How to go → SAPA to DIEN BIEN PHU? ☀️

sapa-to-dien-bien-phu-vietnam
How to get From Saapa to Dien Bien Phu? You can travel to Dien Bien Phu by sleeper tourist bus or motorbike.

Dien Bien Phu – a typically agriculture area of the north of Vietnam.

    • Dien Bien Phu you will find in the northwest of Vietnam, about 20 km from the border with Laos. Tay Trang crossing border is accesible for the tourists and travelers, this border is about 60 km from the town of Dien Bien Phu. In Dien Bien Phu you can see the largest rice field in the northern Vietnam. This province has lots of ethnic villages of Thai people, it is not a tourist and visited place of Vietnam. An area around Dien Bien town still offers an authentic ethnic villages of the northwestern part of Vietnam. Dien Bien Phu has an airport and there are direct flights to Hanoi.

From Sapa to Dien Bien Phu you can get by tourist bus or motorbike.

    • Travel distance from Sapa to Dien Bien Phu is about 280 km by land. From Sapa you can travel by tourist bus to Dien Bien Phu. There is no railway and no flight between Sapa and Dien Bine Phu (Sapa has no airport), bus or motorbike is the only way of transport. Travel time by tourist bus from Sapa to Dien Bien Phu is about 10 hours and bus ticket costs about $15-17/pp. If you are an experienced motorbike driver you can travel on motorbike, IDP in Vietnam is necessary. Some of the local buses from Sapa stops in Lai Chau and in Lai Chau you have to take another bus connection to Dien Bien Phu. You can search and book bus tickets to Dien Bien Phu from Sapa online. From Sapa you can also travel to Hanoi – the capital of Vietnam, there are tourist buses or train from Lao Cai, you can also go to Ninh Binh.

How do I get from Sapa to Dien Bien Phu?


1. SLEEPER BUS from Sapa to Dien Bien Phu

The most used and practically the only transport option from Sapa to Dien Bien Phu for regular travelers is the sleeper bus. And keep in mind that this is a long route, the sleeper bus travel time from Sapa to Dien Bien Phu is approximately 9-10 hours. However, buses in Vietnam are sometimes late and it also depends on the current traffic situation.

Sleeper buses can depart from various locations in Sapa and also arrive at various locations in Dien Bien Phu, such as Dien Bien Phu Bus Station. You will see all this information about departures and arrivals when ordering tickets online. To transfer from Sapa to Dien Bien Phu, you can use the companies Grouptour and Sapa Discovery Travel, which offer you classic sleeper buses for about 40 passengers.

BOOK BUS TICKETS to Dien Bien

The bus is mostly a low-cost option of transportation in Vietnam, bus tickets from Sapa to Dien Bien Phu will cost you in the range of $15-17/pp. These prices may change slightly during different seasons and times.

Bus companies usually also accept tickets on a smartphone, so there is no need to print them. However, always read the current information and bus transfer instructions before ordering tickets. You can search and book bus tickets from Sapa to Dien Bien Phu online well in advance.

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From Sapa to Dien Bien Phu you can travel by sleeper bus (photo: Grouptour, 12go.asia).


2. Travel on a Motorbike from Sapa to Dien Bien Phu

A more adventurous way to travel from Sapa to Dien Bien Phu can be by motorbike. This mode of transport is suitable for those who have some experience driving a motorcycle and own an International Driver’s License with a valid license for the type of motorcycle used. If you do not have these documents, do not ride a motorcycle in Vietnam.

Keep in mind that this is a very long route, so it is rather better to split it into 2 parts and make a stop somewhere. You will certainly also stop at shorter stops and you will enjoy the beautiful landscape that you will drive through. The entire route leads through non-tourist areas, areas through the Vietnamese countryside, and this area has its own unique charm.

BOOK Your MOTORBIKE in Vietnam

To navigate this route from Sapa to Dien Bien, you will need, for example, the Google Maps application. It is also better to have a stronger motorcycle for this route, a weak scooter is not suitable for this route. When driving, always follow the rules of the road and drive carefully, unfortunately some drivers often do not follow the rules of the road.

Traveling by motorbike in Vietnam is a great way to visit and explore the remote places and hidden locations of Vietnam, but it is definitely not suitable for every traveler.

motorbike-sapa-to-dien-bien-phu
From Sapa to Dien Bien Phu you can also travel on a motorbike.


📍 Dien Bien Phu – Tourist Map:


FAQ + Tips – Travel from Sapa to Dien Bien Phu:

1. How to book bus tickets from Sapa to Dien Bien Phu?

    • You can book bus tickets from Sapa to Dien Bien Phu online on 12go.asia.
    • You can also book another tickets, flights, e.g. Sapa > Mu Cang Chai, Mu Cang Chai > Hanoi…

2. What is the travel time from Sapa to Dien Bien Phu?

    • Travel by bus from Sapa to Dien Bien Phu takes about 9-10 hours.
    • Travel on motorbike from Sapa to Dien Bien Phu takes about 11 hours.

3. What is the travel distance from Sapa to Dien Bien Phu?

    • Travel distance from Sapa to Dien Bien Phu by tourist bus is about 280 km.

4. How much does it cost to get from Sapa to Dien Bien Phu?

    • Travel by tourist bus from Sapa to Dien Bien Phu costs about $15/pp.

5. Where to stay in Dien Bien Phu?

    • Dien Bien is a large city and there are various hotels, guesthouses, but also some homestay in nearby area. There are also some luxury hotels in the city center. Search your hotel online: Book your hotel in Dien Bien Phu online.

6. What is the best option of transport from Sapa to Dien Bien Phu?

    • There is only a bus or motorbike, no other way of transport.

7. What is the most cheapest option of transport from Sapa to Dien Bien Phu?

    • The most cheapest option is to travel from Sapa to Dien Bien Phu by bus.

8. Is there a flight from Sapa to Dien Bien Phu?

    • No, there is no flight from Sapa to Dien Bien Phu. Sapa has no airprot, so it is not possible to travel by plane.

9. Is it possible to travel by train Sapa to Dien Bien Phu?

    • No, there is no railway network from Sapa to Dien Bien Phu, travel by train is not possible.

10. Where you can go and travel from Dien Bien Phu?

    • From Dien Bien Phu you can travel by bus to Son La city in the northwest part of Vietnam. Son La province is also an attractive place, this part of Vietnam is not so visited by foreign tourists.

11. 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.

12. 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.

13. 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.

14. 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 a TOUR / ACTIVITY in Vietnam

dien-bien-phu-vietnam-locals
Local people in Dien Bien Phu.


🎫 Book your bus tickets from Sapa to Dien Bien Phu online:

Train travel in Vietnam ➔

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