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How to go to Sapa

How to go to Sapa Vietnam: A complete guide for first-time travelers

17/01/2024 1.497 views

Learning how to go to Sapa Vietnam will help you find the most suitable, affordable, and time-efficient means for your trip. Fortunately, as Sapa is a popular destination in Vietnam, you are presented with many viable options.
Find out how to get to Sapa Vietnam for a seamless and comfortable trip

Find out how to get to Sapa Vietnam for a seamless and comfortable trip (Source: Collected)

How to go to Sapa should be one of the first things to address when planning a trip to this Northern Vietnamese town. Transportation is a big aspect of Vietnam travel, and Sapa is no exception due to its relatively reclusive location.

1. How to go to Sapa Vietnam from Hanoi and other parts of Vietnam?

When you ask a local or an experienced traveler about how to go to Sapa, they will most likely tell you to get to Hanoi first. It is a no-brainer, as Hanoi is home to Noi Bai International Airport, the largest airport in the Northern region. If you are figuring out how to get to Sapa from Ho Chi Minh City or any other cities or provinces in the country, going to Hanoi first is always the answer. The distance from Sapa to Hanoi is 300 kilometers, and the exact time it takes to travel will depend on your means of transportations:

1.1. Travel by coach

Hanoi is usually the intermediate destination for a journey to Sapa

Hanoi is usually the intermediate destination for a journey to Sapa (Source: Collected)

One of the best ways to cover the distance from Hanoi to Sapa is by taking a coach. It is not only affordable but also comfortable, all while offering you a chance to admire the incredible view along the way. Generally, it will take about 6 hours, give or take, depending on the number of stops and traffic conditions.

You will need to contact a coach company to book tickets in advance, since this is an extremely popular choice regarding how to get to Sapa from Hanoi. You can even book sleeper buses or limousine buses to kick back and relax during the ride. Lastly, you also have the option to pick between day or night coaches. While day time rides seem to be the preferred choice for first-time travelers, night coaches can take advantage of the lack of traffic, provided that you are willing to sleep on the coach.

1.2. How to go to Sapa from Hanoi? – Travel by train

Take the train to witness the beauty between Hanoi and Sapa

Take the train to witness the beauty between Hanoi and Sapa (Source: Collected)

Traveling by train is how to go to Sapa with extra privacy. Same as coaches, passengers can enjoy the beautiful scenery along the way comfortably. You also have various options in terms of seating and cabins, with hard or soft sleepers and hard or soft seats. Booking tickets ahead will ensure a convenient trip, as there are fixed arrival and departure time slots for the train. Aside from that, the experience is pretty much the same as coaches, as you can take out your camera to capture the scenery from the train windows. The train ride will take about 8 – 9 hours, plus 1 more hour on a coach to get to Sapa from Lao Cai Bus Station.

>>> Check out the things to do in Sapa for your upcoming trip!

1.3. Travel by private transfers

If you are feeling confident with navigating the winding roads by yourself, don’t hesitate to rent a car or motorbike for the trip. Make sure that you have a driver’s license ready and research your way to the town in advance to avoid getting lost. You will get to enjoy the views at your own pace and can take a detour when you wish to do so.

2. How to get to Sapa from other countries?

Many tourists also wonder how to get to Sapa from abroad. Unfortunately, as of now, there is no airport in Sapa. Flying to Noi Bai International Airport then switching to another means of transportation remains the best way to get to Sapa. The good news is the authorities are proposing an initiative for building an airport in Sapa. If this goes through, there will be a convenient alternative for visitors to reach one of the best destinations in the country. In due time, however, flying to Hanoi first is how to travel to Sapa Vietnam from another country.

Noi Bai International Airport welcomes many foreign visitors of Northern Vietnam destinations

Noi Bai International Airport welcomes many foreign visitors of Northern Vietnam destinations (Source: Collected)

>>> Check out the map of Sapa Vietnam to learn more about this beautiful town!

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3. How to get around in Sapa?

The town of Sapa has a lot of activities for you to uncover, and to do so, you will need to find transportation in town. As tourism is rapidly developing here, the locals offer quite a lot of options for visitors.

  • Motorbike: If you go to Sapa by bike, you can explore the town with your bike as well. Otherwise, you can easily rent one for about 100,000 – 150,000 VND/day.
  • Motorbike taxi (xe om): In case navigating the roads of Sapa sound a little bit too adventurous for your liking, you can take a motorbike taxi (xe om). Fares are often negotiable, so it is up to your bargaining skills to get the best prices.
  • Taxi: Taking a taxi will ensure a comfortable trip, but it also comes with a higher price. Additionally, it takes away from the rustic experience of Sapa a little bit as well, as cars will not be able to take narrow roads or reach some ethnic villages.
  • Travel on foot/Hike: Speaking of rustic, nothing beats an excursion on foot. This is a tremendous option for those who are not on a tight schedule and want to soak in everything Sapa has to offer.
After finding out how to get to Sapa Vietnam, it’s time to get around the town

After finding out how to get to Sapa Vietnam, it’s time to get around the town (Source: Collected)

After figuring out how you will get around the town, all that’s left is to explore! Ham Rong Mountain, Fansipan Mountain, Thac Bac Waterfall, O Quy Ho Pass, Muong Hoa Valley, Cat Cat Village, and Ta Phin Village are some notable attractions that you must definitely visit on your trip to Sapa.

Learning how to go to Sapa Vietnam is one of the main steps in preparing for a trip to this beautiful town. Due to its reclusive nature, there are not many ways to reach Sapa, despite it being one of the most visited destinations in the country. However, what Sapa lacks in convenience it makes up for in beauty. No matter which means you choose, you can feast your eyes on the scenery of Sapa and immerse yourself in its culture.

After Sapa, you can expand your Vietnamese vacation to other destinations like Hanoi, Hoi An, Nha Trang, Phu Quoc, Ha Long, Danang, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang. When it comes to entertainment, few can beat the complexes of VinWonders. VinWonders Wave Park & Water Park, VinKE & Vinpearl Aquarium, VinWonders Nam Hoi An, VinWonders Nha Trang, and VinWonders Phu Quoc can show you and your family a great time with all sorts of thrilling games and one-of-a-kind cultural performances. To top it all off, you can spend your time with Vinpearl’s hotels and resorts to experience luxurious accommodation and hospitality services.

VinWonders offers many exciting activities for visitors

VinWonders offers many exciting activities for visitors

Stay at Vinpearl to experience luxury and grandeur

Stay at Vinpearl to experience luxury and grandeur

>>> Book tickets of VinWonders Phu Quoc, Nha Trang, Nam Hoi An, VinKE & Vinpearl Aquarium and VinWonders Wave Park & Water Park to enjoy a great time with your family!

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