How to go → HANOI to FANSIPAN? ☀️

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How you can get from Hanoi to Fansipan Mountain? Travel by bus, train, car + mountain train + cable car via Sapa town.

1. Information – Fansipan
2. How to get to Fansipan
3. FAQ + Travel Tips
🎫 Book a Tour in Sapa
🎫 Book Ticket to Sapa

Fansipan is the highest mountain of Vietnam, located at Sapa (Lai Chau).

    • The highest mountain in Vietnam and the most visited place in the northern part of the country in the province of Lai Chau – this is Fansipan. Fan Si Pan or Fansipan is at an altitude of 3143 m above sea level the highest mountain in Vietnam and the whole of Indochina and a fascinating place located not far from the city of Sapa in the Hoang Lien National Park. Mount Fansipan is now adapted for all travelers and tourists, on the mountain there is a restaurant, a large sitting Buddha, statues and also a small train leading to the top of the mountain.
    • In 2016, a cable car was opened, which leads from Muong Hoa Valley to the top, as well as an alpine train from Sapa City to Muong Hoa Station. At this station, you change to the cable car, so now Mount Fansipan is accessible to almost everyone and in an easy way. Another option is a private hike, a climb to the mountain, which can be done with a guide and it is possible to buy such a trip in Sapa. The beauties around Fansipan Mountain and Hoang Lien Son Mountains stand out especially in sunny and nice weather, when it is possible to see as far as China. Mount Fansipan should be on the itinerary of every traveler who goes to Sapa or the surrounding area.

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From Hanoi to Fansipan you can travel by bus, train, van, car + cable car.

    • Travel distance from Hanoi to Fansipan Mountain in Sapa is totally about 325 km via cable car in Muong Hoa station. There are a few ways how you can reach Fansipan Mountain from Hanoi, it depends what type of transfer you will use to Sapa town. Travel route from Hanoi to Fansipan via Sapa town has 2 steps: 1.step – by bus, train + bus, minivan or car from Hanoi to Sapa and 2.step – by train + cable car from Sapa to Fansiapan via Muong Hoa station. There are various tourist buses or minivans from Hanoi to Sapa or train + bus via Lao Cai Railway Station. You can also rent a private car / taxi from Hanoi to Sapa. A cheap and fast way of transfer is to travel by fast comfortable minivan.
    • From Sapa town to Fansipan Mountain you have 2 options: travel by mountain train + cable car via Muong Hoa station or you can rent a private tour guide and hike this mountain on your own. The most comfortable option is to travel by mountain train + cable car via Muong Hoa station. This mountain train and cable car is favorite by tourists and it is the most popular tourist attraction in Sapa. You can buy tickets for this mountain train and cable car to Fansipan on the spot in the city center or in Muong Hoa station. Before you arrive to Sapa or hike Fansipan Mountain, read carefully this article: Weather in Fansipan Mountain.

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How do I get from Hanoi to Fansipan?


1. Travel from Hanoi to Sapa

A) Tourist bus from Hanoi to Sapa

    • a popular option of transfer to Sapa town from Hanoi
    • there are various modern tourist day or overnight buses, seat or sleeper buses
    • travel time to Sapa from Hanoi by tourist bus is about 6 hours
    • buses depart from various bus stations in Hanoi city center
    • travel by tourist bus from Hanoi to Sapa costs about $9-22/pp
    • transfer by bus is the most cheapest option of transfer to Sapa town
    • read this article: Hanoi to Sapa – Bus Schedule
    • bus companies from Hanoi to Sapa: Inter Bus Lines, Ha Son, EcoSapa, SapaExpress, Sao Viet, Goodmorning Sapa, Sapa Dragon Express, Hason Haivan…
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Sapa Express VIP tourist bus from Hanoi to Sapa. (photo: 12go.asia).


B) Train + Bus from Hanoi to Sapa (via Lao Cai)

    • there are regular + tourist overnight trains from Hanoi to Lao Cai
    • Lao Cai Railway Station is the end station (25 km from Sapa town)
    • from Lao Cai to Sapa you can travel by public bus or taxi/car, read this: How to get to Sapa from Lao Cai?
    • trains depart from Tran Quy Cap station in Hanoi (western entrance of Hanoi Railway Station)
    • check this article about the tourist trains to Lao Cai: 10 best luxury trains to Lao Cai
    • you can choose seat and berth easily online (+ updated schedule available)
    • it is recommended to book and buy your train e-tickets to Lao Cai online!
    • read this article: How to go to Sapa from Hanoi?
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From Hanoi to Sapa you can also travel by sleeper train, it takes about 8 hours to reach Lao Cai Railway Station.


C) Van or minivan from Hanoi to Sapa

    • from Hanoi to Sapa town you can also travel by comfortable van, minivan
    • travel time from Hanoi to Sapa by minivan is about 4.5-5.5 hours
    • you can book minivan for 9 passengers or private vehicle / car for 2-4 people
    • various private taxi companies to Sapa: EcoSapa, GreenLion Bus, Grouptour…
    • the most fastest option how to reach Sapa town from Hanoi
    • transport by minivan/van to Sapa town from Hanoi cost about $14-22/pp
    • read this article: How to go to Sapa from Hanoi?
minivan-hanoi-to-sapa
Minivan of EcoSapa from Hanoi – Noi Bai Airport to Sapa (photo: Baolau)


D) Private car or taxi from Hanoi to Sapa

    • another very comfotable and fast option how to reach Sapa from Hanoi
    • travel time by private car / taxi from Hanoi to Sapa is about 4.5-5 hours
    • there are modern luxury cars and private vehicles to Sapa
    • private taxi companies to Sapa town: Dichung Taxi, Grouptour, Ouros Travel, Booking Car…
    • you can also take a private car from Noi Bai International Airport
    • private taxi/car from Hanoi to Sapa town costs about $140-250/vehicle
    • read this article: How to get to Sapa from Hanoi?
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Private car / taxi from Hanoi to Sapa town (photo: Dichung Taxi, 12go.asia)


2. Travel from Sapa to Fansipan Mountain

A) Mountain train from Sapa town to Muong Hoa station

    • there is a mountrain train from Sapa town to Muong Hoa station
    • travel time by mountain train from Sapa town to Muong Hoa station is about 20 minutes (2.5 km)
    • mountain train departs from Sunplaza commercial centre (next door is the BB Hotel Sapa)
    • you can buy train ticket at Sunplaza or you can buy combo ticket – train + cable car to Fansipan
    • train ticket from Sapa town to Muong Hoa station costs about $4/pp (100 000 VND)
    • it is a spectacular journey from Sapa to Muong Hoa station via Muong Hoa Valley
    • read this article: Train + Cable Car from Sapa to Fansipan
train-sapa-to-muong-hoa-station
Mountain train from Sapa town to Muong Hoa station, from Muong Hoa station you can travel by cable car to Fansipan Mountain.


B) The cable car from Muong Hoa station to Fansipan

    • from Muong Hoa station you can travel by modern cable car to Fansipan Mountain
    • travel time from Muong Hoa station to Fansipan Mountain is about 30-40 minutes (6.3 km)
    • you can buy ticket for cable car in Muong Hoa station or in Sunplaza in Sapa town
    • ticket for cable car from Muong Hoa to Fansipan Mountain costs about 550 000 – 750 000 VND
    • it is a round trip ticket, children up to 1 m high get it for free
    • it is also possible to buy ticket for cable car online on Sunworld
cable-car-muong-hoa-to-fansipan-mountain
The cable car of Sunworld Fansipan Legend from Muong Hoa station to Fansipan Mountain.


3. Book a tour + tickets for attractions in Sapa

    • you can also book a private tour to Fansipan or tickets for cable car
    • you can search and book various trips and tours in Sapa and nearby
    • these tours in Sapa offer mainly local tour guides from Vietnam
    • with Klook you can also book various tickets, private tours and other activities

BOOK a TOUR / ACTIVITY in Sapa

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FAQ + TIPS – Travel route from Hanoi to Fansipan:

1. How to book bus/train tickets or private car from Hanoi to Sapa?

    • Book and buy tickets or car from Hanoi to Sapa online on Baolau ➜ or 12go.asia ➜.
    • you can change your travel route, e.g. Hanoi > Lao Cai, Lao Cai > Sapa…

2. How long does it take to travel from Hanoi to Fansipan?

    • Travel by tourist bus + mountain train + cable car from Hanoi to Fansipan takes about 8 hours.
    • Travel by train+bus + mountain train + cable car from Hanoi to Fansipan takes about 11-13 hours.
    • Travel by taxi/car + mountain train + cable car from Hanoi to Fansipan takes about 7-8 hours.

3. How much does it cost to travel from Hanoi to Fansipan?

    • Travel by tourist bus + mountain train + cable car from Hanoi to Fansipan costs about $40-50/pp.
    • Travel by train+bus + mountain train + cable car from Hanoi to Fansipan costs about $45-150/pp.
    • Travel by taxi/car + mountain train + cable car from Hanoi to Fansipan costs about $175-300/pp.

4. What is the price of cable car ticket from Sapa to Fansipan?

    • Transport by cable car from Sapa (Muong Hoa station) to Fansipan is about 550 000 – 750 000 VND/pp.

5. What is the price of mountain train from Sapa to Muong Hoa station?

    • Transport by mountain train from Sapa town to Muong Hoa station costs about $4/pp.

6. How long is the cable car from Muong Hoa station to Fansipan?

    • Sunworld Fansipan Legend cable car from Muong Hoa station to Fansipan is about 6.3 km long.

7. How to search and book a private tour to Fansipan Mountain?

    • You can search and book your holiday in Vietnam or private tour to Fansipan Mountain in Sapa with KLOOK ➜.

8. What is the travel distance from Hanoi to Fansipan Mountain?

    • Travel distance from Hanoi to Fansipan Mountain via Sapa town (+cable car) is about 325 km.

9. How to travel from Lao Cai Railway Station to Sapa?

    • From Lao Cai Railway Station to Sapa town you can travel by local public bus or you can use private taxi.
    • Read this article: How to go to Sapa from Lao Cai?

10. Where to rent a motorbike / scooter in Vietnam?

    • You can search and book your motorbike or scooter easily online with Bikesbooking ➜.

11. What is the most visited site in Sapa area?

    • The most visited site in Sapa area is Muong Hoa Valley, it is located right at the town of Sapa, it is easily accessible by walk. There are various villages and tourist or authentic homestays of ethnic minorities, mainly Hmong ethnic group.

12. Is it possible to travel by plane to Sapa?

    • No, Sapa town has no airport, it is not possible to get there by plane. In the future there should be opened a new airport close to Lao Cai City.

13. How to travel solo in Vietnam?

    • Discover the wonders of solo travel in Vietnam as you explore ancient temples, cruise through scenic landscapes or karst sceneries, hike various national parks and ethnic villages and connect with the warm-hearted locals, creating a personalized journey of cultural immersion and breathtaking experiences.

14. What are the most interesting things or facts about Vietnam?

    • Vietnam, a country with a captivating allure, is celebrated for its breathtaking landscapes, including the mesmerizing limestone karsts of Halong Bay, the terraced rice fields of Sapa, and the bustling waterways of the Mekong Delta. Its rich history unfolds through ancient temples in Hanoi, the imperial city of Hue, and the Cu Chi Tunnels, providing a glimpse into Vietnam’s resilience during wartime. The country’s vibrant culture, delicious cuisine, and warm hospitality further enhance the allure of this Southeast Asian gem. Read this: 15 Interesting Things of Vietnam.

15. What to expect from Vietnam Culture?

    • Expect a vibrant cultural tapestry in Vietnam, characterized by traditional values, a strong sense of community, and a deep-rooted respect for family. You’ll encounter a fusion of French, Chinese, and indigenous influences in art, architecture, and cuisine. Traditional water puppetry, folk music, and dance performances showcase the country’s artistic flair. The importance of rituals and festivals in daily life adds a colorful dimension, while the warmth and friendliness of the Vietnamese people make for a welcoming and enriching cultural experience.

16. What is the weather in Vietnam and what to expect?

    • Weather in Vietnam varies with a tropical climate featuring distinct wet and dry seasons. In the north, the dry season (October to April) brings cooler temperatures, while the wet season (May to September) is marked by higher humidity and heavy rainfall. Central Vietnam experiences a dry period (January to August) with lower humidity and a wet season (September to December) characterized by increased rainfall. In southern Vietnam, the dry season (December to April) offers warm temperatures, while the wet season (May to November) brings higher humidity and occasional heavy rainfall. For accurate information, check local forecasts.

BOOK HOTEL / HOMESTAY in Sapa

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mountain-train-sapa-to-muong-hoa-station
Mountain train from Sapa town (Sunplaza) to Muong Hoa station, Muong Hoa is a valley located at the town of Sapa.
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You can also travel by a small mountain train from Do Quyen station on Fansipan on the top of Fansipan Mountain.
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On the top of Fansipan Mountain in Sapa – Lai Chau province. The statue of Amitabha Buddha.


🎫 Book train or bus tickets from Hanoi to Sapa + Schedule:

(You can change your departure and arrrival, date, eg. Hanoi > Lao Cai, Lao Cai > Sapa…)

Sapa to Halong Bay ➔

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