5 Ways to Travel from Hanoi to Sapa that Tourists Should Know
Meta: Pocket 5 most popular ways to travel from Hanoi to Sapa: Time, ticket prices to choose the best method for yourself.
Traveling from Hanoi to Sapa has never been easier with various means of transportation, quick travel times, and a frequency of 15 minutes per trip. Keep in mind the choice of vehicles and simple booking with easybook for a wonderful journey experience.
Introduction to Sapa
Sapa - Lao Cai is one of the most attractive tourist destinations in Northern Vietnam. Every year, it attracts millions of visitors, not only domestic tourists but also international ones.
Sapa is currently a top-rated tourist destination.
Sapa, in the eyes of tourists, is known for its majestic Northwest mountains and friendly people. When tourists come to Sapa, they enjoy a very comfortable atmosphere, free from dust and pollution. Situated at an altitude of 1,500 meters above sea level, the temperature here remains around 18-20 degrees Celsius throughout the year, and during winter, you even have the chance to experience snow on the peak of Fansipan.
Due to this elevation, the city always conceals itself in a mysterious mist, creating a profoundly mystical atmosphere. This is also the reason why the city is often referred to as the "City in the Mist."
How many kilometers is the distance between Hanoi and Sapa?
Hanoi is approximately 390 kilometers north of Sapa. This distance is quite considerable, but nowadays, transportation has become much more convenient and faster, especially with the Hanoi - Lao Cai expressway. Specifically:
Traveling on the Hanoi - Lao Cai expressway, which is 320 kilometers long, is the shortest and fastest route.
Traveling along National Highway 70, which passes through the Northwest provinces, covers a distance of about 390 kilometers.
Traveling along National Highway 32, which runs through Mù Cang Chải, covers a distance of approximately 455 kilometers.
Depending on the schedule, mode of transportation, and preferences, tourists can choose the route that best suits their needs.
The distance from Hanoi to Sapa is approximately 390 kilometers.
Popular Means of Transportation from Hanoi to Sapa
There are various ways for tourists to travel from Hanoi to Sapa, each mode of transportation having its own characteristics. The choice entirely depends on factors such as travel time, cost, safety, and comfort.
Traveling by Bus
Taking a bus to Sapa is the most common form of transportation, with dozens of bus companies currently operating on this route. Most buses run on the Hanoi - Lao Cai expressway due to its short distance and convenient traffic conditions.
It takes only 6-7 hours to reach Sapa from bus stations such as My Dinh, Nuoc Ngam, and Giap Bat. The travel time may vary depending on the traffic density in Hanoi city center. With a large number of buses operating from Hanoi to Sapa, tourists can easily catch a bus at almost any time throughout the day.
Buses with good quality are chosen by many tourists.
There are various ticket classes for buses that tourists can choose from, including sleeper buses, cabins, limousines, etc. The journey to Sapa involves many curves, steep slopes, and a relatively long travel time, so many tourists may feel tired. Therefore, opting for high-quality buses can help alleviate fatigue.
Bus companies traveling to Sapa offer good service quality at affordable prices, including options like Daily Limousine, Duc Duong Bus, etc. Ticket prices start from 190,000 VND per one-way trip for sleeper seats, equipped with amenities such as drinks, air conditioning, blankets, and power outlets.
Traveling to Sapa by Taxi
If you value privacy or are traveling in a group, consider hiring a taxi. Taxis are a familiar mode of transportation in Vietnam, favored by foreign tourists for their convenience, speed, and privacy. However, given the long distance to Sapa, the cost can be significant. When traveling in a group, the expenses can be more balanced. Taking a taxi allows tourists to choose rest stops, admire scenic views, and explore local cuisine along the way.
Renting a Car to Sapa
If you prefer the convenience of a taxi but want to drive yourself and explore, you can rent a car for a self-driven experience. Renting a car gives you control over pick-up points, stopping times, and destinations. When in Sapa, you have the freedom to move around different attractions. This option can also save you money on transportation.
However, the road to Sapa is challenging with many twists, turns, and steep inclines. Therefore, you need to be confident in your driving skills. It's advisable to bring along friends who can take turns driving.
Motorcycle Journey from Hanoi to Sapa
Many tourists choose to travel by motorcycle from Hanoi to Sapa to fully explore the provinces and satisfy their passion for adventure. The motorcycle journey can be very exciting when done in a group of like-minded enthusiasts.
Traveling by train takes approximately 12 - 14 hours.
Traveling by motorcycle can take 12 - 14 hours, and it may be longer if you take breaks at various points. Tourists only need to cover the cost of fuel, motorcycle rental, and meals at rest stops. Choosing a motorbike adventure to Sapa requires good health, endurance for long journeys, and experienced riders who can handle long and challenging mountainous roads. Without proper preparation, the trip can be dangerous and may provide a completely different experience than expected.
Train to Sapa
Trains are an interesting means of transportation that tourists visiting Vietnam should not overlook. Trains have their own dedicated routes, so there are no issues with delays, traffic congestion, and they are extremely safe. Trains are suitable for long journeys, allowing passengers to rest comfortably.
The travel time by train takes around 8 - 9 hours, and if you prefer to rest, choosing a night train is advisable. If you want to enjoy the scenery along the way, morning trains are a good option. The latest updated train ticket prices from Hanoi to Sapa are as follows:
- Hard seat: 150,000 VND per passenger.
- Soft seat: 280,000 VND per passenger.
- 6-bed cabin: 480,000 VND per passenger.
- 4-bed cabin: 560,000 VND per passenger.
- Deluxe 2-bed cabin: 3,200,000 VND per passenger.
Train ticket prices may vary depending on the booking time and location, but the difference in price is not significant. It is recommended to book train tickets in advance to avoid sold-out situations and price increases.
Booking Tickets to Hanoi to Sapa with Easybook
Each method of travel from Hanoi to Sapa has its own advantages and disadvantages. Travelers need to balance their itinerary, costs, and personal health to choose the most suitable transportation option. Regardless of the chosen mode of transportation, it is advisable to book tickets in advance to avoid situations of sold-out tickets and price hikes.
Easybook is a leading online ticket booking website that makes it easy to book bus tickets, train tickets, and car rentals. Easybook collaborates with various transportation providers, providing up-to-date information on schedules, pick-up points, available seats, and ticket prices. With just a few simple steps, travelers can successfully book tickets without worrying about price increases or additional fees.
