Hanoi to Lao Cai

Hanoi to Lao Cai

Hanoi
Lao Cai
Tue, Apr 15
+ Add return
0 Passengers
 
 
 
 
 

Hanoi to Lao Cai Schedule

TypeOperatorClassDeparture TimeArrival TimePriceRating
Train
King Sapa Train
Shared Suite Cabin
00:00
08:00
$28.44
  4.8
Bus
Sao Viet
Sleeper
00:16
06:06
$9.71
  2.0
Bus
Sao Viet
Sleeper
00:46
06:36
$9.71
  2.0
Bus
Sao Viet
Sleeper
01:02
04:32
$8.54
Bus
Sao Viet
Sleeper
01:31
06:36
$9.71
Bus
Sao Viet
Sleeper
03:15
09:05
$9.71
  2.0
Bus
Sao Viet
Sleeper
04:00
09:05
$9.71
Bus
Sao Viet
Sleeper
04:45
10:35
$9.71
  2.0
Bus
Sao Viet
Sleeper
05:16
11:21
$9.71
  2.0
Bus
To Vietnam Travel
Cabin 22
05:45
11:45
$21.35
Bus
Sao Viet
VIP Cabin
06:01
10:31
$12.81
  2.0
Bus
King Express Bus
Sleeper
06:20
11:50
$5.98
Van
April Adventure
Van 9pax
06:36
12:06
$22.00
  4.8
Bus
HK Sapa Open Tour
Upper Single Cabin
07:00
12:45
$12.23
  4.5
Van
April Adventure
Van 9pax
07:25
12:35
$22.40
Bus
Techbus VN JSC
VIP 22
07:45
13:30
$15.12
Bus
Sao Viet
VIP Cabin
08:01
12:31
$12.81
  2.0
Bus
HK Sapa Open Tour
Upper Single Cabin
08:30
14:15
$12.23
  4.5
Bus
Sao Viet
VIP Cabin
08:46
13:16
$12.81
  2.0
Bus
Sao Vang
Sleeper
09:10
13:10
$9.71

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$8
Fastest Transport4h 30m
Earliest Departure12:00 오전
Latest Departure11:55 오후
Departures per day856
Distance225 kilometers
Transport CompaniesApril Adventure, Arirang Travel, Asian Bus Travel, Cat Ba Panorama, Chapa Express, Charmy Express, Daiichi Travel, Dichung, Duc Duong Bus, Eco Sapa Limousine, Et Pumpkin, Family Express, Fanxipan Express, Full Moon Party Tour, G8 Sapa Open Tour, Green Sapa Bus, GreenLion Bus, Group Bus, Grouptour, Ha Son Hai Van, Hanoi VIP Transfer, HK Buslines, Inter Bus Lines, KadBus, Ket Doan Travel, King Express Bus, King Sapa Train, Laman Express, Linh Chau Transport, Luxury Van Limousine, Muine Express, OUROS Travel, Saigon DMC, Sapa Dragon Express, Sapa Ethnic Travel, Sapa Express, Sapaking Limousine, Sapaly Express, Sapaly Express Train, Taxigo vn, Thang Long Ha Noi Limousine, Tien Dat Trans, Tiim Group, To Vietnam Travel, Vicsapa Train, VietNam Travel Bus, Violette Express Train, VTS

Hanoi to Lao Cai Destination Reviews

FM
was like to stay in a little cage. shaking all the time, I don't think anybody cud sleep. important we arrived safe
Hanoi to Lao Cai, Train #SP3 Deluxe Cabin 4x, Fanxipan Express, Mar 29, 2025
SY
The cabin was well made up and was very comfortable. Train may be little be on the rocky side but I guess it’s to be expected, nevertheless it rocked us to a good sleep. Before we know it we were already at Lao Cai.
Hanoi to Lao Cai, Train Shared Suite Cabin, King Sapa Train, Mar 18, 2025
AL
Very comfortable, loved the quaint vibe of the train - had a great sleep despite it being a bit rickety.
Hanoi to Lao Cai, Train #SP7 VIP Sleeper 4x, Lotus Train, Mar 4, 2025
MR
Not much to complain, train was on time, banks were clean, water and chips in every room.
Hanoi to Lao Cai, Train #SP3 Cabin 4x, Damitrans, Feb 27, 2025
CC
Internet was non-functional, but the bed was comfortable and the train was timely.
Hanoi to Lao Cai, Train #SP3 VIP Sleeper 4x, Laman Express, Feb 20, 2025
PP
Beds are ok, but its quite a loud journey so make sure you put the earplugs in. Also I hate that you could smell cigarettes smell in the coridor. Overall good value for money.
Hanoi to Lao Cai, Train #SP3 Deluxe Sleeper 4x, Chapa Express, Feb 18, 2025
LY
Punctual, friendly staff. Old train, but beautiful decorated. Some snacks and a bottle of water provided. Pretty clean inside the cabin, but we didn't sleep well, the mattress is quite hard, the noise of the train is loud too, wouldn't recommended if you thinking to sleep on the train and begin the trip next day.
Hanoi to Lao Cai, Train #SP7 VIP 2 Berth, Lotus Train, Jan 19, 2025
SB
Cabin was fantastic, travelled as a family of four, clean comfortable, snacks provided, access to a good toilet and helped onto the train by the Lamar staff. We all loved it, ride was comfortable and we all got a good sleep, would recommend and do again
Hanoi to Lao Cai, Train #SP3 VIP Sleeper 4x, Laman Express, Jan 16, 2025
VD
The checkin process was very unique and flawless. You guys have a great team running the show. They made it a very fun experience. Would highly recommend
Hanoi to Lao Cai, Train #SP3 VIP Sleeper 4x, Laman Express, Dec 25, 2024
DP
They offered to pick up and drop off at hotel. Very nice limousine. Communication via WhatsApp was excellent. Very professional team. Definitely went above and beyond with their service.
Hanoi to Lao Cai, Van Van 9pax, April Adventure (April Adventure), Dec 15, 2024
4.4
200 customer reviews
5
50%
4
25%
3
15%
2
10%
1
0%

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 Taxi. 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 taxi ticket is the most expensive option - it will cost you about USD 387.98. If you want to save on transportation, it’s better to take a bus as a bus ticket costs as low as USD 7.06.

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 140 miles (225 km). The flying distance is 140 miles (225 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 5 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 Tien Dat Trans: travelling by bus expect to pay as low as USD 7.06 for your ticket.

However, if you’re after more upscale travel . The most expensive variant is to opt for a taxi - a one-way taxi ticket can cost as much as USD 387.98.

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

  • Bus tickets - USD 7.06 to USD 186.09;
  • Bus+taxi price: USD 10.67. From Hanoi to Lao Cai starting from 07:00 Hoan Kiem until 22:00 Hoan Kiem
  • Bus+Van price: USD 26.20. From Hanoi to Lao Cai starting from 06:35 Hanoi Opera House until 14:45 Hanoi Opera House
  • Train tickets - USD 30.55 to USD 199.73;
  • Van price : USD 32.04;
  • taxi+Train price: USD 62.04 - USD 97.22. From Hanoi to Lao Cai starting from 21:35 Hanoi until 22:00 Hanoi
  • Train+taxi price: USD 62.04 - USD 97.22. 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 20.17 to USD 387.98.

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 00:00 - you can also take a bus as late as 23:55. There are 785 available bus trips every day.
  • 14 by Bus+Van from Hanoi to Lao Cai starting from 06:35 Hanoi Opera House until 14:45 Hanoi Opera House
  • Vans from Hanoi to Lao Cai depart during the day - there are approximately 7 departures a day.
  • Taxis are a good option to consider for this route, too. Book a cab to take you from Hanoi to Lao Cai any time of the 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 20.17.

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:

  • 73% decided to go for a bus.
  • 17% users enjoyed a train ride.
  • 2% decided to catch a taxi.
  • 2% chosen taxi+Train
  • 2% chosen Train+taxi
  • 2% opted for a van.
  • 1% Other