Cost: Approximately 150,000 VND.
Travel time: 12 – 14 hours.
This is a favorite among adventure seekers due to its stimulating nature. For just around 150,000 VND for gas and a single bike, you can conquer the 400km journey, immerse yourself in countless beautiful landscapes, and have a fantastic experience. You’ll have complete control over your trip and save significant money.
Suppose you’re from out of town and want to explore Sapa on a motorbike; fret not. In Hanoi, many places to rent bikes offer various manual and automatic options. However, traveling to Sapa from Hanoi by motorbike requires good stamina, steady driving skills, and some experience with mountain roads. Without these, you might feel overwhelmed and unsafe, especially on challenging terrains.
Here are a few routes suggested by Vietnampeace.com for your reference:
– Route via Lao Cai:
Option 1: This route spans approximately 360km from Hanoi, passing through Vinh Phuc, Viet Tri, Phong Chau, Doan Hung, Yen Bai, and Lao Cai and ending in Sapa.
Option 2: This longer route is more accessible than the previous one. It starts from Hanoi, through Hoa Lac, Son Tay, Cau Trung Hoa, Phong Chau, and Doan Hung, along Highway 70, and ends in Sapa.
– Route via Lai Chau:
This is the longest route, spanning nearly 420km, but it offers breathtaking scenery and plenty of attractive spots. You start from Hanoi, pass through Thanh Son, then follow QL32 until you reach Sapa.
Cost: 350,000 VND per person per trip.
Travel time: 5 – 6 hours.
Limousines are more luxurious than regular buses, featuring private sleeping compartments with curtains and spacious sleeping areas equipped with TVs for entertainment. Many travelers have been opting for this mode of transportation lately due to its comfort and amenities.
Moreover, most Limousine companies provide door-to-door services, with a new trip departing approximately every 15 minutes, making it convenient for travelers from other provinces to head straight to Sapa upon landing in Hanoi without additional resting expenses.
Currently, there are numerous Limousine companies for you to choose from. You can check forums or Google to find the one that best suits your needs and preferences.
Here are the prices for various types of seats on the train to Sapa from Hanoi, updated as of 12/7/2019:
– Hard seat: 150,000 VND per person.
– Soft seat: 280,000 VND per person.
– 6-person cabin: 480,000 VND per person.
– 4-person cabin: 560,000 VND per person.
– Deluxe 2-person cabin: 3,200,000 VND per person.
Travel time: 8 – 9 hours.
Trains are popular for many travelers due to their affordability, convenience, and safety. Additionally, there are various price levels to choose from, catering to different service standards, making it easy for groups to find suitable options. It’s also a unique and memorable experience worth trying out.
However, one downside of traveling by train to Sapa is that the train station is not in the city center, requiring an additional bus ride of around 50,000 VND per person to reach the central area. So, if you’re carrying a lot of luggage, it’s something to consider before deciding to take the train.
Cost: 230,000 – 280,000 VND per person per trip.
With the speed advantage, it takes about 7 – 8 hours to travel from Hanoi to Sapa by bus. However, you’ll need to get to either My Dinh or Gia Lam bus station to catch the bus.
Moreover, the road to Sapa is quite winding, so if you’re prone to motion sickness or fatigue, this journey might be challenging. The twists and turns and bumpy roads will surely leave you feeling exhausted. Therefore, preparing motion sickness medication and other necessary items is essential to combat discomfort throughout the journey.
Travel time: Approximately 5 hours.
Many tourists favor taxis for their safety, speed, and convenience. However, traveling to Sapa by taxi can be pretty costly. Nevertheless, it offers unmatched comfort, allowing you to enjoy the beautiful scenery along the way, stop for photos, or take breaks whenever needed.
– Contact and book transportation for about a week to ensure accurate schedules and timing.
– Gather information from various sources to choose the most suitable mode of transportation.
– Select the most appropriate way to travel depending on your group’s size and budget.
– If you’re prone to motion sickness, consider taking the train, Limousine, or motorbike for a more comfortable journey.
We hope the information provided by Vietnampeace.com will help you choose the most suitable transportation for your trip to Sapa from Hanoi. This is a crucial decision for a fantastic journey, so take your time researching, comparing, and selecting carefully for a safe, convenient trip filled with beautiful experiences.