Sapaly Express Train vs VIC Sapa Train: Best Choice for Relaxing Travel

Heading to Sapa? You’re in for a treat! Choosing the right train can really make your trip more enjoyable. Both the Sapaly Express Train vs VIC Sapa Train offer comfort and convenience, but they each have their own special perks. Let’s dive into what makes them different, so you can pick the best one for your journey!

Overview of Sapaly Express Train vs VIC Sapa Train

The Sapaly Express Train is a great choice for traveling between Hanoi and Sapa. With top-notch services and modern facilities, it offers a comfortable ride. The well-designed, fully-equipped cabins ensure a relaxing experience, making you feel like you’re staying in a luxury hotel. You’ll enjoy a peaceful, restful sleep as you travel from Hanoi to Lao Cai.

The VIC Sapa train has some amazing deluxe cabins to choose from: a 4-berth cabin, a 2-berth VIP cabin, and even a 1-bed VIP cabin! Each one’s super comfy with cozy beds, air conditioning, soft lighting, and clean toilets – perfect for a relaxing ride. Plus, you get free snacks, water, slippers, and lots of space for your luggage. The modern decor with light wood and big windows makes everything feel bright and spacious.

Key Differences Between Sapaly Express Train vs VIC Sapa Train

Key differences between Sapaly Express Train vs VIC Sapa Train include cabin types, pricing, and luxury. Let’s see how each train offers a unique travel experience!

Route and Schedule

Way from:		Sapaly Express Train	VIC Sapa Train
Hanoi Station to Lao Cai Station	Departure Time	22:00	22:00
	Arrival Time	06:05	06:05
Lao Cai Train Station to Hanoi	Departure Time	21:30	21:30
	Arrival Time	5:35	5:35

*Please note, this is just an estimated time. The actual time can change because of things like the train schedule, traffic, weather, and other problems. So, make sure to arrive 50 -60 minutes before the train leaves to check in. At this time, your online ticket will be changed to a paper ticket.

When comparing customer service between Sapaly Express Train vs VIC Sapa Train, both provide excellent services for travelers journeying between Hanoi and Sapa. Both trains depart from Hanoi Station at 22:00 PM, arriving at Lao Cai Station by 6:05. On the return journey, the trains leave Lao Cai Station at 21:30, reaching Hanoi at 5:35. 

The travel time for both routes is similar, taking about 8 hours to cover the distance. Both Sapaly Express and VIC Sapa Trains offer comfortable accommodations and timely schedules, making the travel experience smooth and efficient. The trains are frequent, offering convenience for those planning trips to Sapa.

Facilities and Amenities

Both the Sapaly Express Train vs VIC Sapa Train offer similar amenities to make your journey comfy and relaxing. Each train has individual reading lights, so you can read or unwind at your own pace. Earplugs are available to block out noise for a more peaceful ride. Both trains also feature clean toilets, which is always a relief.

You’ll get bottled water to stay hydrated, and the air-conditioning keeps the temperature just right, even during warmer months. For those with devices, there are chargers and free Wi-Fi to stay connected. Plus, both trains offer blankets and pillows, making the overnight trip way more comfortable. 

With all these thoughtful touches, it’s clear both trains are designed to make your travel between Hanoi and Sapa as smooth and enjoyable as possible. It’s the perfect way to relax and enjoy the ride!

> See more: 

• Sapaly Express Train Review: Your Gateway to Luxury Travel
• VIC Sapa Train Review: Unlock Joyful Travels and Scenic Views!

Customer Service and Comfort

Both the Sapaly Express Train vs VIC Sapa Train offer fantastic customer service, each in their own way. 

On the Sapaly Express, VIP cabins are cozy and come with free snacks, drinks like coke and beer, and even toothbrushes! Hot water is always available, and you can order more drinks and snacks during the trip. The toilets are clean, and there are basins outside. The ticketing system is a bit quirky – you get a voucher via WhatsApp, then wait for the real tickets, but check-in is easy. The cabins are for four people, but in VIP, the upper bunks fold up for more space. A friendly tour guide, like May, ensures everything goes smoothly.

VIC Sapa Train, on the other hand, offers a luxurious, relaxing journey with spacious cabins and amazing service! The 294km ride between Hanoi and Lao Cai is smooth, and you get to enjoy the beautiful night sky!

Pricing and Value

Sapaly Express Train	VIC Sapa Train
4 Berth Deluxe Cabin (price/ticket) $55 2 Berth VIP Cabin (price/cabin) $198	Shared cabin (price/ticket) $55 Private VIP Cabin – Twin Bed (price/ticket) $195 Private VIP Cabin – Double Bed (price/ticket) $210

*Note: The price is set when it’s published, but it might change during holidays. So, make sure to check before you book your tickets!

The Sapaly Express Train and VIC Sapa Train both offer comfortable and affordable options for traveling to Sapa. On the Sapaly Express, you can book a 4 Berth Deluxe Cabin for $55 per ticket, which is a good choice if you’re traveling with others or don’t mind sharing the space. If you prefer more privacy, the 2 Berth VIP Cabin is available for $198 per cabin. 

Meanwhile, the VIC Sapa Train offers a shared cabin for $55 per ticket, just like the Sapaly’s 4 Berth cabin. For more comfort, you can choose the Private VIP Cabin – Twin Bed for $195 per ticket or the Private VIP Cabin – Double Bed for $210 per ticket. Overall, both trains offer similar prices for shared cabins, but the VIC Sapa Train provides more options for private spaces, with a slightly higher price range for extra comfort.

*Transfer

Transfer to Sapa or Lao Cai Train Station	Sapaly Express Train	VIC Sapa Train
Shared Transfer (16 sears car)	$5	$5
Private Transfer (4-7 seats car)	$30	$30

*If you’re heading to Hanoi or Lao Cai Station, you’ve got a couple of choices for getting there. If you’re looking to save a bit, you can take the shared transfer in a 16-seat car for just $5 – it’s affordable and you might even make some new friends along the way! But, if you’re in the mood for something a little fancier, you can opt for a private transfer in a 4-7 seat car for $30. Either way, you’ll get to the station comfortably and on time!

Which Train is Right for You?

The key differences between the Sapaly Express Train vs VIC Sapa Train are pricing, cabin options, and luxury. Sapaly Express offers more affordable options with 4-berth deluxe cabins and 2-berth VIP cabins, making it great for budget travelers. 

On the other hand, VIC Sapa provides a more luxurious experience with spacious, elegant cabins, including private VIP cabins. While both trains offer comfort and good amenities, VIC Sapa stands out for its premium service and design.

Conclusion

In the end, both the Sapaly Express Train vs VIC Sapa Train offer great options for your trip to Sapa. Each has its own unique features, so it all comes down to what you value most in your journey. Whichever you choose, both will provide a comfortable and enjoyable ride to Sapa!