It takes a 9-hour train journey to get to Sapa from Hanoi. The train caters to all kinds of travellers - those on a budget can purchase tickets of rail cars that Vietnam Rail operates, and those looking for comfort can opt for cars operated by private companies like Tulico, Ratraco. Livitran, Fansipan and Victoria Hotels.
This Sapa transportation page will tell you all you need to know about travelling in and around Sapa. Use our Sapa Destination Guide or click on our Vietnam Country Guide or Vietnam Transportation Guide if you want to know more about travelling to Vietnam.
Sapa Transportation Guide
By Train
The train to Sapa has a variety of cars operated by Vietnam Rail and private companies like Tulico, Ratraco and Victoria Hotels. You can choose according to your convenience and budget.
Inexpensive travel can be hard on you, since the sleeper class may not have any soft padding, even if one was promised by the person who sold you the ticket!
Most seats are allotted on a first-come-first-served basis and if you don't have a booking, you can try your luck by arriving at the station before the train departs and finding agents who try to sell unsold seats. Their rates fall as the departure time of the train comes closer.
The type of the seat you want to travel on, and the time of the year you are travelling determine the rate. The rates shoot up around Vietnamese holidays. Advance bookings are advised at that time, since tickets may not be available on the spot. Berths are vastly preferable to seats, and ask for a soft berth when you make the booking. You can get a good bed (one-way) for 350,000-420,000 dong.
The dining car serves good noodles at a reasonable rate of 8000 dong. Rice porridge costs 6000 dong, though most tourists prefer to carry their own snacks and drinks.
Return Journey
Your journey takes you to Lao Cai, from where you can take one of the many shuttle buses that wait outside the station. The road journey to Sapa costs 35,000 dong, thought it can be brought down to 20,000 dong or less. It takes an hour, or longer if there is fog, and you can enjoy a picturesque view as you drive up more than 1000 metres into the mountains.
The train that leaves Lao Cai around 8:20 p.m. arrives in Hanoi at 5 a.m. Inform your hotel in advance to expect you early; otherwise you may well have to wait till the front desk opens at its regular hour.
In & Around Sapa
Sapa is a small town and you can go anywhere on foot. You are also not likely to get lost. You can equip yourself with a simple map in case you are doubtful.
Trekkers should come armed with good shoes, rubber boots, and a stout walking stick. It is also a good idea to carry extra clothes in a waterproof bag. Remember, the rice fields can be muddy and you need to be cautious while crossing these.
The altitude can prove to be quite a challenge even to the physically fit and hardy, especially when climbing steep mountain slopes. Some tourists rent a bike, but this can end up being an adventure sport, since you face hazards from others on the road, and at times from the road itself, because of landslides or washed-out parts. This is especially true during the rainy season.
Trekker's Checklist
- Good shoes
- Rubber boots
- Stout walking stick
- Extra clothes
- Waterproof bag
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