"Train from Hanoi to Lao Cai (Sa Pa)" Top 5 Page for this destination Sa Pa Transportation Tip by SLLiew

The best way to go to Sapa from Hanoi is to take the train. There are no flights and road journey is considered uncomfortable, long and less safe.

Best to book the train, both ways from a reputable travel agent from Hanoi to Lao Cai near the Chinese border and the transport by van from Lao Cai to the hill station of Sapa.

The train runs along the Red River. All trains leave at night from Hanoi and arrives at Lao Cai in the early morning. Trains also leave at night from Lao Cai and arrives in the morning at Hanoi. And so you save two nights of accommodations. It is better to stay one night in Sapa though it is possible to come back the same day if your flight is the next day.

There are different types of coaches of different prices. The standard is 4 bunk beds in a cabin. So shop around. It was a bumpy ride but after awhile I slept well perhaps all the walking around the Lake in Hanoi and woke in anticipation. After all the walking, the journey back, I could slept verywell too.

Best to quickly book train tickets as early as possible upon arrival in Hanoi. Then go to Halong or travel around Hanoi before going to Sapa.

Mode: TO
Type: Train