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Sapa to Ha Long Bay

Sapa to Ha Long Bay: Transport options & travel tips

08/08/2024 818 views

The distance from Sapa to Ha Long Bay is approximately 475 kilometers, which can be covered with a 7-hour road journey. Travelers can choose from various transport options, such as coaches, trains, or private cars.

Ha Long Bay

The Sapa to Ha Long Bay distance by road is approximately 475 kilometers (Source: Collected)

1. How to get from Sapa to Ha Long Bay?

There are many convenient ways to travel from Sapa to Ha Long Bay, two famous destinations with breathtaking natural landscapes in northern Vietnam, including coaches, trains, and private cars.

1.1. By coach

If you want to take a coach from Sapa to Ha Long Bay, you can choose from the sleeper buses operated by companies like Phuc Xuyen, Phuc An, The Anh Travel, and The New Way. On average, there are about 16 trips per day from these four operators, running from 8:00 AM to 10:20 PM. The average fare for a sleeper bus from Sapa to Ha Long Bay is around 550,000 VND.

sleeper bus from Sapa to Ha Long Bay

You can conveniently travel by sleeper bus from Sapa to Ha Long Bay (Source: Collected)

1.2. By train

There are no direct trains from Hanoi to Ha Long. Still, if you want a unique local experience, you can take a train from Sapa to Hanoi and continue the journey from Hanoi to Ha Long by other means. From Lao Cai Train Station, board the train no. SP4, which departs at 9:30 PM and arrives at Hanoi at 5:25 AM. Fares range from 315,000 VND to 495,000 VND, depending on the seat class you choose. After arriving in Hanoi, you can go from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay by coach, seaplane, motorbike, or car, each offering different advantages in terms of time, flexibility, and cost. 

*Check the official website of Vietnam Railways for detailed information on the train schedules and ticket prices.

Ha Long bus station

There are no Sapa to Ha Long Bay trains (Source: Collected)

1.3. By renting a car with a driver

If you prefer privacy and comfort during your trip, renting a car with a driver is the best option for traveling from Sapa to Ha Long Bay. With a private car, you will not have to adhere to a fixed schedule and can stop along the way to take photos or enjoy the magnificent scenery. You also do not need to worry about navigating the route, as the hired driver will do it for you. The rental fee for a car with a driver for this route ranges from 6,500,000 VND to 7,500,000 VND, depending on whether you choose a 4-seat, 7-seat, or 16-seat vehicle.

private car

Going from Sapa to Ha Long Bay by private car offers the most comfort (Source: Collected)

2. Which transfer option from Sapa to Ha Long Bay suits you best?

You should carefully consider the pros and cons of each means of transport in terms of travel time, cost, and flexibility to choose the one that best suits your needs.

Transport option Pros Cons
Coach
  • Economical fare
  • Essential amenities
  • Sleeper buses provide a good night’s rest for the upcoming daytime activities
  • Potential discomfort due to small seatings
  • Safety concerns due to night drives on steep mountain roads
Train 
  • A safe and scenic journey
  • An opportunity to experience the local culture
  • Longer travel time
  • No direct trains from Sapa to Ha Long Bay
Private car
  • More comfortable
  • Door-to-door service
  • Flexible schedules
  • Higher costs
  • Not suitable for those prone to motion sickness

 

3. Useful tips for the trip from Sapa to Ha Long Bay

3.1. Best time to visit Ha Long

Ha Long Bay, located in northern Vietnam, experiences all four seasons: spring (March – May), summer (June – August), fall (September – November), and winter (December – February). In spring, the weather is warm and dry. Summer can be hot with possible rainstorms. The weather cools down in fall, which in turn becomes very chilly in winter. You can visit Ha Long Bay at any time of the year, as each season offers its own beauty and associated activities. Summer is for swimming and sunbathing, while other seasons are perfect for exploring the bay without the crowds.

3.2. Itinerary for first-time visitors

If it is your first time visiting Ha Long Bay, you must embark on a cruise around the bay, which is surrounded by picturesque limestone karsts amidst the clear waters. You can also enjoy swimming, kayaking, going night squid fishing, and visiting fishing villages. Notable attractions in Ha Long Bay include Quang Ninh Museum, Ha Long Night Market, Tuan Chau Island, Ti Top Beach, and Bai Chay.

The picturesque Ha Long Bay

You can go on a Sapa – Ha Long Bay tour at any time of the year (Source: Collected)

3.3. Food

Your tour in Ha Long would be incomplete without savoring its diverse culinary offerings. The local dishes are often made from seafood such as crab, shrimp, sea cucumber, fish, and squid. Must-try dishes include:

  • Vermicelli with mantis shrimp
  • Vermicelli with stone crab
  • Steamed rolled rice pancake with squid
  • Sweet and sour horseshoe crab
  • Stir-fried snails
  • Yogurt with tapioca pearl

3.4. Accommodation

Ha Long offers a wide range of accommodations, from budget hotels to luxury resorts. Noteworthy among the luxurious options is Vinpearl Resort & Spa Ha Long. Nestled on a private island, this resort boasts breathtaking views of the bay, three exclusive beaches, lush gardens, spacious swimming pools, a pampering spa, and fine dining. It offers a perfect retreat for all guests, whether they are going on a romantic getaway, a family vacation, or a business trip.

Vinpearl Resort Spa Ha Long

The views of the bay from Vinpearl Resort & Spa Ha Long are captivating

 

Book rooms in Vinpearl Resort & Spa Ha Long

 

The journey from Sapa to Ha Long Bay offers travelers a chance to experience the stunning landscapes of northern Vietnam. Whether you choose to travel by coach, train, or private car, you will be rewarded with many memorable experiences.

After exploring Sapa and Ha Long, you can further enhance your Vietnam travel by visiting other destinations like HanoiHoi An, Nha Trang, and Phu Quoc. These cities are renowned for their vibrant culture, natural beauty, delectable cuisine, and warm hospitality. 

In those destinations, you are recommended to check out VinWonders – a series of state-of-the-art entertainment complexes that feature thrilling games and mesmerizing shows. After a fun-filled day, consider staying at Vinpearl’s hotels and resorts, which provide top-notch amenities amidst beautiful natural settings.

VinWonders Nha Trang

Hundreds of exciting activities await you at VinWonders

Book tickets to VinWonders Phu Quoc, Nha Trang, Nam Hoi An, VinKE & Vinpearl Aquarium and VinWonders Wave Park & Water Park to enjoy endless fun in Vietnam!

 

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