Hanoi to Lao Cai

Hanoi to Lao Cai

Hanoi
Lao Cai
Wed, Oct 22
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Hanoi to Lao Cai Destination Reviews

AK
We appreciated the snacks and water and it had a fairly large nice bathroom! We had great service - showed us to our rooms, offered us coffee for the morning, rooms were clean and left on time. Thank you!
Hanoi to Lao Cai, Train Shared Deluxe Cabin, King Sapa Train, Oct 19, 2025
FC
If there were hooks and small shelves on the cabin it would be perfect to put our clothes and stuff for the night. In the restroom, some hooks and shelves should be helpful too. The train is much more noisy than expected even without earplugs, and the cabine design of twin suite is really nice and cosy and bed really comfortable.
Hanoi to Lao Cai, Train #SP3 Suite Twin Cabin, Chapa Express, Oct 18, 2025
HH
The VIP lounge at Hanoi train station is too small to accommodate all the VIP travelers. But the service in the lounge is good. Train cabin is clean. The most amazing part is the toilet. It’s shared by passengers in 5 to 6 cabins but it’s always kept very clean and dry. The journey to Sapa can be quite bumpy. But it’s a nice experience.
Hanoi to Lao Cai, Train #SP7 Premium Cabin 2x, Chapa Express, Oct 18, 2025
MZ
During the train ride there was something nearly constantly banging and hammering against the train floor or walls, as if a part of the train was lose and now it was making those banging noises. The noise appeared so regularly and loudly that getting some sleep was nearly impossible. It could have been a nice ride because the rest was very good. But that noise really ruined it all.
Hanoi to Lao Cai, Train #SP7 Cabin 2x, NewLivitrans Express, Oct 16, 2025
FS
It was well organized and so sweet. Unfortunately the first room of an train section is a little louder. You should better bring yourself some eye blinds and use the ear blugs. Then it is also possible to sleep around 3 to 4 hours. Nice adaventure, felt like going to Hogwarts (Harry Potter)
Hanoi to Lao Cai, Train #SP7 VIP Cabin 2x, Chapa Express, Oct 13, 2025
MA
The train’s cabin was great! Big enough for the two of us. They kindly provided us with water, refreshments and snacks for our trip. The train was very bumpy, but we still could sleep great! The AC was so high we were almost freezing during the night, but some sweaters and extra blankets helped us through the trip. The toilet was small and smelled a little nasty but it was clean overall. The worst part was getting on the train. No information, no way to ask inside the railway station… we found a man who helped us finding our cabin after 15 minutes going back and forth through the station. Anyway, would recommend the trip for a full Vietnamese experience!
Hanoi to Lao Cai, Train #SP7 Suite 2x, NewLivitrans Express, Oct 13, 2025
AO
They dropped off me at the hotel where I reserved at Lao Cai.
Hanoi to Lao Cai, Bus Royal Cabin, Asian Bus Travel, Oct 12, 2025
PP
Lack of shower even though it said there was one
Hanoi to Lao Cai, Train #SP3 Deluxe Sleeper 4x, Chapa Express, Oct 11, 2025
PN
Best choice!
Hanoi to Lao Cai, Train Cabin 4x, Damitrans, Oct 11, 2025
NW
Very comfortable train journey between Hanoi and Lao Cai.
Hanoi to Lao Cai, Train #SP7 Cabin 2x, NewLivitrans Express, Oct 9, 2025
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492 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
$9.49
Bus
Futa Ha Son
Limousine 24
00:45
05:25
$13.67
Bus
Futa Ha Son
Limousine 24
04:30
11:25
$15.94
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
$15.18
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
$9.49
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.

Transportation from Hanoi to Lao Cai

Facts about the transport from Hanoi to Lao Cai

Cheapest Transport$9
Fastest Transport3h 45m
Earliest Departure12:00 AM
Latest Departure11:45 PM
Departures per day162
Distance188 kilometers
Transport CompaniesApril Adventure, Asian Bus Travel, Chapa Express, Charmy Express, Daiichi Travel, Daily Limousine, Damitrans, Dichung, 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, Linh Chau Transport, Muine Express, NewLivitrans Express, OUROS Travel, Saigon DMC, Sao Vang, Sapa Dragon Express, Sapaking Limousine, Taxigo vn, Tiim Group, Truly Hagiang, Viet Technologies Travel, 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 USD 145.36. If you want to save on transportation, it’s better to take a bus as a bus ticket costs as low as USD 8.42.

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 USD 8.42 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 145.36.

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

  • Bus tickets - USD 8.42 to USD 27.18;
  • 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 16.70 - USD 18.78;
  • Bus+Van price: USD 27.64 - USD 142.72. From Hanoi to Lao Cai starting from 00:00 Hanoi Old Quarter Transfer until 14:45 Hanoi Opera House
  • Train tickets - USD 28.69 to USD 145.36;
  • taxi+Train price: USD 60.70 - USD 95.13. From Hanoi to Lao Cai starting from 21:35 Hanoi until 22:00 Hanoi
  • Train+taxi price: USD 60.70 - USD 95.13. 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 91.11 to USD 379.62.

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 23:45. There are 118 available bus trips every day.
  • Trains always run on a set schedule - there are 44 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 91.11.

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:

  • 76% users enjoyed a train ride.
  • 10% chosen taxi+Train
  • 10% chosen Train+taxi
  • 2% decided to catch a taxi.
  • 1% Other