Coming to the misty Sapa land, surely any visitor wants to fully explore every corner of this place. However, to do that, you need to consider carefully in choosing the means of transportation because it will be one of the factors that determine whether your Sapa trip is successful or not. So right now, let’s find out which means of transport are the fastest and most convenient for you on your upcoming trip to Sapa!
Where is Sapa?
Located in the northwest of Vietnam, Sa Pa town is at an altitude of 1,600 meters above sea level, 38 km from Lao Cai city and 376 km from Hanoi. In addition to the main road from Lao Cai city, there is another traffic route to Sapa, the 4D National Highway from Binh Lu commune, Lai Chau.
The average annual air temperature of Sa Pa is 15 °C. In summer, the town does not have to suffer from the harsh sun like the coastal plain, about 13 °C – 15 °C at night and 20 °C – 25 °C during the day. Winter is often cloudy and cold, the temperature sometimes drops below 0 °C, sometimes it snows. The average annual rainfall here ranges from 1,800 to 2,200 mm, most concentrated in the period from May to August.
Which transports to reach Sapa from Hanoi?
By Limousine
If you are looking for a convenient yet reasonable transportation solution, the car will pick you up right at your hotel, Limousine will be the choice not to be missed. Good quality car, soft seats, luxurious space, this transport is a little bit faster than train or bus.
By Train
If you are a person who loves to explore and experience new things, the train is the ideal suggestion to go to Sapa from Hanoi.
Train: 8 – 9 hours, including a transfer from Lao Cai station to Sapa town by van or bus. The train is more comfortable, especially if you take an overnight train. Snacks, food and clean restrooms are available. You can save on a night of accommodation and enjoy the scenery along the way.
Some advantages and disadvantages when choosing a train as a means of transportation:
+ Advantages: safe sleeping train, no fear when going through zigzag roads, there is a trip from morning to night to save room rental costs. If the train runs during the day, you can enjoy the beautiful scenery along the way. The luggage storage area is also spacious.
+ Cons: Trains running all night may be noisy, food choices are limited. The final destination is Lao Cai station, so if you want to go to Sapa, you have to catch one more car.
By Bus
Buses to Sapa are the most popular means of transport because not only are they affordable, but you can also choose from a variety of beds from single to high-quality double beds.
Bus: It takes about 6 – 7 hours depending on the type of bus and the traffic, the bus stops 2 times (10 mins for toilet and 30 mins for food). However, some buses arrive in the middle of the night in Sapa, travelers can note that to be ready and prepare for the trip.
By 4 to 7 car
Traveling Sapa by private vehicle is always an interesting journey, on the way you can stop to visit and eat as you like. Conquer the roads and take many beautiful photos. However, you should check the weather before you go, to avoid going in the rainy season from July to August. Find out in advance the roads you will go through to easily handle dangerous cases.
Car & minivan take about 5 hours to Sapa, which is the fastest way to travel and relatively affordable way to travel.
Run towards Nhat Tan bridge, continue to turn into Hanoi – Lao Cai highway at the section going to Vinh Phuc. Then, just run straight along the highway to Lao Cai, continue to Sapa for only 30 km.
If possible, rent a private car as a means of transport from Hanoi to Sapa, the time of departure and pickup is as you like, without being constrained or dependent. Prices can be high but if you go with a family or a large group, it can be as cheap as traveling by train.
By Motorbike
Traveling to Sapa by motorbike is a suitable option for backpackers with a rented motorbike for a distance of nearly 400 km, you can comfortably conquer the high roads, rest, admire the scenery, take photos at any time…
You can choose one of the following two paths:
Going towards Lao Cai:
Option 1: Hanoi – Vinh Phuc – Viet Tri – Phong Chau – Doan Hung – Yen Bai – Lao Cai – Sapa (Total distance is about 360km)
Option 2: Hanoi – Hoa Lac – Son Tay – Trung Ha Bridge – Phong Chau Bridge – Phong Chau – Doan Hung – along road 70 – Lao Cai – Sapa (Total route 370km)
Traveling to Sapa in the direction of Lai Chau:
Option 3: Hanoi – Hoa Lac – Son Tay – Thanh Son – Along Highway 32 – Sapa (Total route more than 420km)
However, traveling by motorbike requires you to have health, perseverance, and love to explore and conquer. More importantly, you have to research the right time and weather, especially to avoid the rainy season.
Travel tips to Sapa from Hanoi
Online booking at our website is the best choice for tourist people, because the price is the best price and reliable!
Most of the time Sapa is frequently cold, so you should prepare a jacket for it, also the small rain or fog may come anytime, so the roads are dirt, prepare hiking boots also.
At bus/car stop points the food is more expensive than at other places. Preparing your food and drink is a good option but just bring it out when the car stops, because most cars don’t allow you to eat food in the car.
Which is the fastest transport to get to Sapa?
Traveling to Sapa by Private car/Limousine van is the fastest way. It just takes about 5 hours with affordable prices. You can also be flexible about the departure time and be picked up at your hotel. Moreover, they have many conveniences that will make you feel comfortable.
However, sleeping cabin buses are the best choice and popular for tourist people, with the best price in the list and the quality is suitable for the price. If you go to Sapa in the night-time, just sleep and wake-up when the bus arrives.
How to book the best transports to Sapa?
Our website is built to bring useful information to customers. For each customer, there will be a suitable vehicle for each person. In each category of means of transportation, we will provide customers with the most practical information so that travelers can easily choose the best type of vehicle. Because each transport has its advantages, it’s up to visitors to travel alone, couple or group,…
Please access our website to see more information, contact us anytime to get your request clearly. Please click here: Transport to Sapa
Conclusion
With its sprawling rice paddies and the cultural diversity of ethnic minorities, Sapa always has its own way to capture your imagination. Although it is crowded with tourists, it is still one of the most popular places to visit in Vietnam.
From village houses and genuine hospitality, to vibrant ethnic markets and mountain hikes, Sapa is a great destination for adventurous travelers, hikers. Contact us to choose the best way to Sapa and join in many trekking, hiking activities.