Hanoi to Lao Cai

Hanoi to Lao Cai

Hanoi
Lao Cai
Fri, May 22
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Hanoi to Lao Cai Destination Reviews

HK
Haris K
Wonderful experience, great staff on train , comfy cosy place to sleep and enjoy the ride
Hanoi to Lao Cai, Train #SP3 Indigo Berth 4x, Chapa Express, May 19, 2026
SW
Sally W
First time travelling through Vietnam and this App has made everything so easy!
Hanoi to Lao Cai, Train #SP7 Cabin 2x, NewLivitrans Express, May 18, 2026
PK
Pradeep K
Good as promised
Hanoi to Lao Cai, Train #SP7 Cabin 2x, NewLivitrans Express, May 16, 2026
DB
Distan B
The overnight sleeper birth I booked for my and I was comfortable and exactly how I expected after reviewing photos. It was a lovely experience. The waiting area prior to boarding however was a little tired and could do with some more care.
Hanoi to Lao Cai, Train #SP3 VIP Twin Cabin, Vicsapa Train, May 13, 2026
MS
Mats S
I’m surprised how well that went and how nice the experience was. The lounge with a shower at the end was a god send for me.
Hanoi to Lao Cai, Train #SP7 Deluxe Sleeper 4x, Chapa Express, May 13, 2026
EG
Elisa G
For the amount charged the cabin was poorly kept. I’ve read it more two star. The toilets were disgustingly filthy.
Hanoi to Lao Cai, Train Private Cabin for 2, Family Express, May 11, 2026
OM
Olivia M
First it was saying on my confirmation that I have come to Pick my Ticket lostest 9pm. But actually they mean not befor ir at 9 pm. I was there already at 4pm and need to Go again . And I got my Ticket not befor 9:20. 🤷‍♀️ The aircondition was freezing cold at night and the train made the whole night an again and again banging loud noises. So I didn’t get any sleep. 😭
Hanoi to Lao Cai, Train Cabin 4x, Damitrans, May 8, 2026
JC
Jennifer C
The train was comfortable and the amenities provided in the VIP suite was lovely. Loved seeing train street from the train after having been there to watch it go by a day before. The boarding was easy and the staff helpful and polite.
Hanoi to Lao Cai, Train #SP7 Deluxe Sleeper 4x, Chapa Express, May 6, 2026
NG
Nikhil G
Overall experience was really good! The cleanliness was good and Train timing is just perfect!
Hanoi to Lao Cai, Train Private Cabin for 2, Family Express, Apr 30, 2026
E
Etiennette
Maybe choose another place very near the Opera house for the pick up because while waiting on the steps front of opera it was very very hot
Hanoi to Lao Cai, Van VIP 9, Eco Sapa Limousine (Eco Sapa Limousine), Apr 30, 2026
4.4
787 customer reviews
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Hanoi to Lao Cai Schedule

TypeOperatorClassDeparture TimeArrival TimePriceRating
Bus
Sapa Discovery Travel
VIP 20
00:00
04:00
$15.18
Bus
Sao Viet
Sleeper
00:19
05:04
$9.48
Bus
Futa Ha Son
Limousine 24
00:45
05:25
$13.66
Bus
Futa Ha Son
Limousine 24
04:30
11:25
$15.93
Bus
Sao Viet
VIP Cabin
05:00
10:00
$12.52
  2.0
Bus
Sao Viet
Sleeper
05:16
11:01
$9.48
  2.0
Bus
To Vietnam Travel
Cabin 22
05:45
11:45
$20.87
Bus
Sao Viet
VIP Cabin
06:01
11:01
$12.52
  2.0
Bus
King Express Bus
Sleeper
06:20
11:50
$5.84
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
$11.95
  4.5
Bus
Sao Viet
VIP Cabin
07:16
11:31
$11.76
Bus
Phuc Lam Limousine
Limousine 11
07:35
11:20
$15.18
Van
Phuc Lam Limousine
Van 9pax
07:55
11:40
$15.18
Bus
Techbus VN JSC
VIP 20
08:15
14:15
$15.18
  5.0
Bus
Sao Viet
Sleeper
08:31
14:01
$9.48
Bus
Phong Khanh
Limousine 34
08:47
14:57
$11.38
Bus
Sao Vang
Sleeper
09:10
13:40
$9.48
Bus
HK Sapa Open Tour
Upper Single Cabin
09:30
16:00
$11.95
  4.5
Bus
Sao Viet
Sleeper
09:50
14:35
$9.48

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 Train ticket is the most expensive option - it will cost you about USD 170.17. If you want to save on transportation, it’s better to take a bus as a bus ticket costs as low as USD 10.32.

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 Sapa Dragon Express: travelling by bus expect to pay as low as USD 10.32 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 USD 170.17.

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

  • Bus tickets - USD 10.32 to USD 25.20;
  • Bus+taxi price: USD 10.43. From Hanoi to Lao Cai starting from 07:00 Hoan Kiem until 22:00 Hoan Kiem
  • Van price : USD 14.61 - USD 21.62;
  • Train tickets - USD 20.60 to USD 170.17;
  • Bus+Van price: USD 27.83. From Hanoi to Lao Cai starting from 06:35 Hanoi Opera House until 14:45 Hanoi Opera House
  • Train+Van price: USD 34.87 - USD 174.55. From Hanoi to Lao Cai starting from 22:00 Hanoi until 22:40 Hanoi
  • taxi+Train price: USD 60.66 - USD 95.07. From Hanoi to Lao Cai starting from 21:35 Hanoi until 22:00 Hanoi
  • Train+taxi price: USD 60.66 - USD 95.07. 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 91.05 to USD 379.38.

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 06:00 - you can also take a bus as late as 23:30. There are 67 available bus trips every day.
  • Trains always run on a set schedule - there are 43 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 USD 91.05.

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.
  • 10% 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 Departure6:00 AM
Latest Departure11:30 PM
Departures per day110
Distance200 kilometers
Transport CompaniesApril Adventure, Asian Bus Travel, Chapa Express, Daiichi Travel, Daily Limousine, Damitrans, Dichung, Eco Sapa Limousine, Family Express, Fanxipan Express, GreenLion Bus, Grouptour, Halong Transportation, Hanoi VIP Transfer, Inter Bus Lines, King Express Bus, King Sapa Train, Laman Express, Linh Chau Transport, Mui Ne Private Car, Muine Express, NewLivitrans Express, OUROS Travel, Saigon DMC, Sapa Dragon Express, Sapa Express, Sapaking Limousine, Sapaly Express Train, Taxigo vn, Tiim Group, Vicsapa Train, Viet Technologies Travel, Vietnam Rail, Violette Trains