Fanxipan

3.8
85 customer reviews
  • About
  • Popular Routes
  • Stations
  • Reviews

About Fanxipan

Company Information

Fanxipan is one of the most popular private operators along the famous train route from Hanoi towards Sapa. These carriages can accommodate up to 100 passengers every day so there should be little problem in reserving a berth in one of the luxurious cabins.

Routes served by Fanxipan

Hanoi–Sapa (Lao Cai)

There is only one route that is serviced by Fanxipan – the world-famous Hanoi to Sapa line. When booking your ticket you will have the option of choosing from either a four-berth carriage or a private two-berth VIP cabin.

There is one service each day departing Hanoi at 21.40 so you will arrive in Lao Cai at 05.35 the next morning. From Lao Cai it is an hour journey by bus to Sapa itself. This eight hour trip costs VND880,000 for a spot in a four-berth cabin and VND1,910,000 for the VIP two-berth compartment.

The price is the same for the return journey from Lao Cai to Hanoi, the only difference is the departure time, leaving Lao Cai at 20.35 and arriving in the capital at 04.45.

Pros

Travelling from Hanoi to Sapa by train is incredibly popular for many reasons. Firstly, it will hopefully allow you to arrive in Sapa refreshed after a comfortable night so you're ready to head out and explore the countryside when you depart the train the next morning.

Also, overnight train travel will save you arranging accommodation in a hotel as well as ensuring you get the very most out of your holiday by minimising time spent travelling throughout the day.

It's worth setting an alarm to wake up early so you can appreciate some of the stunning views you will be treated to as you approach Lao Cai.

Cons

If you're travelling from Sapa back to Hanoi it can be a little inconvenient arriving in the capital at around 04.45 as you may have to kill some time around the train station before you can head to your hotel to drop off your luggage. If you haven't booked any accommodation for the next evening then you may have difficulty in carrying your bags around with you whilst you try to find somewhere suitable.

Although Fanxipan is one of the more reasonable private operators on this route, ticket prices are still higher than if you were to purchase a standard berth in the Vietnam Railways section of the train. Considering you'll hopefully be asleep for the majority of the trip you may think it's more worthwhile to save this extra cash and to spend it on a trek during your time in Sapa or put it towards a nice hotel for a treat the following night.

Keep in mind

There is a minibar on each carriage where you'll be able to purchase snacks and drinks, including alcohol, throughout the journey. You can even ring the bell inside the cabin and a porter will come to take your order and bring it to you. There will also be plenty of opportunities to purchase meals from the vendors who wander along the train during the trip. Before you leave the train you'll get a tasty breakfast included in the price of your ticket.

Travellers reviews

Most travellers consider Fanxipan to be one of the most popular operators running services between Hanoi and Sapa. You can expect the cabins themselves to be fairly comfortable and you should be able to get a good sleep onboard these trains, but often the state of the bathrooms can be cause for complaint.

If you're on a tight schedule then train travel is the best way to complete this trip as you'll save time sitting on a bus for most of your day. However, some visitors would rather make this trip by bus, despite having to travel during the day, so you can avoid changing at Sapa which can be a hassle.

Read more

Fanxipan Popular Routes

Hanoi - Sapa
Train VIP Sleeper 4x
22:00
Train 1st Class Sleeper
22:00
Sapa - Hanoi
Train VIP Sleeper 4x
21:30
Train 1st Class Sleeper
21:30
NaN Passengers

Fanxipan Stations

HanoiSapa Lao Cai

Fanxipan Company Reviews

T S
It is clean, toilets are actually OK too, they just smelled bad. You get a snack and water bottle for free. The train is a bit shakey sometimes but there is not too much noise. So that's good. Overal good experience! ????
Train#SP1 VIP Sleeper 4x, Fanxipan, Dec 8, 2019
F J
It wasn't a good experience, really. We booked and pay for a Fanxipan coach, but staff in Fanxipan office gave us two tickets for a coach No Fanxipan. We expend the night in a Oriental Impress, worst of course. Beds were clean but some cockroach in the room and the toilet without water, easy to imagine. The staff woman in our coach was in a very bad mood. It wasnt the service that I paid and expected.
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Train#SP1 VIP Sleeper 4x, Fanxipan, Nov 30, 2019
R B
2 remarks : toilets cleanleness and absolutely not enough room for luggage.
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Train#SP1 VIP Sleeper 4x, Fanxipan, Nov 23, 2019
A W
Very comfortable trip on time !
Train#SP1 VIP Sleeper 4x, Fanxipan, Nov 21, 2019
V K
The csbin in larger than Sapaly, however, the toilet is smelly.
Train#SP2 1st Class Sleeper, Fanxipan, Nov 21, 2019
B O
It wasn't that bad. I expected something worst. But it was ok just for 1 time
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Train#SP1 1st Class Sleeper, Fanxipan, Nov 11, 2019
C S
Dirty bathroom, small cabin/bedroom and very noisy in general during the trip
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Train#SP1 VIP Sleeper 4x, Fanxipan, Nov 2, 2019
S M
Cabin was really nice; we had a good sleep. Only thing: the toilet was really smelly and dirty even at the start and also the cabin was not cleaned very good: there was dirt under the bed.. therefor only 4 stars and not 5..
Train#SP1 VIP Sleeper 4x, Fanxipan, Oct 25, 2019
G T
Clean cabin and very nice staff.
Train#SP1 VIP Sleeper 4x, Fanxipan, Oct 24, 2019
C R
All went according to plan... train journey was good... staff helpful... bed clean and comfortable...thankyou
Train#SP1 VIP Sleeper 4x, Fanxipan, Oct 18, 2019
R D
The waiting area is quite relaxing. The cabin was clean and comfortable. We enjoyed the complimentary drinks and snacks. Toilet didn’t have toilet paper. We asked for it but was ignored. Although we know the departure and arrival time, it would have been good if there was a recorded announcement at least so we didn’t feel lost and rushed.
Train#SP1 VIP Sleeper 4x, Fanxipan, Oct 9, 2019
T P
Overall is acceptable. Room is comfortable for 4 pax, bed is clean but the toiltet is dirty and bad smell.
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Train#SP1 VIP Sleeper 4x, Fanxipan, Oct 2, 2019
P H
Very Nice train, sleeping area with four person is nice. Departure was strict on time and arrival aswell! Only negative point were the toilets, but don’t know how the other trains are.
Train#SP1 VIP Sleeper 4x, Fanxipan, Oct 2, 2019
A A
Just alright.
Train#SP1 VIP Sleeper 4x, Fanxipan, Sep 27, 2019
N Y
The toilet is small and not clean, bed is comfy
Train#SP1 VIP Sleeper 4x, Fanxipan, Sep 15, 2019
F B
The bed is comfortable and the cabin is clean but the toilet is smelly ????. It's difficult to communicate with the train staff because they don't even understand the simple english. Overall our experience just okey.
Train#SP1 VIP Sleeper 4x, Fanxipan, Sep 13, 2019
J H
The beds were comfortable buy the Air conditioner Was too hight and It was very cold inside the cabinets, It wasn't possible to switch off the air. Also the bathroom was not very clean.
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Train#SP1 VIP Sleeper 4x, Fanxipan, Sep 3, 2019
V S
Good. It was what we were looking for. A train to sleep while going to Sapa.
Train#SP1 VIP Sleeper 4x, Fanxipan, Aug 27, 2019
J W
Bed was okay Toilet really dirty. Coffee not include. To warm
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Train#SP1 VIP Sleeper 4x, Fanxipan, Aug 26, 2019
A L
Two cockroaches in the room and a pitiful sink, but it does its job and we were able to sleep.
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Train#SP1 VIP Sleeper 4x, Fanxipan, Aug 22, 2019
M P
perfect travel, on time, the coach was comfortable and clean, we were offered a beer when we arrived, and coffee before leaving. Everything perfect
Train#SP1 VIP Sleeper 4x, Fanxipan, Aug 20, 2019
P G
The cabin was fine, small but don't forget that it is a train. We were given free drinks and some food: snacks, banana and a bun for breakfast. The worst thing was the bathroom, which could be cleaner. Otherwise, it was a pleasant trip.
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Train#SP1 VIP Sleeper 4x, Fanxipan, Aug 19, 2019
A K
Easy to exchange ticket with voucher. But slightly disappointed with the train where it's pretty dusty in the room. Toilet is dirty and smelly. Overall is ok for over night train.
Train#SP2 1st Class Sleeper, Fanxipan, Aug 15, 2019
B B
Extremely dirty
Train#SP1 VIP Sleeper 4x, Fanxipan, Aug 15, 2019
M D
Everything about right, but calling it VIP or luxury is a bit too much
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Train#SP1 VIP Sleeper 4x, Fanxipan, Aug 1, 2019
A L
The train moved a lot and it was difficult to sleep, also if you are tall you can't be sitted confortable on the top bed. The first trip with fanxipan was a lot better, maybe we bought a higher class.
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Train#SP2 VIP Sleeper 4x, Fanxipan, Jul 31, 2019
A L
The beds were good, I sleept a lot and the bathroom acceptable, they also had some food and drinks included. The only problem was to find the Fanxipan office to get the train tickets.
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Train#SP1 VIP Sleeper 4x, Fanxipan, Jul 28, 2019
G D
The train itself was good, but the organisation was terrible! We booked two bottom beds, but we had one up and one down.
Train#SP1 VIP Sleeper 4x, Fanxipan, Jul 13, 2019
C M
Ok carriage Confusing direction to board train
Train#SP1 VIP Sleeper 4x, Fanxipan, Jun 24, 2019
A M
Me and my husband really enjoyed our experience on the over night train. Bed was clean, tea was nice. Left on time areived on time. Definitely would go again.
Train#SP1 VIP Sleeper 4x, Fanxipan, Jun 22, 2019
M S
We appreciated the fact, you can have a rest, shower and meal in the Fanxipan Express office, that was a big plus. The staff gave us tickets and took us directly to the train. The train was fine, beds are longer than in Livitrans and air condition was fine. We got hot tea or coffee in the morning for free - another advantage. Without no doubt, I recommend Fanxipan Express.
Train#SP1 VIP Sleeper 4x, Fanxipan, May 13, 2019
M G
Nice ride, clean
Train#SP1 VIP Sleeper 4x, Fanxipan, May 1, 2019
N A
It was totally a new experience for me and my friends travelling 8 hours by sleeper train. Perhaps the train operator can improve the cleanliness of the toilet
Train#SP1 VIP Sleeper 4x, Fanxipan, Apr 14, 2019
L E
"Luxurious and professional" it is not. Firstly, the cabin was filthy - the floor looked like it hadn't been cleaned in months & there were cockroaches scuttling about on the floor. No air conditioning, so it was too hot to sleep with the door closed. We asked the staff to put on the air conditioning, which they did for about 5 minutes, then it went off again. The staff were shouting & talking loudly in the middle of the night. Also, not all the reading lights were in working order. The only good thing I can say is that the train was on time & the bed linen was clean. Not worth the extra money! Would never travel with Fanxipan Express again. (No complaints about 12Go Asia though!)
Train#SP2 VIP Sleeper 4x, Fanxipan, Dec 23, 2018
M A
The cab was good. It has water,peanuts and bananas as complementary. The bed was comfortable and it was possible to sleep. The bath is not so clean.
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Train#SP1 VIP Sleeper 4x, Fanxipan, Nov 6, 2018
J T
Air conditioning was switched off in the middle of the night. The whole cabin was not able to sleep properly after that.
Train#SP1 VIP Sleeper 4x, Fanxipan, Oct 31, 2018
G J
Liked the fact,you could both leave your bags at fanxipan place across from the station or; sit down and enjoy the refreshments served there until the train departs. The journey itself was enjoyable although,it's up to the gods, who your fellow cabin dwellers will be...
Train#SP1 VIP Sleeper 4x, Fanxipan, Oct 20, 2018
V T
We had the VIP cabin,no soft bed and the bathroom was very dirty and smelly even before leaving to Sa Pa
Train#SP1 VIP Sleeper 4x, Fanxipan, Oct 16, 2018
M N
Considering that this railway is from 1900... and average speed is 40kph, you can sleep. One thing, sometimes the air conditioning is really too cold. We used paper to limit the air flow.
Train#SP1 1st Class Sleeper, Fanxipan, Sep 16, 2018
P L
It was decent trip. Not noisy and good sleep. But toilets were quite dirty...
Train#SP1 VIP Sleeper 4x, Fanxipan, Aug 8, 2018
B G
The carriage we were in was clean. The staff were friendly and spoke some English. Sure, the train rocks but it’s a narrow gauge so just let it rock you to sleep. Only issue we had was the drinks cart is quite noisy. The mattress was quite hard but still comfortable enough. I would recommend the trip to anyone.
Train#SP1 VIP Sleeper 4x, Fanxipan, May 19, 2018
P B
Comfy and clean bed, but super annoying drinks cart sellers!! Also some guys (im not whether they are trains staff) talked very loud for a few hours in front of our sleeping coach!!!! I could barely sleep before 1.30 am. However, when it came to a situation that we had to be transferred by buses for 1/2-1 hours, the trains staff managed smoothly...very well organized.
Train#SP1 VIP Sleeper 4x, Fanxipan, Oct 15, 2017
L D
Quite chaotic at the station, if only to find out which platform to use. Nobody spoke English, so it was very difficult to get any concrete information. In the end we were transferred to another train. It took the conductor 15 minutes to find our cabin. A lot of stress 30 minutes before departure. Otherwise. Clean and correct. The train is a real washing machine. Many people couldn't sleep all night. But that's part of the charm.
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Train#SP1 1st Class Sleeper, Fanxipan, Oct 15, 2017
D D
Fanxipan is in no way equal to Sapalay express. The bed was very hard, we did not sleep, and there were multiple cockroaches in the car. The train leaves and arrives way too early, with nothing open in Hanoi and riders left to wander the streets in the dark to hopefully wait in a lobby somewhere. Overall the Sapa train experience was miserable and poorly run.
Train#SP2 VIP Sleeper 4x, Fanxipan, Sep 21, 2017
J O
Nice beds/"room", dirty toilet
Train#SP1 1st Class Sleeper, Fanxipan, Jul 21, 2017
R D
As expected, not luxe, cabin was ok, but the toilet was terrible.
Train#SP1 VIP Sleeper 4x, Fanxipan, Dec 15, 2016
S W
The Restop may not be that easy to find to change the tickets, but otherwise an overall very good trip!
Train#SP1 VIP Sleeper 4x, Fanxipan, Oct 5, 2016
P
I was put off at first because the outside of the car looked like all the others but inside was a whole different world, well worth the few extra dollars to travel in style and get some solid sleep. Booking and getting the tickets in Hanoi was fast and easy, thanks!
Train#SP1 1st Class Sleeper, Fanxipan, May 31, 2016
N
Nice journey, 12go was most helpful in arranging both the train and the transfer to Sapa from the station.
Train#SP1 VIP Sleeper 4x, Fanxipan, May 30, 2016
J J
Train#SP2 VIP Sleeper 4x, Fanxipan, Nov 12, 2019
3.8
85 customer reviews
5
19%
4
49%
3
24%
2
8%
1
0%
91.8% of 85 travelers were presumably happy with Fanxipan as they left good or no review