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Lao Cai to Sapa

Lao Cai to Sapa: 4 transport options for self-guided tours

30/08/2024 1.486 views

The journey from Lao Cai to Sapa is popular for travelers exploring northern Vietnam. There are various transport options, including buses, taxis, tourist cars, and motorbikes. Let’s explore!
Lao Cai to Sapa

Discover how to transfer from Lao Cai to Sapa in this article! (Source: Collected)

1. Local buses from Lao Cai to Sapa

If you want to experience the local life and save on costs, you can travel from Lao Cai to Sapa by local bus. Here are the details:

  • Bus route: 01
  • Itinerary: Lao Cai Train Station Square – Nguyen Hue Street – Coc Leu Bridge – Hoang Lien Street – Kim Tan Intersection – National Road 4D – Ngu Chi Son Street – Xuan Vien Street – Sapa Church
  • Operating hours: 5:30 AM – 4 PM
  • Ticket price: 20,000 VND

This bus route is best for travelers arriving by train in Lao Cai, which will then travel approximately 33 kilometers to Sapa. If you are departing from other locations in Lao Cai, here are some other bus routes that can take you to Sapa:

  • Bao Yen – Sapa
  • Bac Ha – Sapa
  • Van Ban – Sapa
  • Muong Khuong – Sapa
  • Si Ma Cai – Sapa
Local buses from Lao Cai to Sapa

You can catch a public bus from Lao Cai to Sapa (Source: Collected)

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

2. Taxis from Lao Cai to Sapa

Alternatively, you can take a taxi from Lao Cai to Sapa for added comfort and privacy. Some reputable taxi companies between include:

Taxi company Hotline
Mai Linh 02143767676
Hieu Hong 02143820820
Xanh Sapa 02143636363 – 02143818181
Nguyen Minh 0206252525

 

If you have a smartphone, you can utilize a ride-hailing mobile application to book a taxi ride with ease. One such app in Sapa is Grab.

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

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3. Tourist cars from Lao Cai to Sapa

Renting a tourist car to travel to Sapa from Lao Cai is also a popular option, especially for larger groups who want to explore along the way. Some reputable car rental shops are Viptrip and Xe Du Lich 360. They provide various route options:

Route Fare
4-7-seater car 16-seater van 30-seater bus
Lao Cai Train Station – Sapa about 480,000 VND about 550,000 VND  about 900,000 VND
Lao Cai – Coc Ly – Sapa about 1,400,000 VND about 1,600,000 VND about 2,400,000 VND
Lao Cai – Bac Ha – Sapa about 1,400,000 VND about 1,600,000 VND about 2,500,000 VND
Lao Cai – Can Cau – Sapa about 1,600,000 VND about 1,700,000 VND about 3,200,000 VND

 

Tourist cars from Lao Cai to Sapa

How to get from Lao Cai to Sapa? – By tourist car (Source: Collected)

4. Renting a motorbike or car in Lao Cai

Another option is to rent a car or motorbike for a self-driving experience to Sapa, allowing you to explore various attractions along the way with the help of Google Maps. This option is suitable for international travelers who meet the requirements for driving in Vietnam.

4.1. Motorbike

There are many reliable motorbike rental shops in Lao Cai, allowing you to easily travel to Sapa. Some recommended names include:

Motorbike rental shop Address Hotline
Flamingo Travel 49 Ha Bong Street 0912214554
Thue Xe May Lao Cai 366 366 Khanh Yen Street 0888360999
Mai Long Lao Cai 1093-1095 Tran Phu Street

342A Nguyen Hue Street

 0962906393

0868333883
Cafe Thu near Lao Cai Train Station Square 0972131363

 

The process of renting a motorbike is generally similar across different shops. You will need a valid driver’s license and passport. In most cases, you will need to leave a deposit, which can either be cash or the ID papers you have, which will be returned when you return the bike.

Renting a motorbike in Lao Cai

Enjoy the thrill of adventure by traveling on a motorbike (Source: Collected)

Here are some tips when renting a motorbike to travel from Lao Cai to Sapa:

  • Clarify the exact rental fees and how the rental period is calculated. Fees can vary but typically range from 150,000 VND per bike per day, depending on the type of bike.
  • Carefully inspect the motorbike and consider taking a test ride to ensure it is in good condition.
  • Make a reservation 1 to 3 days in advance.
  • Choose a pick-up and drop-off location that fits your itinerary to save time.
  • Ask about any included benefits such as helmets or raincoats.
  • Keep the rental shop’s contact number handy in case you need assistance.

Explore: Sapa weather: Useful information for your trip preparation

4.2. Car

For those who prefer to drive themselves from Lao Cai to Sapa, Mai Long Lao Cai is also a reliable car rental shop. Their address and hotline are as mentioned above:

Car rental shop Address Hotline
Mai Long Lao Cai 1093-1095 Tran Phu Street
342A Nguyen Hue Street		 0962906393
0868333883
Sigo According to your arrangement 1900999919
02888889399

 

The requirements for renting a car in Lao Cai are a bit more complicated than renting a motorbike. You will also need to provide a valid passport and driver’s license, along with a cash deposit. Both parties will sign a rental agreement and possibly a document to confirm the car’s condition.

Renting a car in Lao Cai

Choose a reputable car rental shop to avoid risks (Source: Collected)

To make the car rental process smoother:

  • Choose a rental package that fits your budget, whether it is based on kilometers or days, depending on your needs.
  • Prioritize newer models to minimize the risk of breakdowns.
  • Thoroughly inspect both the interior and exterior of the car to assess its condition. Take it for a test drive before finalizing the rental.
  • Carefully read the agreement to understand all the terms and ensure your rights before signing.
  • Verify the car’s documents, such as the registration and insurance papers, to avoid issues in case you are stopped by the local police.

5. Pros & cons of the 4 transport options

Each means of transport from Lao Cai to Sapa offers distinct advantages, along with drawbacks, for travelers to choose from:

Means Pros Cons
Local bus
  • Most affordable option
  • Provides an authentic local experience
  • Longer travel and wait time
  • No bus departures after 4 PM
  • Not convenient for those with a lot of luggage
Taxi
  • Flexible schedule
  • Provides comfort, privacy, and safety
  • Higher cost
Tourist car
  • Flexible schedule
  • Provides comfort, privacy, and safety
  • Allows for stops along the way
  • Higher cost
  • Requires booking in advance
Rental motorbike or car
  • Flexible schedule
  • Provides comfort and privacy
  • Provides the freedom to explore scenic spots along the way
  • Requires strong driving skills, good health, and knowledge of traffic laws
  • Requires booking in advance

 

Pros & cons of the 4 transport options

Each means of transport has its pros and cons for you to consider (Source: Collected)

*The details in this article are for reference purposes only and may be subject to change over time. If you are planning to choose these transport options, it is recommended that you contact the service provider for the most up-to-date information.

The journey from Lao Cai to Sapa is more than just a trip – it is an adventure through northern Vietnam’s stunning landscapes. Whether you choose to travel by bus, taxi, car, or motorbike, the route offers a true taste of the region’s natural beauty.

Once you arrive in Sapa, make sure to explore captivating attractions like Cat Cat Village, Silver Waterfall, Sapa Stone Church, Sapa Heaven Gate, Fansipan Mountain, Ham Rong Mountain, and Muong Hoa Valley.

Your Vietnam travel will continue to be exciting and memorable as you visit other popular destinations like Hanoi, Ha Long, Hoi An, Nha Trang, Phu Quoc. Here, you can enjoy a day full of fun at VinWonders – a collection of world-class entertainment complexes that offer all sorts of thrilling games and spectacular shows.

For your stay, consider the hotels and resorts of Vinpearl, a top-rated hospitality brand in Vietnam known for offering exceptional amenities in stunning natural surroundings.

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