Hanoi to Sapa Lao Cai

Hanoi to Sapa Lao Cai

Hanoi
Sapa Lao Cai
Sat, Aug 2
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Hanoi to Sapa Lao Cai Destination Reviews

C
Big time scam. Were placed in a different train. On a practical empty train. Could not sit next to each other. The employee at the train wanted 200.000 for us to sit next to each other. Because my girlfriend has anxiety we didnt had a choice but to pay. The employee came silently to our cabin when no other employees were working. To get his money. Also we booked bottom beds, but get top beds. With no refund or compensation for the difference from 12go. On top the employee on the train did some side hustles so they knock on your door for minivans, taxis and other stuff where they get an kickback fee for.
Hanoi to Sapa Lao Cai, Train 4 beds cabin, Vietnam Rail, Jul 29, 2025
JA
We were changed to a different service than the one offered by Chapa, and it was definitely the oldest and least maintained wagon on the whole train. The wagon was noisy (not the track), and you could see the lack of maintenance all over the place. That said, it was quite an experience, though it was impossible to sleep.
Hanoi to Sapa Lao Cai, Train #SP3 VIP Cabin 2x, Chapa Express, Jul 25, 2025
MK
Clean cabins but very warm and noisy, made it almost impossible to sleep. I am 192 cm tall, the beds are much shorter.
Hanoi to Sapa Lao Cai, Train Cabin 4x, Damitrans, Jul 22, 2025
SB
The trip was great but the travel time on the prenotation was top short and we arrive 1 hour later
Hanoi to Sapa Lao Cai, Bus Royal Cabin, Asian Bus Travel, Jul 20, 2025
NR
The organisation was great, the lounge was lovely, and the train was equally lovely a d also very clean. The only downside was that the A/C didn't seem to be working properly, so for the people sleeping in the lower berths felt like they were inside a sauna, couldn't sleep at all unfortunately. Everything else was great, so would definitely give it another go 😊
Hanoi to Sapa Lao Cai, Train #SP3 Deluxe Sleeper 4x, Chapa Express, Jul 16, 2025
EL
We had a wonderful experience travelling on the Chapa carriage from Hanoi to Sapa. We enjoyed the scenery and the complimentary drinks and snacks. We all had a good sleep and felt refreshed in the morning to go sight seeing in Sapa.
Hanoi to Sapa Lao Cai, Train #SP3 Deluxe Sleeper 4x, Chapa Express, Jul 15, 2025
MB
Train very noisy but cabins are great!
Hanoi to Sapa Lao Cai, Train #SP3 Deluxe Sleeper 4x, Chapa Express, Jul 15, 2025
FA
Well prepared and excellent service from staff at check in. Comfortable Berths and great snacks.
Hanoi to Sapa Lao Cai, Train #SP3 Suite Twin Cabin, Chapa Express, Jul 15, 2025
JS
A cool experience to travel from Hanoi to Sapa. it was a bit noisy, but that is to be expected. They gave us ear plugs to help ❤️
Hanoi to Sapa Lao Cai, Train #SP3 Deluxe Sleeper 4x, Chapa Express, Jul 12, 2025
E
A bit difficult, uncomfortable, costly and inconvenient for average seniors like me. I would prefer a hotel stay. But a fun, adventurous and exciting trip for most younger travelers, I believe. No paper ticket was given or required. Small charge for morning coffee. No lift or elevator available to access train. Must use stairs with luggage (or perhaps special request special help with luggage transfer to train).
Hanoi to Sapa Lao Cai, Train #SP7 Suite 2x, NewLivitrans Express, Jul 12, 2025
4.4
328 customer reviews
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49%
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26%
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15%
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9%
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Hanoi to Sapa Lao Cai Schedule

TypeOperatorClassDeparture TimeArrival TimePriceRating
Train
King Sapa Train
Shared Suite Cabin
00:00
08:00
$28.44
  4.8
Train
King Sapa Train
Shared Suite Cabin
00:00
08:00
$28.59
  4.8
Train
Lotus Train
VIP Sleeper 4x
21:35
05:25
$22.90
Train
Lotus Train
VIP 2 Berth
21:35
05:25
$45.80
Train
Laman Express
VIP Sleeper 4x
22:00
05:55
$29.77
  4.5
Train
Fanxipan Express
Deluxe Cabin 4x
22:00
05:55
$25.25
  4.0
Train
Et Pumpkin
Deluxe Cabin 4x
22:01
06:01
$26.99
Train
Lotus Train
VIP 2 Berth
22:20
06:10
$45.80
Train
Lotus Train
VIP Sleeper 4x
22:20
06:10
$22.90
Train
Fanxipan Express
Deluxe Cabin 4x
22:30
06:25
$25.25
  4.0
Train
Fanxipan Express
Deluxe Cabin 4x
22:30
06:25
$24.04
Train
Vietnam Railways
1st Class Sleeper
22:36
05:55
$15.27
  3.5
Train
Vietnam Railways
1st Class Sleeper
22:36
05:55
$16.22
  3.5
Train
Chapa Express
Deluxe Sleeper 4x
22:40
06:40
$34.31
  4.6
Train
Damitrans
Cabin 4x
22:40
06:40
$24.86
  4.6
Train
Vietnam Railways
1st Class Sleeper
22:58
05:55
$20.76

Transportation from Hanoi to Sapa Lao Cai

Facts about the transport from Hanoi to Sapa Lao Cai

Cheapest Transport$13
Fastest Transport4h 15m
Earliest Departure6:30 AM
Latest Departure11:00 PM
Departures per day33
Distance213 kilometers
Transport CompaniesChapa Express, Charmy Express, Damitrans, Et Pumpkin, Family Express, Fanxipan Express, GreenLion Bus, Grouptour, King Sapa Train, Laman Express, NewLivitrans Express, Tiim Group, Vicsapa Train, Violette Trains

How to get from Hanoi to Sapa Lao Cai

When you want to get from Hanoi to Sapa 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 Train+taxi 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 226.10. If you want to save on transportation, it’s better to take a train as a train ticket costs as low as USD 28.84.

How far is Hanoi from Sapa Lao Cai?

If you’re traveling by land, it’s important to know the distance from Hanoi to Sapa Lao Cai. Your trip will be a total of 133 miles (213 km). The flying distance is 133 miles (213 km).

How long does it take to get from Hanoi to Sapa Lao Cai?

The travel time from Hanoi to Sapa 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 Sapa Lao Cai?

The cost of the trip from Hanoi to Sapa Lao Cai varies according to what means of transport you choose for your journey. The most affordable operator is King Sapa Train: travelling by train expect to pay as low as USD 28.84 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 226.10.

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

  • Van price : USD 12.67 - USD 16.28;
  • Bus tickets - USD 13.95 to USD 13.95;
  • Train tickets - USD 28.84 to USD 226.10;
  • Train+taxi price: USD 60.61 - USD 94.99. From Hanoi to Lao Cai starting from 21:35 Hanoi until 22:00 Hanoi

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

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

  • Trains always run on a set schedule - there are 33 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.

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 Sapa Lao Cai

How to choose the most convenient way of travel from Hanoi to Sapa 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:

  • 88% users enjoyed a train ride.
  • 8% chosen Train+taxi
  • 3% opted for a van.
  • 1% Other