Hanoi to Sapa Lao Cai

Hanoi to Sapa Lao Cai

Hanoi
Sapa Lao Cai
Wed, Nov 26
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Hanoi to Sapa Lao Cai Destination Reviews

C
We paid top price for a 2 berth VIP cabin on the Damatrans. We did not receive the correct cabin that we paid for. We in formed the staff onboard immediately and showed them the booking and photos of our booked cabin, but they were of no assistance and didn't care. Infact they used Google translated to tell us "your cabin is being repaired". The cabin they supplied was low quality. Infact the tiolet amenities were so bad that we couldn't step into the bathroom area at all.
Hanoi to Sapa Lao Cai, Train VIP Cabin with twin beds, Damitrans, Nov 23, 2025
FM
The chapa express cabin we booked was replaced with fansipan cabin due to some issue at that time but still nothing has changed for us as the ride was very comfortable. The lounge, the service provided, welcome drinks, fruits, snacks and the clean beds and toilets really made our trip enjoyable and comfortable. We even thought why couldnt we take train everytime during our travel in vietnam.
Hanoi to Sapa Lao Cai, Train #SP7 Deluxe Sleeper 4x, Chapa Express, Nov 18, 2025
DB
Someone, Send Me The tickets via WhatsApp and Ask me of Everything was OK ?
Hanoi to Sapa Lao Cai, Train Shared Suite Cabin, King Sapa Train, Nov 10, 2025
ZB
We booked a Deluxe Sleeper class with Chapa Express, but what we got was not at all what was ordered. We were placed in a coach numbered 12A, which was not branded as Chapa like the other coaches (e.g. 12, 14). It was much older, the room was not as shown in the photos, the toilets were smelly, and there was no WiFi available. And worst of all, the suspension of this older coach was creeking and squeaking very loudly during the entire trip. We could hardly sleep due to the extreme noises during the entire ride. Steping into the adjacent Chapa coach, we could see it was nothing like ours. Much newer with much better rooms and toilets, and much much quiter. We paid for a deluxe sleeper and got a 2nd class sleeper at best. Upon reaching them by WhatsApp, they claim this simply their "deluxe" class. Bottom line, if you consider taking their "deluxe" class, better consider a modern sleeper bus instead...
Hanoi to Sapa Lao Cai, Train #SP3 Deluxe Sleeper 4x + Shuttle Bus, Chapa Express, Nov 9, 2025
ID
A good experience and quite comfortable. Bear in mind the train left 45mins early. Had to rush from the vip suite with the help of the kind staff
Hanoi to Sapa Lao Cai, Train #SP7 Deluxe Sleeper 4x, Chapa Express, Nov 7, 2025
SC
We had to collect the tickets at the station, and be there at least 45 minutes before. The Fanxipan rep didn't show until 20 minutes before so we were quite worried we wouldn't be able to travel.
Hanoi to Sapa Lao Cai, Train #SP3 Deluxe Cabin 4x, Fanxipan Express, Nov 5, 2025
SF
Overall not impressed with the service
Hanoi to Sapa Lao Cai, Train #SP3 Deluxe Sleeper 4x, Chapa Express, Nov 4, 2025
CG
driver didn‘t drive carefully
Hanoi to Sapa Lao Cai, Train #SP3 VIP Cabin 2x, Chapa Express, Oct 31, 2025
AS
Train is magical to spend a night. Old train but comfy. Wonderful experience
Hanoi to Sapa Lao Cai, Train #SP7 Deluxe Sleeper 4x, Chapa Express, Oct 30, 2025
LG
Not possible to change air conditioning, no individual control panel. Noisy, bed are nit very confortable. We arrived 1 hour late
Hanoi to Sapa Lao Cai, Train #SP7 Deluxe Shared 4x, NewLivitrans Express, Oct 28, 2025
4.4
559 customer reviews
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27%
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16%
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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
$22.77
Train
Lotus Train
VIP 2 Berth
21:35
05:25
$45.54
Train
Fanxipan Express
Deluxe Cabin 4x
22:00
05:55
$23.91
  3.9
Train
Laman Express
VIP Sleeper 4x
22:00
05:55
$29.60
  4.5
Train
Et Pumpkin
Deluxe Cabin 4x
22:01
06:01
$25.81
  2.0
Train
Lotus Train
VIP 2 Berth
22:20
06:10
$45.54
Train
Lotus Train
VIP Sleeper 4x
22:20
06:10
$22.77
Train
Fanxipan Express
Deluxe Cabin 4x
22:30
06:25
$23.91
  3.9
Train
Vietnam Railways
1st Class Sleeper
22:36
05:55
$15.18
  3.5
Train
Vietnam Railways
1st Class Sleeper
22:36
05:55
$16.13
  3.5
Train
Chapa Express
Deluxe Sleeper 4x
22:40
06:40
$31.84
  4.5
Train
Damitrans
Cabin 4x
22:40
06:40
$24.67
  4.6
Train
Vietnam Railways
1st Class Sleeper
22:58
05:55
$20.64

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 day32
Distance213 kilometers
Transport CompaniesChapa Express, Charmy Express, Fanxipan Express, GreenLion Bus, Grouptour, Laman Express, Tiim Group, 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 145.29. If you want to save on transportation, it’s better to take a train as a train ticket costs as low as USD 29.88.

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 Fanxipan Express: travelling by train expect to pay as low as USD 29.88 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 145.29.

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

  • Van price : USD 12.60 - USD 16.20;
  • Bus tickets - USD 13.88 to USD 13.88;
  • Train tickets - USD 29.88 to USD 145.29;
  • Train+taxi price: USD 60.32 - USD 94.53. 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 32 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:

  • 86% users enjoyed a train ride.
  • 9% chosen Train+taxi
  • 4% opted for a van.
  • 1% Other