Private tailor-made journeys of a life time
(+84) 942777545
sales@vietnamescapetours.com
Need Help?
Private tailor-made journeys of a life time
Oct 3, 2023
By Ms. Anh Thu
Overview
How to get from Hanoi to Sapa? Sapa, one of the top ten places to visit in Vietnam, is one of the most worthy tourist destinations because of its expansive rice terraces, misty valleys, and towering hills. If you are in Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, wanting to make a visit to Sapa and wonder which modes of transportation should be used to get to Sapa. Let’s find out the most feasible ways for your trip!
Known as the "town of clouds," Sapa is a charming treasure trove in Northwest Vietnam attracting millions of tourists each year. Becoming one of the most attractive destinations in North Vietnam, Sapa gained a reputation for its picturesque landscapes of terraced rice fields, lush valleys, and emerald mountains. The town is rich in cultural diversity, with local ethnic minorities thriving through customs and beliefs. The tiny hill tribe villages, home to Hmong, Dzao, and Tay groups, have been settling here for centuries, preserving their cultures and traditions. Sapa town is situated at the head of a deep valley with stunning views of white-water rivers, lush green mountains, and Mount Fansipan, the highest peak in the region. Sapa is an ideal place for both domestic and international travelers to deepen their understanding of Vietnamese culture and natural beauty.
Hanoi is located in northern Vietnam on the western bank of the Red River, about 85 miles (140 km) inland from the South China Sea. Sa Pa District is located in Lào Cai Province in northwest Vietnam, around 380 kilometers from Hanoi and not far from the Chinese border. Although these two destinations are in North Vietnam, the distance between them is long, limiting traveling by motorbike. Now it's time to find out how to get from Hanoi to Sapa.
The overnight sleeper train from Hanoi to Sapa is a popular and safe option for travelers. The train terminates at the closest railway station in Lao Cai, and passengers need to continue to Sapa by road. Hanoi to Lao Cai takes 8 hours by train, while Sapa town takes 65 minutes by road from Lao Cai Train Station. The Reunification Express train is the most basic and cheapest train ticket, with additional services added during peak holiday periods. There are two trains to Lao Cai from Hanoi every night, with the SP1 and SP3 trains departing at 9:35 pm and arriving at 5:30 am the next morning.
To buy Sapa train tickets, both SP trains have VIP cabins, 1st class sleepers, and 2nd class sleepers. VIP/1st class tickets are affordable, but upgrading is recommended for a more comfortable journey. There is no longer a need to print a paper ticket or voucher thanks to Vietnam Railways' issuance of e-tickets.
How to get from Hanoi to Sapa by train ? To book tickets, book through an agent like 12Go Asia, which offers good customer support and secure payment. Online ticket sales are open 60 days in advance, and prices for Hanoi to Sapa are as follows: VIP sleeper berth from 566.000 VND per person, 1st class sleeper from 446.000 VND per person, 2nd class sleeper from 316.000 VND per person. Discounted child fares are available for kids aged 2-11 years and infants under 24 months travel-free.
Hanoi has several train stations, with both SP1 and SP3 departing from Hanoi Railway Station in Van Mieu. Linens are provided, but guests should bring their food, snacks, water, and luggage.
For a daytime travel route from Hanoi to Sapa, the Sapa Express Bus is recommended. Bus travel time from Hanoi to Sapa: 5.5-6 hours. This large sleeper bus runs twice daily, departing at 7 am and 3 pm and arriving in Sapa 5.5 hours later. It is a comfortable and spacious sleeper bus with fully reclining seats. Free pick-up is available for Hanoi accommodations in the Old Quarter. The bus eliminates the need for a second transfer from Lao Cai and stops at Sapa Express Bus Station in the city center. The journey is long, but there are two scheduled rest stops for restroom use and the purchase of drinks and snacks. Tickets for the Sapa Express Bus start at 400.000 VND per person and can be purchased online through 12GoAsia. In Vietnam, buses do not have restrooms, although they do stop for a brief rest break on the way from Hanoi to Sapa.
Green Lion offers shared and private limousine vans between Hanoi and Sapa, which are slightly more expensive than a coach but more comfortable. These vans can take you to Sapa in as little as 5.5 hours and are available for rent. Green Lion vans depart from Hanoi at around 6:30 am and feature comfortable leather seats, WIFI, and USB charging ports. Water and a snack are included in the ticket. Sapa Express Limousine also offers two daily vans departing from Hanoi at 6:30 am and 2.30 pm, with pick-up from Old Quarter hotels included. The average drive takes 5.5 hours, including one or two rest stops. Private vans can be used to travel directly to Ta Van Village, Su Pan Village, or Topas Eco Lodge. Tickets for the shared Express Limousine start from 25 USD per person one-way and are sold through Amazing Uncles or 12GoAsia. The return trip to Sapa is available with two vans departing on the same schedule, departing at 6:30 am and 2.30 pm daily.
A private taxi to Sapa is the fastest and most comfortable way to travel, taking as little as 4.5 hours (The average car travel time from Hanoi to Sapa via CT05 is 4-5.5 hours.). How to get from Hanoi to Sapa by taxi? To pre-book a taxi and driver online, use 12GoAsia, which accepts reservations from reputable companies like Ouros and Dichung. Prices start at 4.400.000 VND for a sedan and 4.600.000 VND for a 9-person van, making it cheaper for large families or groups. Pick-up is available from Hanoi or Noi Bai Airport, and taxis have standard WIFI and AC, as well as ample luggage space.
A guided tour from Hanoi offers a budget-friendly and straightforward option for solo travelers visiting Sapa, Vietnam. These 2 and 3-day itineraries focus on different interests, including trekking and culture, and include transportation from Hanoi to Sapa and back. A professional driver and door-to-door transfers are included, and some tours take you to smaller villages and emphasize responsible and ethical interactions with local communities. Booking a Sapa tour online is recommended, as many tour companies and vendors in Hanoi offer cheap trips but the quality is questionable.
To book a Sapa tour, use Vietnam Escape Tours, an aggregate website that brings together different itineraries from independent and international companies. Read reviews, research companies, and book and pay online securely. Important factors to look for in a Sapa tour include group size, inclusions/exclusions, holiday surcharges, transportation type, and ethical tourism policies. Companies that work with local guides and drivers, maintain small tour groups, emphasize lesser-visited places, and have initiatives that give back to local communities should be considered. Ethos, a well-known ethical tourism operator in Sapa, offers a 2-day Sapa Trekking and Homestays Tour that is one of the best options available.
2-Day Sapa Easy Trekking Tour: After taking a night train from Hanoi, arrive at Lao Cai train station and get ready to start your two-day basic hiking excursion in Sapa.
SAPA 3-DAY TREKKING TOUR BY BUS FROM HANOI: This 3-day northern Vietnam tour travels by bus from Hanoi to Sapa and returns while engaging in simple walking through unassuming rice terraces and untamed woods that drop to valley floors. We go through small villages populated by friendly residents who are all members of the various ethnic minorities that make up Vietnam's vibrant mosaic of cultures.
Sapa 2-Day Tour with Homestay: Visit Sapa town and enjoy a 2-day homestay tour by train with a friendly guide. Explore the stunning scenery and Giay ethnic family homestay in Ta Van, gaining insight into the local customs and welcoming residents.
How far is it from Hanoi to Sapa?
Hanoi to Sapa, located in Lao Cai province, is 315 km overland, situated northwest of the capital.
How long does it take to get from Hanoi to Sapa?
The Hanoi to Sapa travel time ranges from 5 and a half to 9 hours. Buses are faster, while trains are slower. A taxi or shuttle bus ride is required for the final leg, offering more comfort. Trains take 7 and a half to 8 hours to reach Lao Cai, and it takes another 90 minutes to Sapa by taxi or public shuttle bus. If traveling by bus, the trip is likely to be between 5 and 7 and a half hours.
Should I book a bus/train ticket in advance?
Sapa is a popular destination for both domestic and international tourists, so it's essential to book bus and train tickets well in advance. High-season travel from November to January or weekends is recommended, with extra busy trains during Vietnamese New Year. Online ticket purchases are available, and booking before leaving home can help avoid roadside arrangements.
Where to stay in Sapa?
Sapa offers various accommodation options, including eco-lodges, central hotels, and remote homestays, catering to budgets and experiences. You can book a Sapa Tour from the best Vietnam tour operator to have the best experience.
Is the road to Sapa safe?
The road from Hanoi to Sapa is more and more improved. However, consider using a train if you frequently get motion sickness because the route to Sapa is curvy and far from excellent in some places.
