Sapaly Express

3.9
202 customer reviews
  • About
  • Popular Routes
  • Stations
  • Reviews
  • Schedule and Timetable

About Sapaly Express

Company Information

Sapaly Express is one of many private operators with carriages on the ever-popular Hanoi to Sapa train route.

As with all trains from Hanoi to Sapa, visitors will first have to make the 350km journey to Lao Cai before transfering to Sapa, as the popular tourist town does not have its own train station. You can book the transfer with us or most likely your hotel will offer to pick you up.

Routes served by Sapaly Express Train

When you book a journey with Sapaly Express you will have the option to book a bed in a VIP 4x which is a four-berth carriage or a VIP two-berth cabins.

Note Do be aware that you cannot just purchase one bed in the two-berth compartment so this option will work out to be very expensive for solo travellers. Beds in four-berth cabins can each be reserved individually.

For anyone in Hanoi looking to reach Sapa, there is a 22.00 train that will arrive in Lao Cai for around 06.20. From Lao Cai to Sapa it is usually a journey of a little over an hour so you should be in Sapa by 08.00, just in time to begin exploring the countryside! The 8 ½ hour train ride to Lao Cai costs VND880,000 for a bed in a four-berth carriage and VND1,910,000 for a spot in the two-bed compartments.

If you're heading from Sapa back to Vietnam's capital city, Hanoi, then you can catch a train from Lao Cai at 21.10, arriving at 05.25. The journey time and the price remains the same whether you are leaving from or arriving in Hanoi.

Pros

The four-berth carriages are a good option for small groups, you're sure to have a good time on this trip socialising and chatting. Also, if you're a solo traveller, this is a good opportunity to meet new people.

Couples or those travelling in pairs may want the privacy and security of a private compartment, so it is useful to have this choice.

The beds and the carriages are clean and comfortable, regardless of whether you pick a two or four-berth compartment, so there isn't much to choose between the two options in terms of quality.

Cons

It can be annoying arriving in Lao Cai at around 06:30 and then having to catch a bus to Sapa, but unfortunately this is the only option if you wish to travel by train. You can travel directly to Sapa from Hanoi by bus, so if this change is an issue you may want to consider the bus as an alternative.

As is the case with trains across Vietnam, light sleepers may find the journey a challenge. As you head out from Hanoi into the countryside, the journey can be bumpy and other passengers as well as vendors selling food and drinks can sometimes disturb you. If this is the case then you may want to consider purchasing an entire two-berth carriage to yourself, although this is expensive. Another option could be to travel via bus during the day.

Keep in mind

It's possible to purchase a shuttle from Lao Cai to Sapa directly through Sapaly Express. Although this ticket is slightly more expensive than purchasing it yourself when you arrive, it will save you some hassle and time, especially as it will be early in the morning!

Travellers reviews

Travellers are usually pleased with the comfort on board these carriages, with reviews commentating on the cleanliness inside the cabins.

However, there are often reports that the bathrooms on these trains could be of a better standard and take a bit of getting used to, but unfortunately, this is highly likely to be the case on all trains and carriages operated by private companies or Vietnam Railways. It's always best to keep hand sanitizer and toilet roll with you on these trips, just in case!

Although the reviews for Sapaly Express are generally positive, some travellers consider the fares a little bit expensive.

Some travellers found Sapaly Express pricier than some of its competitors on the route, so you should always do your research before booking.

Read more

Sapaly Express Popular Routes

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

Sapaly Express Schedule & Timetable

Train numberClassDeparture StationArrival StationDepartureArrivalTravel time
SP3VIP SleeperSapa Lao CaiHanoi22:0005:557h 55m
SP4VIP SleeperHanoiSapa Lao Cai21:3005:257h 55m
SP4VIP Sleeper 4xHanoiSapa Lao Cai21:3005:257h 55m
SP3VIP Sleeper 4xSapa Lao CaiHanoi22:0005:557h 55m

Sapaly Express Stations

HanoiSapa Lao Cai

Sapaly Express Company Reviews

A K
We could't find anywhere on 12go asia or on the voucher how to get our tickets, making it really difficult to get in the train. We Also had to change room several times because the crew could not find our reservation.
Train#SP4 VIP Sleeper 4x, Sapaly Express, Oct 24, 2023
C L
Not so good..
Train#SP4 VIP Sleeper 4x, Sapaly Express, Mar 9, 2023
K J
Train is beautiful and good experience. Easy to sleep and not tried in 7hr riding time. I feel ticket counter is little difficult to find, but it's not serious.
Train#SP3 1st Class Sleeper, Sapaly Express, Oct 13, 2020
A D
The bus left me at the wrong terminal even if they knew my flight. Also, it arrived 1.5 bours early, which is not great because it means 1.5 hours less sleeping. On the bright side, I slept the entire time on the bus, which means that the ride was smooth and leather seat was comfortable (even if a little too short for me).
Train#SP3 VIP Sleeper 4x, Sapaly Express, Dec 9, 2019
G V
In Lao Caï, the step to get on the train is too high. the air-conditioning smells of cigarettes ++ very unpleasant Otherwise very comfortable, quality service, very clean sheets, cosy pillows and comforters - welcoming and well-presented berths No disturbance or waking up during the night by controllers to check tickets (which is not the case in France). Locking hooks inside bunks Very clean toilets - washbasins for basic toiletry (toothbrushes + comb supplied) Excellent value for money
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Train#SP4 VIP Sleeper 4x, Sapaly Express, Dec 4, 2019
E C
Good travel in the train
Train#SP3 VIP Sleeper 4x, Sapaly Express, Nov 30, 2019
A W
Comfortable, clean and very helpful and friendly staff :)
Train#SP4 VIP Sleeper 4x, Sapaly Express, Nov 24, 2019
P P
Toilet smell very bed
Train#SP4 VIP Sleeper 4x, Sapaly Express, Nov 16, 2019
S V
Because of our Trekking during the day i was able to sleep just fine on the way back. Sapaly is also one of the better company’s to book with, you get water, slippers, etc. I would recomend if you need to go to the toilet go in the beginning of the trainride. Because it starts to smell.
Train#SP4 VIP Sleeper 4x, Sapaly Express, Nov 10, 2019
J S
Bit noisy, but clean, friendly staff & on time
Train#SP4 VIP Sleeper 4x, Sapaly Express, Nov 1, 2019
J W
Since we travelled from Hanoi to Sapa Lao Cai with Chapa Express we had a Train to compare it to. Sapaly was clean, on time and we got a good nights sleep. Chapa Express was a little nicer in presentation and maybe also cleanliness but both fulfilled their purpose and got us from A to B in a comfortable, safe and clean way. In both cases you habe to be okay with the rocking of the Train which can be pretty heavy.
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Train#SP4 VIP Sleeper 4x, Sapaly Express, Oct 26, 2019
T V
Clean wagon
Train#SP4 VIP Sleeper 4x, Sapaly Express, Oct 25, 2019
C S
Excellent, you can't ask for more from a night train. Super attentive staff. The beds were very comfortable, the sheets were white and spotless. The train, including the bathrooms were very clean. The temperature was completely regulated. The staff warns you about half an hour before arrival and offers you tea or coffee in the morning. The train aesthetically speaking has a beautiful interior. The best night train of my life.
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Train#SP3 VIP Sleeper 4x, Sapaly Express, Oct 24, 2019
T V
Clean wagon
Train#SP3 VIP Sleeper 4x, Sapaly Express, Oct 23, 2019
A C
I travelled before on this train in a 4 berth cabin, very uncomfortable mattress and only a sheet and blanket so in comparison the 1st class sleeper is very comfortable. Good mattress and very comfy duvet. Friendly and helpful rep. Train is obviously very noisy when moving at speed so it is difficult to sleep. Toilet ok in 1st class due to fewer people using it.
Train#SP4 1st Class Sleeper, Sapaly Express, Oct 17, 2019
F S
Not very clean
Train#SP3 1st Class Sleeper, Sapaly Express, Oct 15, 2019
L G
All very clean. Cabin same as fotos.
Train#SP3 VIP Sleeper 4x, Sapaly Express, Oct 15, 2019
L M
Room was clean and it has free amenities and a bottle of water. The toilet was very dirty.
Train#SP4 VIP Sleeper 4x, Sapaly Express, Oct 6, 2019
W H
It is clean and comes with toothbrush, comb, slippers, water and snacks. Most of the operators on train can barely speak or understand English, it’s difficult to communicate if u have any problems. Should clean the toilet more often though. It smells after a few hours! Everything is considered pleasant & safe, but the road is kind of too bumpy for me, so I didn’t enjoy it that much. However, it is still a good experience if u never try on a sleeper train b4. I prefer to travel with bus rather than sleeper train for in/out Sapa.
Train#SP4 VIP Sleeper 4x, Sapaly Express, Oct 6, 2019
L M
Room was clean and it has free amenities, a bottle of water and te/coffe morning. The toilet was very dirty. Pay atention, to pick up the voucher ticket is a out 10 minuts by walk from the main entrance.
Train#SP3 VIP Sleeper 4x, Sapaly Express, Oct 4, 2019
T P
The room quite small but very clean as well as the rest room.
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Train#SP4 VIP Sleeper 4x, Sapaly Express, Oct 2, 2019
M C
Very good service. Very confortable.
Train#SP4 1st Class Sleeper, Sapaly Express, Sep 27, 2019
M C
Have a nice trip. Good service. Departure and arrival on time
Train#SP3 1st Class Sleeper, Sapaly Express, Sep 25, 2019
I S
After a night with Vietnam Railways, the Sapaly express seems like a 4-star hotel. No cockroaches, clean, very nice and clean blankets and even some snacks, water, beer and coke included (VIP package). Enough toilet paper in the toilet but still a train toilet so wear shoes when you go to the toilet.
Train#SP4 1st Class Sleeper, Sapaly Express, Sep 21, 2019
S M
Enjoyed the trip...i love their morning coffee. Do not expect very clean/odour free washroom but its as good as it can be. The washroom comes with water host. Overall experience was great
Train#SP3 VIP Sleeper 4x, Sapaly Express, Sep 18, 2019
N Y
This train way better than fanxipan express, cleaner toilet, the staff will explain whats free and whatnot
Train#SP4 VIP Sleeper 4x, Sapaly Express, Sep 17, 2019
S C
Very helpful personnel, clean compartment. Didn’t get a free beer that was promised on the VIP ticket.
Train#SP3 VIP Sleeper 4x, Sapaly Express, Sep 17, 2019
A L
Clean
Train#SP3 VIP Sleeper 4x, Sapaly Express, Sep 11, 2019
A G
The worst was finding the ticket office and the place to take the train; it does not correspond to the door indicated when you buy the ticket.
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Train#SP3 VIP Sleeper 4x, Sapaly Express, Aug 25, 2019
C G
The room was quite hot, and even though i indicated lower berth, i was given the upper berth.
Train#SP4 VIP Sleeper 4x, Sapaly Express, Aug 18, 2019
A D
Very nice cabin with small but comfortable beds, but the train is very noisy and moves a lot. It's very difficult to sleep, but it's an experience!
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Train#SP4 VIP Sleeper 4x, Sapaly Express, Aug 14, 2019
R A
Great experience, great ride
Train#SP4 1st Class Sleeper, Sapaly Express, Aug 13, 2019
S J
Clean comfortable and on time. Only downside was train was very bumpy so hard to sleep
Train#SP4 VIP Sleeper 4x, Sapaly Express, Aug 12, 2019
A K
I was looking for a ticket booth but couldn't find any. Finally I found the train but the guy at the train made me wait about 30 mins before let me in to the train. I was up set and disappoint for the service I received as a VIP customer.
Train#SP3 1st Class Sleeper, Sapaly Express, Aug 12, 2019
R N
Too many moovement, impossible sleep
Train#SP3 1st Class Sleeper, Sapaly Express, Aug 10, 2019
P O
Amazing, simply a must do if you are in Vietnam ????????
Train#SP4 VIP Sleeper 4x, Sapaly Express, Aug 7, 2019
N N
Good service mind,good bed ,good room but 1 our comment about toilet too durty.
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Train#SP3 VIP Sleeper 4x, Sapaly Express, Aug 4, 2019
S V
A bit old style, room clean. Toilettes shall be refurbished and clean more often
Train#SP4 VIP Sleeper 4x, Sapaly Express, Aug 4, 2019
I H
We've had a 2p cabin which was great, also because of a double matress. Clean cabin and beds. When we entered the cabin, the floor was still a little wet from cleaning. We didn't used the toilets.
Train#SP3 1st Class Sleeper, Sapaly Express, Aug 4, 2019
P O
Everything flowed smoothly , Thankyou
Train#SP3 VIP Sleeper 4x, Sapaly Express, Aug 3, 2019
L P
Comfortable beds, good temperature inside the room, clean linen!
Train#SP4 VIP Sleeper 4x, Sapaly Express, Aug 3, 2019
S V
Dirty toilet, old train noisy, AC was not adjustable and in general was warm. Funny experience but i raccomend other means of transport to reach Sapa.
Train#SP3 VIP Sleeper 4x, Sapaly Express, Aug 2, 2019
B D
Good night compared to the return: the door closes well with an extra security.
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Train#SP3 VIP Sleeper 4x, Sapaly Express, Aug 1, 2019
B D
The compartment doors have a very large opening that lets light through, and close poorly (no security system as on the outward journey). The air conditioning is not powerful enough and it's far too hot. Bad night compared with the VIP Sleeper 4x (Train No. SP3) taken on the outward journey.
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Train#SP4 VIP Sleeper 4x, Sapaly Express, Aug 1, 2019
E H
The trip was awesome! Super comfortable. Getting the tickets was a bit confusing.
Train#SP4 VIP Sleeper 4x, Sapaly Express, Jul 31, 2019
E C
Very noisy and uncomfortable. Much better to go with sleeping bus: is shorter, there is no noise and is cheaper. We payed almost 300€ for 2 way VIP cabin and ee had a horrible experience
Train#SP4 1st Class Sleeper, Sapaly Express, Jul 30, 2019
N K
Comfortable and clean beds which is the main thing we needed. However, the bathroom was disgusting.
Train#SP3 1st Class Sleeper, Sapaly Express, Jul 28, 2019
P V
Clean bed, friendly People on the train. Bathroom not very clean.
Train#SP3 VIP Sleeper 4x, Sapaly Express, Jul 23, 2019
D L
Beds are ok! Very cosy! It would be better if the toilets are cleaner.
Train#SP3 VIP Sleeper 4x, Sapaly Express, Jul 22, 2019
D M
Airco stopped working, they continuously tried to fix it, but it didn’t work properly until 2 AM
Train#SP3 VIP Sleeper 4x, Sapaly Express, Jul 21, 2019
3.9
202 customer reviews
5
29%
4
43%
3
16%
2
12%
1
0%
88.1% of 202 travelers were presumably happy with Sapaly Express as they left good or no review