Hanoi to Sapa by train – 2023 COMPLETE guide

If you are planning to travel from Hanoi to Sapa by train in 2023 this is the article for you. Please read this guide carefully as there really are some things that you need to know before you go. 

We really enjoyed this train journey; However, it can be pretty tricky to find accurate and clear information about this route. So we thought we would fill in the gap and write our own article  on the train journey between Hanoi and Sapa. This journey is fun, comfortable and reliable. However, there are some things that you need to know before you go. 

In this article we will fill you in with all of the relevant details and top tips to help you plan a smooth train journey from Hanoi to Sapa. In this article we will tell you everything that you need to know to plan a trip from Hanoi to Sapa by train.

Don’t miss our FULL GUIDE on travelling from Hanoi to Sapa – each method of transport compared. You may also be interested in these genius Vietnam travel tips

TOP TIP: It is very common to take the train from Hanoi to Sapa just for experience AND then book a bus to return to Hanoi (this is a cheaper and more convenient option).

What is the train schedule from Hanoi to sapa?

TimeCompanyCabins and summaryPrice range (per person)21.10  – 05.40King ExpressClassical style. Deluxe 4 bed cabin and private 2 bed VIP cabins available$30 – $7021.35 – 05.30Livitrans express4 bed cabins available$4021.35 – 05.30Pumpkin express4 bed cabin and private 2 bed cabins available$35 – $7022.00 – 05.55Chapa expressLuxurious and lots of character2 bed and 4 bed cabins available (for 2 bed cabins you need to book both beds). Book directly on the Chapa express site.$40 – $9022.00 – 05.55Damitrans expressModern cabins. 4 bed and 2 bed cabins available. $35 – $7522.00 – 06.05Laman expressVibrant new cabins. 4 bed and private 2 bed cabins available. Find out more on the Laman express website.$45 – $9022.00 – 06.10Orient expressClassy train with 4 bed and private 2 bed cabins available. Find out more on the Orient Express website.$45 – $8522.00 – 06.10King expressClassical style. Deluxe 4 bed cabin and private 2 bed VIP cabins available$30 – $7022.00 – 06.10Victoria expressOne of the most luxurious trains. Deluxe 4 bed cabin and private 2 bed VIP cabins available$110 – $16022.00 – 06.10Sapaly expressDeluxe 4 bed cabin and private 2 bed VIP cabins available$40 – $8022.00 – 06.10Hoa Phuong trainDeluxe 4 bed cabin and private 2 bed VIP cabins available$30 – $60

In brief – Hanoi to Sapa by train

Firstly, there are no direct trains from Hanoi to Sapa.  Instead you will need to take a train from Hanoi to a town called Lao Cai. From there you can take a short mini bus ride to Sapa. We will give you all of the details of the journey in this article. Mini buses wait in the car park of the train station to pick up passengers. You do not need to wait long to get a minibus and this journey is relatively cheap and fast. 

If you’re planning to travel from Hanoi to Sapa by train, most of the services are night trains. Night trains offer comfortable and secure sleeper cabins. The train journey between Hanoi and Sapa generally takes between 7 – 8 hours. 

If the train journey seems too expensive, complicated or tiring you can also take large buses directly from Hanoi to Sapa or you can take smaller luxury limo buses from Hanoi to Sapa.

Hanoi to sapa by train – step-by-step journey guide 

Here is a step-by-step journey guide if you’re planning to travel from Hanoi to sapa by train:

Step 1: Hanoi – Lao Cai by train

1. Grab some food, remember you cannot buy food on the train. Make sure all your bags are packed and try to arrive at the train station around 45 minutes – 1 hour before your train departs.

2. When you arrive at the central railway station in Hanoi, ask the station staff which platform number you need to go to or look for information on the screen.

3.  Find your platform and carriage number. The station staff are generally very helpful and friendly. Even if they are not able to speak English they will generally be able to look at your ticket and put you in the correct direction.

4. Relax into the train journey. Watch out for train Street in Hanoi, which you pass soon after your departure. Remember to be prepared for an early start, they may rush you off the train so in Lao Cai. We recommend leaving most of your bags packed overnight. Enjoy a comfortable night’s sleep.

5. The train staff should wake you up in Lao Cai.  We also recommend having an alarm set in case. When you get off the train, exit the train station and you’ll see a car park directly in front of you. 

Step 2: Lao Cai – Sapa by minibus

1. In this car park you can find mini buses which depart to Sapa. Mini buses tend to depart when they are full of passengers. Mini buses cost around 60,000VND – exit the station and barter for lower prices. The scheduled bus costs 30,000VND per person and departs from the carpark at 6am, 7am, 7.20am and 8am.

2. Wait on the minibus – it should depart when it is full. The journey from Lao Cai to Sapa should take around 30 – 45 minutes. Mini buses tend to drop passengers off near the lake in the center of Sapa. 

How much does it cost to travel from Hanoi to Sapa by train?

The price depends on the train company and the class (or cabin) that you choose on the train. 

The train journey from Hanoi to sapa generally costs in the range of $30 – $160 per person (be aware that for some options you may need to book a whole cabin). This is roughly £25 – £140 per person. 

This is more expensive than taking a bus to Sapa. However, we would encourage you to consider the comfort of this journey and also the fact that a night train saves valuable travel time and money on accommodation. 

Looking for a FAST luxurious and efficient way to travel? Why book a luxury limo van from Hanoi to Sapa on Klook? They include free pick up and have VERY comfortable seats. 

What are the BEST train companies to travel from Hanoi to Sapa?

Here are the best train companies that run between Hanoi and Sapa…

• The best BUDGET train from Hanoi to Sapa: King Express offers a lot of comfort and great value for money. Prices range from $30 – $70 per person
• The most unique, luxurious and charming train from Hanoi to Sapa: This has to be the Chapa express – this charming train wins hands down! Prices range from $40 – $90 per person.
• The most luxurious train from Hanoi to Sapa: The Victoria express is the most exclusive, expensive and luxurious train from Hanoi to Sapa. Picture a luxury hotel on wheels! Prices range from $110 – $160 per person

What are the cabins like on night trains from Hanoi to sapa?

The Cabins on night trains on this route are relatively comfortable, spacious and secure. Firstly, there are lockable doors. This means that you can sleep with peace of mind and this is also a great option for families or travelers who value more privacy. Furthermore, the Cabins on sleeper trains tend to have very nice calm lighting. They generally provide sockets for charging phones and there is space for storing your bags.

The sleeper cabins on night trains have relatively wide and comfortable beds and include bedding as well. Overall, if you’re ok with a little bit of noise and movement when you’re sleeping this is a relatively comfortable and nice way to sleep. A huge advantage of taking a night train is that you will save the cost of one night accommodation somewhere else. 

Are cabins private on the Hanoi to Sapa trains?

If you take a train from Hanoi to sapa will you need to share a cabin? The exact rules depend on the specific train company that you book with. In general, if you book one bed in a 4 bed cabin, you will probably need to share the cabin with other passengers. To ensure you get a private 4 bed cabin you need to book all of the beds. However, if you book 3 out of 4 beds, there is a very good chance you will get the cabin to yourself. 

If you wish to have a private cabin consider a 2 bed VIP cabin (most trains offer this). The VIP 2 bed cabins are more expensive. Normally you need to book both beds in the cabin together. We have quoted the price per person below. So you will need to consider the fact that you may need to book two beds for some of the VIP cabins. 

Is food served on the train from Hanoi to Sapa?

The train services between Hanoi and Sapa do not offer food on board. At best some trains may have a snack cart with a limited selection of snacks and drinks – but we don’t recommend relying on this. Therefore, it is very important that you either eat before the train departs or you bring food on the train with you. We recommend bringing snacks and water for this journey. It is also important to be aware that they may not have drinking water available on the train. Therefore, we recommend that you bring plenty of water on this journey with you. 

Are there toilets on the train from Hanoi to Sapa?

Yes, there are toilets on board the train from Hanoi to sapa. Most train services have toilets in every single carriage, they may also have large sinks and mirrors available. 

Why visit Sapa?

We highly recommend a visit to Sapa. This beautiful hill town is immersed in mountains, deep valleys with swirling clouds and lush rice paddies. There are so many epic things to do in Sapa. Whether you want to go trekking through hills and villages near Sapa or whether you want to experience a rural homestay in Sapa – you won’t be disappointed. There are also some amazing dreamy luxury hotels in Sapa too. And definitely don’t miss the Cat Cat village near Sapa – packed with culture and amazing scenery.

What are the best places to stay in Sapa? 

There are some very impressive places to stay in Sapa.  Here are some of our top pick homestays, guest houses and hotels in Sapa all of these properties are located in or very close to Sapa town. 

1 Sapa Capsule hostel

Looking for an amazing budget option? Check out the Sapa Capsule hostel. This place is well located in the centre of Sapa town, around a 10 minute walk from the lake. The staff are very helpful and friendly with excellent local knowledge. Whether you want to rent a motorbike or find out the latest conditions on mount Fanispan – they can help you make the most of your trip.They even offer spacious two person capsules. Rooms are generally under £10. 

2 Mintu Home

Mintu Home boasts for of the best views around. This lovely place is located at the south of Sapa town. The walk to town is around 20 – 30 minutes and there are also plenty of taxis around too. Ling and her family run this homestay and welcome guests with warm hospitality. They also include a very good breakfast with a choice of Vietnamese and western food. Rooms are around £20. We strongly recommend booking a room with a mountain view (mountain view rooms may be slightly more expensive but we reckon that it’s worth it!)

3 Sapa Pine Hill Eco Lodge 

Sapa Pine offers amazing rooms and villas. We love the wooden interiors – the perfect aesthetic for the lovely natural surroundings of Sapa. This Eco Lodge is excellently located on a hill to the west of Sapa lake affording breathtaking views and convenient access to town. Sapa Pine is only a 5-10 minute walk from Sapa square and the lake. Book early to avoid disappointment. Rooms range in price between £30 – £170 

4 Sapa Horizon Hotel

This is probably the most impressive hotel for a combination of luxury and breathtaking views of the mountains. Rooms are excellently designed with large windows allowing plenty of natural light and giving the best panoramic views of the stunning surroundings. Sapa Horizon has terraces and seating areas that create relaxing spaces to enjoy the stunning views here. The Sapa Horizon Hotel is only a few minutes walk from the central square and Sapa lake. Rooms generally range between £50 – £150 

5 Hotel De La Coupole

Hotel De La Coupole is one of the most luxurious hotels in Sapa. This hotel has a vibrant eclectic 1900 interior design theme throughout the hotel. There is a heated indoor swimming pool and the food is excellent. Check out the executive King Suite with its rich regal red interiors. Some rooms may include breakfast or dinner – always check what’s included when you book. Hotel De La Coupole is also located in the centre of Sapa town only a few minutes walk from Central Square and the Sapa lake. Rooms generally range in price between £100 – £400 per night.

Looking for more inspiration

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