From Sapa to Tam Coc you can get by bus, train, taxi, car, motorbike.
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- The most popular option how you can get to Tam Coc from Sapa is to travel by bus or bus + train via Hanoi. Travel by tourist bus from Sapa to Tam Coc takes about 6-10 hours and bus tickets cost about $12-35/pp. Travel by bus + train via Lao Cai and Hanoi takes about 12-15 hours and it costs about $20-150/pp (depends on the type of train from Lao Cai to Hanoi). So, you can take a public bus from Sapa to Lao Cai, train from Lao Cai to Hanoi and train from Hanoi to Ninh Binh. Ninh Binh Railway Station is about 5 km from Tam Coc.
- The most fastest and comfortable option how to get to Tam Coc from Sapa is to travel by private car/taxi with a driver, but this way of transfer is the most expensive option. Transfer by private car from Sapa to Tam Coc costs about $160-350/car and travel time is about 5.5-7 hours. From Ninh Binh you can travel to to Hoi An and Da Nang. Book tickets from Sapa to Tam Coc easily online.
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- Tam Coc – Bich Dong is a popular tourist site, about 5 km from Ninh Binh town center, Ninh Binh province. Tam Coc offers various boat tours to Trang An Scenic Complex and also visiting Bich Dong Pagoda. Tam Coc is the most visited place in this area and there are various hotels, restaurants and also homestays. Tam Coc in Ninh Binh is about 90 km from Hanoi – the capital of Vietnam. Tam Coc – Bich Dong is accessible by tourist bus from Sapa or private car and other travel options are with stopover in Hanoi, e.g. bus + train to Ninh Binh.
- Totally there are 4 ways how you can reach Tam Coc from Sapa in Lao Cai province – bus / minivan, bus + train via Hanoi, private car / taxi or the most experienced drivers can travel on motorbike. Travel distance from Sapa town to Tam Coc in Ninh Binh is about 420 km by land.
| Transfer modes from Sapa to Tam Coc: | Travel Duration | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Bus + Train (via Lao Cai, Hanoi) | 12–14 hours | $20–160 per person |
| Sleeper Bus / Minivan | 6–10 hours | $12–35 per person |
| Private Car/Taxi | 5.5–7 hours | $160–350 per car |
How do I get from Sapa to Tam Coc?
1. BUS + TRAIN from Sapa to Tam Coc (via Hanoi)
The first popular low-cost transportation option from Sapa to Tam Coc in Ninh Binh is by bus and train via Lao Cai city and Hanoi. There is no direct railway from Sapa, you have to go to Lao Cai first and from there take a train to Hanoi and then another train to Ninh Binh. This transport option therefore has 3 steps and takes more time than, for example, a transfer by sleeper bus.
So the first step is a transfer by local bus from Sapa to Lao Cai. This journey takes around 1 hour and bus tickets cost up to around $2.00/pp, you can book them online together with other private transfers. This bus arrives in front of the train station and is therefore an ideal option for solo travelers who will then use a train transfer. An alternative option is to travel by private taxi/car, which is of course a more expensive form of transport.
The second step is to travel by train from Lao Cai to Hanoi. On this route, you can use regular Vietnam Railways trains, which also include more comfortable tourist sleeper trains. Regular trains are always cheaper than tourist sleeper trains, the cheapest seats are on trains that only offer regular trains.
The train journey from Lao Cai to Hanoi takes approximately 8 hours and tickets cost between $15-50/pp, depending on the type of train. Some tourist sleeper trains can be more expensive, these trains only offer sleeping beds. The timetable of these trains is very limited and it is advisable to look up the connections first and then plan your journey.
Again, train tickets from Lao Cai to Hanoi can be easily booked and purchased online, which is also recommended on this route. Always read all instructions for these train transfers and tickets to avoid any complications.
The third step is to travel by train from Hanoi to Ninh Binh. Ninh Binh train station is approximately 5 km from Tam Coc, so it is also an ideal option to come as close as possible to this place. On this route, you can again mainly use regular trains of the Vietnam Railways, of which approx. 6-8 run every day.
Train travel time from Hanoi to Ninh Binh is approximately 2.5-3 hours and tickets are cheap, costing approximately $3-10/pp (seat). Tourist trains are more expensive, but there is no point in using sleeper trains for this short route, all you need is a comfortable seat. These regular trains depart from Hanoi Railway Station (120 Le Duan street) and arrive at Ninh Binh Railway Station, see Vietnam railway map.
A train transfer combined with a bus is not a bad option, but it takes significantly longer than a bus trip directly from Sapa. You can easily buy all tickets for individual sections online in advance.
BOOK TRAIN TICKETS to Ninh Binh ➜
2. SLEEPER BUS / VAN from Sapa to Tam Coc
Another low-cost optimal transport option from Sapa to Tam Coc in terms of price and speed can be a sleeper intercity bus or minivan. There are plenty of bus routes on this route, some of them go via Hanoi or other places. These bus routes are operated by Grouptour, Duc Duong, Sapa Discovery Travel, Luxury Van Limousine, VietNam Travel Bus, HK Sapa Open Tour, Sapa Ethnic Travel, Techbus or Ninh Binh Footprint.
Most of these companies will offer you modern sleeper buses, some of which are very new and comfortable. Travel time by sleeper bus / minivan from Sapa to Tam Coc may vary depending on the company, but on average it is in the range of 6-10 hours. However, be aware that the buses may also have a delay in departure and make other stops along the way.
Bus tickets from Sapa to Tam Coc range from $12-35/pp and these prices may change over seasons and times. The most modern buses, which offer you perfect comfort and convenience, are usually more expensive. The bus trip can also be split, for example you can go from Sapa to Hanoi and then from Hanoi to Tam Coc.
However, the fastest bus runs the route from Sapa to Tam Coc in about 6 hours. Buses also depart from various locations in Sapa and arrive at various locations in Tam Coc. But they usually also come to the main boat pier in the center of this village, from where you can take a boat trip to the scenic area.
Bus tickets from Sapa to Tam Coc can be searched and booked online. Always re-read all bus transfer and ticket instructions, follow the instructions of the transport companies. A bus transfer is the optimal and faster transport option than traveling by train via Lao Cai.
3. PRIVATE TAXI / CAR from Sapa to Tam Coc
The most convenient, fast, but at the same time the most expensive way to get from Sapa to Tam Coc is by private car/taxi with a driver. The advantage of this transfer option is that it saves time and also that you can choose your departure point in Sapa town and arrival point in Tam Coc / Ninh Binh.
On this route, private modern cars from Sapa to Tam Coc are offered by Taxi with VTS, Ouros Travel, Dichung Taxi. These companies will offer you the possibility to reserve various modern smaller and larger cars and, for example, minivans for more people. These minivans can be convenient if you are traveling in a group of people at once on this route.
Driving time by private car with a driver from Sapa to Tam Coc is approximately 5.5-7 hours and the fare ranges from $160-350/car, prices are based on the type of car. Larger cars, such as minivans or minibuses, are usually always more expensive than smaller classic cars.
You can easily choose and book your private taxi/car from Sapa to Tam Coc / Ninh Binh online even in advance. Transfer by private car with a driver to Tam Coc is probably not very suitable for solo low-cost travelers, but rather for those who have an unlimited budget for their travel.
4. Travel by MOTORBIKE to Tam Coc
If you are traveling in Vietnam by motorbike, you can also use a motorbike transfer from Sapa to Tam Coc. However, expect a very long trip and it is definitely necessary to divide this trip into, for example, 2 days or travel through northwestern Vietnam and visit more interesting places.
One option is, for example, to ride a motorbike from Sapa to Mu Cang Chai and then continue from there to Ninh Binh on another day. A motorbike trip is suitable for more adventurous travelers as well as people who already have some experience driving a motorbike.
You must also have an International Driving Permit if you want to drive a motorcycle in Vietnam with a valid license for that type of motorcycle. For this, you also need to have valid documents for the motorcycle that you may be renting. The trip by motorbike from Sapa to Tam Coc is mainly for experienced drivers.
BOOK Your MOTORBIKE in Vietnam ➜
If you were to drive in the northwestern part of Vietnam, you have to consider that some roads may not be in good condition. Although the situation is rather better. When riding a motorcycle, it is also recommended to use protective elements such as protectors for the hands, body and legs, a helmet for the head is of course a necessary part.
A motorbike trip in Vietnam can be a great adventure, but it’s not for everyone. It can also be tiring and exhausting, so it is rather better to choose shorter routes over several days. You can rent or buy a motorcycle or scooter in Vietnam, most foreign tourists rent a motorcycle.
❓ FAQ + TIPS – Travel route from Sapa to Tam Coc:
1. How to book tickets or car from Sapa to Tam Coc (Ninh Binh)?
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- You can book tickets or car from Sapa to Tam Coc online on Baolau ➜ or 12go.asia ➜
2. How to book a tour to Tam Coc – Bich Dong?
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- You can search and book a tour to Vietnam – Tam Coc online with KLOOK ➜.
3. What is the travel time from Sapa to Tam Coc?
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- Travel by bus + train from Sapa to Tam Coc (via Lao Cai, Hanoi) takes about 12-14 hours.
- Travel by tourist bus or minivan from Sapa to Tam Coc takes about 6-10 hours.
- Travel by private car/taxi from Sapa to Tam Coc takes about 5.5-7 hours.
4. What is the travel distance from Sapa to Tam Coc?
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- Travel distance from Sapa to Tam Coc is about 420 km via Hanoi – the capital of Vietnam.
5. How much does it cost to travel from Sapa to Tam Coc?
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- Travel by bus + train from Sapa to Tam Coc (via Lao Cai, Hanoi) costs about $20-160/pp.
- Travel by tourist bus or minivan from Sapa to Tam Coc costs about $12-35/pp.
- Travel by private car/taxi from Sapa to Tam Coc costs about $160-350/car.
6. What is the best way of transport from Sapa to Tam Coc?
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- The best and fastest option of transport to Tam Coc from Sapa is to rent a private car. But this option is the most expensive way of transport. Another good option is to travel by train to Ninh Binh via Lao Cai and Hanoi.
7. Is there a direct train from Sapa to Tam Coc?
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- No, there is no direct train to Ninh Binh – Tam Coc from Sapa. But you can travel by train from Lao Cai to Hanoi and from Hanoi to Ninh Binh, there is a stopover in Hanoi Railway Station.
8. Are there flights from Sapa to Tam Coc in Ninh Binh?
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- No, there are no flights from Sapa to Tam Coc in Ninh Binh because these towns have no airports.
9. Where you can travel from Ninh Binh?
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- From Ninh Binh you can travel to Dong Hoi and visit Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park. Another popular travel route is by train from Ninh Binh to Hue. There are also various tourist sleeper buses from Ninh Binh to central Vietnam.
10. Is Tam Coc in Ninh Binh a tourist place?
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- Yes, Tam Coc is a center of tourism in Ninh Binh. A lot of tourists are heading right to this place and from this site they explore Trang An and Tam Coc area on their own way.
11. How to travel solo in Vietnam?
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- 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.
BOOK a TOUR / ACTIVITY in Ninh Binh ➜
| Bus Company | Departs in Sapa | Arrival in Tam Coc | Bus Ticket |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ninh Binh Foot. | 06:30 | 14:30 | From $18.00 |
| Ninh Binh Foot. | 16:30 | 00:00 | From $18.00 |
| Duc Duong | 20:50 | 04:50 | From $17.00 |
| Sapa Ethnic Travel | 07:00 | 16:10 | From $16.00 |
| Sapa Ethnic Travel | 16:30 | 01:40 | From $16.00 |
| Sapa Ethnic Travel | 20:30 | 04:40 | From $16.00 |
| Sapa Ethnic Travel | 21:20 | 04:50 | From $16.00 |
| Vietnam Luxury Travel | 10:15 | 19:15 | From $22.00 |
| Vietnam Luxury Travel | 21:15 | 06:15 | From $22.00 |
| Vietnam Luxury Travel | 21:15 | 06:15 | From $22.00 |
| Sapa Discovery Travel | 22:00 | 07:00 | From $21.00 |
| Vietnam Easy Go Travel | 22:00 | 10:00 | From $35.00 |
| Luxury Van Limousine | 05:29 | 14:59 | From $29.00 |
| Luxury Van Limousine | 06:33 | 16:03 | From $29.00 |
| Luxury Van Limousine | 07:45 | 19:45 | From $28.00 |
| Luxury Van Limousine | 08:45 | 20:45 | From $28.00 |
| Luxury Van Limousine | 09:45 | 21:45 | From $28.00 |
| Luxury Van Limousine | 10:45 | 22:45 | From $28.00 |
| Luxury Van Limousine | 11:45 | 23:45 | From $28.00 |
| Luxury Van Limousine | 16:00 | 00:30 | From $28.00 |
| Techbus VN | 05:30 | 15:35 | From $28.00 |
| Techbus VN | 07:00 | 17:05 | From $28.00 |
| Techbus VN | 08:00 | 18:05 | From $28.00 |
| Techbus VN | 09:10 | 19:15 | From $28.00 |
| Techbus VN | 10:10 | 20:15 | From $28.00 |
| Techbus VN | 16:00 | 01:00 | From $28.00 |
| Grouptour | 05:40 | 15:30 | From $25.00 |
| Grouptour | 06:40 | 16:30 | From $25.00 |
| Grouptour | 07:40 | 17:30 | From $25.00 |
| Grouptour | 08:40 | 18:30 | From $25.00 |
| Grouptour | 09:40 | 19:30 | From $25.00 |
| Grouptour | 10:40 | 20:30 | From $25.00 |
| Grouptour | 12:00 | 21:50 | From $25.00 |
BOOK your HOTEL in Ninh Binh ➜