Travel By Train from Hanoi to Lao Cai (Sapa):
Embarking on a journey to explore the northern wonders of Vietnam is an adventure in itself, and the passage from Hanoi to Lao Cai sets the stage for an enchanting experience. This northern trajectory is a well-trodden path for tourists seeking to discover the picturesque landscapes and vibrant cultures of destinations like Sapa, Bac Ha, and Ha Giang.
1. The Nocturnal Odyssey: Night Sleeper Train
- For many travelers, the nocturnal odyssey aboard the night sleeper train from Hanoi to Lao Cai serves as a gateway to the captivating northern regions. The allure of witnessing the mesmerizing transition from the bustling capital to the serene beauty of the northern highlands makes this train journey a cherished memory for globetrotters. The night train option not only adds an element of excitement to the travel experience but also maximizes daylight hours for exploration upon arrival.
2. Luxury on Rails: The Opulence of Private Trains
- Alternatively, for those who prefer a quicker and more luxurious mode of transport, the option of luxury night trains presents itself. These private trains redefine the travel experience, offering a level of service and comfort that transcends the ordinary Vietnamese rail journey. Although these luxury alternatives may command a slightly higher price, the enhanced amenities and services more than compensate for the additional cost.
3. Cocooned in Comfort: Berth Cabins for Every Traveler
- The cabins aboard these opulent trains are designed to provide a haven of comfort, available in configurations catering to both intimate duos and small groups of four. The meticulous attention to detail in the design ensures that passengers not only reach their destination but do so in an ambiance of luxury and tranquility. From cozy berths to well-appointed interiors, these trains transform the journey into an integral part of the overall adventure.
4. End of the Line: Lao Cai Railway Station
- The route from Hanoi to Lao Cai is the exclusive domain of these luxury trains, and the final destination is marked by the Lao Cai Railway Station, strategically positioned approximately 2 kilometers from the Chinese border. This location not only adds an element of cross-border allure but also symbolizes the threshold between the familiar and the exotic.
5. Beyond Rails: Overland Alternatives
- For those averse to train travel, alternative options include tourist buses and comfortable minivans. These overland journeys offer a different perspective, allowing travelers to witness the changing landscapes at a more leisurely pace. The choice between train and road transport ultimately hinges on personal preferences, with each mode of travel promising its own set of unique experiences.
6. The Tapestry Unfolds: Northern Vietnam Awaits
- In the grand tapestry of Vietnam’s northern exploration, the journey from Hanoi to Lao Cai is a pivotal thread. Whether one chooses the rhythmic lullabies of a sleeper train, the opulence of a luxury carriage, or the scenic route aboard a bus or minivan, the adventure awaits, promising a kaleidoscope of sights, sounds, and sensations in the enchanting landscapes of northern Vietnam. Search and book your train tickets to Lao Cai easily online below and go!
- You can book train tickets from Hanoi to Sapa easily online with Baolau ➜ or 12go.asia ➜
You can travel by these trains from Hanoi to Lao Cai:
1. Violette Trains (SP1+SP3)
- VIP Sleeper 4-Berth (Deluxe) train
- well equipped with clean and modern furniture
- a comfort service inclusive mattress, blankets, pillows…
- air-conditioned, a complimentary of mineral water, snack
- price of the train tickets is about $27-34/pp
- Violette Train departs from Hanoi at 21:35 (SP1) and arrives to Lao Cai at 05:15, or departs from 22:00 (SP3) and arrives to Lao Cai at 05:55
2. Laman Express Train (SP3)
- Sleeper 4-Berth (Deluxe) or Sleeper 2-Berth (VIP) train
- private check-in with complimentary welcome drink
- welcome set consisting of refreshing towelette, Hanoi beer, coke, mineral water, and sweet pastry
- price of the train ticket is about $38-40/pp
- departs from Hanoi at 22:00, arrives to Lao Cai at 05:55
3. Livitrans Express Train (SP3)
- Sleeper 4-Berth (Deluxe) train
- one of the most luxurious trains in Vietnam
- mini bar on the head of each carriage
- air-conditioned, a complimentary of mineral water, snack
- price of the train ticket is about $34/pp
- departs from Hanoi at 22:00, arrives to Lao Cai at 05:55
4. Fanxipan Express Train (SP3)
- Sleeper 4-Berth (Deluxe) or Sleeper 2-Berth (VIP) train
- wood paneled, individual reading lights, baggage storage
- pure private bathroom cabin at the end of each carriage
- oversided windows, a mini bar and medicine cabinet
- price of the train tickets is about $36/pp
- departs from Hanoi at 22:00, arrives to Lao Cai at 05:55
5. King Express Train (SP3)
- Sleeper 4-Berth (Deluxe) or Sleeper 2-Berth (VIP) train
- wood-paneled bed and installed it equipped air conditioners
- each bed is equipped with reading lights, storage containers, mineral water and napkins
- price of the train ticket is about $34 or $66/pp
- departs from Hanoi at 22:00, arrives to Lao Cai at 05:55
6. Chapa Express (SP1+SP3)
- Sleeper 4-Berth (Deluxe) or Sleeper 2-Berth (VIP) train
- air-conditioning, reading lights, comfortable beds and Sapa-inspired décor, welcome drinks, snacks
- high-speed internet, restrooms, toiletries, hot/cold water
- price of the train ticket is about $36-42/pp
- Chapa train departs from Hanoi at 21:35 (SP1) and arrives to Lao Cai at 05:15, or departs from 22:00 (SP3) and arrives to Lao Cai at 05:55
7. Sapaly Express Train (SP3)
- Sleeper 4-Berth (Deluxe) or Sleeper 2-Berth (VIP) train
- decorated with wooden floor; graceful curtains
- warm light system, baggage storage, flower, wet towels
- price of the train ticket is about $36 or $80/pp
- departs from Hanoi at 22:00, arrives to Lao Cai at 05:55
8. Victoria Express Train (SP3)
- Sleeper 4-Berth (Superior) or Sleeper 2-Berth (Deluxe)
- wooden furniture, red curtains, white blanket, and pillow
- water, toothpaste, and toothbrush are provided on a small kit on your bed, wifi and electric plug on board
- train serves excellent evening snacks and also breakfast
- both of the toilets on board are clean and modern, equipped with a touchless toilet flush kit
- price of the train ticket is about $36 or $65/pp
- departs from Hanoi at 22:00, arrives to Lao Cai at 05:55
9. Damitrans Train (SP3)
- Sleeper 4-Berth (1st class) train, drink + snack
- wooden furniture, comfortable beds, washing room
- price of the train ticket is about $33/pp
- Damitrans Train departs from Hanoi at 21:35 (SP1) and arrives to Lao Cai at 05:15, or departs from 22:00 (SP3) and arrives to Lao Cai at 05:55
10. Oriental Express Train (SP3)
- Sleeper 4-Berth (Deluxe) or Sleeper 2-Berth (VIP) train
- designed with modern style, the air-conditioned
- pure private bathroom cabin at the end of each carriage
- price of the train tickets is about $34 or $66/pp
- departs from Hanoi at 22:00, arrives to Lao Cai at 05:55
Additional important Information:
1. For bookings with private railway companies Victoria Express, Fanxipan Express, King Express, Orient Express, Sapaly Express, Chapa Express, you will be required to complete the payment before submitting your order. Your reservation will be processed and you will receive a voucher by email to collect the physical ticket at the station before boarding the train.
2. For bookings with private railway companies New Livitrans Express and Violette Train, you will be required to complete the payment before submitting your order. Your reservation will be processed and you will receive your e-ticket by email, ready to print and present when boarding the train (you can use your e-ticket in your smartphone, but it is recommended to print this ticket).
Read carefully all the instructions before you book and buy
your train tickets to Sapa – Lao Cai online!
Trains to Lao Cai depart from Hanoi Railway Station in Hanoi (see map), it is the major station of Hanoi – the capital of Vietnam. Some private transport companies require ticket collection at Tran Quy Cap station. Tran Quy Cap station (or Hanoi Train Station Gate B) is about 300m from the main Hanoi Railway Station. Some trains can be boarded directly from the main Hanoi Railway station, but this is situation changed several times in recent months, it is better to ask at the Hanoi Railway Station or carefully follow the instructions before and after you book your train tickets to Lao Cai.
Do you want to travel from Hanoi to Sapa (Lao Cai) by regular train?
No problem. You can also travel by regular trains of Vietnam Railways – SP1 and SP3. There are soft seats for $6-7 and soft berths in 4-berth cabin for $17. These regular trains of Vietnam Railway feature the luxury trains to Lao Cai mentioned above. If you want to travel by direct bus from Hanoi to Sapa, read this: How to travel from Hanoi to Sapa?
My personal experience with the Oriental Express train:
I had an opportunity to travel twice aboard by Oriental Express train from Hanoi to Lao Cai. I value this travel positively and accomplish roughly what I expected. I came to the train station about 1 hour before departure. Oriental Express train was perfectly clean, the cabin just like the pictures, the warm blankets, a slightly harder bed for my taste. A small snack was prepared in the cabin – mineral water, canned beverage, some waffles and some fruit. On the train in the cabin with the toilet there was also the possibility of a little rinse, the towels and the cabin were clean. The train left Hanoi at the exact time and also arrived to Lao Cai in the exact time (with minute differences).
BOOK A TOUR / ACTIVITY in Sapa ➜
- Trains to Lao Cai from Hanoi go through the historic and still functional Long Bien Bridge. It is good to say, this is a train and trains make a noise, so those who need a lot of quite, it should be noted that the ride itself is quite noisy, but still I slept for some time. These tourist trains are overnight, so you can not see much behind the train windows.
- There is an interesting passage in Hanoi, where the train passes through the aisle where the houses are glued to the dormitory, the windows are practically visible in the Vietnamese living quarters, such a small point of interest.
👉 Train from Hanoi to Lao Cai (Sapa) – Schedule / Timetable + Train Tickets:
| Trains from Hanoi to Lao Cai (Sapa) | Departs in Hanoi | Arrival in Lao Cai | Book Train Ticket |
|---|---|---|---|
| Train SP1 (regular sleeper) | 21:35 | 05:15 | Book from $14-17 |
| Train SP3 (regular sleeper) | 22:00 | 05:55 | Book from $14-17 |
| New Livitrans Express SP3 (sleeper) | 22:00 | 05:55 | Book from $32.00 |
| Violette Trains SP1 + SP3 (sleeper) | 21:35 + 22:00 | 05:15 + 05:55 | Book from $28.00 |
| King Express SP3 (sleeper) | 22:00 | 05:55 | Book from $27.60 |
| Fanxipan Express SP3 (sleeper) | 22:00 | 05:55 | Book from $36.20 |
| Chapa Express SP1 + SP3 (sleeper) | 21:35 + 22:00 | 05:15 + 05:55 | Book from $36.20 |
| Sapaly Express SP3 (sleeper) | 22:00 | 05:55 | Book from $36.20 |
| Laman Express SP3 (sleeper) | 22:00 | 05:55 | Book from $34.00 |
| Victoria Express SP3 (sleeper) | 22:00 | 05:55 | Book from $36.00 |
Traveling by train from Hanoi to Sapa has its own advantages and disadvantages. Here are some pros and cons of this mode of transportation:
Transfer from Hanoi to Sapa by Train: | |
|---|---|
| ➕ Pros | ➖ Cons |
| Scenic route: The train journey from Hanoi to Sapa offers beautiful views of the Vietnamese countryside, passing through mountains, valleys, and rice fields. | Time-consuming: The train journey from Hanoi to Sapa can take up to 8 hours, making it a much slower option than flying or taking a private car. |
| Comfortable: Trains in Vietnam are generally clean and comfortable, with air conditioning, reclining seats, and sleeping berths available for longer journeys. | Limited schedules: Trains from Hanoi to Sapa have limited schedules, with only a few departures per day, which can limit your flexibility in terms of planning your trip. |
| Affordable: Train travel is generally more affordable than other modes of transportation in Vietnam, such as flying or taking a private car or taxi. | Crowded: Trains in Vietnam can be crowded, especially during peak travel seasons, which can make the journey less comfortable and less enjoyable. |
| Social experience: Train travel can be a great way to meet and interact with other travelers or locals, making it a more social and engaging experience. | Limited amenities: Trains in Vietnam may have limited amenities, such as food and drink options or entertainment, especially on shorter journeys. Luxury trains have these amenities, drink, food… |
❓FAQ + TRAVEL TIPS – Traveling by luxury trains to Lao Cai:
1. What is the travel time by train from Hanoi to Lao Cai (Sapa)?
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- Travel by overnight luxury sleeper tourist train from Hanoi to Lao Cai Railway Station in Lao Cai town takes about 8 hours. Lao Cai Railway Station is in the city center of Lao Cai town.
2. From which railway station in Hanoi trains to Lao Cai depart?
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- Tourist sleeper trains to Lao Cai – Sapa depart from Hanoi Railway Station. Some of the transport companies require ticket collection at Tran Quy Cap Railway Station (Ga Trần Quý Cáp, Hanoi Train Station Gate B). Tran Quy Cap station (Hanoi Train Station Gate B) is about 300 m north of the main Hanoi Railway Station in 120 Le Duan street. The best way how you can reach Hanoi Railway Station is to take a private taxi/car, come to the station about 1 hour before departure.
3. When these luxury trains to Lao Cai depart from Hanoi?
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- These luxury trains to Lao Cai depart at 21.35 or 22.00 pm (Current and updated schedule – Hanoi to Lao Cai (Sapa). Recommended – come to the railway station in Hanoi about 1 hour before departure.
4. These luxury trains run also to the south of Vietnam?
5. How much does it cost to travel by luxury train from Hanoi to Lao Cai?
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- Travel by sleeper tourist luxury train from Hanoi to Sapa – Lao Cai costs about $27-70/pp. Prices are based on which tourist train and sleeper cabin you choose. The most cheapest option is to travel by regular sleeper train by Vietnam Railways – tickets start at $15-18/pp.
6. How to book train tickets from Hanoi to Sapa (Lao Cai Railway Station)?
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- You can book train tickets from Hanoi to Sapa easily online with Baolau ➜ or 12go.asia ➜
- Read carefully all the instructions before and after you book your train tickets.
- It is also possible to book train tickets for these trains from Lao Cai to Hanoi.
7. Where to stay in Sapa? Hotel or homestay?
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- Sapa has a various modern cheap hotels, hostels or luxury new hotels. You can also try various local homestays e.g. in Muong Hoa Valley > Search and book your accommodation in Sapa here ➜.
8. What is the allowed carry-on baggage in the train?
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- Carry-on baggage is 20 kg in the all trains to Lao Cai.
9. In which trains are these tourist luxury trains added?
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- All these luxury trains from Hanoi to Lao Cai are added to SP1 and SP3 trains of Vietnam Railways. There is also regular train of Vietnam Railways, there are also comfortable seats in these regular trains.
10. What is the best train from Hanoi to Sapa?
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- The best train from Hanoi to Sapa (Lao Cai Railway Station) is Victoria Express Train or Laman Express Train. There are sleeper 4-berth (Superior) or sleeper 2-berth (Deluxe) cabins.
11. How to get from Lao Cai Railway Station to Sapa town?
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- If you continue to travel from Lao Cai to Sapa, you have to travel by public or tourist bus or taxi/mototaxi.
- You can book bus tickets from $1.30/pp from Lao Cai to Sapa online ➜.
12. How to get from Sapa to Noi Bai Airport in Hanoi?
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- You can travel by bus or private taxi to Noi Bai directly from Sapa town. You can search and book bus tickets and cars online. Read this article and follow the instructions: How to travel from Sapa to Noi Bai Airport?
