⏹ 1. Hue to Hanoi (Train, Bus, Flight) ⏹ 2. Hanoi to Sapa (Train, Bus) ⏹ Book Ticket
From Hue to Sapa by combination of train, bus/minivan or plane.
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- The travel distance from Hue to Sapa (Lao Cai) spans approximately 1000 km by road. There are multiple transportation options available for reaching Sapa from Hue, located in central Vietnam. The most efficient and quickest method is to opt for a direct flight to Hanoi, followed by a tourist bus journey (approximately 6 hours) to Sapa since Sapa does not have its own airport. Alternatively, travelers can consider the train services between Hue and Lao Cai, with a stopover in Hanoi. Vietnam Railways operates regular trains as well as luxury tourist sleeper trains, with the latter being particularly popular among tourists for overnight journeys from Hanoi to Lao Cai. For budget-conscious travelers, the most economical approach involves taking a bus to Hanoi followed by another bus to Sapa, although this option consumes more time. Booking bus/train tickets or flights from Hue to Sapa (via Hanoi) can be easily accomplished online. Upon arrival in Sapa, travelers can proceed with a bus or private car/minivan to Mu Cang Chai.
Explore Sapa – Lao Cai, the Premier Destination in Northern Vietnam.
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- Hue to Sapa (Lao Cai) – a well-traveled route spanning from central to northern Vietnam. Positioned approximately 25 km from Lao Cai town, which is a mere 2 km from the Chinese border, Sapa stands out as a prominent tourist destination in northern Vietnam. It boasts attractions such as the picturesque Muong Hoa Valley, renowned for trekking and hiking opportunities along with homestay experiences, and Fansipan (+ Cable Car), the highest mountain in Vietnam, offering spectacular views. Additionally, Sapa serves as a vital transportation hub in the northern region. Travelers have several routes available for the journey from Hue to Sapa in Lao Cai Province. While flying to Hanoi followed by a bus ride to Sapa proves to be the most efficient method, train travel to Sapa via Lao Cai is also feasible, albeit time-consuming. Since Sapa lacks its own airport, air travel directly to the town is not an option. Beyond Sapa, travelers can venture to Ha Giang by bus or opt for bus, train + bus, or car journeys to Hanoi or Ninh Binh.
| Transfer Mode – Hue to Sapa: | Travel Time | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Train (Hue to Lao Cai, via Hanoi) | 21-24 hours | $20-40/pp |
| Bus (Hue to Sapa, via Hanoi) | 20-23 hours | $20-35/pp |
| Plane + Bus (Hue to Sapa, via Hanoi) | 10 hours | $40-100/pp |
How to travel from Hue to Sapa?
1. From Hue to Hanoi (Trains, Buses, Flights)
A) Trains + Buses from Hue to Hanoi
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- from Hue to Hanoi you can travel by train or tourist sleeper bus
- travel by train or bus from Hue to Hanoi takes about 13-15 hours
- train ticket from Hue to Hanoi costs about $12-33 (seats, sleeper cabin)
- bus ticket from Hue to Hanoi costs about $13-20 (sleeper bus)
- also luxury tourist trains – Violette Train, Livitrans Express
- if you can it is better to travel by train from Hue to Hanoi
- you can check Train+Bus Schedule – Hue to Hanoi
B) Direct Flights from Hue to Hanoi
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- there are some direct flights from Hue to Hanoi
- airliens from Hue to Hanoi: Vietnam Airlines, VietJet Air
- direct flight from Hue to Hanoi takes about 1 hour 15 minutes
- direct flight (+low-cost flight) from Hue to Hanoi costs about $30-80
- from Noi Bai Airport to Sapa you can travel by tourist bus or minivan, taxi
- Book train/bus e-tickets + flights from Hue to Hanoi on Baolau ➜ or 12go.asia ➜
- you will receive your train/bus e-tickets to Hanoi by email, ready to print or carry in your mobile phone or tablet and present when boarding the train or at the ticket counter of the station before boarding the bus/train in Hue
2. From Hanoi to Lao Cai/Sapa (Buses, Trains)
A) BUSES/VANS from Hanoi to Sapa
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- there are various tourist buses or minivans (day or night direct buses) from Hanoi to Sapa
- to get by bus from Hanoi to Sapa takes about 6-7 hours
- buses depart from various bus stations in Hanoi, check Baolau and 12go.asia
- bus companies to Sapa: Dragon Express, Hason Haivan, EcoSapa, SapaExpress, TheSinhTourist…
- one-way bus ticket from Hanoi to Sapa costs about $10-22
- you can also book your private vehicle/taxi from Hanoi to Sapa
- you can check this Bus Schedule – Hanoi to Sapa
B) TRAINS from Hanoi to Lao Cai
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- one of the most popular railway route in northern Vietnam
- all the trains arrive to Lao Cai town, it is the end station (about 25 km from Sapa)
- train ticket from Hanoi to Lao Cai costs about $7-8 – soft seat, $17 – soft berth (sleeper train, trains of VR)
- there are also various luxury tourist trains (added to SP1+SP3 trains)
- Hanoi to Lao Cai/Sapa by tourist train it is a top tourist route – Recommended – book your train/bus e-tickets online!
- you can choose your seat, berth – available on Baolau+12go.asia (Note: Vietnam Railways may change the orientation of the carriage at the departure station anytime at their convenience)
- It is recommended – Print your train ticket from Hanoi to Sapa
- you can check this Train Schedule – Hanoi to Lao Cai
Travel by local public bus from Lao Cai town to Sapa:
Trains from Hanoi arrive to Lao Cai and it is the end station. From Lao Cai you have to travel by local public bus or private taxi. Bus tickets of this local public bus cost about $1.30/pp and it is the cheapest way how to get from Lao Cai town to Sapa. Travel by this local bus takes about 1.5 hour from Lao Cai to Sapa.
➜ Book bus tickets + Timetable from Lao Cai to Sapa on Baolau
📍 Sapa – Travel and tourist map:
❓ FAQ + TIPS – Travel from Hue to Sapa (Lao Cai):
1. How to book train / bus tickets from Hue to Sapa + Lao Cai?
2. How long does it take to travel from Hue to Sapa?
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- Travel by train from Hue to Lao Cai (stop in Hanoi) takes about 21-24 hours.
- Travel by bus from Hue to Sapa (stop in Hanoi) takes about 20-23 hours.
- Travel by plane + bus from Hue to Sapa (stop in Hanoi) takes about 10 hours.
3. What is the travel distance from Hue to Sapa?
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- Travel distance from Hue to Sapa (Lao Cai) over Hanoi is about 1000 km by land – train, bus.
4. How much does it cost to travel from Hue to Sapa?
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- Travel by train from Hue to Lao Cai (stop in Hanoi) costs about $20-40/pp (regular train).
- Travel by bus from Hue to Sapa (stop in Hanoi) costs about $20-35/pp.
- Travel by plane + bus from Hue to Sapa (stop in Hanoi) costs about $40-100/pp.
5. What is the best way of getting from Hue to Sapa?
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- The best and most comfortable way of getting from Hue to Sapa over Hanoi is to travel by plane to Hanoi (direct flights to Hanoi) and by sleeper overnight train/bus to Sapa or Lao Cai.
6. What is the most cheapest way of getting from Hue to Sapa?
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- The most cheapest way of transport from Hue to Sapa is to travel by sleeper tourist bus, but it takes a lot of time. Teoretically travel by train from Hue to Hanoi and by train from Hanoi to Lao Cai is also cheap.
7. How to travel from Sapa to Hanoi – Noi Bai Airport?
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- From Sapa to Noi Bai International Airport you can travel by tourist sleeper bus, minivan, private taxi – car or train + bus via Hanoi. Travel by tourist bus or private car to Noi Bai Airport from Sapa town takes about 5 hours. Read this article > How to go to Noi Bai Airport from Sapa?
8. Is there a direct train from Hue to Sapa?
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- No, there is no direct train from Hua to Sapa – Lao Cai. There is a train from Hue to Hanoi and another regular or tourist train from Hanoi to Lao Cai. From Lao Cai to Sapa you can travel by bus or taxi.
9. Is there a direct flight from Hue to Sapa?
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- No, there is no direct flight from Hue to Sapa, because Sapa does not have an airport. You can take a direct flight only from Hue to Hanoi and from Hanoi you have to travel by train or bus.
10. What to visit in Sapa?
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- There are various interesting sites in Sapa. The most popular attraction is Fansipan + Cable Car – the highest mountain of Vietnam, Muong Hoa Valley – about 5 km from Sapa town or you can also visit Tram Ton Pass – the mountain road. You can also visit tourist ethnic village in Ta Phin, Lao Chai, Sin Chai and other sites.
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.
12. What are the most interesting things or facts about Vietnam?
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- 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?
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- 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?
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- 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 + TICKETS in Sapa ➜
🎫 Book your train, bus tickets from Hue to Sapa / Lao Cai + Schedule:
(You can change your route, eg. Hue to Hanoi, Hanoi to Sapa, Hanoi to Lao Cai…)
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