Top 5+ Best Train from Hanoi to Sapa: Superior Comfort

Are you looking for the best way to travel from Hanoi to Sapa? Well, look no further! In this article, we will explore the best train from Hanoi to Sapa options for making this journey. So if you’re ready to sit back, relax, and enjoy the scenic route from Hanoi to Sapa, let’s dive in and find out which train is the best choice for your trip.

Different Types of Trains

When planning your journey, it’s helpful to know there are 3 distinct types of trains available, each offering different levels of comfort and amenities.

Local Train

Local trains are perfect for those on a budget. They offer essential amenities and a chance to meet locals. You can choose from hard or soft seats, as well as hard or soft berths, with some options featuring air conditioning.

Overnight Sleeper Train

If you’re looking for a comfortable ride on your 8-hour journey to Sapa, the overnight sleeper train from Hanoi is a great choice. It offers soft sleeper berths and hard berths, making it easier to get a good night’s sleep. Unlike hard or soft seats, which can be tiring, these sleeper berths let you rest comfortably while you travel, saving you time and helping you arrive refreshed.

Tourist Train

Tourist trains are crafted to offer extra comfort and services for travelers. The best train from Hanoi to Sapa comes with amenities like air conditioning, soft sleeper berths, and reading lights, ensuring a pleasant trip. 

Private companies enhance these trains with luxurious sleeping cars, such as Fansipan Express and Orient Express on SP1/SP2, and Sapaly and Victoria Express on SP3/SP4. The King Express is also available on SP7/SP8. While these trains might be pricier, their superior comfort and services make them a great choice for a relaxing journey from Hanoi to Sapa.

Top 5+ Best Train from Hanoi to Sapa

	Train No.	Departure time	Arrival time	Ticket prices
VIC Express Train	SP3	22:00	6:10 (Date +1)	$35 -$152
Orient Express	SP1	21:35	5:45 (Date +1)	$33 – $176
Fansipan Express Train	SP1	21:40	5:45 (Date +1)	$121 – $246
King Express	SP3	22:00	6:10 (Date +1)	$27 – $59
Chapa Express	SP3	22:00	6:10 (Date +1)	$38 – $172
Sapaly Express Train	SP3	22:00	6:10 (Date +1)	$35 – $150
Violet Express Train	SP3	22:00	05:55 (Date+1)	$35 – $96

*Note: The above price is for reference only, price may change depending on other days of the week or holidays of the year.

1. Vic Express Train

The VIC Sapa train offers luxurious cabins with three accommodation choices: deluxe 4-berth, VIP 2-berth, and VIP 1-bed cabins. Each one features comfy beds, air conditioning, cozy lighting, clean toilets, and reading lights for a relaxing trip. The train’s modern design of the best train from Hanoi to Sapa includes light wood panels and large windows, creating a spacious and stylish atmosphere.

Here are some pros of Victoria Express: 

• Exceptional Service: The Vic Express Train is famous for its high-quality service and has received great reviews from happy passengers.
• Luxury and Privacy: Enjoy premium services designed for a luxurious and private journey, making your trip as comfortable as possible.
• Well-Maintained Facilities: Benefit from clean, spacious toilets and separate washbasins, ensuring convenience and comfort throughout your journey.
• Comfortable Cabins: Relax in clean and cozy private cabins that offer stunning views along the route, enhancing your travel experience.
• Friendly Staff: Experience attentive and helpful staff who are always available to assist, making your journey on the best train from Hanoi to Sapa enjoyable and smooth.

2. Orient Express

The Orient Express is the best train from Hanoi to Sapa, providing excellent facilities for a comfortable trip. You’ll enjoy air conditioning, spacious and clean bathrooms, plenty of luggage storage, and cozy berths to ensure a relaxing and pleasant journey.

Pros of the Orient Express

• Spacious Bathrooms: Passengers appreciate the large, clean bathrooms, which enhance comfort and convenience during the journey.
• Attentive Staff: The well-trained, friendly staff of the best train from Hanoi to Sapa are always available to help and ensure a smooth trip for all guests.

Cons of the Orient Express

• 2-Bed Cabin Pricing: The entire cabin of this best train from Hanoi to Sapa must be paid for when booking a 2-berth option, with no discount for single travelers.
• Tight Schedule: The train departs at 9:35 PM and arrives at 5:45 AM, which might feel rushed for some passengers.

3. Fansipan Express Train

The Fansipan Express night train to Sapa is known for its deluxe service, accommodating 112 passengers in four superior sleeping carriages on the Hanoi to Lao Cai route. Passengers enjoy air conditioning, reading lights, free water, snacks, and napkins. Each carriage of this best train from Hanoi to Sapa has a tool and table for hot or cold water, and there’s a waiting room at the train station for added convenience.

Pros of Fansipan Express Train:

• Professional Staff: The best train from Hanoi to Sapa is known for its friendly and efficient staff, providing excellent service throughout your journey.
• Quality Services: Passengers enjoy well-equipped facilities and a comfortable travel experience.
• Competitive Pricing: The train offers great value, making it a budget-friendly choice for travelers.

Cons of Fansipan Express Train

Limited Bathroom Facilities: The absence of a large bathroom might be inconvenient for some passengers, especially on longer journeys.

4. King Express

The King Express train, now known as the King Sapa Train, showcases the elegance of colonial-style travel in Northern Vietnam. This best train from Hanoi to Sapa was named to reflect its dedication to “Serving you like royalty.” The best train offers 24 wooden-paneled berths in 6 suite cabins, each equipped with air conditioning, reading lights, and baggage storage.

• Royal Service: The friendly and attentive staff provide excellent service, making guests feel like royalty throughout their journey.
• Clean and Spacious Cabins: Passengers enjoy the roomy, well-maintained cabins, which enhance comfort during the trip.

5. Chapa Express Train

The Chapa Express Train offers a comfortable and enjoyable journey to Sapa. With spacious cabins and large windows, you can take in the beautiful views. Passengers appreciate the complimentary snacks and friendly service, making the trip pleasant and relaxing. This best train from Hanoi to Sapa is a great choice for a smooth and scenic ride.

Pros of Chapa Express Train

• Waiting Room: Enjoy a comfortable waiting room to relax or freshen up before your journey, adding a touch of convenience and comfort.
• Spacious Cabins: Relax in roomy cabins with large windows, offering beautiful views of the scenery during your trip.
• Complimentary Refreshments: Free snacks, water, and fruits are provided to keep you satisfied and refreshed throughout the journey.
• Exceptional Service: Friendly and attentive staff are highly praised, ensuring a pleasant and well-cared-for travel experience.

Cons of Fansipan Express Train

Narrow Corridors: The train’s narrow corridors can be a bit cramped, but the spacious cabins help make up for this minor inconvenience.

6. Sapaly Express Train

Sapaly Express is a top choice for traveling between Hanoi and Sapa. It features luxurious, well-decorated cabins and modern facilities. With its high-end services, the train ensures a comfortable and enjoyable journey, allowing passengers to sleep soundly and feel as if they’re staying in a superior hotel.

Pros of Sapaly Express Train

• Cozy Cabin Décor: The warm and inviting cabin design of this best train from Hanoi to Sapa enhances comfort, making your journey to Sapa relaxing and enjoyable.
• Strong Air Conditioning: Well-functioning air conditioning keeps the cabins cool, ensuring a comfortable travel experience no matter the weather outside.
• Hot Water Availability: The convenience of hot water onboard adds extra comfort, allowing passengers to enjoy a warm drink or freshen up easily.
• Attentive Staff: Friendly and well-trained staff are dedicated to providing excellent service, ensuring a pleasant and hassle-free journey for all travelers.

Cons of Sapaly Express Train

Basic Amenities: Some passengers might find the amenities limited compared to other trains, potentially lacking in additional comfort features.

7. Violet Express

The Violet Express Train features 14 cabins, all beautifully decorated in the train’s signature violet color. You’ll notice the vibrant violet hues throughout the berths, creating a stylish and unique atmosphere for your journey.

Pros of Violet Express Train

• Unique Décor: The cabins of this best train from Hanoi to Sapa are stylishly decorated in the train’s signature violet color, creating a visually appealing and memorable travel experience.
• Comfortable Cabins: Passengers enjoy well-designed and cozy cabins, offering a pleasant environment for both relaxation and sleep during the journey.
• High-Quality Service: Attentive staff provide excellent service, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience for all travelers on board.

Cons of Violet Express Train

Limited Cabin Options: With only 14 cabins available, booking might be challenging during peak travel times, potentially leading to limited availability.

Practical Tips for Traveling by the Night Train 

• Book in Advance: Secure your tickets early to ensure you get the best seats or berths and avoid last-minute hassles. This also gives you time to plan and prepare for your trip.
• Pack Light: A small bag with snacks, water, and personal items will keep you comfortable and make it easier to move around the train.
• Wear Comfortable Clothes: Opt for cozy, loose-fitting clothes to relax in during the trip. This helps you feel more at ease and enjoy the journey without feeling restricted or uncomfortable.
• Keep Valuables Secure: Store your important items like money, passports, and electronics in a secure place. Use a lock for your luggage if possible, and keep valuables close to you while you sleep.
• Prepare for Motion: Night trains can sway and make noise. If you’re sensitive to movement, consider taking some motion sickness remedies or using earplugs and an eye mask to help you sleep better.

Conclusion

We’ve explored the best train from Hanoi to Sapa, highlighting those that offer the most comfort and scenic views. Choosing the right train can make your journey more enjoyable and relaxing. With these top picks, you’re sure to find a great way to travel from Hanoi to Sapa, making the trip as pleasant as the destination.