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If you’re planning to travel from Hanoi to Sapa by train, this guide is for you! The train is an affordable and comfortable way to reach the beautiful rice terraces of Sapa from Hanoi! Whether you’re a solo traveler, a family, or traveling with friends, you’ll find many overnight sleeper trains. In this transportation guide, you’ll find everything you need to know about getting from Hanoi to Sapa by train, including distance, traveling time, types of trains, train schedules, ticket costs, booking, and tips. Here we go!
Hoan Kiem Lake, Hanoi, Vietnam
Hanoi, the capital city of Vietnam, is located in the country’s northern region. The city has many wonderful museums, gorgeous Southeast Asian temples, lovely parks, and even lakes.
Some places worth visiting include the Hoan Kiem Lake, the Temple of Literature, the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, and the Old Quarter. You can have a fun time exploring the city during the day and trying local food at the night market at night. You can also find some amazing vegan restaurants in Hanoi if you are a plant-based foodie.
If you want to do something else after visiting Hanoi, I highly suggest traveling to Sapa to see the beautiful rice fields and mountain peaks!
→ Also read: How to Get From Hanoi Airport to The Old Quarter
SaPa is a little town surrounded by beautiful rice fields in northern Vietnam. It is located around 25 km south of the Chinese border and was first established as a Hill Station by the French in 1922. Sapa is home to several ethnic minority groups, including the Hmong and the Dao, who have their own unique culture and traditions.
Due to its high elevation, about 1,500 meters above sea level, the local climate in SaPa is colder than in other parts of Vietnam. During the winter season, temperatures can drop to almost zero degrees Celsius.
The main SaPa attractions are trekking through the beautiful rice fields and visiting its traditional towns. On your way, you’ll meet hill tribes dressed in cool traditional clothes.
Sapa is a popular destination in Vietnam, and you can get there from Hanoi, Ninh Binh, and Cat Ba. However, most routes will take you through Hanoi as the first stop. If you’re coming from Hanoi, you have several options to get to Sapa, including bus, van, or taxi. If you get carsick easily, the best and most comfortable option is taking a train from Hanoi.
→ Also read: Bus From Hanoi to Sapa: All You Need to Know
The distance between Hanoi and Sapa is around 320 kilometers (199 miles). The Hanoi-Lao Cai railway is an international railway connecting Hanoi with the Northwest midland and mountainous provinces. The train departs from Hanoi station at 120 Le Duan, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi, and the last stop is Lao Cai station, located at group 26A, Lao Cai city.
The Lao Cai Railway Station is the nearest railway station to Sapa, located about 35 kilometers (22 miles) away. The train journey from Hanoi to Sapa takes around 8 hours, with an additional hour of traveling from Lao Cai to Sapa town.
After arriving in Lao Cai, you can take a short bus ride to Sapa. The buses will be waiting for you in the station car park. You won’t have to wait long to get on a bus, and the ride is cheap and fast.
Before we go into the details of taking the train from Hanoi to Sapa, let’s first talk about the types of trains that you can travel in.
As a traveler, you can find numerous sleeper trains running from Hanoi to Lao Cai Railway Station. They are designated as SP1 and SP3. These sleeper trains are operated by Vietnam Railways and travel at night.
The night train is a comfortable and enjoyable way to travel, allowing you to get a good night’s sleep. The next morning, you can wake up in Lao Cai and transfer to a van or bus that will take you to SaPa in approximately 45 minutes.
Each overnight sleeper train has multiple carriages. The regular carriages are operated by Vietnam Railways and the luxurious carriages are operated by private companies.
These sleeper trains have different classes for travelers to choose from.
If you are tight on budget, you can travel to Sa Pa using the regular Vietnam Railway carriages. They are very economical and are also known as the Reunification Express. Vietnam Railways runs two overnight trains (SP1 and SP3) daily from Hanoi to Lao Cai.
SP1 leaves Hanoi at 9:35 pm and reaches Lao Cai at 5:30 am, while SP3 departs at 10 pm and arrives at 6 am the next morning. You can choose between hard or soft sleeper berths or regular seats. Train tickets from Hanoi to Sapa (Lai Cai) start at $16-$17.
If you want a luxurious and comfortable journey, you can book the luxury tourist trains. These luxurious tourist trains are added to the SP1 and SP3 trains of Vietnam Railways. They do not run separately.
Private companies, like Orient Express, Sapaly Express, and Fanxipan Express, rent some carriages on regular sleeper trains (SP1 and SP3) and change them into luxurious sleeping cars for tourists.
These carriages are designed especially for tourists and ensure better services and comfort throughout the journey. They are equipped with air conditioning, soft sleeper beds, and reading lights for your convenience. Fares for train tickets from Hanoi to Lao Cai (Sapa) start at $29-50 for sleeper luxury tourist trains.
Whether you’re looking for luxury or economy, you’ll be able to find a train that suits your preferences!
If you prefer a more luxurious train experience from Hanoi to Sapa, then many private companies to choose from. These companies offer different levels of comfort, amenities, and prices.
As said above, they are not separate trains but luxurious carriages added to SP1 and SP3. Here is a quick summary of the various train companies you can travel with.
Damitrans Train is an affordable and comfortable choice for the journey from Hanoi to Sapa. These sleeper trains offer a 4-berth 1st class cabin with complimentary drinks and snacks. Other amenities include comfortable beds, wooden furniture, and convenient washing rooms.
Laman Express (SP3) is a popular train service from Hanoi to Sapa. This sleeper train features comfortable cabins and friendly staff. It offers amenities like air conditioning and on-board meals.
You can choose between a sleeper 4-berth (deluxe) or a 2-berth (VIP) cabin. At the start of the journey, you’ll get a welcome set with a refreshing towelette, Hanoi beer, coke, water, and a sweet pastry.
New Livitrans Express is a popular and luxurious train service from Hanoi to Sapa. They have comfortable and deluxe sleeper 4-berth cabins, ensuring a pleasant travel experience.
Each carriage features a minibar. Other amenities include air conditioning, soft beds, on-board meals, and friendly services.
Fanxipan is a famous train service from Hanoi to Lao Cai. The company was named after the highest mountain in Indochina. The train has deluxe 4-berth or VIP 2-berth sleepers featuring wood-paneled decor, individual reading lights, and baggage storage.
You’ll also get on-board meals and panoramic windows. For traveler’s convenience, there is a private bathroom cabin at the end of each carriage.
Sapaly Express (SP3) is a popular tourist train service from Hanoi to Sapa. The train provides deluxe 4-berth or VIP 2-berth sleepers featuring wooden floors, elegant curtains, warm lighting, and luggage storage.
Other convenient amenities include air conditioning, soft beds, on-board meals, and helpful staff.
Chapa Express is another luxury train service that runs between Hanoi and Lao Cai (Sapa). It has VIP cabins with Spa-inspired interiors. As a passenger, you can enjoy exceptional services like air conditioning, WiFi, sleeping berths, and on-board meals, snacks, and drinks.
Once you’ve decided on the type of train and class for your journey, the next step is to book your ticket from Hanoi to Sapa. Before booking, make sure to check the train availability, schedules, and prices online through websites like 12GoAsia.
If you’re near the main Hanoi Railway Station, Ga Ha Noi, you can go there to book your tickets in person. The station is located on Le Duan Street. Note that there are two stations, A, and B.
Station A is easily recognizable with its imposing Soviet-style frontage. Station B is around the corner on Tran Quy Cap, but unless you’re heading north towards the Chinese border, you’ll be using Station A.
When you enter the main building of Station A, turn left to find the advance ticket booking desks. There, you’ll find a special desk for tourists, and the staff are usually very helpful.
If you want to save time, you can book your tickets online through local travel websites like 12GoAsia or directly from the Vietnam Railways. After booking, you’ll receive an email receipt and e-tickets that you can use to board the train. Make sure you arrive early, at least 30 minutes, to avoid any last-minute rush.
Whether you book through 12Go or go directly through Vietnam Railways, you must book your train tickets in advance, especially during peak tourist season when trains can get fully booked.
Many people choose to travel from Hanoi to Sapa by train since it is an affordable and convenient option. Here are the steps involved in making this journey:
Hanoi Railway Station is about a 20-minute walk or a 10-minute taxi ride from the Old Quarter if you stay near Hoan Kiem Lake. The easiest way to get from your hotel to Hanoi Railway Station is by taxi or Grab.
You can also take a local bus or a motorbike taxi (xe om), but these options can be a bit trickier if you’re not familiar with the city. Upon reaching the railway station, use the western side, Tran Quy Cap (Hanoi Train Station B), to enter, as most trains use this platform to depart from Hanoi to Sapa.
The next step is to take the night train from Hanoi to Lao Cai. The journey takes about 7-8 hours. The most popular trains are the SP1 and SP3, which depart Hanoi in the evening and arrive in Lao Cai early the next morning.
It’s a great thing to fall asleep on a train and wake up the next morning to find yourself at a new destination. If you’re on a road trip through Southeast Asia, I can also highly recommend taking the sleeper train from Chiang Mai to Bangkok or the other way around in Thailand!
Once you arrive at Lao Cai Railway Station, you can take a van or public bus to get to Sapa town center.
The van is a quick and easy way to get to Sapa from Lao Cai. It takes around 45 minutes and prices start at $3. You can find the vans outside the train station, but make sure you don’t get overcharged.
Alternatively, you can take the public bus#1, which is cheaper at around $1.20 (30,000 VND) but takes longer at about 1 hour. You can find the public buses across the station, at the end of the parking area.
Just be aware that some people might try to trick you by telling you there’s no public bus, so make sure you keep an eye out for the yellow-red buses. Once you arrive in Sapa, you can easily walk to many hotels in town or take a taxi if your accommodation is further away.
When you’re ready to head back to Hanoi from Sapa, hop on a local bus #2 (the red and yellow one) outside Sapa church to reach Lao Cai railway station. Remember, buses run throughout the day, and you can buy tickets in Sapa or online through 12Go.
You can board the night train (SP2 or SP4) from Lao Cai to Hanoi. These overnight sleeper trains depart from Lao Cai in the evening and arrive in Hanoi early the next morning. You can book tickets online through platforms like 12GoAsia or directly from Vietnam Railways. Prices are a bit lower for the return journey, starting at $16.
Here are some easy tips for traveling from Hanoi to Sapa by train!
→ Also read: Can You Drink Tap Water in Vietnam? Things to Know!
Sapa is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers. Whether you’re visiting Sapa for a day or a weekend getaway, you’ll find plenty of exciting things to do in the town. Here are some of the must-try activities!
One of the most popular things to do in Sapa is trekking through the lush green rice terraces! The terraces are located in the Muong Hoa Valley and are home to several ethnic minority villages. You can pick a half-day, full-day, or even a multi-day trek.
Many tourists prefer to go on guided treks with homestays in nearby villages like Lao Chai, Cat Cat, Ta Van, and Giang Ta Chai. You can expect to see traditional houses, water buffalo, and farmers working in the fields. Your hotel or homestay can also help you arrange a trekking tour!
If you’re an avid trekker or adventure seeker, you must visit Fansipan. It is the highest mountain in the Indochina Region, standing at 3,143 meters tall. Taking a cable car ride to the peak of Fansipan is a must-do activity in Sapa.
The cable car ride takes around 20 minutes. At the peak, you can enjoy panoramic views of the Hoang Lien Son Mountain Range and take photos with the famous Fansipan summit marker.
Silver Waterfall, or Thac Bac Waterfall,is located about 12 kilometers (7.5 miles) from Sapa and is a popular spot for hiking and photography. You can climb the stairs on either side of the waterfall to reach a steel viewing bridge.
From the bridge, you can see the cascading waters and take amazing pictures. Silver Waterfall is less than 3 kilometers away from Love Waterfall, another beautiful spot that you can find on the main road. You can hike to this fairy-tale-like waterfall and enjoy a refreshing swim in the natural pool at the base.
Your Sapa getaway must include a trip to its beautiful villages. Some popular villages are Cat Cat Village, Ta Van Village, and Giang Ta Chai Village. These villages are home to ethnic minority groups, including the Hmong, Red Dao, and Tay.
You’ll get a chance to learn about their unique customs and way of life. You can see traditional houses, try local food, and buy handmade crafts, and, on top of that, as a conscious traveler, you can support the local community this way!
If you want to fully experience the beauty of the rice terraces in Sapa, walking on foot may not be enough. Taking a motorbike tour is a thrilling and cost-effective way to explore Sapa. It allows you to discover off-the-beaten-path areas at your own pace. You’ll pass through O Quy Ho Village, Ta Phin Village, and terraced rice fields. This day trip lasts about eight hours and will be an excellent addition to your Sapa itinerary.
From cozy homestays in ethnic villages to luxury resorts overlooking the valley, Sapa has a huge range of accommodation options. You can choose one depending on your budget and the amenities you want. Here are some options you must check out!
If you’re looking for a luxurious hotel in Sapa with the best view, Pao’s Sapa Leisure Hotel is a great choice. Located on a mountain, the hotel provides beautiful views of the surrounding rice terraces and valleys. The floating clouds you see around, make you feel like you’re on top of the world.
The hotel has an indoor heated pool, bar, restaurant, spa, and indoor kids play area. In the morning, you’ll get a yummy breakfast buffet.
The hotel is about a 20-minute walk from Sapa town but don’t worry if you think that’s too far. They run a free shuttle to the center every 2 hours. If you want to eat outside the hotel, you’ll find restaurants nearby, like Good Morning View. The hotel is the perfect place to escape the stress of daily life and enjoy nature’s beauty.
Hotel De La Coupole Sapa – MGallery is a fantastic place to stay in Sapa. The hotel feels like something from the Gatsby era. All rooms have balconies where you can see the town, the Hoang Lien Son mountains, or the beautiful valley.
During your stay, you can enjoy amazing spa and wellness services. They have a Le Grand Bassin swimming pool, Nuages Spa with special massages from the Red Dao people, and Athleticum Gym.
When you’re hungry, the hotel has a Chic Restaurant on the tenth floor. They serve yummy Asian and European food made from local ingredients. They also have a Cacao Cafe where you can try yummy French pastries and hot chocolate. It is a place you would love to return to on your next visit to Sapa.
Local children and handicrafts in Sapa, Vietnam
If you’re looking for a luxurious homestay in the hills, Chapa Farmstay is worth staying. It is located in Lao Chai Village, a few kilometers from the main road, so it is quiet and surrounded by nature. The location is incredible, with amazing views overlooking the mountains and rice terraces.
The owners, belonging to the Black Hmong tribe, are very friendly and helpful. The rooms are spacious. The family bungalow is super impressive! You’ll get a yummy and healthy home-cooked breakfast. If you want to go on hikes or tours, they can help you out. If you’re looking for a wonderful place in Sapa with a local family, this is your best bet!
Topas Ecolodge is the top choice for a luxurious stay in Sapa. The lodge is located on the mountain hill in the Hoang Lien National Park. It features deluxe villas and chalet-style bungalows. Every room has a balcony with magnificent views of the mountain and surrounding rice paddies.
Other facilities include immaculately clean pools, a fantastic spa, and an on-site restaurant. The staff, many from nearby tribes, are friendly and welcoming. The food is fresh and delicious, and every dish is well-prepared with love.
The lodge offers plenty of opportunities to relax, and if you’re feeling active, you can take a trekking tour in the surrounding rice fields. They also offer a shuttle bus to take you to Sapa town and nearby places.
→ Also read: Vegan Food in Vietnam: Everything You Need to Know!
If you want a more budget-friendly eco-stay near the town center, consider staying in Sapa Pine Hill Ecolodge. Sapa Pine is located on a hill to the west of Sapa Lake.
If you reach Sapa early in the morning, after traveling in the overnight sleeper train, they will serve you fresh breakfast. The staff is also very eager to help you if you have any dietary restrictions.
The rooms and lodges are designed beautifully and are very comfortable, providing views of the town and valley beyond. If you want a fancy, peaceful, and safe place to stay in Sapa, Pine Hill Ecolodge is the place to be.
You can book your train ticket online through websites like 12GoAsia and Vietnam Railways or directly at the Hanoi Railway Station. Make sure to check for the train availability and book in advance.
You can take a van or public bus from Lao Cai to Sapa. Vans are quicker. They take around 45 minutes. Alternatively, buses are a more budget-friendly option. They take about 1 hour.
If you’re looking for an affordable and hassle-free way to get from Hanoi to Sapa, taking a train is a good choice.
Whether you choose the basic comforts of a regular train or the luxury of tourist carriages, the Hanoi-to-Sapa train route offers an unforgettable adventure. So, don’t wait any longer and book your tickets now!
Let me know in the comments below if you have any questions or drop me a message through my contact page.
Also, don’t forget to check out my resources page with my favorite booking platforms and tips to start planning your trip. Additionally, have a look at my favorite travel gear if you want to pack more consciously!
ENJOY!
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Hi! I am Annelies and this is Travelers & Dreamers, a blog about conscious travel which means traveling in a more mindful way, with a positive impact on the world and yourself!
On this website, I cover different topics like slow travel, plant-based food guides, responsible travel, sustainable packing, eco-travel, and more!
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