Hanoi to Lao Cai

Hanoi to Lao Cai

Hanoi
Lao Cai
Wed, Jun 4
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Hanoi to Lao Cai Destination Reviews

JG
The taxi was perfectly on time and the driver was nice
Hanoi to Lao Cai, Train #SP3 Deluxe Sleeper 4x, Chapa Express, Jun 1, 2025
ON
It was comfortable and easy to find your way when you get there. I only give 3 stars because didn’t like us, 2 women, we being taken for dumb by the staff. We were told we should paid for the 2 other free bed in our room so we can make it our own little apartment. Otherwise they could be taking during the trip. It was a night train, no one upped in mid night. Also we had food and for only two people in the room. He ask us 700k for it. We decline, he ask 500k. We decline. When it was time to leave the train, we asked the same guy twice if it was the time to go or there will be another stop, he told us to wait. When I realize the train was empty I ask him again if it was the final stop he said yes. I don’t know where the fuck he wanted to take us. But it didn’t feel very safe on the staff side.
Hanoi to Lao Cai, Train #SP7 VIP Sleeper 4x, Violette Express Train, May 30, 2025
B
The chapa express was amazing! Great service and the cabin was very clean and comfortable, toilet was also clean and had toilet paper. The service was great and we were provided free snacks on the cabin before heading to sleep for the night.
Hanoi to Lao Cai, Train #SP3 VIP Cabin 2x, Chapa Express, May 16, 2025
SK
Can not use wifi. Don't have electrical outlet.
Hanoi to Lao Cai, Train #SP3 VIP Sleeper 4x, Laman Express, May 12, 2025
JA
The cabin was lovely and complimentary food and drink were very much appreciated. Cabin was cool. Beds were a little hard, but we were able to sleep. Slight frustration by rude attitude of staff. Very demanding on payment for tea and coffee. whilst we were trying to find the cash to pay the female attendant kept repeating ‘money now, money now’ Also the offer of a transfer was double the price of a local taxi. Felt taken advantage of with that.
Hanoi to Lao Cai, Train #SP7 Cabin 2x, NewLivitrans Express, May 9, 2025
RP
Really nice, the damitrans service in the train station is smooth. No need to be too early, one hour is enough i’d say (Hanoi-Lao Cai). For those who don't really know : The train is operated by a company and the cabins are sold by another one, In our car, 3 different companies sold cabins, no difference in the qualitity of the train ride, just the complementary gifts (chips, toothbrushsh or fruits…). Have a good trip!
Hanoi to Lao Cai, Train Cabin 4x, Damitrans, May 8, 2025
C
Air conditipnal more strong
Hanoi to Lao Cai, Train #SP3 Deluxe Cabin 4x, Fanxipan Express, May 4, 2025
SR
Lounge experience was really nice. However the room felt quite dusty and the spaces were quite tight. For a VIP cabin, abit more room could have been provided.
Hanoi to Lao Cai, Train #SP3 Deluxe Sleeper 4x, Chapa Express, Apr 24, 2025
MS
Amazing service. Comfortable bed Great experience
Hanoi to Lao Cai, Train #SP3 Deluxe Sleeper 4x, Chapa Express, Apr 19, 2025
RC
Seat was good, toilet was not clean.
Hanoi to Lao Cai, Train Shared Suite Cabin, King Sapa Train, Apr 13, 2025
4.4
253 customer reviews
5
49%
4
26%
3
16%
2
9%
1
0%

Hanoi to Lao Cai Schedule

TypeOperatorClassDeparture TimeArrival TimePriceRating
Bus
Sapa Discovery Travel
VIP 20
00:00
04:00
$15.37
Bus
Sao Viet
Sleeper
00:19
05:04
$9.61
Bus
Sao Viet
Sleeper
00:46
06:36
$9.61
  2.0
Bus
Sao Viet
Sleeper
01:15
07:05
$9.61
  2.0
Bus
Sao Viet
Sleeper
01:31
06:36
$9.61
Bus
Sao Viet
Sleeper
02:00
07:05
$9.61
Bus
Sao Viet
Sleeper
03:15
09:05
$9.61
  2.0
Bus
Sao Viet
Sleeper
04:00
09:05
$9.61
Bus
Sao Viet
VIP Cabin
05:15
10:30
$11.91
Bus
To Vietnam Travel
Cabin 22
05:45
11:45
$21.14
Bus
Sao Viet
VIP Cabin
06:01
10:31
$11.91
  2.0
Bus
King Express Bus
Sleeper
06:20
11:50
$5.92
Van
April Adventure
Van 9pax
06:36
12:06
$19.80
  4.8
Bus
HK Sapa Open Tour
Upper Single Cabin
07:00
12:45
$12.11
  4.5
Bus
Sao Viet
VIP Cabin
07:16
12:31
$11.91
Bus
Phuc Lam Limousine
Limousine 11
07:35
11:20
$15.37
Bus
Sao Viet
Sleeper
07:51
12:36
$9.61
Bus
King Express Bus
Sleeper
08:10
12:10
$5.92
Bus
HK Sapa Open Tour
Upper Single Cabin
08:30
14:15
$12.11
  4.5
Bus
Sao Viet
Sleeper
08:50
13:35
$9.61

Is renting a car in Lao Cai a good idea?

Renting a car in Lao Cai can be convenient for exploring the surrounding areas, such as Sapa or Bac Ha. However, road conditions can be challenging, especially in mountainous regions. It is essential to have experience driving in similar environments. Car rental costs typically range from 1,000,000 to 1,500,000 VND per day ($40-$60), excluding fuel.

Hiring a car with a driver is a popular alternative, offering local knowledge and navigation aid. Public transportation options, like buses and trains, are also available and often more economical. Always ensure you have the correct driving permits if you choose to drive yourself.

What do you wear to a night out in Lao Cai?

For a night out in Lao Cai, dress casually yet suitably for the local climate and venues. Temperatures can be cooler in the evening, especially if you're heading to Sapa or higher altitudes, so consider bringing a light jacket.

Most local bars and restaurants are laid-back, so comfortable attire like jeans and a nice shirt or blouse is appropriate. If you plan to visit more upscale venues or events, business casual attire is a safe choice. Footwear should be practical, as you might encounter uneven surfaces or hills.

Overall, prioritize comfort while being mindful of the cooler nighttime temperatures.

How clean is Lao Cai?

Tap water in Lao Cai is generally not safe for drinking without treatment. Travelers are advised to use bottled water for drinking and brushing teeth. Bottled water is widely available at convenience stores and supermarkets.

For dining, Lao Cai offers a variety of local and Vietnamese cuisine, with many restaurants observing good hygiene standards. It is recommended to eat at busy places where food turnover is high to ensure freshness.

The streets and public areas are reasonably clean, though like many places, you may encounter some litter in less frequented areas. Recycling and waste management initiatives are gradually improving. Public restrooms may vary in cleanliness, so it is advisable to carry hand sanitizer and tissues.

Overall, practicing general hygiene measures will help ensure a comfortable visit.

Transportation from Hanoi to Lao Cai

Facts about the transport from Hanoi to Lao Cai

Cheapest Transport$9
Fastest Transport4h
Earliest Departure12:00 AM
Latest Departure11:00 PM
Departures per day25
Distance200 kilometers
Transport CompaniesApril Adventure, Chapa Express, Charmy Express, Daiichi Travel, Damitrans, Dichung, Et Pumpkin, Fanxipan Express, Grouptour, Hanoi VIP Transfer, Inter Bus Lines, King Express Bus, King Sapa Train, Laman Express, Linh Chau Transport, Muine Express, NewLivitrans Express, OUROS Travel, Saigon DMC, Sao Vang, Sapa Dragon Express, Sapaking Limousine, Sapaly Express, Taxigo vn, Tiim Group, Vicsapa Train, Viet Technologies Travel, Vietnam Tourist

How to get from Hanoi to Lao Cai

When you want to get from Hanoi to Lao Cai, you have a few options to consider. Traveling between these destinations is possible by different means of transport:

  • Bus
  • Train
  • Van
  • Taxi

If you’re looking for a quick trip, it’s recommended that you use Bus. However, if you’d rather take your time with a slower, more affordable travel option, you can book a Taxi+train ticket.

The cost of travel will depend on the means of transport you choose for your trip. A Bus ticket is the most expensive option - it will cost you about USD 22.67. If you want to save on transportation, it’s better to take a bus as a bus ticket costs as low as USD 8.45.

How far is Hanoi from Lao Cai?

If you’re traveling by land, it’s important to know the distance from Hanoi to Lao Cai. Your trip will be a total of 125 miles (200 km). The flying distance is 125 miles (200 km).

How long does it take to get from Hanoi to Lao Cai?

The travel time from Hanoi to Lao Cai can vary depending on the mode of transportation you choose. All things considered, the whole journey should take from 4 to 10 hours.

How much does it cost to get from Hanoi to Lao Cai?

The cost of the trip from Hanoi to Lao Cai varies according to what means of transport you choose for your journey. The most affordable operator is King Express Bus: travelling by bus expect to pay as low as USD 8.45 for your ticket.

However, if you’re after more upscale travel . The most expensive variant is to opt for a Bus - a one-way Bus ticket can cost as much as USD 22.67.

Here is a chart of the average ticket prices and transportation options available from Hanoi to Lao Cai:

  • Bus tickets - USD 8.45 to USD 22.67;
  • Bus+taxi price: USD 10.57. From Hanoi to Lao Cai starting from 07:00 Hoan Kiem until 22:00 Hoan Kiem
  • Van price : USD 19.03;
  • Bus+Van price: USD 26.34 - USD 144.58. From Hanoi to Lao Cai starting from 00:00 Hanoi Old Quarter Transfer until 14:45 Hanoi Opera House
  • Train tickets - USD 28.72 to USD 179.85;
  • taxi+Train price: USD 61.45 - USD 96.30. From Hanoi to Lao Cai starting from 21:35 Hanoi until 22:00 Hanoi
  • Train+taxi price: USD 61.45 - USD 96.30. From Hanoi to Lao Cai starting from 21:35 Hanoi until 22:00 Hanoi

You can order a taxi, too - an estimated cost of the ride is from USD 94.08 to USD 384.30.

How many trips per day are there between Hanoi and Lao Cai?

Depending on your choice of transportation, the number of daily trips varies.

  • Buses start plying the route from 07:00 - you can also take a bus as late as 23:00. There are 25 available bus trips every day.

Which means of transport is the best for the route?

Buses

Taking a bus from Hanoi to Lao Cai is cheaper than flying. Quite often, a long-distance bus is the cheapest transportation option. Buses normally make bathroom and/or lunch stops along the way.

Things to remember before opting for a bus ride:

  • If possible, make sure to choose higher-class buses for a more comfortable travel experience. Such buses often have an air conditioning system, soft reclining seats, Wi-Fi, bathrooms, etc.
  • As with plane tickets, buses are better booked in advance so that you can secure a good seat.
  • While booking a bus, keep in mind that delays are possible. Yet it still pays to get to the bus station at least 15 minutes prior to the scheduled departure.

Taxi

Catching a cab is the easiest way to get from Hanoi to Lao Cai. It allows you to tailor-make your trip, plan all the detours and see all the places you want. You can choose the type and the size of your car as well to be as comfortable as you'd like to.

Depending on the route, it might cost as much as USD 94.08.

Things to remember: It's a good idea to follow the route on Google Maps or any other GPS navigator.

Trains

Things to remember while choosing a train ticket:
Consider everything carefully while choosing the class of your train travel. In most cases, the second class is comfortable enough – it features 2 or 4 berths in each compartment and is often air-conditioned.

If you’re in for a premium experience, consider getting a first class ticket. The price of first class tickets may include Wifi, and a choice of snacks and drinks.

Vans

A shared van is another means of transport for traveling from Hanoi to Lao Cai. As far as travel time is concerned, it’s basically equal to a taxi ride, while price-wise it’s way more affordable. The majority of tourists book a van online in advance.

Sometimes, when trains or buses aren’t available, a van is your only way to get from Hanoi to Lao Cai.

Things to remember: while traveling by van, you might not have as much space for luggage as you would on a train or a plane. It’s a good idea to pack only the most useful things for a van trip and put them in a backpack that will be easy to carry around..

The most popular transport from Hanoi to Lao Cai

How to choose the most convenient way of travel from Hanoi to Lao Cai? In order to make your choice of transportation easier, we asked 1000 users to range their preferences for this route. Here are the results of the poll:

  • 81% users enjoyed a train ride.
  • 8% chosen taxi+Train
  • 7% chosen Train+taxi
  • 2% decided to catch a taxi.
  • 1% Other