Top 3 Ways to Get from Halong Bay to Sapa

How to get to Sapa from Halong Bay

The journey from Halong Bay to Sapa covers approximately 450 km, typically taking around 9 hours by car or 12 hours by train. Travelers have three main options for this route: train, bus, or private car.

Below is a summary of these transport options, including the distance and estimated travel time from Ha Long to Sapa.

The shortest way of traveling from Halong Bay to Sapa is by shuttle bus and private car, particularly, the private car is the fastest option, taking around 7 - 8 hours.

About Halong Bay and Sapa:

Halong Bay and Sapa are the two gems of Northern Vietnam tourism, one is famous for the gorgeous sea landscapes, while one is a majestic mountainous area. With around 1,900 large and emerald limestone islands in vibrant shapes, Halong Bay is recognized by UNESCO as a World Natural Heritage site. Meanwhile, Sapa is a town of clouds in the mountainous Northwest region, featuring splendid but tranquil scenery and diverse ethnic cultures.

Halong Bay to Sapa is the most chosen route for travelers because it combines two famous destinations with completely different travel experiences, creating a diverse and attractive journey in Vietnam. This route is convenient and easy for travelers to plan an interesting journey, exploring both the sea and mountains in one trip.

Halong Bay to Sapa by bus

Shuttle buses are the most popular means of transportation for foreign tourists traveling from Halong to Sapa. This option offers reasonable prices while maintaining comfort and simplicity, with less risk of losing belongings compared to public buses. Moreover, they also provide additional amenities such as luxury leather seats, free WiFi, USB charging ports, etc.

Although buses are the go-to transport option for many travelers, you should consider their advantages and disadvantages before buying the tickets.

Inside a Halong Bay to Sapa sleeper bus

If you are planning to travel from Halong to Sapa after Ha Long bay boat cruise, let’s take a look at the reputable bus companies that we have summarized below to book the best tickets.

Among the three bus companies, Duc Phuc provides the lowest cost with the shortest travel time. However, Phuc Xuyen is the most well-known one for the bus line between Ha Long and Sapa, offering more trips per day for you to choose conveniently.

Halong Bay to Sapa by private car

Traveling from Ha Long to Sapa by private car is a flexible and comfortable choice, suitable for those who want to have control over their time and schedule. This way of travel is mostly preferred by a group of friends or family.

The fastest route from Halong Bay to Sapa usually goes through three major roads: National Highway 18, the Noi Bai - Lao Cai expressway, and National Highway 4D. The detailed itinerary is as follows:

• From Halong Bay, you will travel on National Highway 18 towards Hanoi for about 160 km in 2.5 hours.
• From Hanoi, you will take the Noi Bai - Lao Cai expressway (CT05) for around 245 km in 3.5 hours. This is a modern highway that helps reduce travel time from Hanoi to Lao Cai.
• From Lao Cai City, you will continue on National Highway 4D for about 38 km in 1.5 hours to reach Sapa. This route will take you through the distinct steep mountain passes of the Northwest region.

Enjoy a comfortable journey on Halong Bay to Sapa by private car

This is a suitable means of transportation for a group of more than 4 people and families. However, it also has pros and cons you need to consider.

The interior of a Limousine passenger car (the popular private car for traveling long distances)

When traveling by car, you can rent a private car with a driver or a self-driving private car.

• Hiring a private car with a driver is a great choice for those who want to enjoy the whole trip comfortably and safely without worrying about driving.
• Personal self-driving ensures the highest level of privacy and saves a significant amount of money, ideal for those seeking independence and adventure during their journeys.

You can book a private car to travel from Ha Long to Sapa at 12Go. This website also provides a wide range of booking options on different transport methods.

In summary, the fastest way to travel from Halong Bay to Sapa is by car, taking about 8 hours. Alternatively, you can take a 2.5-hour car ride to Hanoi, then a train from Hanoi to Lao Cai, with a total travel time of around 12 hours. In addition, taking a bus is the most cost-effective option for you to consider.

Motorbike is not a practical choice, due to the long distance, numerous mountain passes, and inconvenience of renting a motorbike, even for travelling back Sapa Ha Long Bay. Instead, you should go for a car if you want flexibility and privacy.

Halong Bay to Sapa by train

This is a gentle traditional means of transportation, allowing you to immerse yourself in the scenery on both sides of the road. However, there is only direct train route from Hanoi to Lao Cai station.

Therefore, travelers can travel by car or bus from Halong to Hanoi, then take a train to Sapa.

Halong Bay to Hanoi

The distance from Ha Long to Hanoi is about 160 - 170 km. You can also choose to travel by bus and private car, both taking 2.5 hours.

While buses are more cost-efficient (VND 200,000 - 500.000/ pax ~ US $10 - $20), private cars (VND 2,500,000 ~ US $100/ car) could provide you with a personalized and flexible journey, allowing you to perfectly align with the train schedule.

>> For detailed information about traveling between Halong Bay and Hanoi, please go to Hanoi to Halong Bay: 6 Best Ways to Travel

Hanoi to Sapa

After arriving in Hanoi, you can book one of the trains below to get to Lao Cai station. The trip takes about 7 to 8 hours and typically costs around 400,000 VND/ pax (about US $16).

The cabin of a Hanoi to Sapa train

On the train, there are different types of seats and beds with varying prices, including:

As the journey might be long and tiresome, especially after experiencing a Halong Bay cruise 1 night, you should choose bed options for the best experience and ample time to rest. After arriving at Lao Cai Station, you take a taxi to get to Sapa town, which is about 33 km from the station. The journey lasts for about 45 minutes and can cost about VND 800,000 (US $32)

Before booking, you may consider the following pros and cons, rated by BestPrice Travel.

Train tickets can be booked on the website of Vietnam Railways or bought directly at the station.

Notes:

Train schedules and prices may change. Please check the most up-to-date information with Vietnam Railways before purchasing tickets.

Trains in Vietnam are usually safe and comfortable. However, be cautious of petty theft, particularly on overnight trains.

Pack only essentials as this is a long trip, involving frequent back-and-forth traveling.

>> Check out more: Train from Sapa to Halong Bay: BEST Local Advice

Local Tips to Get from Sapa to Halong Bay

Here are some local tips to have the best experience on your trip from Halong Bay to Sapa.

• Book your Sapa to Halong Bay tour 1-2 weeks in advance for better options and thorough preparation.
• A Vietnam tour package that includes both Halong and Sapa tours is ideal for families with kids, often featuring promotions and providing a kid-friendly experience.
• If you travel on a budget, the bus and train are among the best choices. Or else, go find some companions in a travel group/ forum to share the car ride from Halong to Sapa.
• Trains and buses provide more space for large suitcases, while car trunks can typically hold up to three large ones.
• If you're far from the bus or train station, consider pick-up and drop-off services for added convenience. About this, you can contact us for more information

What to do in Sapa?

The journey to Sapa takes time but will definitely be worth the effort. Putting on a different beauty in each season, Sapa is a beautiful attraction almost year-round. This is also a great destination to explore the highlands of Northern Vietnam and the unique culture of ethnic minorities.

The ideal time to visit Sapa from Halong is from March to May or from September to November.

• March - May: Spring in Sapa is cool and pleasant with some drizzles. Countless flowers of apricot, peach, and plum bloom all over the mountains, creating a vibrant scenery. This is the perfect time to admire poetic nature and enjoy the fresh air.
• September - November: In the harvest season, Sapa is immersed in the golden color of ripe rice fields stretching over terraced fields. The weather is beautiful, allowing you to experience the cultivation activities of the indigenous and explore mountainous nature.

The beauty of Sapa in harvest season

Must visit local villages in Sapa

• Y Linh Ho: Nestled within a mountain range, this peaceful village is perfect for soaking in breathtaking natural scenery.
• Lao Chai: Home to the H'Mong people, this village attracts visitors by its lush terraced fields and vibrant highland cultural atmosphere. Visitors to Lao Chai can enjoy trekking through the terraced fields and interacting with the local community.

Enjoy the peaceful scenery of Lao Chai Village

• Ta Van: A charming village where you can experience the daily life of the Giay ethnic group while enjoying serene landscapes.
• Cat Cat: Cat Cat is a picturesque village nestled in the mountains of northern Vietnam, renowned for its stunning waterfalls and traditional wooden houses. This charming village offers a glimpse into the daily lives and customs of the H'Mong people.

Witness the scenic waterfall while visiting Cat Cat Village

>> Looking for an unforgettable adventure? Explore our Hanoi Sapa Halong Bay itinerary 6 days.

Fantastic activities that you cannot miss

• Trekking through villages: Trekking through mountains and villages in Sapa, you will have a chance to immerse yourself in the stunning landscapes, as well as experience the local people's way of life.
• Taking the cable car to the top of Fansipan: Conquering the "Roof of Indochina" with a cable car will offer you a breathtaking panoramic view of the Hoang Lien Son range and a sense of euphoria when standing on the highest mountain peak in Vietnam.

Explore local lifestyle when trekking through villages

In addition, BestPrice Travel offers a Halong - Sapa tour, which you can learn more about at North Vietnam at a Glance: Halong Bay & Sapa for 5 days. We’re proud to provide the most reputable tours of other destinations in Vietnam.

Halong Bay to Sapa is an ideal tourist route to admire most of the natural beauty of Northern Vietnam, from the sea landscapes to the highlands. With detailed guidance on how to travel this route, we hope that travelers can plan their trips more easily to visit both Ha Long and Sapa. If you want to travel to these two attractions, contact BestPrice Travel for the best support.