Hanoi to Lao Cai

Hanoi to Lao Cai

Hanoi
Lao Cai
Dec 14, 2027
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2 Travelers
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Hanoi to Lao Cai Destination Reviews

L
Louise
Highly disappointing. This is a very cheap and unorganised company. No ticket office, no waiting room, nothing. The service was very bad with no one speaking English. They don’t include the drive to your final destination if you go to sapa. No one is helping you with the luggage or welcoming you in the train and showing you your room. You just have to guess everything. Then a lady comes up asking if you want coffee in the morning without mentioning you have to pay for it and when you tell her that the next day she answers yes with a big smile as she knows what scam she is doing. Very cheap company for an expensive price it’s not worth it. And it’s not comfortable.
Hanoi to Lao Cai, Train #SP7 Cabin 2x, NewLivitrans Express, Aug 29, 2026
CS
Cynthia S
Not as advertised - you can not adjust temperatures in your cabin and there was no WiFi working - I expected it to be loud and not super comfortable so that wasn’t a surprise but the cabin was very warm and no WiFi prevented us from communicating with our driver - take the bus!
Hanoi to Lao Cai, Train Cabin 4x, Damitrans, Aug 28, 2026
CB
Carlos B
It’s was a nice experience! 100% recommended
Hanoi to Lao Cai, Train #SP7 Suite 2x, NewLivitrans Express, Aug 24, 2026
LS
Lou S
The train was very old loud and it stank. And the roof wasnt leak proof and also it was sooo cold.
Hanoi to Lao Cai, Train Cabin 4x, Damitrans, Aug 24, 2026
GG
Grant G
We booked a vip 2 berth and it was very comfortable, the staff were lovely. We had a wonderful trip.
Hanoi to Lao Cai, Train #SP7 Suite 2x, NewLivitrans Express, Aug 24, 2026
LJ
Laurent J
Beaucoup de bruit, de secousses. Impossible de dormir.
Hanoi to Lao Cai, Train #SP7 Deluxe Sleeper 4x, Chapa Express, Aug 17, 2026
IY
Idske Y
Great experience! Good service.
Hanoi to Lao Cai, Train Private Cabin for 2, Family Express, Aug 16, 2026
יפ
ירין פ
Instructions were very not clear, things that should have been very visible were written in very small writing and we almost missed the train.
Hanoi to Lao Cai, Train Cabin 4x, Damitrans, Aug 14, 2026
BW
Brad W
If you’re visiting Vietnam you must do this. Travel overnight, see some sights until it’s too dark, then off to sleep. We had a 2 x cabin and slept well with the clickity-clack and gentle rock and rolling of the train. Beds were comfortable. We LOVED it!!!
Hanoi to Lao Cai, Train #SP7 Cabin 2x, NewLivitrans Express, Aug 7, 2026
RN
Rezaky N
Voucher said we should go and wait At B2 as we arrived there wasn't any sign of even a place to wait at. Then later a lady came carrying a table and a chair . And that is the place. You suppose to carry your own luggage no mater how heavy they are not how many kids you have up and downstairs to reach your cabin. It mentioned that it include cookies , fruits and snacks , actually the reality is that we got one a very small mini bag of chips . No wifi in the cabin .. not working at all Mentioned that there is a VIP lounge to wait at in LaoCai. Actually it was closed and was nobody to ask . Telephone numbers you provide to help doesn't answer. .. I don't recommend this service to anyone . I felt horrible and lost
Hanoi to Lao Cai, Train Cabin 4x, Damitrans, Aug 5, 2026
4.4
920 customer reviews
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50%
4
28%
3
15%
2
7%
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Hanoi to Lao Cai Schedule

TypeOperatorClassDeparture TimeArrival TimePriceRating
Bus
Sapa Discovery Travel
VIP 20
00:00
04:00
$15.33
Bus
Sao Viet
Sleeper
00:19
05:04
$9.58
Bus
Futa Ha Son
Limousine 24
00:45
05:25
$13.80
Bus
Futa Ha Son
Limousine 24
04:30
11:25
$16.10
Bus
Sao Viet
VIP Cabin
05:00
10:00
$12.65
  2.0
Bus
Sao Viet
Sleeper
05:16
11:01
$9.58
  2.0
Bus
To Vietnam Travel
Cabin 22
05:45
11:45
$21.08
Bus
Sao Viet
VIP Cabin
06:01
11:01
$12.65
  2.0
Bus
King Express Bus
Sleeper
06:20
11:50
$5.90
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
$12.08
  4.5
Bus
Sao Viet
VIP Cabin
07:16
11:31
$11.88
Bus
Phuc Lam Limousine
Limousine 11
07:35
11:20
$15.33
Van
Phuc Lam Limousine
Van 9pax
07:55
11:40
$15.33
Bus
Techbus VN JSC
VIP 20
08:15
14:15
$15.33
  5.0
Bus
Sao Viet
Sleeper
08:31
14:01
$9.58
Bus
Phong Khanh
Limousine 34
08:47
14:57
$11.50
Bus
Sao Vang
Sleeper
09:10
13:40
$9.58
Bus
HK Sapa Open Tour
Upper Single Cabin
09:30
16:00
$12.08
  4.5
Bus
Sao Viet
Sleeper
09:50
14:35
$9.58

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.

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 Train+van 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 181.14. If you want to save on transportation, it’s better to take a taxi as a taxi ticket costs as low as USD 181.14.

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 146 miles (234 km). The flying distance is 146 miles (234 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 Grouptour (Công ty du lịch quốc tế Grouptour): travelling by taxi expect to pay as low as USD 181.14 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 181.14.

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

  • Bus+taxi price: USD 10.54. From Hanoi to Lao Cai starting from 07:00 Hoan Kiem until 22:00 Hoan Kiem
  • Bus tickets - USD 11.52 to USD 31.85;
  • Van price : USD 16.77 - USD 40.73;
  • Bus+Van price: USD 32.39. From Hanoi to Lao Cai starting from 06:40 Hanoi Opera House until 14:40 Hanoi Opera House
  • Train tickets - USD 33.89 to USD 467.22;
  • Train+Van price: USD 44.57 - USD 220.40. From Hanoi to Lao Cai starting from 22:00 Hanoi until 22:40 Hanoi
  • taxi+Train price: USD 61.30 - USD 96.06. From Hanoi to Lao Cai starting from 21:35 Hanoi until 22:00 Hanoi
  • Train+taxi price: USD 61.30 - USD 96.06. 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 181.14 to USD 181.14.

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

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

  • 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 181.14.

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:

  • 78% users enjoyed a train ride.
  • 12% chosen Train+Van
  • 3% chosen taxi+Train
  • 3% chosen Train+taxi
  • 1% Other

Transportation from Hanoi to Lao Cai

Facts about the transport from Hanoi to Lao Cai

Cheapest Transport$11
Fastest Transport4h 40m
Earliest Departure6:00 AM
Latest Departure11:30 PM
Departures per day1
Distance234 kilometers
Transport CompaniesApril Adventure, Asian Bus Travel, Chapa Express, Charmy Express, Daiichi Travel, Damitrans, Eco Sapa Limousine, Family Express, Fanxipan Express, GreenLion Bus, Inter Bus Lines, King Express Bus, King Sapa Train, Laman Express, NewLivitrans Express, Sapa Dragon Express, Sapaking Limousine, Sapaly Express Train, Tiim Group, Tonkin Heritage Express, VietNam Travel Bus, Violette Trains