Sapa is one of the most popular tourist spots in Vietnam because of its stunning natural beauty. In Sapa, some of the best things to do include going on hikes through the area's breathtaking valleys, exploring the region's traditional communities, and staying in homestays. Sapa is most conveniently accessible from either Hanoi or Lao Cai. Find out how to get from Hanoi to Sapa via rail, bus, and other modes of transportation with the help of this article. 

Distance from Hanoi to Sapa

Located 38 kilometers from Lao Cai city, Sapa is a small town in the mountains of northern Vietnam, that sits at an elevation of between 1500 and 1650 meters. Sun and moderate temperatures make the months of February through May ideal for a trip to Sapa.

Sapa, with its breathtaking rice terraces, is a stunning destination for its natural and cultural attractions. More than 80% of the population is comprised of people of different races. Learning about their culture and way of life is fascinating in and of itself.

It is approximately 3 hours and 38 minutes to travel the 191 miles (308 kilometers) from Hanoi to Sapa, assuming average traffic conditions.

There is no airport near Sapa and it is very close to the Chinese border. Only by bus, private transfer, or a combination of train and van is Sapa accessible.

How to get to Sapa from Hanoi

Private cars, trains, and buses run frequently from Hanoi to Sapa, which is located around 320 kilometers (km) away.

​​​​​​Hanoi to Sapa By Bus

• Duration: 6 hours.

• Pricing: 160.00 VND - 180.000 VND

The bus is the quickest way to get from Hanoi to Sapa. The Noi Bai - Lao Cai Express route does the trip in around 6 hours.

Bus tickets between Hanoi and Sapa can be reserved online with firms including Sapa Express, Group Tour, and Sao Viet.

You'll get a free water bottle and log onto the plane's Wi-Fi network as soon as you board. Arrive at the airport at least 30 minutes before departure to complete check-in.

>>> See more: Sapa travel tips 

Hanoi to Sapa by Train + Bus

• Duration: 8 hours (Train) + 1 hour (Bus)
• Pricing:  600.000 VND - 700.000 VND

One of the most hassle-free and cost-effective ways to travel from Hanoi to Sapa is aboard the night train.

Daily trains run by Vietnam Railways connect Hanoi with Lao Cai Railway station. The cheapest tickets are $30.

The trip often takes that long. Depending on when you leave, the night train will get you there between 5:30 and 6 in the morning.

From Lao Cai, you can take a bus or a private car to Sapa. Traveling by bus from Lao Cai to Sapa takes around an hour due to the distance of 30 kilometers.

The Sapa Private by Trains

One of the suggested activities is taking a tourist train or a private train from Hanoi to Sapa. The quality of the service has increased, and the cars have been upgraded.

Victoria Express is the most opulent of the private train companies, such as Violette Trains, Fanxipan Express, King Express, Orient Express, Sapaly Express, Chapa Express, and New Livitrans Express.

Passengers have the option of choosing between two and four beds in each cabin. Per-person rates might begin at $30,000 (or 750,000 VND).

Online booking allows you to choose your seat or berth. When compared to sitting, a berth is far superior and more relaxing.

Travel advice for getting to Sapa by rail

• Train tickets from Hanoi to Sapa can be reserved up to three months in advance. Tickets go on sale two days before a flight.
• The mattresses are fairly comfortable, with each passenger receiving a pillow and blanket.
• You can buy refreshments on the ship.
• You must print out the ticket to use it. There's an important message for you below.

Notice of Tickets

• Your e-ticket for Vietnam Railways, New Livitrans Express, or Violette Train will be provided to you through email and may be printed out and presented at the train station.
• You will receive a voucher via email for private railway firms including Victoria Express, Fanxipan Express, King Express, Orient Express, Sapaly Express, and Chapa Express bookings; the physical ticket can then be collected at the station.

Children's reserved seating

• Children under the age of six are permitted to ride for free and sit on an adult's lap without a separate ticket.
• Children aged 6 through 10 pay half price for tickets.
• All children under the age of 10 are required to be accompanied by an adult at check-in and departure.

Hanoi to Sapa by private car

The distance from Hanoi to Sapa is around 320 kilometers, and the trip should take about six hours through the Hanoi - Laocai route. Or, if we go through the province of Lai Chau and add another hundred kilometers to our journey, we will have the opportunity to cross two of Vietnam's most difficult mountain passes: Khau Pha Pass and O Quy Ho Pass.

There are plenty of places to pull over and enjoy the scenery with a cup of coffee. If you go first thing in the morning, you'll have more time to take it easy and take pictures. Your driver will meet you in the hotel lobby at your scheduled pick-up and drop-off times.

Terraced fields, numerous stunning scenery, and spectacular passes may all be seen on the journey from Hanoi to Sapa. That's the kind of thrilling adventure you won't soon forget. 

Hanoi to Sapa by motorbike

The following paths are available for cyclists:

• Route 1 (Direction of Lao Cai): Hanoi – Vinh Phuc – Viet Tri – Phong Chau – Doan Hung – Yen Bai – Lao Cai – Sapa. The total distance is about 360km.
• Route 2 (Direction of Lai Chau): Hanoi – Hoa Lac – Son Tay – Thanh Son – Along Highway 32 – Sapa The total distance is about 420km.

You should use caution while traveling along these routes due to their length and the high volume of traffic.

Because motorcycles are not permitted to cross the highway, you will need to take either National Highway 7 or 32, which is a longer but safer alternative.

It takes roughly 400 kilometers, or 10–12 hours, to reach Sapa by car. There are several mountains, passes, rivers, and streams along the road to Sapa, which adds to the potential journey duration.

What to Do in Sapa

Sapa is a town in the Hoang Lien Son Mountains in Northwestern Vietnam. Beautiful terraced rice terraces in Vietnam's Muong Hoa Valley make Sapa a popular trekking base.

The 3,143-meter-tall Fansipan Peak may be accessed via cable car from Sapa.

Spend at least three days here to fully appreciate the area's natural splendor and cultural offerings. We advise going on a trekking tour through Sapa. 

Because of its stunning natural beauty, the town of Sapa is a dream destination for adventurers. Booking a trip from Hanoi to Sapa is a great idea if you're going to be spending your vacation there. If you're wondering how to get from Hanoi to Sapa, the information above should be helpful.

>>> See more: Sapa tour 2 days from Hanoi