Hanoi to Lao Cai

Hanoi to Lao Cai

Hanoi
Lao Cai
Tue, Mar 31
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Hanoi to Lao Cai Destination Reviews

OG
Osanne G
We were very disappointed with our experience. We had booked a VIP cabin for our overnight journey from Hanoi to Sapa, but upon arrival, we were moved without any proper explanation to a standard 4-person cabin, even though we were traveling as a couple. We were simply told that the train was full, which does not justify such a downgrade. The cabin we were given was clearly inferior to the one we had booked: very limited space, extremely hard mattresses, and overall poor comfort. After comparing with the VIP cabins, the difference in quality is obvious, both in terms of comfort and amenities. We paid a high price for a service that we did not receive. At the station, no solution was offered to us, and we were simply told to contact 12Go Asia by email. This experience was very disappointing and did not match what was advertised. We are requesting a commercial gesture or financial compensation for this issue.
Hanoi to Lao Cai, Train #SP7 Cabin 2x, NewLivitrans Express, Mar 25, 2026
ED
Euan D
Train was on time and very clean. Staff at the station really friendly and helpful. Cabin was comfortable. Vietnamese rail staff on the train try to sell you extras, so be careful. Overall great experience.
Hanoi to Lao Cai, Train #SP7 VIP Cabin 2x, Chapa Express, Mar 23, 2026
AD
Annika D
A nice cabin for 2 people. A bit of snacks wairing for us. The train left on time and we arrived on time. The ride itself was surprisingly smoth.
Hanoi to Lao Cai, Train #SP7 Cabin 2x, NewLivitrans Express, Mar 23, 2026
KP
Kara P
Overall this was a fine experience. We were booked on Chapa but notified the day before that we would be on a different train line as they had overbooked. There were not a lot of other trains available at that time so we agreed. We were placed in a Vietnam rail car attached to the chapa train. Chapa had tried really hard to make it look nice and in their style but if it looks like a duck, acts like and duck and quacks like duck it’s a duck. I look forward to trying the Chapa train on the return trip because their train looks really cool. The staff at check in and in the VIP lounge were FANTASTIC!!!!
Hanoi to Lao Cai, Train #SP7 Deluxe Sleeper 4x + Shuttle Bus, Chapa Express, Mar 22, 2026
E
Elie
The company overbooked and made us sleep in another company's beds
Hanoi to Lao Cai, Train Cabin 4x, Violette Trains, Mar 21, 2026
HH
Hari H
Ok. Not so super. Cleanliness is good. The noise of announcement and songs makes irritation. So they give ear plug: don’t forget to put, even though heard it louder.
Hanoi to Lao Cai, Train #SP7 Deluxe Sleeper 4x, Chapa Express, Mar 15, 2026
LR
Lisa R
Great trip, super speedy
Hanoi to Lao Cai, Train #SP1 Deluxe Sleeper 4x + Shuttle Bus, Chapa Express, Mar 14, 2026
GB
Gabrielle B
After booking got contacted by train company saying they couldn’t provide me my seats but that I could pay an upgrade. Try to negotiate but not enough. Asked to get refund and not surprised they couldn’t provide finally give me my seats. Not sure if it was spam or the real company but in both ways they tried to scam me. Got no help from 12Go. The train ride was fine. Comfortable beds but very noisy has you could expect. Barely got sleep on the night ride. Would do it again but during daytime.
Hanoi to Lao Cai, Train #SP7 Deluxe Sleeper 4x, Chapa Express, Mar 11, 2026
JM
Jonathan M
Comfortable and punctual. Highly recommend
Hanoi to Lao Cai, Train #SP3 Deluxe Sleeper 4x, Chapa Express, Mar 10, 2026
V
Victoria
The train ride was great but I went to the bathroom at the very beginning and they were disgusting, urine all over the seat and floor... needless to say I refrained from going again the whole time
Hanoi to Lao Cai, Train #SP7 Deluxe Cabin 4x, Fanxipan Express, Mar 10, 2026
4.4
714 customer reviews
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Hanoi to Lao Cai Schedule

TypeOperatorClassDeparture TimeArrival TimePriceRating
Bus
Sapa Discovery Travel
VIP 20
00:00
04:00
$15.19
Bus
Sao Viet
Sleeper
00:19
05:04
$9.49
Bus
Futa Ha Son
Limousine 24
00:45
05:25
$13.67
Bus
Futa Ha Son
Limousine 24
04:30
11:25
$15.95
Bus
Sao Viet
VIP Cabin
05:00
10:00
$12.53
  2.0
Bus
Sao Viet
Sleeper
05:16
11:01
$9.49
  2.0
Bus
To Vietnam Travel
Cabin 22
05:45
11:45
$20.88
Bus
Sao Viet
VIP Cabin
06:01
11:01
$12.53
  2.0
Bus
King Express Bus
Sleeper
06:20
11:50
$5.85
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
$11.96
  4.5
Bus
Sao Viet
VIP Cabin
07:16
11:31
$11.77
Bus
Phuc Lam Limousine
Limousine 11
07:35
11:20
$15.19
Van
Phuc Lam Limousine
Van 9pax
07:55
11:40
$15.19
Bus
Techbus VN JSC
VIP 20
08:15
14:15
$15.19
  5.0
Bus
Sao Viet
Sleeper
08:31
14:01
$9.49
Bus
Phong Khanh
Limousine 34
08:47
14:57
$11.39
Bus
Sao Vang
Sleeper
09:10
13:40
$9.49
Bus
HK Sapa Open Tour
Upper Single Cabin
09:30
16:00
$11.96
  4.5
Bus
Sao Viet
Sleeper
09:50
14:35
$9.49

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 Bus ticket is the most expensive option - it will cost you about USD 20.73. If you want to save on transportation, it’s better to take a bus as a bus ticket costs as low as USD 16.78.

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 Futa Ha Son (Futa Hà Sơn): travelling by bus expect to pay as low as USD 16.78 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 20.73.

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

  • Bus+taxi price: USD 10.44. From Hanoi to Lao Cai starting from 07:00 Hoan Kiem until 22:00 Hoan Kiem
  • Van price : USD 14.62 - USD 21.64;
  • Bus tickets - USD 16.78 to USD 20.73;
  • Train tickets - USD 20.97 to USD 231.37;
  • Bus+Van price: USD 27.85. From Hanoi to Lao Cai starting from 06:35 Hanoi Opera House until 14:45 Hanoi Opera House
  • Train+Van price: USD 34.90 - USD 174.69. From Hanoi to Lao Cai starting from 22:00 Hanoi until 22:40 Hanoi
  • taxi+Train price: USD 60.71 - USD 95.14. From Hanoi to Lao Cai starting from 21:35 Hanoi until 22:00 Hanoi
  • Train+taxi price: USD 60.71 - USD 95.14. 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 91.12 to USD 379.69.

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 6 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 91.12.

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:

  • 79% users enjoyed a train ride.
  • 9% chosen Train+Van
  • 4% chosen taxi+Train
  • 4% 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
Earliest Departure6:15 AM
Latest Departure11:00 PM
Departures per day6
Distance200 kilometers
Transport CompaniesApril Adventure, Chapa Express, Daiichi Travel, Daily Limousine, Damitrans, Dichung, Eco Sapa Limousine, ET Pumpkin, Family Express, Fanxipan Express, Futa Ha Son, GreenLion Bus, Grouptour, Halong Transportation, Hanoi VIP Transfer, King Sapa Train, Laman Express, Linh Chau Transport, Mui Ne Private Car, Muine Express, NewLivitrans Express, OUROS Travel, President Limousine by HK Buslines, Saigon DMC, Sapa Ethnic Travel, Sapa Express, Sapaking Limousine, Sapaly Express Train, Taxigo vn, Tiim Group, Tonkin Heritage Express, Vicsapa Train, Viet Technologies Travel, Vietnam Rail, Violette Trains