.000VND |
Ha Son – Hai Van | 6.30 am – 11.00 pm | 250,000 – 350,000 VND |
Getting from Hanoi to Sapa by Limousine Bus
Thanks to its quality and ease, taking a limousine from Hanoi to Sapa has grown in popularity among tourists in recent years. The seats in the limousine are roomy and incredibly comfy.
Typically, one-way ticket costs fall between 350,000 and 500,000 VND. There are several reputable companies that you can consider to book limousine tickets, including Dream Transport, Phuc Lam, Luxury Van, Sapa Limousine Vip, and Sapa King Limousine.
Getting to Sapa from Hanoi by car or motorbike
An increasingly common option for young people these days is to go from Hanoi to Sapa by motorbike. With motorbike rentals ranging from 180,000 to 220,000 VND per day, this means of transportation is reasonably priced and offers wonderful scenic opportunities.
Driving a car is the most convenient choice for families. The following are possible driving routes from Hanoi to Sapa:
- Route 1: Travel 320 kilometers via the Noi Bai – Lao Cai Expressway. This car-only route passes through the famous Nhat Tan Bridge with many wonderful scenic opportunities.
- Route 2: Travel 390 kilometers via National Highway 70. This highway, which is open to both vehicles and motorcycles, is the main route to the provinces in the Northwest.
- Route 3: Take Highway 32 if you’re looking for a more immersive journey through stunning scenery. This route, which is roughly 455 kilometers long, passes through the picturesque area of Mu Cang Chai. On this route, cars and motorcycles are permitted.
Book A Sapa Tours from Hanoi
Are you looking for the best Sapa tour from Hanoi? Consider going on a 2-day, 1-night or 3-day, 2-night trekking tour. Many travelers choose this choice since it’s convenient and can save you both money and time.
A 2-day trekking trip to Sapa is the perfect choice for nature lovers. You may explore the most breathtaking northern Vietnamese landscapes, take in the verdant terraced rice fields, savor some delectable regional cuisine, and visit traditional ethnic villages. You also can learn more about Vietnamese rural life and culture while spending the night in a wooden house in the mountainous ethnic village of Ta Van.
Tour price includes round-trip bus tickets Hanoi – Sapa, a local English-speaking tour guide, meals…
>>> Explore Most Popular Sapa Tour from Hanoi:
- 2 Days 1 Night Sapa Tour with Fansipan Mountain – Limousine Bus
- Sapa 3 Days 2 Nights by Limousine Bus
How to book A Sapa Tour
It is highly advised that you reserve your Sapa tour online rather than waiting until you get to Hanoi. There are many travel companies and tour providers in Hanoi offering cheap Sapa trips, but the quality of these tours is in doubt.
You can always make reservations quickly, of course, but if you make reservations in advance, you’ll have more time to consider your alternatives and read reviews.
If you are planning to visit Vietnam, read the article about the top travel agencies in Hanoi. This is a list of reliable companies that can fulfill your needs and accept online reservations and payments via a safe method.
Have a look at:
- TOP Best Travel Agency in Sapa – You Should to Know Before Traveling
- 12 Best Hanoi Travel Agency You Should to Know
Important Things To Keep in Mind for a Sapa Tour
Group size: This is very crucial because normally the experience is friendlier in smaller groups.
Inclusions/exclusions: Check to see if meals and sightseeing tickets are included. Keep in mind that if you are taking a tour, you will be expected to tip your tour guide and driver (if applicable).
Holiday surcharge: Be aware that most businesses impose an extra holiday cost if you visit Vietnam during the Tet holiday.
Means of transportation: Some Sapa tours offer private transfers while others include bus or train tickets.
With its stunning natural scenery, Sapa town is a paradise for travel enthusiasts who want to explore amazing nature. Booking a Sapa trip from Hanoi is something you should think about if you plan on spending your vacation there. This post, hopefully, can assist you in selecting the most efficient way from Hanoi to Sapa.