Sapa Express

Sapa Express is one of the major bus companies directly connecting Sapa with Hanoi, a bus journey that many visitors consider a good alternative to the train, not least because you won't have to change in Lao Cai and it is faster

You can find the offices of Sapa Express at 12 Ly Thai To in Hanoi, close to Hoan Kiem Lake, and at 2 Cau May in Sapa itself.

Hanoi–Sapa

Sapa Express offers one route only – Hanoi to Sapa and vice versa. There is one bus per day heading in each direction, at 06.45 from Hanoi which will arrive in Sapa at around 12.15 and an afternoon bus from Sapa at 15.45, scheduled to arrive at 21.15. Both trips take around 5 ½ hours and will cost VND374,000.

All the buses used by Sapa Express are VIP buses with either 28 or 32 reclining seats, with air-conditioning, wifi, snacks and water included throughout the journey. Wifi can be spotty and may not be working on all vehicles. It's not the end of the world.

The seats are very comfortable and recline surprisingly far back so you won't feel as though you're cramped on the bus, instead you'll have plenty of room. There's also usually two breaks during the journey so you can purchase snacks or stretch your legs for a few minutes.

The journey itself is also much quicker by bus. Travelling by train means you'll have to get off at Lao Cai and then travel on the next leg of the journey to Sapa by bus which adds time. Using Sapa Express means you'll be dropped off right in the centre of Sapa and you won't be exhausted from your journey.

Not only is the bus journey much quicker than catching the train, it's also considerably cheaper. A Sapa Express ticket is less than half the price of a space in a four-berth carriage with many private operators and under a quarter of the cost of a two-berth compartment.

One of the downsides with opting for Sapa Express is that you have limited departure options, for example, it's only possible to leave Hanoi early in the morning which may not suit your schedule.

Similarly, if you're heading to Hanoi then you will have to travel for the majority of the afternoon, arriving after 21.00, and then have to find accommodation.

One of the bonuses of travelling via overnight train is that the cost also covers a night’s accommodation, which is not the case when choosing Sapa Express.

It's possible to arrange for Sapa Express to pick you up from your hotel and take you to the bus station, this is particularly useful if you are catching the Hanoi – Sapa bus at 06.45 as it may be difficult for you to arrive in time if your hotel is located away from the city centre.

Sometimes, there is also an English-speaking guide aboard these buses who will be able to assist you if you have any issues during your trip. Please note that we say 'sometimes'.

Travellers who choose Sapa Express are always surprised by how comfortable the buses are, you can just recline your seat and relax for the whole journey. Visitors are also pleased with the cost of the bus tickets and many locals and travellers alike will only consider buses for a journey of this length.

One advantage of train travel is the views when you're close to Lao Cai. For most of the train journey it will be too dark to see anything but the final hour or so of the trip rewards you with stunning views. Unfortunately, the scenery for much of the bus ride is fairly dull by comparison, but you'll reach Sapa earlier so you can make up for it by exploring the countryside when you arrive!

Often the overnight buses arrive very early in Hanoi. Sometimes you will be able to sleep on the bus for a couple more hours and sometimes you will not. If you can't please embrace the chance to experience Hanoi as it is just waking up. It is a unique side to the nation's capitol and there's no need to be afraid of the dark!