How to go → SAIGON to SAPA? ⭐

1. Flight + Bus to Sapa
2. Train + Bus to Sapa
3. Sleeper Bus to Sapa
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From Ho Chi Minh to Sapa by combination of train, bus/van or plane.

• • Travel distance from Ho Chi Minh City to Sapa is about 2050 kilometers by land transport. You can travel from Ho Chi Minh City to Sapa in various ways, mainly through the city of Hanoi in northern Vietnam. The most common ways to transfer from Ho Chi Minh City to Sapa are by plane to Hanoi and then by bus to Sapa, or by train to Hanoi, then by train to Lao Cai and then by bus to Sapa. The fastest transport option from Ho Chi Minh City to Sapa is an air transfer and a bus trip via the capital of Vietnam – Hanoi. With this option, you can save several hours of time compared to a land transfer by train or bus through central Vietnam.
  • If you want to skip these parts of Vietnam during your visit, take a direct flight to Hanoi and from there you can go by bus to Sapa or by train and bus via the city of Lao Cai. From Hanoi to Sapa, you can also use various private transfers by car or smaller minivan with experienced drivers. So there are plenty of options, here in this article below are described the 2 most used and popular transfer options to Sapa from Ho Chi Minh City. For all routes from Ho Chi Minh City to Sapa, you can search and buy tickets online in advance. If you want to explore northern Vietnam, you can travel from Sapa by bus to Mu Cang Chai or you can go to Ninh Binh.

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Sapa is one of the most visited places in the far of north of Vietnam.

• • Sapa, nestled in the far reaches of northern Vietnam, stands as one of the most sought-after destinations for travelers venturing into the region. Situated approximately 30 kilometers from Lao Cai, Sapa captivates visitors with its breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural tapestry, predominantly woven by the Black Hmong ethnic community and various other indigenous groups. Every year, throngs of foreign tourists flock to Sapa, drawn by its serene beauty and immersive experiences. Accessible by a combination of train and cable car rides, the journey to the summit of Fansipan promises awe-inspiring views and a sense of accomplishment.

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How to go from Ho Chi Minh City to Sapa?

1. FLIGHT + BUS from Saigon to Sapa (via Hanoi)

The fastest and most convenient way to transfer from Ho Chi Minh City to Sapa in Northern Vietnam is by air and bus transfer via Hanoi – the capital of Vietnam. The city of Sapa does not have an airport and for now the nearest airport is Noi Bai Airport in Hanoi. But Lao Cai airport will be opened in the future, which would be even closer to Sapa city, so it is possible that the transfer will change a bit.

Transportation via Hanoi by air and bus has 2 steps, first is a direct flight from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi and then a transfer by bus from Noi Bai Airport or from Hanoi City to Sapa. The total time of air and bus transfer from Ho Chi Minh City to Sapa via Hanoi can be approx. 12-13 hours.

This is the approximate total time of the transfer if we include the transfer to the airport, the wait before departure and also the connecting bus connection from Noi Bai Airport to Sapa. The air transfer from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi takes about 2 hours and the bus transfer from Letita Noi Bai to Sapa takes about 5-7 hours.

1. BOOK DIRECT FLIGHT to Hanoi ➜

For an air transfer from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi, you can use Vietjet Air, Vietnam Airlines, Bamboo Airways, Vietravel Airlines or Hanh Air Systems. For bus transfers from Noi Bai Airport to Sapa then Sapa Ethnic Travel, Sapa Discovery Travel, Daiichi Travel, Techbus VN, Inter Bus Lines, Grouptour, Vietnam Luxury Travel, G8 Sapa Open Tour, HK Sapa Open Tour, VietNam Travel Bus and others.

Air and bus transfer from Ho Chi Minh City to Sapa via Hanoi can cost you in the range of $45-300/pp, so the cheapest option can start at 40-50/pp. It also depends on which flight class you use, of course the cheapest are always Economy class flights. Flights are operated from Tan Son Nhat Airport to Noi Bai Airport, see the map of airports in Vietnam.

You can easily search and buy tickets and bus tickets from Ho Chi Minh City to Sapa online, you need to book a separate ticket to Hanoi and then a bus ticket to Sapa. Air and bus transfer to Sapa via Hanoi is probably the best way to get to this place if you want to skip visiting another area of ​​Vietnam. It is also possible to travel by bus from Hanoi City to Sapa.

2. BOOK BUS TICKETS to Sapa ➜

2. TRAIN + BUS from Saigon to Sapa (via Hanoi, Lao Cai)

A popular land transfer option, but slower than air transfer, from Ho Chi Minh City to Sapa is by train and bus via Hanoi and Lao Cai City. If you use a train transfer, you will take a total of 2 routes, from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi and then another train from Hanoi to Lao Cai City. From the cities of Lao Cai, you then continue by bus or private transfer to the city of Sapa, which is about 35 km away.

A train transfer is a good but slower option if you also want to visit other places in southern and central Vietnam. In total, this mode of transport has 3 steps and takes significantly longer than the air transfer via Hanoi. The total travel time by train and bus from Ho Chi Minh City to Sapa via Hanoi and Lao Cai can be around 45 hours, but this time can vary depending on transfers and connecting connections.

1. BOOK TRAIN TICKET to Hanoi ➜

The train journey from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi takes between 32-40 hours, the train journey from Hanoi to Lao Cai takes about 8 hours, and the bus transfer from Lao Cai to Sapa takes about 1.5 hours. From Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi, you can use regular trains of Vietnam Railways and tourist sleeper train Violette Train, and from Hanoi again regular trains or several more comfortable tourist sleeper trains to Lao Cai.

Tourist sleeper trains are always a more expensive transfer option than regular Vietnam Railways trains. Vietnam Railways trains also offer sleeping beds in cabins for 2, 4 or 6 people. Trains depart from Saigon Railway Station and arrive at Hanoi Railway Station, and then take another train to Lao Cai Railway Station, see Vietnam Railway Map.

2. BOOK TRAIN TICKET to Lao Cai ➜

For these longer routes, it is definitely better to use a sleeper bed, it will offer you much better comfort for long journeys than a classic seat in a regular train. Traveling by train and bus from Ho Chi Minh City to Sapa via Hanoi and Lao Cai can cost between $45-150/pp in total, depending on the type of train you take.

When you arrive in Lao Cai by train, you will continue by bus or private car to the city of Sapa, because there is no railway leading to the city of Sapa. From Lao Cai to Sapa there is a local public bus, private minivans or other private cars. Tickets for all train and bus routes between Ho Chi Minh City and Sapa can be easily searched and purchased online in advance.

For tourist sleeper trains, buying a ticket in advance is essential. The train transfer from Ho Chi Minh City to Lao Cai is definitely an interesting way to diversify your travel in Vietnam, you will see this country again from a different perspective.

3. BOOK TICKET / CAR to Sapa ➜

3. SLEEPER BUS from Saigon to Sapa (via Da Nang, Hanoi)

The least convenient way to get from Ho Chi Minh City to Sapa is probably to take a sleeper bus via Da Nang and Hanoi. This is rather an alternative option, it is better to use a train transfer. This option is best divided into 3 routes, from Ho Chi Minh City to Da Nang, from Da Nang to Hanoi and from Hanoi to Sapa.

The sleeper bus from Ho Chi Minh City to Sapa via Da Nang and Hanoi can take up to 40-50 hours in total, but it depends on connecting connections, so the time should be taken as a guide. There are different bus companies between Ho Chi Minh City – Da Nang – Hanoi and Sapa and the tickets are usually almost the same as train tickets, sometimes they can be a cheaper option.

In Vietnam, there are already very modern and comfortable buses that stop at many other places before arriving at the destination. Buses can depart from various locations in Saigon, Da Nang and Hanoi, and can also arrive at various locations in Sapa. You will always see this information about departures and arrivals when searching for tickets on online platforms.

The total price for a bus transfer from Ho Chi Minh City to Sapa via Da Nang and Hanoi can be about $45-70/pp, but it depends on the type of bus you use. Bus tickets for 3 routes via Da Nang and Hanoi to Sapa can again be easily searched and purchased online in advance. Always also read all additional information and instructions for the transfer when booking your ticket and follow the instructions of the transport companies.

❓ FAQ – Transport from Ho Chi Minh City to Sapa:

Popular travel routes in Vietnam:
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