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Ho Chi Minh City to Sapa: The ultimate transport guide

22/08/2024

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The distance from Ho Chi Minh City to Sapa is nearly 2,000 kilometers. The fastest way to travel is to fly or take a train from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi, then continue the journey to Sapa by train or bus.

1. Popular means of transport from Ho Chi Minh City to Sapa
- 1.1. Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi
- 1.2. Hanoi to Sapa
2. Tips for a smooth trip from Ho Chi Minh City to Sapa

There is no direct flight from Ho Chi Minh City to Sapa (Source: Collected)

1. Popular means of transport from Ho Chi Minh City to Sapa

Ho Chi Minh City and Sapa are two prominent tourist destinations in Vietnam, one in the southern region and the other in the northern region. Despite the long distance, traveling between these destinations is relatively straightforward. It involves two legs: from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi and from Hanoi to Sapa.

1.1. Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi

As the two most developed cities in Vietnam, there are several transport options between Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi:

By plane: If you choose to fly, you will depart from Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) and arrive at Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) – the closest airport to Sapa Vietnam. The flight time is approximately 2 hours. Many Vietnamese airlines offer direct flights between these destinations, including Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air, Bamboo Airways, and Vietravel Airlines. One-way ticket prices range from 1,200,000 VND, depending on the airline, seat class, and booking time.
By train: If you prefer to travel from Saigon to Sapa by train, you will first need to take a train from Saigon Train Station to Hanoi Train Station, then take a train from Hanoi Train Station to Lao Cai Train Station. Five trains run from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi daily (SE2, SE4, SE6, SE8, SE12), with travel time ranging from 1 day 9 hours to 1 day 15 hours. Ticket prices vary by train and seat class, starting from 950,000 VND per one-way trip. You should check the website of Vietnam Railways for updated information and ticket booking.

Noi Bai – the closest airport to Sapa Vietnam (Source: Collected)

Additionally, there are other options like sleeper buses or personal vehicles. More details about these options can be found in this guide on Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi.

1.2. Hanoi to Sapa

Upon reaching Hanoi, to continue your Saigon to Sapa journey, you can choose from the following options:

By train: Board the SP3 or SP7 train from Hanoi Train Station to Lao Cai Train Station, with a travel time of about 8 hours. Ticket prices range from 400,000 VND to 600,000 VND. After arriving at Lao Cai Train Station, you can take the bus (no. 01) to Sapa for just 20,000 VND. Or, you can catch a taxi for convenience. Popular taxi companies in Lao Cai include Mai Linh, Hieu Hong, Xanh Sapa, and Nguyen Minh.
By bus: A faster option for traveling from Hanoi to Sapa is by bus, with a travel time of about 6 hours. Numerous bus companies operate on this route, offering sleeper buses and limousine buses. Ticket prices range from 400,000 VND to 600,000 VND, depending on the vehicle type. Some well-rated bus companies include Eco Sapa Limousine, Sao Viet, G8 Sapa Open Tour, Sapa Explore, Sapa Express, etc.

You can conveniently travel from Hanoi to Sapa by train or bus (Source: Collected)

Other options include taxis, motorbikes, or cars. You can find more detailed information on these options in this guide on Hanoi to Sapa.

2. Tips for a smooth trip from Ho Chi Minh City to Sapa

2.1. Tips for booking cheap flights

Flying saves time on the journey from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi, although it is more expensive than other options. Here are some tips to book cheap flights:

Book tickets 3 – 4 weeks in advance to secure better fares
Opt for early-morning or late-night flights
Regularly check the fan pages and websites of the airlines for the best deals

2.2. Tips for traveling by train

Compared to flights, traveling by train from Ho Chi Minh City to Sapa offers the advantages of lower fares. Additionally, train travel provides scenic views along the way. However, the longer travel time can be tiring.

For a more comfortable train journey, you should:

Choose the right type of seat (sleeper berth) for a more comfortable trip
Book tickets early to get your preferred seat
Avoid carrying too much luggage
Bring snacks for the long trip
Keep valuable items within sight
Be prepared for shared spaces
Expect some shaking and noise

Tips for a smooth trip from Ho Chi Minh City to Sapa

Take the train from Ho Chi Minh City to Sapa for scenic views (Source: Collected)

2.3. Tips for a safe bus ride

Buses are a cost-effective option in Vietnam, ideal for saving money and experiencing the local life during night travels. However, issues such as the lack of space and safety concerns might make some travelers hesitate. To ensure a safe journey by bus from Ho Chi Minh City to Sapa, you should:

Choose reputable bus companies for a safe Sapa tour from Ho Chi Minh City
Opt for seats in the middle rows of the bus to minimize motion sickness
Prepare anti-motion sickness remedies and wear a mask
Check if the bus provides food and drink, or bring your own snacks
Always keep an eye on personal belongings

Discover: Things to do in Sapa Vietnam: 20 incredible activities to try

*The details in this guide are for reference purposes only and may be subject to change over time. It is recommended that you contact the transport service provider for the most up-to-date information.

Embarking on the journey from Ho Chi Minh City to Sapa takes you from vibrant city life to the tranquil beauty of Vietnam’s northern highlands. Whether you travel by plane, train, or bus, the trip offers unforgettable experiences, showcasing the diverse landscapes and cultural richness of Vietnam.

Upon arriving in Sapa, be sure to visit attractions such as Ham Rong Mountain, Fansipan Mountain, Thac Bac Waterfall, O Quy Ho Pass, Muong Hoa Valley, Cat Cat Village, and Ta Phin Village...

After visiting Sapa, you can continue your Vietnam travel by exploring other tourist destinations like Hanoi, Hoi An, Nha Trang, Phu Quoc, Ha Long, Danang. At these destinations, take the time to enjoy a wonderful day at the world-class entertainment complexes of VinWonders – featuring all sorts of thrilling games and captivating shows.