About Sapa Town

Sapa is a town in the highlands, a land of mist, quiet but hidden with many miracles of natural scenery. The natural landscape of Sa Pa is combined with the creativity of people along with the topography of the hills and the green of the forest, like a picture with a harmonious arrangement to create a beautiful land with beautiful scenery. poetic scenery

How to travel from Hanoi to Sapa:

Train from Hanoi to sapa

If you’re comfortable with traveling to Sapa using public transport, the most popular option is to take the overnight sleeper train from Hanoi.

There are pros and cons to taking the train. Overall, it’s a safe and reliable way to travel. Since you save on a night’s accommodation, it can also be budget-friendly.

There are several trains from Hanoi to Sapa every night (plus a few day services), all operated by state-run Vietnam Railways.

Each train has multiple carriages: Some are normal Vietnam Railways carriages, while other (more luxurious) carriages are operated by private companies (see the next section for more details).

The most basic and cheapest train tickets are for the regular Vietnam Railways carriages. This train is known as the Reunification Express.

From Hanoi to Sapa By bus

If you prefer to travel during daylight hours, there are several coach buses from Hanoi to Sapa.

People usually choose Sapa Express Bus for this route. It runs twice daily, departing Hanoi at 7 am and 3 pm and arriving in Sapa 5.5 hours later. This is a large sleeper bus with fully reclining seats.

A major advantage of choosing the bus over the train is that there’s no need to book a second transfer from Lao Cai. The bus goes all the way to Sapa, where it terminates at the Sapa Express Bus Station in the central town.

It’s a long journey, but there are two scheduled rest stops (roughly 10 minutes each) to use the bathroom and purchase drinks and snacks along the way.

From Hanoi to Sapa By taxi

This is the fastest and most comfortable way to travel, taking as little as 4.5 hours.

You can pre-book a private taxi online through our email: [email protected]

How long does it take to go from Hanoi to Sapa by train?

Considered the most beautiful and majestic place in the North, Sapa always attracts a large number of tourists around the year. If you like Sapa but have not experienced this beautiful place, let us share with you some ways to get there by tourist train.

The train is the oldest vehicle when traveling from Hanoi to Sapa. The experience of sitting on the train and watching the mountains and forests along the way to Sapa is an extremely interesting feeling. Do not rush through this article. Click here for more detailed information about the train schedule to Sapa.

The railway route from Hanoi to Sapa, Lao Cai

Hanoi – Lao Cai railway is an international railway connecting Hanoi with the Northwest midland and mountainous provinces. This route has existed since the French colonial rule over Vietnam more than 100 years ago

Hanoi railway station passes through the following provinces and cities: Hanoi – Vinh Phuc – Phu Tho – Yen Bai – Lao Cai. The train departs from Hanoi station, number 118 Le Duan, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi, the last stop at Lao Cai station is located at group 26A, Lao Cai city.

The whole route is about 296 km long, about 111 km of which are curved sections. Hanoi-Lao Cai railway also connects with China’s Kunming – Hekou railway.

Strictly speaking, trains only run from the center of Hanoi to Lao Cai city. From Lao Cai city to Sapa town, there is still about 35km of steep pass that must be traveled by car or motorbike. So the time from Hanoi to Sapa is a few hours, plus the travel time is about 1 hour.

How long does it take to travel from Hanoi to Sapa by train?

People used to get a night train from Hanoi to Sapa and this route takes about 8-10 hours depending on which train you choose.

Normal train

Train SP1: Departs at 21:35, and stops at Lao Cai station at 5:30 am the next morning. 8 hours conversion time.

Train SP3: Departs from 10 pm, and arrives at Lao Cai station at 6:05 am the next morning. How many hours to travel from Hanoi to Sapa is 8 hours.

Train LC3: Departs from 6:10 am, and arrives at Lao Cai station at 15:40 on the same day. Conversion time 9 hours 40 minutes.

The train tickets price follow to General railway of Vietnam:

• The hard seat price is 120.000 VND/ ticket

• Air-conditioned soft seat (car 1A): 155,000 VND/ticket. Particularly 8 seats from number 29th to number 36th in the middle of the car costs 165,000 VND.

• Air-conditioned sleeper: 1st bunk bed costs 415,000 VND/ticket. 2nd-floor price is 385,000 VND/ticket. The fourth compartment in the middle of the car costs 435,000 first bunk beds, 405,000-second bunk beds.

• The most expensive compartment is about 420.000 – 470.000 VND/ ticket

Luxury train:

King Express

King Express train is a famous means of transportation on the route Hanoi – Sapa.

You can choose this train to enjoy wonderful service like free ship ticket, clean carriage, five-star standard pillows, and trolley service with mineral water, tea, peanut candy, and cold towel,…. is served throughout the journey.

The train tickets price is about 850.000 VND/ ticket

Passengers will be able to choose 1 of the free services:

– Free shuttle bus ticket from Lao Cai Station to Sapa (or vice versa)

– From 2 guests who book round-trip tickets, free shuttle bus to the old town or 50% discount if guests use a car to pick up or drop off the airport.

– For guests who book round-trip tickets for Vip cabin, Vip Plus cabin, and Private Deluxe cabin, free shuttle to the old town or 1 round of airport pick-up/drop-off.

– Guests who do not use services 1, 2, 3 above will be reduced by 50,000 VND/person.

– Customers who book round-trip or one-way train tickets from Lao Cai to Hanoi. You will have more incentives such as discounts, a combo of Fansipan cable car service, a gift of 1 ticket to visit the Temple of Literature – Quoc Tu Giam or a discount of 30,000 VND/person.

Fansipan Express Train:

Fanxipan Express is one of the most advanced fleets specializing in serving tourists traveling from Hanoi railway station.

The fleet has 2 carriages, each car has 7 bedrooms, can accommodate from 2 to 4 people. All bedrooms are paneled with high-quality wood and high-class equipment such as: night light, reading light, two-way air-conditioner, luggage compartment, etc. With a scientific and luxurious design, the same mechanical system With modern and synchronous facilities, your trip will become much more cozy and comfortable.

There is also a mini bar in each carriage where you can enjoy wine and buy snacks. In addition, if you do not want to leave the room, you can ring the bell, the service staff will come to your place to serve you.

Note:

– The above price is for 1 person, including tax and service charge.

– 10% VAT.

– Ticket price does not include food on board.

– Free drinking water, cold towels.

– Free ticket delivery upon customer request.

– Children under 5 years old are free. From 5 to 12 years old, the ticket price is 75%.

– Train time and train price may change according to actual situation.

Victoria Express Train:

With the service standards of Victoria Express, passengers will enjoy a cozy and luxurious space with a noble classic European style.

A week, the Victoria Express fleet departs six times with a time of 8.5 hours to travel from Hanoi – Lao Cai Station and vice versa. Victoria Express has a total of 3 train cars (2 car seats, 1 luxury restaurant car). Each car has 07 rooms, each room is luxuriously designed with wooden walls that bring absolute silence and a large window with a beautiful view.

Passengers can comfortably enjoy the majestic mountains and forests on the way to Sapa and relax with wine, food and light music at the “Le Tonkin” restaurant cabin.

Important notes:

– Only guests booking at Victoria Sapa Resort can book Victoria Express train tickets.

– The above price is for 1 person including tax and service charge.

– Train time and train price may change according to actual situation.

– Ticket price does not include food on board.

– The restaurant car has a “buffet” menu or a set menu consisting of 4 dishes. Passengers need to order food at the time of train ticket registration.

– Child price: Children under 05 years old are free of charge; Children from 5 to 12 years old buy 75% of the total fare.

With regular train tickets, you can buy them in advance at the railway bureau’s website or directly at the ticket counter at the train station. For luxury train tickets, passengers must contact the airline for more details and ticket booking assistance.

Besides the train, you can also go by limousine to save some money from the station to the station and from Lao Cai city to Sapa town. Di Chung supports customers to book a limousine from Hanoi to Sapa with a commitment to the right price on time, the right car.

Chapa Express Train

The Chapa Express train is considered as one of the best trains from Hanoi to Sapa and vice versa with two deluxe carriages. Well-equipped cabins and beautiful designations make sure you have a good train ride.

• Having a separate washroom with two paneled-porcelain basins to wash hands.
• The VIP 2-berth cabin will always be arranged in the middle of the coach in order to give passengers wonderful and deep sleep.
• Travelers can take shower in the morning or evening at the Chapa lounge inside the Lao Cai train station for free.
• Offering breakfast, and dinner at Chapa lounge with the best price guaranteed.
• Besides the listed amenities, fruits are also served freely in the cabin.
• Very clean toilets and cabins.
• Professional and hospitable staff.

SPECIAL NOTE:

• Our price shown in USD per person for one way ticket
• VIP cabin/ cabin 2 berth must be bought in whole. A single person who travels in a VIP cabin must buy both tickets.
• Free of charge for children under 5-year-old sharing parent‘s existing berths
• Ticket price does not include meals on the train but include snack and drinks
• Restroom is not in cabin and only opened when the train runs
• VIP cabin 2 berths ( it is set up from cabin 4 berth – folding 2 upper berths )
• Suite cabin 2 berths ( there is only 2 berths in one cabin ) – upon request

How to travel on a budget?

Book ticket in advance:

To save money, you should book a ticket 1 month before traveling if you want to go during peak season when the demand is high. You can buy it directly at Hanoi Station or online through our website. CLICK HERE

Get a night train:

If you decide to go to Sapa by train, based on our realistic experience, we recommend going at night. And remember to arrive at the station before 9 p.m. The only disadvantage is you have to get another bus to go to Sapa.

Which type of ticket you should buy:

The bed: You can sleep comfortably but 1 compartment only has 4 beds, maybe 6 beds. So if you travel with your whole family or a large group of people, you should buy a whole compartment ticket.

 

Where should I buy a train ticket online:

At Trekking Tour Sapa, we provide an online booking service with easy to use. Just click here, then you will see a form booking. Just field every detail request in the form, then click book now.

You can pay by Credit Card or PayPal.

After we receive your booking, we will send you a confirmation with a ticket PDF, you just need to show the train company once you arrive at the train station, then enjoy your way to Sapa.

Where to go in Sapa:

Cat Cat Village – The place that has the beauty of the Northwest mountains:

Cat Cat village is known as a village with the beauty of the Northwest mountains. This village belongs to San Sa Ho commune, Sapa district. If you depart from Sapa town center to the gate of the village, it only takes about 2 km. In addition to traveling by personal means, visitors here can also walk to see the mountains and forests, and admire the whole beauty of the village from above.

After walking a long way around the village, the way back can be quite tiring. Therefore, if you are in poor health, you should ride a motorbike and park it at the gate of the village.

Cat Cat village has a unique culture with typical traditional architecture. The poetic scenery is also an attraction for young people to come here. As soon as you set foot at the main gate of the ancient village, you noticed the peacefulness of the scene here. Some places or activities visitors can explore here such as: Walking on the stone path, Rowing on streams, Check-in at attractive places, …

>>> Ticket price: Tickets to Cat Cat village cost 50,000 VND/person. The ticket price for motorbike parking is 10,000 VND / unit. The price for renting ethnic clothes is 50,000 VND/person.

Ta Phin Village:

Ta Phin village is one of the must-go places in Sapa. This is a village in Sapa district, Lao Cai province. The village is about 12 km from the town center to the northwest. Ta Phin village attracts tourists by its fresh natural landscape mixed with wild and rustic features along with a culture imbued with national identity.

Coming to this place, you will discover and learn about daily life as well as the customs and habits of the ethnic minorities. The famous rituals that create the identity of this land such as: Bai Tram dance to catch the three, wedding ceremony, love song,… Besides, Ta Phin village is also famous for its brocade products. Extremely sophisticated design. This is also a very suitable choice for visitors to bring home as gifts for friends and relatives!

>>> Ticket price: 40,000 VND / ticket for adult, 20,000 VND / ticket for child.

Sapa heaven gate:

One of the next tourist attractions in Sapa is Heaven’s Gate. Sapa Heaven Gate is a very famous tourist destination located on the top of O Quy Ho Pass with an altitude of 2035m above sea level. Heaven Gate is 18km from Sapa town. Visitors who want to get here must pass O Quy Ho pass with a distance of up to 50 km. However, this place is always crowded with tourists, especially young people who want to experience and explore.

If you do not want to travel by motorbike because the road is difficult, you can go by motorbike taxi or taxi to Ton station. Then you need to buy a cable car ticket to get to the sky gate. This form of transportation costs a lot more than traveling by motorbike, but it ensures absolute safety for you during the journey!

The journey to reach Sapa Heaven Gate is difficult. But when you come here, you will find it really worth it. Especially the surrounding mountain scenery, highlighted by the green forest. Seeing this immense, majestic beauty is enough to make you feel refreshed and like being immersed in nature.

>>> Ticket price: Adult ticket price 100,000 VND/person. Children ticket price 60,000 VND (1m – 1m4) Children under 1m are free

This is a prominent destination and often included in package tours. So you can easily book these tours and visit this place in your itinerary.

Y Linh Ho Village – The wild beauty of the Northwest mountains

To get to Y Linh Ho village, from Sapa town, visitors go in the direction of Lao Chai village. After going through Lao Chai village about 3km at the foot of the slope. Visitors will see the wild and poetic silhouette of Y Linh Ho village on the mountainside.

Y Linh Ho Village attracts tourists by its wild and poetic beauty. The village is surrounded by Hoang Lien Son mountain range. Along with that are streams, terraced fields, upland fields… Inside the village are houses made from primitive bamboo and cork with simple and close features of the people here.

Lao Chai Village

From Sapa town, visitors who want to go to Lao Chai – Ta Van village can move in the direction of Cau May and Muong Hoa streets. Then continue to follow the trail at Y Linh Ho hill to pass Lao Chai. If you choose to walk, it will take you more than three hours to travel from town to this place. You can also use motorbikes and cars if traveling with family or relatives.

Coming to Ban Lao Chai – Ta Van, visitors will be attracted by the unusually quiet space. The most prominent is still the terraced fields of rice cultivation, large crops and spread across the hillsides.

Especially, if you go to the right harvest, i.e. around April or September of the year. Visitors will have the opportunity to admire a majestic landscape of mountains and forests along with ripe rice fields on terraced fields. All create a colorful picture of nature.

>>> Train tickets price: 75,000 VND/adult, 50,000 VND/child (children under 1m are free).

O Quy Ho Pass

It is no coincidence that O Quy Ho Pass is known as the King of Northwest Pass. The pass is known as the largest and most beautiful pass in Sapa. This is also the longest pass of the Northwest mountains. Although the road is zigzag and dangerous, O Quy Ho Pass becomes an ideal check-in place for all visitors to Sapa. Therefore, if you go to pass by motorbike, you need to be very careful.

With an altitude of up to 2000m above sea level. Standing on O Quy Ho pass looking down, you can almost see the whole scene at the foot of the pass. From here, visitors can see the Hoang Lien Son range or Fansipan peak submerged in the fanciful mist and full of poetic beauty.

Fansipan

Fansipan is the highest mountain in Vietnam, and also the highest mountain in the three Indochinese countries, so it is dubbed the “Roof of Indochina”. Fansipan mountain is 3,143 m high above sea level, located in the center of Hoang Lien Son range, at the border between Lai Chau and Lao Cai provinces.

Since the Fansipan – Sun World Fansipan Legend cable car system was opened in February 2016, many people’s dream of conquering the roof of Indochina has come true. It’s so easy now. This type can be for all ages from the elderly to children, it only takes less than an hour for visitors to conquer Fansipan peak thanks to the cable car system certified to win 2 Guinness records.

FAQ about the train from Hanoi to Sapa

1. What is the best way to get from Hanoi to Sapa?

The best way to get from Hanoi to Sapa is by car. It is a 4-hour drive, so it is relatively quick and easy. The roads are well maintained, making it a safe option for travelers. Along the way, you can enjoy beautiful views of the rolling hills and terraced fields in the region.

2. How long does the train ride take?

The train ride from Hanoi to Sapa typically takes around 8 – 9 hours, depending on the service you are using. The journey is divided into two parts: the first part is a 6-hour long trip that takes you through the stunning terraced fields of Lao Cai, before arriving in Lao Cai station.

3. What is the cost of a train ticket?

The cost of a train ticket from Hanoi to Sapa depends on the type of service you choose. The slowest and most economical train is the SE19, which costs around $25USD for a one-way ticket. If you are looking for something faster, there are SE5 and SE7 express trains that cost between 35$ – 120$.

4. How do I book a train ticket?

You can book a train ticket from Hanoi to Sapa in a few different ways. You can go to the railway station in Hanoi and purchase a ticket there, or you can buy one online at our website here, or email us via [email protected] . Once you have completed the purchase, you will receive an email with your tickets attached as PDF files.

5. What is the schedule for trains from Hanoi to Sapa?

The schedule for trains from Hanoi to Sapa varies, depending on the service. The SP3 train runs daily and departs from Hanoi at 21:30., arriving in Lao Cai station at approximately 5:55 AM. From there, you can continue your journey to Sapa Town by minibus or taxi. You can check out the schedule here for more information on train times and the availability of services here [email protected]

6. Are there sleeper cars on the train?

Yes, some of the trains from Hanoi to Sapa offer sleeper cars. These cars provide passengers with a comfortable and private space for the duration of the journey. The beds are equipped with pillows and blankets, as well as amenities such as reading lights and power sockets.

7. Are there any other tips for taking the train from Hanoi to Sapa?

When taking the train from Hanoi to Sapa, it is important to book in advance as tickets can sell out quickly, especially during peak season. It is also advisable to arrive at the station early, as trains may depart before the scheduled time and you don’t want to miss your ride. Additionally, be aware that some trains may not have air conditioning and it can get quite hot during the summer months.

Sapa is magically beautiful and is a beautiful landscape picture, so this place has been visited by many tourists, immersing themselves in the nature here. So if you are too tired with this stress, this pressure, why don’t you have a day off and enjoy yourself in this wonderful city.