Travel Sapa
Located 22 miles (35 km) from Lao Cai City, Sapa Ward sits at the base of Vietnam’s largest mountain, known (in English) as Mt. Fansipan. With its breathtaking scenery and proximity to rural ethnic villages, Sapa has become the epicenter of Lao Cai tourism. The area’s terrain is a mixture of mountains, hills, valleys, rivers, and waterfalls, a nature lover’s paradise. Living among this beautiful landscape are five minority ethnic groups: the Dao, Giay, Hmong, Tay, and Xa Pho. They are warm, friendly, welcoming people who will often overwhelm visitors with attempts to sell their locally made handicrafts. Many are involved in tourism, working as tour/trekking guides and owning and operating homestays. In the past, travelers journeyed to Sapa for one reason, and one reason only: to go trekking.
The 2015 completion of the Lao Cai Expressway, which begins at Hanoi’s Noi Bai Airport and ends in Lao Cai City, has brought mass tourism to what was once a sleepy little town.
Previously, the only practical way to reach the province was by train. With the opening of the expressway, buses and limousine vans make the journey easier, quicker, and less expensive. Improved infrastructure has directly led to a tourism boom in and around Sapa town. Many visitors already complain that it is too touristy and a “tourist trap”. It is certainly true that the town center has developed and grown around the tourism industry much in the same way as the Old Quarter in Hanoi. Be forewarned that on weekends and Vietnamese holidays, particularly during the height of the “Golden Season” rice harvest, August and September, hotels in town fill up quickly and rates can increase dramatically.
The upside of the tourism boom is that there are a multitude of budget hotels, guest houses, and homestays to choose from. Restaurants serving both Vietnamese and Western cuisine line the streets alongside convenience stores and shops that sell trekking and outdoor gear. Many of the friendly locals speak English and are more than willing to help foreign tourists.
The 2015 completion of the Lao Cai Expressway, which begins at Hanoi’s Noi Bai Airport and ends in Lao Cai City, has brought mass tourism to what was once a sleepy little town.
Previously, the only practical way to reach the province was by train. With the opening of the expressway, buses and limousine vans make the journey easier, quicker, and less expensive. Improved infrastructure has directly led to a tourism boom in and around Sapa town. Many visitors already complain that it is too touristy and a “tourist trap”. It is certainly true that the town center has developed and grown around the tourism industry much in the same way as the Old Quarter in Hanoi. Be forewarned that on weekends and Vietnamese holidays, particularly during the height of the “Golden Season” rice harvest, August and September, hotels in town fill up quickly and rates can increase dramatically.
The upside of the tourism boom is that there are a multitude of budget hotels, guest houses, and homestays to choose from. Restaurants serving both Vietnamese and Western cuisine line the streets alongside convenience stores and shops that sell trekking and outdoor gear. Many of the friendly locals speak English and are more than willing to help foreign tourists.
traveltoasiaandback.com - A Hmong woman harvests rice in Lao Chai Village, Sa Pa, Lao Cai Province, Vietnam
The best time of year to visit Sapa/ The weather
One of Sapa’s main attractions is the terraced rice fields carved from the hills and mountainsides. Growing highland requires large amounts of water; it is a rainy season project. There are some areas where the locals flood, plough, and transplant rice seedlings around the third or fourth week of April. Otherwise, the bulk of the work occurs in May. Usually, the “water-pouring season” is in full swing by the second or third week of May. The “golden season” begins when the rice begins to ripen and turns yellow. Approximately 110 days after transplanting, the rice is ready to harvest. Around the second or third week of September, the harvest is completed.
Mainland Southeast Asia’s weather/climate is primarily a result of the southwest and northeast monsoons. Also known as the south and north monsoons, these are seasonal weather patterns that cause the rainy season, approximately May through October, and the dry season from November through April. The traditional SEA tourist season coincides with the dry season.
However, the seasons don’t change by fixed calendar dates, and there are regional variations which often coincide with altitude, latitude, and proximity to the coast. For example, the peak of the rainy season in Ha Giang is statistically August 1st, while the peak of the rainy season in Ho Chi Minh City is around mid-September, and in coastal Da Nang, mid-October.
The Typhoon Season in Vietnam is from June 1st through November. An average of four to six typhoons make landfall every year. By definition, a typhoon is a tropical cyclone with sustained winds of 64-82 knots. Tropical storms have sustained winds of 34-63 knots and tropical depressions with sustained winds of 33 knots or less.
As the typhoon and rainy seasons come to an end, by mid-November, far northern Vietnam is settling into winter. Overnight low temperatures can be unpleasantly cold, particularly at higher elevations, where high humidity can cause the apparent temperature to feel colder than what a thermometer indicates.
This time of year, also known as fog season, is when low clouds, fog, and mist conspire to reduce visibility to around 50 meters. These periods of reduced visibility can persist for days or even weeks.
Winter in far northern Vietnam can drag on well into March. During this period, there is an average of three to four cold fronts per month. A cold front is a mass of polar air that moves southward across China and into Vietnam. Moving in a southwesterly direction, these frontal systems can produce several days of persistent, cold rain and frost. These fronts are often preceded by days of clear blue skies.
Mainland Southeast Asia’s weather/climate is primarily a result of the southwest and northeast monsoons. Also known as the south and north monsoons, these are seasonal weather patterns that cause the rainy season, approximately May through October, and the dry season from November through April. The traditional SEA tourist season coincides with the dry season.
However, the seasons don’t change by fixed calendar dates, and there are regional variations which often coincide with altitude, latitude, and proximity to the coast. For example, the peak of the rainy season in Ha Giang is statistically August 1st, while the peak of the rainy season in Ho Chi Minh City is around mid-September, and in coastal Da Nang, mid-October.
The Typhoon Season in Vietnam is from June 1st through November. An average of four to six typhoons make landfall every year. By definition, a typhoon is a tropical cyclone with sustained winds of 64-82 knots. Tropical storms have sustained winds of 34-63 knots and tropical depressions with sustained winds of 33 knots or less.
As the typhoon and rainy seasons come to an end, by mid-November, far northern Vietnam is settling into winter. Overnight low temperatures can be unpleasantly cold, particularly at higher elevations, where high humidity can cause the apparent temperature to feel colder than what a thermometer indicates.
This time of year, also known as fog season, is when low clouds, fog, and mist conspire to reduce visibility to around 50 meters. These periods of reduced visibility can persist for days or even weeks.
Winter in far northern Vietnam can drag on well into March. During this period, there is an average of three to four cold fronts per month. A cold front is a mass of polar air that moves southward across China and into Vietnam. Moving in a southwesterly direction, these frontal systems can produce several days of persistent, cold rain and frost. These fronts are often preceded by days of clear blue skies.
traveltoasiaandback.com - The Muong Hoa River Valley, Sa Pa, Lao Cai Province, Vietnam
The Muong Hoa Valley
Fansipan is just one mountain in a towering range named Hoang Lien Son. Flanking the range is the stunning Muong Hoa Valley. Known for its lush terraced rice fields and ethnic minority villages, it runs in a southeasterly direction for approximately 30 kilometers.
The valley is one of Sapa’s primary attractions, and although it’s possible to view the lush terraced hills from the comfort of a tour bus, trekking is by far the area’s most popular activity. Trekking provides us with an opportunity to get off the main road and experience this beautiful country, and meet its charming inhabitants. Trekking is also great exercise and, if only for a little while, reduces our carbon footprint.
Overlooking the valley, Sapa Town is the gateway to the area via sealed roads suitable for automobiles and a seemingly endless network of paths and trails that connect the villages and farmers’ fields. Many trekking tours start from Sapa Town itself and utilize a combination of main roads (asphalt), secondary roads (concrete) and dirt paths. While walking on paved roads is easy, many of the dirt paths are steep, and can be quite muddy and slippery.
The valley is one of Sapa’s primary attractions, and although it’s possible to view the lush terraced hills from the comfort of a tour bus, trekking is by far the area’s most popular activity. Trekking provides us with an opportunity to get off the main road and experience this beautiful country, and meet its charming inhabitants. Trekking is also great exercise and, if only for a little while, reduces our carbon footprint.
Overlooking the valley, Sapa Town is the gateway to the area via sealed roads suitable for automobiles and a seemingly endless network of paths and trails that connect the villages and farmers’ fields. Many trekking tours start from Sapa Town itself and utilize a combination of main roads (asphalt), secondary roads (concrete) and dirt paths. While walking on paved roads is easy, many of the dirt paths are steep, and can be quite muddy and slippery.
traveltoasiaandback.com - Y Linh Ho village, Ta Van Commune, Lao Cai Province
Ta Van Commune (Xã Tả Van)
With the recent changes to the local government structure, Ta Van is now a much larger commune that includes most of the Muong Hoa Valley, the tourism epicenter of the former Sapa district. One could argue that Sapa’s most beautiful rice terraces can be found in the upper reaches of the valley.
The most common trekking route begins in Sa Pa town with a downhill walk to Provincial Road DT-152. The trek continues along DT-152, which now has a proper sidewalk, until the guide decides to leave the sealed road and descend into the valley, usually somewhere between Cat Cat and Y Lihn Ho villages. From Y Lihn Ho village, there are a few different routes to Lao Chai village, the usual lunch stop. From Lao Chai to Ta Van village is an easy one-mile (1.7 km) walk. This trek is approximately 6 miles (10 km) and takes 5-6 hours, including breaks and lunch. Since it is mostly downhill, this trek is suitable for people of all ages and fitness levels.
Day hikers will return to Sapa by either taxi or motorbike taxi. Others will sleep in one of the village's many homestays and continue trekking the following day.
Ta Van is a suitable base for travelers who don’t want to sleep in Sapa town and want to explore further down the valley.
The most common trekking route begins in Sa Pa town with a downhill walk to Provincial Road DT-152. The trek continues along DT-152, which now has a proper sidewalk, until the guide decides to leave the sealed road and descend into the valley, usually somewhere between Cat Cat and Y Lihn Ho villages. From Y Lihn Ho village, there are a few different routes to Lao Chai village, the usual lunch stop. From Lao Chai to Ta Van village is an easy one-mile (1.7 km) walk. This trek is approximately 6 miles (10 km) and takes 5-6 hours, including breaks and lunch. Since it is mostly downhill, this trek is suitable for people of all ages and fitness levels.
Day hikers will return to Sapa by either taxi or motorbike taxi. Others will sleep in one of the village's many homestays and continue trekking the following day.
Ta Van is a suitable base for travelers who don’t want to sleep in Sapa town and want to explore further down the valley.
traveltoasiaandback.com - A cable car travels up to Mt. Fansipan, Sa Pa, Lao Cai Province, Vietnam
Mt. Fansipan
Towering 3,143 meters (10,312 ft) nine km from Sapa town, Fansipan is the tallest mountain in Vietnam and one of the highest peaks in mainland Southeast Asia. Known as Phan Xi Păng in Vietnamese, the peak, referred to as "the Roof of Indochina", is a popular destination not only for Vietnamese tourists but for visitors from all over the world.
Ascending Fansipan is not a technical climb; it is simply a grueling version of Sapa lowland trekking. The trail most commonly utilized from Tram Ton Pass is often wet, muddy, and very slippery. Some rain is to be expected, particularly during the rainy season, when it can rain virtually nonstop for days at a time. At higher altitudes, climbers will often find themselves completely engulfed by dense fog or banks of clouds. Trekkers in reasonable physical condition can reach the peak in less than 8 hours. The most popular guided trek is conducted in two days; the first day’s hike takes less than 8 hours. The final ascent to the peak is made the following morning, to arrive before sunrise.
Ascending Fansipan is not a technical climb; it is simply a grueling version of Sapa lowland trekking. The trail most commonly utilized from Tram Ton Pass is often wet, muddy, and very slippery. Some rain is to be expected, particularly during the rainy season, when it can rain virtually nonstop for days at a time. At higher altitudes, climbers will often find themselves completely engulfed by dense fog or banks of clouds. Trekkers in reasonable physical condition can reach the peak in less than 8 hours. The most popular guided trek is conducted in two days; the first day’s hike takes less than 8 hours. The final ascent to the peak is made the following morning, to arrive before sunrise.
traveltoasiaandback.com - Vietnamese Tourists on the peak of Fansipan, Sa Pa, Lao Cai Province, Vietnam
Mt. Fansipan cable car
These days, the vast majority of visitors to Fansipan avoid hours of arduous trekking by simply taking the modern and comfortable cable cars operated by Sunworld Fansipan Legend. Completed in February 2016 for $196.4 million USD, the system holds two Guinness World Records. Spanning a distance of 6,282 meters (20610 ft), it is the world’s longest three-rope cable car route and also boasts the greatest height difference between departure and arrival points. The 33-passenger cars cover this record- setting distance in less than 20 minutes. Departing from the Sapa terminal, the view from the car as it passes high above the rice terraced village of Sin Chai is spectacular. As the ascent continues, the valley is left behind as the car travels over the densely forested mountain and up into the clouds.
Upon arrival at the Fansipan terminal, the weather is noticeably colder and wetter than in Sapa town. Now is a good time to enjoy a coffee before breaking out a jacket and ascending the final 500 steps to the summit. 500 steps might not seem very daunting, but at an altitude of 3,000 meters, the air contains less oxygen than at sea level, and some people might feel the effects. Signs posted along the route to the peak remind visitors to proceed slowly, and take rest breaks. Emergency oxygen bottles are staged at rest stops and personnel are available to treat visitors who require medical attention.
Upon arrival at the Fansipan terminal, the weather is noticeably colder and wetter than in Sapa town. Now is a good time to enjoy a coffee before breaking out a jacket and ascending the final 500 steps to the summit. 500 steps might not seem very daunting, but at an altitude of 3,000 meters, the air contains less oxygen than at sea level, and some people might feel the effects. Signs posted along the route to the peak remind visitors to proceed slowly, and take rest breaks. Emergency oxygen bottles are staged at rest stops and personnel are available to treat visitors who require medical attention.
At the mountain’s peak are an observation deck and two small monuments, which confirm to visitors that they have indeed reached "The Roof of Indochina". Vietnamese flags are available, free of charge, for enthusiastic waving during picture taking. Unfortunately, when I arrived at the summit, clouds moved in and smothered the rocky peak. The visibility could not have been much more than a few hundred feet, so much for spectacular photos. Fortunately, located at the terminal, 500 steps below the summit, is a very nice restaurant. How could anyone pass up an opportunity to eat lunch on Vietnam’s highest mountain?
traveltoasiaandback.com - O Quy Ho pass, aka Hoang Lien Son Pass, Ô Quy Hồ, Lai Chau Province, Vietnam
Tram Ton Pass, Heaven’s Gate, O Que Ho, Hoang Lien Son Pass
Crossing spectacular, rugged mountain passes, National Road QL-4D is a narrow, steep, winding stretch of sealed road that connects Sapa with neighboring Lai Chau Province. Passing just to the north of Mt. Fansipan and the Hoang Lien Son Mountain range, the scenery here can be simply breathtaking, that is, when the weather chooses to cooperate.
At an approximate altitude of 2000 meters, the road is often socked in by thick fog, low clouds, drizzle, and rain. Interestingly enough, it's often very difficult to predict the weather in the high mountains, even from nearby Sapa Town. It can be sunny and clear in town, and yet when we drive into the pass, clouds roll up from the valley, blanketing the area and reducing visibility to 50-100 meters.
The most impressive part of this journey is a two-mile (3.2km) section that crosses both Tram Ton (Trạm Tôn) and O Quy Ho (Ô Quy Hồ) passes. Situated one mile (2 km) from the 100-meter Silver Waterfall (Thac Bac), Tram Ton Pass begins roughly 9 miles (15 km) northwest of Sapa Town and at an altitude of 1900 meters, is Vietnam’s highest pass. As QL-4D winds its way towards Lai Chau, the next scenic stretch is known as Heaven’s Gate or O Que Ho. There are a number of scenic viewing points situated alongside the road which offer visitors the opportunity to view and photograph O Que Ho mountain pass, also known as Hoang Lien Son Pass.
At an approximate altitude of 2000 meters, the road is often socked in by thick fog, low clouds, drizzle, and rain. Interestingly enough, it's often very difficult to predict the weather in the high mountains, even from nearby Sapa Town. It can be sunny and clear in town, and yet when we drive into the pass, clouds roll up from the valley, blanketing the area and reducing visibility to 50-100 meters.
The most impressive part of this journey is a two-mile (3.2km) section that crosses both Tram Ton (Trạm Tôn) and O Quy Ho (Ô Quy Hồ) passes. Situated one mile (2 km) from the 100-meter Silver Waterfall (Thac Bac), Tram Ton Pass begins roughly 9 miles (15 km) northwest of Sapa Town and at an altitude of 1900 meters, is Vietnam’s highest pass. As QL-4D winds its way towards Lai Chau, the next scenic stretch is known as Heaven’s Gate or O Que Ho. There are a number of scenic viewing points situated alongside the road which offer visitors the opportunity to view and photograph O Que Ho mountain pass, also known as Hoang Lien Son Pass.
traveltoasiaandback.com - Red Dao embroidery work. Ta Phin, Sa Pa District, Lao Cai Province, Vietnam
Ta Phin Commune ( Xã Tả Phìn)
Ta Phin (Tả Phìn) Commune, just to the north of Sapa town, is another rice terraced valley that is often visited by tourists. Although the area is inhabited by a number of friendly minority groups, it is primarily known as the home of the Red Dao People. In many ways, the Dao still live like their ancestors who migrated from China centuries ago. Their villages, small clusters of traditional wooden homes, are scattered in the valley and far up in the green hills towering above. These particular Dao are famous for their fantastic red headdress and intricate embroidery work, using fine yellow silk thread.
The area is extremely easy to visit, as wide roads, clearly displayed on Google Maps, loop around and through the valley, connecting it with National Road QL-4D. Ta Phin village can be reached by car, motorbike, or on foot.
The area has many homestays, which range in style from small guest houses to beds in traditional Dao homes.
The area is extremely easy to visit, as wide roads, clearly displayed on Google Maps, loop around and through the valley, connecting it with National Road QL-4D. Ta Phin village can be reached by car, motorbike, or on foot.
The area has many homestays, which range in style from small guest houses to beds in traditional Dao homes.
traveltoasiaandback.com - Ban Khoang, Sa Pa District, Lao Cai Province, Vietnam
Ban Khoang
Situated just to the north of Ta Phin, and west of provincial road DT-155, a narrow, winding two-lane country road, Ban Khoang (Bản Khoang) is a remote rural area that sees relatively few tourists. Although a handful of local Black Hmong and Red Dao families offer homestays, there is no other tourism infrastructure in the area. At least one well-known tour operator offers multi-day trekking tours that combine both Ta Phin and Ban Khoang. They call their tours, which visit the villages of Phin Ho, Lu Khau, Suoi Thau, Gia Thau, and Kim Ngan, “Off the Beaten Track,” which we believe is an accurate description of all points north of Ta Phin Village.
traveltoasiaandback.com - A woman from the Red Dao ethnic group. Sapa market, Lao Cai Province, Vietnam.
Sapa Market
This is the “new” market, which replaced the original market on Cầu Mây Street, a few hundred meters from the town center. The old market, which was in operation for many decades, was finally demolished in 2019. Situated between the “old” and “new” bus stations, the market can be quite busy first thing in the morning when the locals operate a morning market on the opposite side of the street. However, it is generally pretty quiet Monday through Friday. Saturday mornings are somewhat busy, but Sunday morning is the big market day when the Black Hmong people from the furthest reaches of the district come to trade.
This is an important trading hub not only for the residents of Sapa but also for minority people from neighboring Lai Chau Province such as the Black Dao, Tai Lu and Hmong. Many Flower Hmong from Mu Cang Chai regularly come here to sell their beautiful handmade clothing.
Here you will encounter Hmong folks, both men and women, in their finest traditional costumes, selling plants, honey, clothing, hemp cloth, and hand-crafted knives. I find these out-of-towners interesting, as they often do not speak English and have no interest in us, tourists.
Another easily recognizable ethnic group at the market are the Giáy people. Their modern costume includes black pants, colorful scarves, and handmade shirts that are also popular with their Black Hmong neighbors. In addition to the shirts, many Giáy ladies sell sticky rice carefully packed in bamboo tubes, a rice cigar of sorts.
The building itself is a rather uninspiring two-story concrete affair that is unlikely to win any awards for architectural achievement. Vendors on the ground floor sell the same souvenirs and knock-off clothing (The North Face) that can be purchased all over northern Vietnam. Shoppers are advised to determine the fair price of items before making a purchase. Negotiating (haggling) over prices is perfectly acceptable in this market.
At the east end of the ground floor, there is a “food court”, of sorts, that caters primarily to local minority people. Few Westerners dare to eat here, which is a shame as it offers a truly authentic and unique dining experience.
On the street, adjacent to the food court, is a traditional wet market that on busy days often expands to include the entire backside of the building.
The market’s second story is mostly occupied by clothing vendors who sell the same sorts of things that are found on the ground floor. This part of the market could easily be skipped if it weren’t for the Black Hmong and Red Dao gals who have set up workshops in the building’s east end, above the food court. The women work on simple Chinese-made sewing machines that are surrounded by mountains of handicrafts, new and second-hand traditional clothing, silver jewelry, and accessories. Dig through the piles of trinkets and you will surely find some hidden gems, but do not settle on the first price, as everything is highly negotiable.
This is an important trading hub not only for the residents of Sapa but also for minority people from neighboring Lai Chau Province such as the Black Dao, Tai Lu and Hmong. Many Flower Hmong from Mu Cang Chai regularly come here to sell their beautiful handmade clothing.
Here you will encounter Hmong folks, both men and women, in their finest traditional costumes, selling plants, honey, clothing, hemp cloth, and hand-crafted knives. I find these out-of-towners interesting, as they often do not speak English and have no interest in us, tourists.
Another easily recognizable ethnic group at the market are the Giáy people. Their modern costume includes black pants, colorful scarves, and handmade shirts that are also popular with their Black Hmong neighbors. In addition to the shirts, many Giáy ladies sell sticky rice carefully packed in bamboo tubes, a rice cigar of sorts.
The building itself is a rather uninspiring two-story concrete affair that is unlikely to win any awards for architectural achievement. Vendors on the ground floor sell the same souvenirs and knock-off clothing (The North Face) that can be purchased all over northern Vietnam. Shoppers are advised to determine the fair price of items before making a purchase. Negotiating (haggling) over prices is perfectly acceptable in this market.
At the east end of the ground floor, there is a “food court”, of sorts, that caters primarily to local minority people. Few Westerners dare to eat here, which is a shame as it offers a truly authentic and unique dining experience.
On the street, adjacent to the food court, is a traditional wet market that on busy days often expands to include the entire backside of the building.
The market’s second story is mostly occupied by clothing vendors who sell the same sorts of things that are found on the ground floor. This part of the market could easily be skipped if it weren’t for the Black Hmong and Red Dao gals who have set up workshops in the building’s east end, above the food court. The women work on simple Chinese-made sewing machines that are surrounded by mountains of handicrafts, new and second-hand traditional clothing, silver jewelry, and accessories. Dig through the piles of trinkets and you will surely find some hidden gems, but do not settle on the first price, as everything is highly negotiable.
traveltoasiaandback.com - Rice terraces, Ta Van Village, Sa Pa, Lao Cai Province, Vietnam
Travel to Sapa
Before the opening of the Lao Cai Expressway, the only practical way to reach the province was by railway. The overnight train still runs, but it is easier, faster, and less expensive to travel by bus or limousine van.
Reaching Sapa from Hanoi by road is a 197-mile (317 km) journey. By private car from Hanoi, it takes just over five hours. By bus, it takes six hours, including bathroom, coffee, and food breaks.
Motorcycle enthusiasts often add Sapa as a stop on various routes between Lao Cai, Ha Giang, Yen Bai, and Lai Chau Provinces.
The town can also be reached by road/bus from Dien Bien Phu, Ha Giang, Lai Chau, and Mu Cang Chai.
Reaching Sapa from Hanoi by road is a 197-mile (317 km) journey. By private car from Hanoi, it takes just over five hours. By bus, it takes six hours, including bathroom, coffee, and food breaks.
Motorcycle enthusiasts often add Sapa as a stop on various routes between Lao Cai, Ha Giang, Yen Bai, and Lai Chau Provinces.
The town can also be reached by road/bus from Dien Bien Phu, Ha Giang, Lai Chau, and Mu Cang Chai.
traveltoasiaandback.com - Black Hmong Style, Lao Chai Village, Sapa, Lao Cai Province, Vietnam
Hanoi to Lao Cai City by Train
Many travelers journeying to Sapa from Hanoi will opt to take a train to Lao Cai station and then transfer to the number one public bus, van, or taxi for the remaining one-hour journey to Sapa town. Some people feel that traveling by train is safer than riding by bus or car over the area’s steep and narrow mountain roads. The reality is that the only section of mountain road that travelers will cross is the 18.5-mile (30 km) section of National Road QL-4D between Lao Cai City and Sapa town. No matter how visitors arrive in Lao Cai City, the final one hour of the journey will be completed by road.
Railway enthusiasts and those who want to travel at night, to save precious daylight hours, can find more train travel information on the seat61 website.
Railway enthusiasts and those who want to travel at night, to save precious daylight hours, can find more train travel information on the seat61 website.
traveltoasiaandback.com - Black Hmong costume, indigo blue hands. Ta Van, Lao Cai Province, Vietnam
Hanoi to Sapa by Bus
Like all the northern Provincial Capitals, Sapa is well connected to Hanoi by vans, mini-buses, and full-sized motor coaches. Both daytime and night buses can be found at Hanoi's My Dinh bus station (Bến xe Mỹ Đình).
It should be noted that vans can either be quite ordinary or “Limo /VIP / Express” type. Converting ordinary vans into “luxury” vehicles is all the rage in Vietnam, and we can expect to see more routes opening up. The Hason Hai van bus company operates buses and vans on the Lao Cai City / Sapa route.
The Vexere bus booking website is an excellent resource for finding Vietnamese buses, but I suspect many buses, particularly mini-buses, don’t make the list. One can also filter for bus type, price, etc.
A faster and better (in my opinion), but a bit more expensive, option is to book a seat on one of the many limousine buses or vans that run directly between Hanoi’s Old Quarter tourism hub and the center of Sapa town. The Sapa Express is one of several companies that operate “luxury” motor coaches which feature large reclining airline-style seats and make the 196-mile (316 km) trip from Hanoi to Sapa in six hours. Tickets can be booked online on their website or purchased from one of the many travel agents in Hanoi.
It should be noted that vans can either be quite ordinary or “Limo /VIP / Express” type. Converting ordinary vans into “luxury” vehicles is all the rage in Vietnam, and we can expect to see more routes opening up. The Hason Hai van bus company operates buses and vans on the Lao Cai City / Sapa route.
The Vexere bus booking website is an excellent resource for finding Vietnamese buses, but I suspect many buses, particularly mini-buses, don’t make the list. One can also filter for bus type, price, etc.
A faster and better (in my opinion), but a bit more expensive, option is to book a seat on one of the many limousine buses or vans that run directly between Hanoi’s Old Quarter tourism hub and the center of Sapa town. The Sapa Express is one of several companies that operate “luxury” motor coaches which feature large reclining airline-style seats and make the 196-mile (316 km) trip from Hanoi to Sapa in six hours. Tickets can be booked online on their website or purchased from one of the many travel agents in Hanoi.
traveltoasiaandback.com - Ta Van Commune, Lao Cai Province
Sapa to Bac Ha by Bus
Traveling between Sapa and Bac Ha is really easy and inexpensive, and there are a few options to reach Lao Cai City and then onto Bac Ha Commune. Numerous privately-run vans regularly make the one-hour trip from Sapa town to the railway station in Lao Cai City. The asking price is usually 50,000 VND, which can often be negotiated down. The journey takes one hour.
The number one public bus departs from the bus stop near the little stone church and stops at Lao Cai Railway Station. The current price is 40,000 VND and takes one hour.
From Lao Cai City, travelers will complete the journey to Bac Ha with a two-hour trip by either a mini-bus or a van. The fair price is 90,000 VND.
Currently, there is at least one van and one mini-bus per day that runs directly between Sapa and Bac Ha. The fair price is 130,000 VND, but if you book a seat through your accommodation, they will often mark up the price of the tickets. The mini-bus departs at 13:00, and the van departs at 13:45 from the Sapa bus station. The journey takes a solid three hours.
The number one public bus departs from the bus stop near the little stone church and stops at Lao Cai Railway Station. The current price is 40,000 VND and takes one hour.
From Lao Cai City, travelers will complete the journey to Bac Ha with a two-hour trip by either a mini-bus or a van. The fair price is 90,000 VND.
Currently, there is at least one van and one mini-bus per day that runs directly between Sapa and Bac Ha. The fair price is 130,000 VND, but if you book a seat through your accommodation, they will often mark up the price of the tickets. The mini-bus departs at 13:00, and the van departs at 13:45 from the Sapa bus station. The journey takes a solid three hours.