Hanoi to Lao Cai

Hanoi to Lao Cai

Hanoi
Lao Cai
Tue, Aug 19
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Hanoi to Lao Cai Destination Reviews

MA
We saw a mouse The couch is really hard and not so clean Avoid if you are a bit precious
Hanoi to Lao Cai, Train #SP7 Suite 2x, NewLivitrans Express, Aug 15, 2025
P
The local support was good and clear, and the train left right on time. The carriages were somewhat dated, but perfectly ok for this night journey. As the train is narrow gauge, it does rock a bit, especially if you are on a top bunk.
Hanoi to Lao Cai, Train #SP7 Deluxe Cabin 4x, Fanxipan Express, Aug 15, 2025
FJ
The officer arrived 30 minutes late and he to change my train for another one hour later after my opposite they changed to other train really horrible. Even in the web said that the shuttle is included but I had to pay it
Hanoi to Lao Cai, Train #SP3 Deluxe Cabin 4x, Fanxipan Express, Aug 15, 2025
TN
Chapa VIP lounge at Hanoi train station is small and cramped. Free tea and bowl of popcorn. The rest you have to pay - water, other drinks including alcohol. It was cooler than outside (rest of train station). One lady was not too nice and yelled at us to keep our luggage outside. The young man who served us tea was very kind and sweet. We recommend putting signs somewhere - like at vip door entrance-when we will be checked in (around 815). We sat there since 1945 without an idea what was happening, if we would get our new tickets or the pdf voucher was enough. We were contacted earlier in the day and asked if we wanted an upgrade. Dean was helpful with that. Once we had our train tickets, the young man helped us with the luggage and directed us to the correct train car. Somewhere we read there was a shower on train, but that is not true (maybe we misread). No shower stalls on train itself. Only toilet and sink. For vip ticket holders (if you have access to vip lounge at the train station) then on the train itself they have 2 free bottle of water, banana, chips, and rice cakes as well as slippers to wear. I believe there is free water and bananas on the regular units too (a friend was in it). A lady does come by with cart of drinks and snacks. Beware - bottle of wine was warm, hard to drink - but we purchased it. Train made a lot of stops throughout the night to pick up passengers. Sheets felt wet so difficult for us to sleep. Ac worked well in our room.
Hanoi to Lao Cai, Train #SP3 Deluxe Sleeper 4x, Chapa Express, Aug 15, 2025
DC
When booking (5 people) I was forced to book a 4 people and a 2 person cabin “for me safety and security” - effectively paying for 6 people. However, I received a 4 person cabin and o e bed in another 4 person cabin with another family.
Hanoi to Lao Cai, Train #SP3 Deluxe Sleeper 4x, Chapa Express, Aug 15, 2025
GS
The train journey itself went fine. The carriage wasn’t very clean, but the sheets were, so we slept well. The huge problem was getting confirmation for the train. On the morning of departure, we still hadn’t received any confirmation and didn’t know whether we would be able to travel or not. Starting from the day before departure, I had been opening support requests with 12Go regarding this issue (as they cannot be contacted by phone at all) but received no response. Of the only day we had planned in Hanoi, we spent the entire morning trying to locate the offices of Et Pumpkin (the service provider) and 12Go around the city, but they were nowhere to be found. We then went to the station and, after several attempts, the station staff gave us a phone number to call. At first, they told us the train was fully booked (on the same day, after I called), and only after my complaints did they find us a seat. Later we found out that Et Pumpkin is actually called Vicsapa train. Unfortunately, we weren’t even in the sleeper car of either of these providers — the berth was much worse than the standard ones.
Hanoi to Lao Cai, Train Deluxe Cabin 4x, Et Pumpkin, Aug 12, 2025
CC
Overnight VIP cabin was clean, as were the toilets. Bed was hard but then expected it on a train! Good VFM. Only marked down as WiFi not available. Staff were lovely. Defo recommend.
Hanoi to Lao Cai, Train VIP Cabin with double bed, Damitrans, Aug 11, 2025
MS
I traveled from Hanoi to Sapa Lao Cai on August 8, 2025, and overall, the experience was good. The vehicle was clean and comfortable, and the operator arrived on time. Communication through WeChat was prompt and helpful, which made coordination easier. However, there were areas for improvement. No one assisted us with our bags upon boarding or arrival, which was a bit inconvenient. I also wasn’t informed beforehand that the comfort room available was for public use rather than private. Additionally, there was no clear confirmation if a car transfer from the train station to the hotel was included in our booking, which caused some uncertainty. A small but nice touch that could enhance the experience would be to include a morning coffee or hot chocolate in the package. Overall, it was a decent trip, but with a few adjustments, it could be even better.
Hanoi to Lao Cai, Train #SP3 Suite Queen Cabin, Chapa Express, Aug 11, 2025
JV
The train was nice but old and it was very hot at night. The beds were ok and we were glad with the snacks, water, beer, banana and chips.
Hanoi to Lao Cai, Train #SP3 VIP Sleeper 4x, Laman Express, Aug 10, 2025
NY
train not very clean
Hanoi to Lao Cai, Train Cabin 4x, Damitrans, Aug 9, 2025
4.4
374 customer reviews
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Hanoi to Lao Cai Schedule

TypeOperatorClassDeparture TimeArrival TimePriceRating
Bus
Sapa Discovery Travel
VIP 20
00:00
04:00
€13.01
Bus
Sao Viet
Sleeper
00:19
05:04
€8.13
Bus
Sao Viet
Sleeper
04:30
10:15
€8.13
  2.0
Bus
Futa Ha Son
Limousine 24
05:00
11:55
€13.66
Bus
Sao Viet
Sleeper
05:16
11:01
€8.13
  2.0
Bus
To Vietnam Travel
Cabin 22
05:45
11:45
€17.89
Bus
Sao Viet
VIP Cabin
06:01
10:31
€10.08
  2.0
Bus
King Express Bus
Sleeper
06:20
11:50
€5.01
Van
April Adventure
Van 9pax
06:36
12:06
€16.92
  4.8
Bus
HK Sapa Open Tour
Upper Single Cabin
07:00
12:45
€10.25
  4.5
Bus
Sao Viet
VIP Cabin
07:16
11:31
€10.08
Bus
Phuc Lam Limousine
Limousine 11
07:35
11:20
€13.01
Van
Phuc Lam Limousine
Van 9pax
07:55
11:40
€13.01
Bus
Techbus VN JSC
VIP 20
08:15
14:15
€13.01
  5.0
Bus
Sao Viet
Sleeper
08:31
14:01
€8.13
Bus
Futa Ha Son
Limousine 34
08:50
13:40
€9.43
Bus
Sao Vang
Sleeper
09:10
13:40
€8.13
Bus
HK Sapa Open Tour
Upper Single Cabin
09:30
16:00
€10.25
  4.5
Bus
Sao Viet
Sleeper
09:50
14:35
€8.13
Bus
Vu Han Group
Sleeper 20
10:10
15:55
€9.76

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 Transport3h 45m
Earliest Departure12:00 AM
Latest Departure11:35 PM
Departures per day151
Distance188 kilometers
Transport CompaniesApril Adventure, Asian Bus Travel, Chapa Express, Charmy Express, Daiichi Travel, Daily Limousine, Damitrans, Dichung, Et Pumpkin, Family Express, Fanxipan Express, Futa Ha Son, Grouptour, Ha Son Ha Tinh Sapa, 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, Taxigo vn, Tiim Group, Truly Hagiang, Vicsapa Train, Viet Technologies Travel, Vietnam Rail, Vietnam Tourist, Violette Trains

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 Train ticket is the most expensive option - it will cost you about EUR 152.22. If you want to save on transportation, it’s better to take a bus as a bus ticket costs as low as EUR 7.21.

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 117 miles (188 km). The flying distance is 117 miles (188 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 EUR 7.21 for your ticket.

However, if you’re after more upscale travel . The most expensive variant is to opt for a Train - a one-way Train ticket can cost as much as EUR 152.22.

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

  • Bus tickets - EUR 7.21 to EUR 23.29;
  • Bus+taxi price: EUR 8.94. From Hanoi to Lao Cai starting from 07:00 Hoan Kiem until 22:00 Hoan Kiem
  • Van price : EUR 14.31 - EUR 16.09;
  • Train tickets - EUR 16.80 to EUR 152.22;
  • Bus+Van price: EUR 23.68 - EUR 122.28. From Hanoi to Lao Cai starting from 00:00 Hanoi Old Quarter Transfer until 14:45 Hanoi Opera House
  • taxi+Train price: EUR 52.01 - EUR 81.50. From Hanoi to Lao Cai starting from 21:35 Hanoi until 22:00 Hanoi
  • Train+taxi price: EUR 52.01 - EUR 81.50. 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 EUR 78.06 to EUR 325.25.

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 00:15 - you can also take a bus as late as 23:35. There are 93 available bus trips every day.
  • Trains always run on a set schedule - there are 58 trains per 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 EUR 78.06.

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:

  • 82% users enjoyed a train ride.
  • 7% chosen taxi+Train
  • 7% chosen Train+taxi
  • 2% decided to catch a taxi.
  • 1% Other