Sapa is a town in northern Vietnam that is five to six hours away from Hanoi. This is one of the must-visit destinations in Northern Vietnam, especially for those travelers who are fond of seeing breathtaking landscapes, experiencing rich cultural experiences, or just being in the presence of nature.
As someone coming from the Philippines and who grew up in the city all her life, I’ve always wandered about visiting different islands, exploring mountains, and discovering off-the-beaten-path destinations! Thus, I’m interested in finding out about what other Southeast Asian countries can offer and are proud of. Sapa is definitely the most ideal place for me to reconnect with nature while in Vietnam. With that, I decided to visit and stay in Sapa for 3 days and 2 nights!
If you’re also planning to visit Sapa and want to start your adventure from Hanoi, there are several ways to get from Hanoi to Sapa. In this blog post, find out how to get from Hanoi to Sapa, Vietnam!
Table of Contents
From Hanoi to Sapa, Vietnam
By Bus
There are a lot of buses that offer direct trips to travel from Hanoi to Sapa. Modern sleeper buses are equipped with comfortable reclining seats, making for a pleasant overnight journey. The travel time from Hanoi to Sapa by bus is approximately 5–6 hours. You can book your tickets via Bookaway!
In my experience, I booked my bus ticket from Hanoi to Sapa at the earliest time of departure because I only had three days to explore the town.
By Train
Traveling by train from Hanoi to Sapa (Lao Cai station) is one of the most popular options, as it offers a comfortable and scenic journey through the Vietnamese countryside.
You can book your train tickets online through websites like Vietnam Railways or local travel agencies. It’s advisable to book in advance, especially during peak seasons. You can also get your tickets via Bookaway. The one-way train ticket ranges from $30 to $40!
By Private Car
For a more flexible and personalized experience, you can hire a private car to take you directly from Hanoi to Sapa. This option is perfect for groups or families.
You can book a private car through travel agencies or online platforms like Bookaway, which costs $64! Just make sure to confirm all details, including the type of car and the driver’s information. The trip to Sapa takes around 5–6 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions.
Sapa, Vietnam Itinerary
Sapa is undeniably one of the most wonderful places to visit in Northern Vietnam! I personally enjoyed exploring this small town, even if I was traveling solo! Traveling to Sapa was one of the best decisions I’ve made during my 21-day stay in Vietnam! The place definitely didn’t disappoint!
Thus, to give you an idea, here are some of the places that you can visit while in Sapa for 3 days and 2 nights.
- Fansipan Mountain
- Muong Hoa Valley
- Cat Cat Village
- Ta Phin Village
- Ham Rong Mountain
- Silver Waterfall (Thac Bac)
- Love Waterfall
- Sapa Market
- Heaven’s Gate
Based on my experience, I didn’t bother visiting all of the places mentioned above, since I only wanted to explore the cultural villages in Sapa, Vietnam, and discover some good restaurants around the town.
Where to stay in Sapa, Vietnam?
Valley View Homestay is highly recommended! I stayed here for 2 days and 1 night and I’ve had an amazing stay in this accommodation! Not to mention the fact that it is affordable!
Hanoi to Sapa via Sleeper Bus
To give you an idea, here’s how it looks to be traveling from Hanoi to Sapa via sleeper bus! The bus company is Saoviet! It’s very comfortable as you have the opportunity to rest and sleep while on board for 5 to 6 hours!
Hey, my name is Ara Patria—a solo female traveler who is in her quest of traveling the world. I write and learn about life through the lenses of my camera, personal experiences, and adventures. Join me as I unravel the mystery of life through exploring the wanders of the world.
