Sapa is famous with stunning natural landscapes in Northern Vietnam. This destination has attracted dozens of tourists discover yearly. Being a home for several ethnic minorities such as Tay, Dzao, and Hmong people, Sapa offers diverse cultures, customs and traditions for visitors to explore. A trip to Sapa from Hanoi will be a memorable experience for tourists who seek for authentic and unique moments in our North regions. Coming to Sapa, the most famous activity is trekking around all the villages and mountains, you will immerge yourself with fresh air of natural settings. Sapa Vietnam is renowned for its dramatic scenery, including lush valleys, terraced rice fields, and mist-covered mountains. Therefore, spending 2 – 3 days in this destination is a perfect duration for your trip.
Top recommended transportations to transfer from Hanoi to Sapa
However, many people often wonder how to get to Sapa from Hanoi?. In this travel article, Explore Vietnam Travel company will share you the guideline of transportations as well as tourist’s activities in Sapa. Together, let’s delve to this travel blog to learn more about Sapa province.
1. The distance between Hanoi and Sapa
Nested to the heart of Northern Vietnam, Sapa is located in Sapa district, Lao Cai province, Vietnam. It is about 315 km from Hanoi capital and the mountainsides is about 1600 meters from sea level, in Hoang Lien Son Mountains. It often takes 5 – 6 hours to travel from our capital to Sapa. Depending on the traffic and weather conditions, the travel duration can be changed. Multiple transportations such as bus, train, and private car can be selected for your trip based on your travel needs, kindly choose a suitable vehicle for your trip.
2. How to get to Sapa from Hanoi?
2.1. Travel to Sapa from Hanoi by private car
Travel by private car from Hanoi to Sapa is the most reliable way in term of transportation. The travel duration is 5- 6 hours to reach the desired destination. This is a majority choice of many travelers because it gives freedom and flexibility. When you book the car services, you can customize your trip with the agent. During your travel time, you can stop at any places on the route for a beak or dining activities. Our professional and friendly driver speak English so it will be easy for communication. Joining private car service option is considered as the best option to do.
You can book private car here:
2.2. Travel to Sapa from Hanoi by train
Another top recommended transportation from Hanoi to Sapa is train transfer. This is a comfortable option for tourists who seek to experience diverse transportations in Vietnam. The journey duration is around 8 – 9 hours to travel. However, Sapa does not have train station which you have to take a taxi from Lao Cai to your desired destination when you arrive. There are two types of seats you can choose which are cushioned seats and ordinary seats. The prices fluctuate differently base on seat conditions. Normally, the ticket cost 150,000 VND – 300,000 VND/ person for hard seats and it costs 600,000 VND – 750,000 VND/person for sleeper chair.
Kindly note that you also have to book a vehicle to reach Sapa town when you arrive Lao Cai from Hanoi by train. Some types of transfer you can choose are motorbike, taxi, bus and coach. Based on your travel budget, the price of each vehicle will display differently.
Nowadays, you can book the train ticket by online and there are several types of trains available, including overnight trains with sleeper cabins, day trains with reclining seats, and luxury trains with amenities. Some famous train you can choose are Victoria Express train, Sapaly Express, King Express train or Fansipan Express train.
2.3. Travel to Sapa from Hanoi by bus
Traveling by bus from Hanoi to Sapa is considered as the cheapest option in term of transportations. It is suitable for budget travelers. This vehicle also provides a unique travel experience with sleeper bus for a long journey. It often takes 5 – 6 hours to reach Sapa from Hanoi capital. Nowadays, you can book the bus tickets online or go to bus station directly to purchase the ticket. You can choose a suitable schedule to depart. Some well-known bus companies you can consider which are Sapa Express, Hai Van Express, and Green Bus. We believe that experiencing bus transfer is a different memory you might have.
2.4. Travel to Sapa from Hanoi by Limousine
Travel from Hanoi to Sapa by Limousine is a comfortable option for many travelers. The price is ranging from 500,000 VND to 1,120,000VND for one way trip. Our recommended advice is checking the website carefully before purchase the ticket. Travel by limousine is considered as affordable option for international and domestic tourists. Depending on the traffics and weather conditions, the travel time is estimated around 5 – 6 hours. Some reputed limousine companies which operate daily are Sapa Limousine, Luxury Van, Ecosapa Limousine Van, Hoang Long Limousine and Hung Thanh Limousine. It is an ideal of transportation for your trip to Sapa.
2.5. Travel to Sapa from Hanoi by motorbike
If you are an adventurous traveler who seek for a freedom vacation to Sapa, travel by motorbike is an option for you. With this travel method, you can customize the trip by yourself and travel freely to Sapa town. Usually, the duration of your travel will be 6 – 7 hours. In order to renting a motorbike, you can search and book online through websites. Or you can come to a motorbike renting shop to hire one motorbike for your trip. Motorbike shops often provide delivery services so you can pick up your bike from your accommodation. Kindly check the motorbike conditions carefully because you are planning travel in a long distance. Remember to prioritize safety and plan your journey accordingly.
2.6. Join Sapa Tour from Hanoi
Joining a tour to Sapa from Hanoi is a favorite option for many travelers as you do not need to plan out the itinerary, and the travel agent will send you the program of your discovery in Sapa. Depending on your duration, usually the agent will plan 2- 3 days itinerary. You do not need to hassle and research all information; the travel consultant team will share you all the travel guidelines and tips to explore Sapa town. Especially, having a local guide to accompany you the whole trip so you will not feel lost. There are various activities can be taken in Sapa such as trekking around the villages, kayaking on the Red River, travel by cable care to conquer Fanispan mountain, mountain biking through rice paddies, rock climbing and visiting diverse of traditional crafts of ethnics in Sapa.
3. What to do in Sapa?
With diverse activities in Sapa to participate, a trip to explore the rich cultures and customs of Northern region will be memorable. Coming from a group of different ethnics in Vietnam, Sapa promises to be a wonderful land for visitors to learn about the customs, history and cultural features. You might need minimum 2 days to explore main attractions in Sapa province. Some sightseeing places you can take note in your bucket list such as visiting the terraced rice fields, taking cable car to Fansipan, discovering Muong Hoa valley, trekking to Cat Cat village, exploring Silver waterfall and visit Sapa museum.
3.1. Visit Terraced Rice Fields
One of a wonderful moment is emerging yourself with natural settings like terraced rice field in Sapa. Coming from agriculture country, Vietnam is famous with export rice in domestically and internationally. Local people have to work hard in order to get to the harvest season. When you enter to Sapa village, you will see the majestic and vibrant rice terraces. Walking around and breath fresh air are enjoyable moments for your trip. The best time to see the beauty of rice fields are planting season (April to May) or harvesting season ( September to October). The terraced rice field Sapa is a unique and impressive destination, which draws tourists through the majestic beauty, and unique ethnic groups’ customs.
3.2. Taking Cable Car to Fansipan – The Roof of Indochina
It will be regretful if you miss the opportunity to discover Fansipan mountain which is the roof of Indochina. Taking a cable car to visit the Fansipan peak is a fantastic experience in Northern Vietnam. With the development of transportations, cable car is a main vehicle to travel to Fansipan mountain instead of climbing to reach the peak in several days. The safety and modern cable car have captivated thousand of visitors explore yearly. Some activities can be taken such as taking photographs with Fansipan summit, explore scared spiritual temples, enjoy unforgettable hike in Fansipan mount, …etc…
A visit to Fansipan Mountain provides a chance to immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty and natural marvels of Northwestern Vietnam. Whether you are up for challenging hikes or simply seeking stunning views from the summit, Fansipan always has something to offer. So, pack your bags, embark on the journey, and leave your footprints on the top of this majestic mountain!
3.3. Visit Muong Hoa Valley
Muong Hoa valley is considered as a top choice for sightseeing in Sapa. Being located 8km away from the Sapa town, in Hoang Lien Son Mountain range. This special valley has attracted many visitors come and explore the rich cultures and customs in Northern Vietnam.
Muong Hoa valley is well-known with natural landscapes of rice terraces, lush mountain and attractive waterfalls. This is also a home for several ethnic minority groups such as Tay, Dzao, and Hmong. Coming here, tourists will learn the diverse culture of Vietnamese people through their customs and traditions. It is also an opportunity to interact with locals passionately through your travel. Some interesting dances and musical performances can be organised for tourists to participate at the village, it creates fun moments in your travel to integrate to our culture. In addition, you also will enjoy regional cuisines in Sapa from locals such as thang co, sturgeon hotpot, bamboo tube rice, and so on. We believe a trip to visit Muong Hoa valley will be unforgettable.
3.4. Discover Cat Cat Village
Cat Cat village is a home for H’mong ethnic group in Sapa, it is 3km away from Sapa town. Trekking around this village is an amazing time to conquer beautiful natural settings and learn traditional customs of H’mong people. Coming from a famous ethnic in Vietnam, many interesting cultures and customs of H’mong people in term of traditional crafts such as bamboo weaving, flute dancing, love singing, and so on. The village is being renowned with stilt houses, vibrant terraced rice fields and Muong Hoa valley.
One of the special attractions in the village is Cat Cat waterfall. This place is located a short hike from the village center. The majestic waterfall is a series of rocky steps, creating a picturesque setting surrounded by lush vegetation. Visitors will enjoy the fresh air and tranquil atmosphere at this attraction. Do not miss the Cat Cat village attraction when you plan to visit Sapa.
3.5. Explore Silver Waterfall
Silver Waterfall is the best spot for those who want to escape the crowded tourist city to enjoy pure natural beauty. Include it in your travel list and let the majestic waterfall amaze you. Being located 15km away from Sapa town, this is a must-visit place in your travel.
The Silver Waterfall is a majestic cascade that tumbles down from a height of about 200 meters (656 feet) amidst lush greenery and towering mountains. The waterfall gets its name from the silver-like appearance of the water as it cascades down the rocky cliffs.
A trip to visit Silver Waterfall to recharge energy from the fresh air and beautiful natural background is worth it. Spending over an hour at this attraction to relax and hiking around is a memorable experience. Stunning landscapes of Silver Waterfall will not make you feel disappointed.
3.6. Visit Sapa Museum
Sapa museum is a unique place which displays the history and culture of ethnic people through some exhibition rooms. There are 3 floors in total to show the historical artifacts of Sapa’s people. Spending over an hour at this place to read all information of our ethnic cultures and customs in Northern Vietnam is exciting. In the first floor, the museum shows the historical periods of Sapa from the past to present. In the second floor, it displays the cultures and customs of ethnic people in Sapa. And, the final floor displays artistic and handicrafts of Sapa’s ethnics.
Museum is being famous to preserve and display the history, culture and customs. We believe Sapa museum will bring you authentic and unique experiences of Vietnamese culture. If you tend to visit Sapa museum, kindly take notes the information below:
– Address: 02 Fansipan, Sapa town, Lao Cai, Vietnam.
– Tickets: 40.000 dong/ per person.
– Time opened: 7:30 AM – 11:30 AM and 13:30 PM – 17:00 PM every day.
4. The best time to visit Sapa
Spring and Autumn are two favorite seasons which are suitable to visit Sapa. Each season has it own characteristics to discover Sapa town. Based on your travel activities and plans, we recommend to check the weather forecast carefully before your vacation. Diverse activities can be taken in Sapa no matter what the weather be like but most of us prefer a dry and cool climate for outdoor sightseeing. The following information are our recommended periods to discover beautiful Sapa town.
– Spring (March to May): The weather is mild and the terraced rice fields are lush green and often filled with water which creates picturesque scenes. Therefore, the time is suitable for you. This period is good for outdoor activities.
– Autumn (September to November): The weather is cool and dry which is suitable for trekking and outdoor activities. This is also another favorite time to enter Sapa town.
5. Conclusion
Sapa is unmissable destination in your travel list in Northern Vietnam. Escaping the bustling of Hanoi capital and enter to the natural world of ethinic people in Sapa is a perfect choice. With the development of transportations, you can choose any vehicle which suits with your trip budget and travel conditions. Each transfer has its own advantages and disadvantages so you might research and select carefully. Many activities can be taken in Sapa for tourists to delve to the traditional cultures and customs, we believe you will create many unforgettable moments in our mountainous areas. We hope the article has provided some excellent insights for your trip preparation. Do not hesitate to contact Explore Vietnam Travel for any travel requests and information.
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