1. Bus – Sapa to Mu Cang Chai
2. Car/Taxi to Mu Cang Chai
3. Map – Yen Bai/Mu Cang Chai
🎫 Book Tickets Online
From Sapa to Mu Cang Chai you can travel by bus, taxi or motorbike.
-
- The distance between Sapa and Mu Cang Chai spans approximately 140 km by road. Opting for a tourist or local bus from Sapa to Mu Cang Chai is the preferred mode of transportation for many travelers. The bus journey typically takes around 4-6 hours, with tickets priced at approximately $10-12 per person. Alternatively, travelers can choose to hire a private car, taxi, or minivan, reducing travel time to approximately 4 hours. Online bookings for a comfortable vehicle or minivan are available for around $145.
- Additionally, there are local small buses or minibuses available for transportation to Mu Cang Chai. For experienced motorbike drivers, traveling on a motorbike offers the opportunity to witness the stunning natural landscapes of northern Vietnam along the way. Secure your bus tickets or private taxi/car bookings to Mu Cang Chai conveniently online. Upon arrival in Mu Cang Chai, travelers can further explore the region by taking a local bus or motorbike via Khau Pha Pass to Nghia Lo town or Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam.
-
- Mu Cang Chai is a hidden gem nestled in Yen Bai province, offering breathtaking scenery and a glimpse into the traditional lifestyle of the Hmong ethnic people. Renowned for its expansive rice terraces, Mu Cang Chai is particularly enchanting during autumn (September – October) when the rice harvest takes place, showcasing the industrious local communities amidst the stunning landscapes. Accommodation options in the town range from guesthouses to budget-friendly hotels, with local homestays also available amidst the rice terraces.
- The most immersive way to experience this area is by exploring on a motorbike. Accessible only by road, Mu Cang Chai offers three popular travel options from Sapa: tourist bus, private car/taxi, or motorbike. Discover more about reaching Mu Cang Chai from Sapa and consider exploring nearby destinations such as Ha Giang or Ninh Binh via tourist bus, bus + train, or car, located approximately 100 km south of Hanoi.
| Transfer Mode – Sapa to Mu Cang Chai: | Travel Time | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Tourist Bus | 4-6 hours | $10 – $12 |
| Private Taxi / Car | 4 hours | $145 (vehicle) |
| Motorbike | 4-6 hours | $7 – $12 |
How do I get from Sapa to Mu Cang Chai?
1. BUS from Sapa to Mu Cang Chai
The cheapest and most used way to get to Mu Cang Chai from Sapa is by tourist or local bus. There are several companies on this route that will offer you mainly smaller buses with seats. Some of these buses belong to the tourist category, they are a bit more modern and comfortable, and other buses are more local and the buses may be a bit older.
Since there is no railway running between these cities, it is practically the only and cost-effective mode of transport for solo travelers who are not traveling here or on a motorcycle. The bus schedule from Sapa to Mu Cang Chai is rather more limited with a few connections per day. These bus routes to Mu Cang Chai in northern Vietnam are operated by Grouptour, Techubs VN or Sapa Ethnic Travel.
BOOK BUS TICKETS to Mu Cang Chai ➜
The bus journey from Sapa to Mu Cang Chai takes approximately 4-6 hours, the fastest bus connections are offered by Grouptour. Bus tickets to Mu Cang Chai from Sapa range from $10-12/pp and can be booked online. Buses depart from various locations in Sapa and also arrive at various locations in Mu Cang Chai, such as Mu Cang Chai Bus Station, Agribank Mu Cang Chai Branch and or Vua Xu Mu Cafe. You can see the exact location of stations and stops when ordering tickets on the 12go.asia online platform.
Mu Cang Chai is a small town, so it may happen that the buses stop in a place other than the exact area. You can search and book bus tickets from Sapa to Mu Cang Chai online even in advance. It is also recommended to arrive at the departure point in Sapa town at least 30 minutes before the departure of the bus. Always carefully read all the instructions for a given transfer to avoid any inconvenience.
2. PRIVATE CAR / TAXI from Sapa to Mu Cang Chai
Another option to go from Sapa to Mu Cang Chai is to use a private car/taxi transfer. This option of transport between these cities is rather more limited, and to book a car you can use the private company Grouptour, which offers, for example, the booking of a minivan. These minivans from Sapa to Mu Cang Chia are suitable for a group of passengers who book and pay for the whole car and then can budget the fare per passenger.
BOOK TAXI / CAR to Mu Cang Chai ➜
Transfer by private car / minivan for more people from Sapa to Mu Cang Chai costs around $145 (vehicle). This private minivan to Mu Cang Chai can take around 4 hours, roughly the same as the fastest bus. These modern minivans are usually more comfortable and usually offer reclining seats. Another advantage is that you can choose the departure and arrival point in Sapa and Mu Cang Chai. You can book a private car from Sapa to Mu Cang Chai online, always re-read all transfer instructions before ordering and booking.
3. TRAVEL BY MOTORBIKE to Mu Cang Chai
The last option of transportation from Sapa to Mu Cang Chai is by motorbike. If you have an International Driving Permit with a valid license for the motorcycle in question and experience driving a motorcycle in Vietnam, you can also try this option. The advantage is that you can also visit some interesting places in Lai Chau province and the whole route is very interesting and offers beautiful natural passages through the Vietnamese countryside.
The single fastest route to Mu Cang Chai from Sapa is via the QL4D and QL32 roads. The motorbike ride from Sapa to Mu Cang Chai takes approximately 4-6 hours, but may vary depending on if you stop and visit other interesting places. One of the interesting places is the mountain road pass O Quy Ho, a short distance from the city of Sapa. If you want to ride a motorcycle to Mu Cang Chai, you should also have safety features on the motorcycle, such as protectors, etc.
Traveling by motorcycle can be dangerous at times, some road sections are not in good condition. On the other hand, if you drive along the main road, the main sections are relatively in good condition. Another advantage of motorbike transportation is that you can explore the Mu Cang Chai area afterwards this way, so you don’t need to arrange other private transfers to places of interest here.
📍 Yen Bai Province – Travel Map + Interesting places:
(Rice terracces, accommodation, viewpoints in Mu Cang Chai)
❓ FAQ + Tips – Travel route from Sapa to Mu Cang Chai:
1. How to book bus tickets or private car from Sapa to Mu Cang Chai?
-
- You can book tickets or private car from Sapa to Mu Cang Chai on 12go.asia.
- It is possible to change your travel route, e.g. Lao Cai > Yen Bai, Sapa > Hanoi…
2. What is the travel time from Sapa to Mu Cang Chai?
-
- Travel by tourist bus from Sapa to Mu Cang Chai takes about 4-6 hours.
- Travel by private taxi/car/minivan from Sapa to Mu Cang Chai takes about 4 hours.
- Travel by motorbike from Sapa to Mu Cang Chai takes about 4-6 hours.
3. How much does it cost to get from Sapa to Mu Cang Chai?
-
- Transfer by tourist bus from Sapa to Mu Cang Chai costs about $10-12/pp.
- Transfer by private taxi/car/minivan Sapa to Mu Cang Chai costs about $145 (vehicle).
- Transfer by motorbike from Sapa to Mu Cang Chai costs about $7-12/pp.
4. What is the travel distance from Sapa to Mu Cang Chai?
-
- Travel distance from Sapa to Mu Cang Chai is about 140 km by tourist bus/motorbike.
5. Is there a train from Sapa to Mu Cang Chai?
-
- No, it is not possible to travel by train from Sapa to Mu Cang Chai, there is no railway in Sapa and Mu Cang Chai.
6. Where to book your accommodation in Mu Cang Chai?
-
- There are mainly local small hotels, guesthouses, motels or typical homestays of the Hmong people. You can also stay at the rice terracces, e.g. in Ku Bao Chay, La Pan Tan – there are some local homestays.
- Search your accommodation online > Book your accommodation in Mu Cang Chai.
7. Is it possible to travel from Mu Cang Chai to Nghia Lo?
-
- Yes, you can travel to Nghia Lo from Mu Cang Chai by local bus or motorbike. You will see an amazing Khau Pha Pass and other beautiful sceneries full of rice fields, rice terracces and mountain passes. It is about 100 km from Mu Cang Chai to Nghia Lo. From Nghia Lo you can also travel by bus to Hanoi.
8. Is there a flight from Sapa to Mu Cang Chai?
-
- No, it is not possible to travel by plane because there are no airports in Sapa and Mu Cang Chai.
9. What you should not miss if you are already in Mu Cang Chai?
-
- The main attraction in Mu Cang Chai are rice terracces. But if you have your motorbike, you can travel and visit Khau Pha Pass, it is about 30 km from the town of Mu Cang Chai. Khau Pha Pass is also a popular site for paragliding. Khau Pha is also the most impressive mountain pass in Yen Bai province.
10. How to travel from Sapa to Hanoi?
-
- From Sapa to Hanoi you can travel by bus, private car or train + bus via Lao Cai. The most popular option is to travel by tourist bus, it is a fast and cheap option of transfer. You can search and book tickets or car to Hanoi online.
11. How to get from Mu Cang Chai to Hanoi?
-
- From Mu Cang Chai to Hanoi you can travel by tourist bus, private minivan or motorbike. There is no direct railway and no flight between Mu Cang Chai and Hanoi. There is only a train from Yen Bai city to Hanoi. Yen Bai city is about 180 km from Mu Cang Chai town. The best option is to travel by bus.
12. 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.
13. 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.
BOOK Your Stay in Mu Cang Chai ➜
🎫 Book your bus tickets from Sapa to Mu Cang Chai + Schedule:
(You can also change your travel route, e.g. Sapa > Dien Bien Phu, Sapa > Hanoi…)