Hanoi to Sapa Transfer
Hanoi to Sapa transfer detail guidance
When you want to get from Hanoi to Sapa, you have a few options to consider. Traveling between these destinations is possible by different means of transport:
- Bus
- Train
- Limousine Van
- Private car
If you’re looking for a quick trip, it’s recommended that you use Hanoi Sapa private car. However, if you’d rather take your time with a slower, more affordable travel option, you can book a Train ticket to Lao Cai then take a taxi to Sapa.
The cost of travel will depend on the means of transport you choose for your trip. A private car is the most expensive option - it will cost you about VND 3,600,000 (USD 152). If you want to save on transportation, it’s better to take a sleeping bus as a Hanoi Sapa bus ticket costs as low as VND 250,000 (USD 11)
How long does it take to get from Hanoi to Sapa?
The travel time from Hanoi to Sapa can vary depending on the mode of transportation you choose. All things considered, the whole journey should take from 4 to 10 hours.
- Bus: around 5.5 - 6 hours
- Train: around 8 hours, also train just take you to Lao Cai which 45 km away from Sapa.
- Limousine Van: about 5.5 hours with 2 breaks on the way
- Private car: about 4.5 - 5 hours
How much does it cost to get from Hanoi to Sapa?
The cost of the trip from Hanoi to Sapa varies according to what means of transport you choose for your journey. The most affordable operator is Vietnam Railways (Đường sắt Việt Nam): travelling by train expect to pay as low as VND 141,000 for your ticket.
However, if you’re after more upscale travel . The most expensive variant is to opt for a private - a one-way taxi ticket can cost as much as VND 3,600,000.
Here is a chart of the average ticket prices and transportation options available from Hanoi to Sapa:
- Train tickets: USD 19 - USD 100;
- Sleeping Bus tickets: US10;
- Van price : USD 15 - USD 20 (depend you seat location on the van)
- Train & taxi price: VND 1,540,010 - VND 2,420,010. From Hanoi to Sapa starting from 21:35 Hanoi until 22:00 Hanoi
You can order a taxi, too - an estimated cost of the ride is from USD 152 to USD 190 depend on which type of vehicle and what time for pick up.
How many trips per day are there between Hanoi and Sapa?
Depending on your choice of transportation, the number of daily trips varies.
- Vans from Hanoi to Sapa depart during the day - there are approximately 2 departures a day: 7 AM and 3 PM
- 6 by train+taxi from Hanoi to Sapa starting from 21:35 Hanoi until 22:00 Hanoi
- 2 by taxi+train from Hanoi to Sapa starting from 21:35 Hanoi until 22:00 Hanoi
- Buses start plying the route from 7:00 - you can also take a bus as late as 22:00. There are 3 available bus trips every day.
- Trains always run on a set schedule - there are 2 trains per day.
Taxis are a good option to consider for this route, too. Book a cab to take you from Hanoi to Sapa any time of the day.
Which means of transport is the best for the route?
Buses
Taking a bus from Hanoi to Sapa is cheaper than flying. Quite often, a long-distance bus is the cheapest transportation option. Buses normally make bathroom and/or lunch stops along the way.
Things to remember before opting for a bus ride:
- If possible, make sure to choose higher-class buses for a more comfortable travel experience. Such buses often have an air conditioning system, soft reclining seats, Wi-Fi, bathrooms, etc.
- As with plane tickets, buses are better booked in advance so that you can secure a good seat.
- While booking a bus, keep in mind that delays are possible. Yet it still pays to get to the bus station at least 15 minutes prior to the scheduled departure.
Taxi
Catching a cab is the easiest way to get from Hanoi to Sapa. It allows you to tailor-make your trip, plan all the detours and see all the places you want. You can choose the type and the size of your car as well to be as comfortable as you'd like to.
Depending on the route, it might cost as much as VND 3,000,000.
Things to remember: It's a good idea to follow the route on Google Maps or any other GPS navigator.
Trains
Things to remember while choosing a train ticket:
Consider everything carefully while choosing the class of your train travel. In most cases, the second class is comfortable enough – it features 2 or 4 berths in each compartment and is often air-conditioned.
If you’re in for a premium experience, consider getting a first class ticket. The price of first class tickets may include Wifi, and a choice of snacks and drinks.
Vans
A shared van is another means of transport for traveling from Hanoi to Sapa. As far as travel time is concerned, it’s basically equal to a taxi ride, while price-wise it’s way more affordable. The majority of tourists book a van online in advance.
Sometimes, when trains or buses aren’t available, a van is your only way to get from Hanoi to Sapa.
Things to remember: while traveling by van, you might not have as much space for luggage as you would on a train or a plane. It’s a good idea to pack only the most useful things for a van trip and put them in a backpack that will be easy to carry around.
The most popular transport from Hanoi to Sapa
How to choose the most convenient way of travel from Hanoi to Sapa? In order to make your choice of transportation easier, we asked 1000 users to range their preferences for this route. Here are the results of the poll:
- 43% users enjoyed a train ride.
- 16% decided to go for a bus.
- 16% opted for a van.
- 14% decided to catch a taxi.
- 6% chosen taxi+train
- 5% chosen train+taxi
Hanoi to Sapa transfer review
Hanoi to Lao Cai night train. Leave at 9.20 pm, we booked a 2 berth cabin, no sharing with strangers. 2 bunk beds, pillows and blanket. Bed side table with a cold beer and coke, bananas, biscuits and nuts are a nice touch. Hot coffee and tea arrive as we depart. Great views of Hanoi as we slowly leave the city. Sleep well as we rattle and sway through the night. Shortly before we arrive in Lao Cai there is a knock on the door and coffee and breakfast bars delivered. The train was way better than the return trip by road.
The response to the booking was quick and helpful. Once the online payment is made, the tickets with QR are issued. Very impressed with the firm bed and clean linen (no smell).
Highly recommended!
Driver Mr Chin drove smoothly the whole time.
Me and my siblings were planning to go from Hanoi to Sapa. Till we realized we haven't book our sleeper bus. We searched and came across A21 tours and tried to see if we can still be accommodated provided that the booking was done less than 24 hours. We booked online, and pro actively we have also sent a message in Whatsapp to ensure that once payment is done, we can get the e-ticket confirmation. To our surprise, just around 4-5 hours, they have reached out to us to guide us on the payment process and the issuance of the e-ticket as well. Their swift response was a relief w/our anxiety given the limited time for us. Also, it didn't stopped from just issuing the vip bus e-ticket confirmation but A21 tours consistently checked us from departure to arrival and any other concerns in between. They made sure that the tourists will only get enjoyment, safety and hassle free experience.
Highly recommended.
Esperienza 10 e lode con A 21 tours
Ho viaggiato più di una volta usando A21 tours ( Hue / Hoi An - Hanoi / Sapa ) e mi sono sempre trovata ottimamente ! Puntualità , precisione , ogni servizio ottimo . Rispondono su whatsapp ad ogni domanda tempestivamente . Userò sempre A21 tours per i miei spostamenti in Vietnam . Voto 10 ,
(Translated)
Experience 10 and honors with A21 Tours
I traveled more than once using A21 tours (Hue / Hoi An - Hanoi / Sapa ) and I always had a great time! Punctuality , precision , every service excellent . They respond on whatsapp to every question promptly. I will always use A21 tours for my travels in Vietnam. Rating 10 ,
If you are traveling to Vietnam. And feel like going on own (without tour package from origin country), Look nowhere else for Vietnam transportation n hotel, this is the Best! The Best, because they have hotline WhatApps number, are very Supportive, Highly Responsive, English spoken, and giving us Bragain Pricing.
My family (of 3) and I, wouldn't be able to travel conveniently without their help on transportation issue.
In 8d/7n trip (Hanoi, Halong bay, and Sapa) we were assisted by them well, even in the last minute demand. Bravo and Superb Works to A21.
We surely recommend U to all our friends Indonesia and Japan too.
We booked a return transfer from Hanoi Old Quarter to Sapa in November for the two of us. We paid slightly more for the VIP seats of Hanoi Sapa limousine, which can be lowered for more comfortable ride. The pick up was timely and the ride was comfortable. The vehicle comes with USB charging Point, free wifi, a bottle of water and bread. At one of the rest stop, we were also given a voucher to redeem for either coffee, tea or Hanoi beer. Booking of the transfer is also easy via email and WhatsApp. They will also send reminder before the trip via WhatsApp. Would definitely recommend visitors to use A21Tours
The carriage was classic, vintage feel with wood panelling and delightful decor. Fruit beer and snacks provided. Power in the cabin. Excellent sleep , bedding good and clean. Despite many stops (single track) the journey was enjoyable. Dawn scenery of the Red River was a bonus. Wake up call and a powerful 3 in 1 Vietnamese coffee as a heart starter. Just great!
We booked directly online. Everything went smoothly. We were upgraded from superior to deluxe cabin that sleeps 4 people. So we had to share with another couple, which was fine because we all slept the whole way. There was free water or beer, bananas, chips, and free WiFi. The beds were very clean and even the bathroom were not that bad. It is an excellent way to go to Sapa and you save one nights hotel bill while traveling. If you get motion sickness be warned this train goes up and down and sways side to side, all at the same time, it is quite bumpy and noisy. Not to mention it makes a lot of stops along the way. Earplugs and Dramamine might help.
Mr Trung is a awesome driver . He is on time when picking us up from the hotel . The car is comfortable and he speaks mandrain too !
We were 2 adults and 3 children traveling to Sapa from Hanoi and back to Hanoi last week. We booked a shared journey but had the minibus to ourselves on the way to Sapa which was a real treat. The reclining seats are very comfortable, there is reasonable wifi on board which was a benefit we hadn't realised when booking, charging ports for each seat.
On our return to Hanoi the bus was full and I was sat in the front with the driver and his colleague which makes for a bit more of a squashed seat but it was ok. It is good to know that when all seats are booked on a shared journey that that includes the use of a front seat as well which although do recline it does not have the arm rests and other comforts of seats in the rear.
Vouchers for drinks are given at one stop, one small bottle of water given on boarding the bus, food options are limited at the two stops particularly if you have children with you so we would recommend taking food (or at least your own choice of snacks) with you if possible.
Both journey times were 6 hours with stops.
On both journeys the drivers drove safely and calmly which we appreciated particularly on the very twisty road for the last part of the journey into Sapa.
We took the Fansipan express from Sapa back to Hanoi on 29/9/19 leaving at 13:30, checkin was smooth(ish) - its a scruffy office on a chaotic street where you wait but this is Sapa in Vietnam after all - so expoected.
Bus is confortable enough, Im 1.73m and had plenty of legroom, the berth is private with a curtain.
Its a big bus. The road leaving Sapa is tight and twisty for th first hour down to the highway at Lao Cai, so this isnt airplane or train smoothness - however it was fine in the day. Once on the highway the driver drove at a steady 100km/hr (checked with GPS) there didnt seem to be any taumatic moments - the general standard of driving in VIetnam is pretty poor and our driver seemed to cope well - even when you come across 2 trucks stopped on the highway blocking both lanes with one reversing!!!
By the time we got into Hanoi the drivers favourite control seemed to be the horn as I think we were running 15min late.
We took this bus not because we expected a really smooth comfortable sleep and not because its cheap - its just that it IS comfortable and it leaves at a very convenient time allowing a hotel checkout at midday and then a 13:30 departure. Itys a 5.5hr drive to Hanoi - even if you take the train you have to get a bus or taxi down to Lao Cai for the first hour anyway - if you've got luggage or cases this is easier than dragging onto a train as well - as there was loads of storage space as in all long distance coaches.
Coach made 2 stops on way back - strange open sided supermarkets selling some strange stuff alongside touirist 'tat', beware you need 3k dong to pay for the toilets! Make sure you;ve got some small notes.
To be honest there isn't much alternative for getting to and from Sapa, trains are slow and go overnight only to Lao Cai, a private taxi would be expensive - and seeing the driving standards in Vietnam I'd rather be on a big bus!
Also Im sure some of the more negative views on here are for the wrong bus - this coach as in the main picture is orange and black - its called a VIP cabin bus, some of the pictures of the interior are for a different bus. We would use again because of the convenience.
ok, so it's not luxurious, but comfortable. Weird sharing a room with two French folks that didn't speak English, but they were nice. Bathroom serviceable, but not too fancy. ride was bumpy, but mysterious. a genuine experience. cool to walk in the train hall way at night and look out an open window
Booked the cabin with 4 beds. Journey was about 8 hours. Experience was pretty good, and slept quite well. The beds were reasonably clean and comfortable. Free mineral water, snacks, toothpaste and toothbrush were provided. But would suggest to try not to use the toilets if possible.
Overall good experience, train timing was punctual. Overnight train a good way to get from Hanoi to Sapa.
We booked the VIP version, two bed cabin of King Express train. It was reasonably clean. We did not see any bugs or vermin. Toilettes were ok. We did get some sleep. The train was very punctual both times. The train took 7.5 hours from Hanoi to Lao Cai. The employees in the train sell you staff that is actually free. I paid for the tee anyway because these people are very poor and it is very little they charge.
When you arrive at La Coi station, there are lots of Minibuses that take you to Sa Pa for small money. This takes about one hour. The drivers already wait in front of the train. It is safe to go with them, no scam.
Nothing to complain. Everything went as scheduled, no e-ticket needed. Good services and very responsive on WhatsApp.
We used A21 for booking the King Sapa Train from Hanoi to Lao Cai. The service was excellent with very good communication. I recommend A21 and would use then again any time. Thank you.
We used the bus to go from Hanoi to Sapa and back.
It's great that you are picked up at your hotel and get dropped off at your next hotel. Very convenient.
The car on the first trip was quite new and the seats very spacious. Always try to book the VIP seats! The driver was great and drove relaxed. A very good trip.
On the way back we had an older car. Also VIP seats, but space is limited. We had the fastest driver of the fleet. No other car was faster than us. In the mountains that was quite adventurous. This was a more rough tour.
So, experience really depends on the car/driver. I can understand good and bad reviews now.
In total I would use them again, it's quite convenient and the service is good.
Overall, we had a good experience.
We e-mailed the company directly in July 2019 to make our reservations. The interactions were smooth and timely. We specifically requested for the VIP seats (seats in the middle of the van) at the time of booking.
Everything happened on our transfers as per the description. We were picked up slightly ahead of schedule from our hotel at Hanoi (in the Old Quarter). The scheduled rest stops were made, and we received the complimentary coupon at one of them. We were dropped off at our hotel in Sapa.
The van was driven safely at all times. Air conditioning and wi-fi worked as expected.
On the return journey, the pick up was delayed slightly due to traffic jams, but, from the time we were picked up from our hotel in Sapa, the rest of the journey was uneventful and went as per the expectations. We were dropped off at our hotel in Hanoi.
Overall, we were happy with the service, and would choose the service again in the future if we have a need.
Keep up the good work, team!
My boyfriend and I had a wonderful experience with eco sapa. I contacted them on Facebook about a transfer from Hanoi to Sapa. They were very responsive and helpful and we stopped by their office in Hanoi to purchase our tickets for the following day.
Very clean, very comfortable and a safe driver. The only downside was that the schedule changed slightly the day before so we could go and pick up other passengers from around Hanoi- this took a long while to drive around Hanoi and collect them and meant the transfer for us was longer as we were the first to be picked up. This was communicated to us beforehand though directly from the bus operators and they arranged an earlier pick up time for us to try and accommodate this.
To be aware of: The driver didn’t speak English but the tour operators did so we had everything we needed to know before we set off from them, and any problems you can contact them directly on Facebook. Make sure you ask any questions you need from them.
We made 2 stops for toilet and and food and made it to sapa in around 6 1/2 hours (again this was longer for us than usual). Would recommend Ecosapa for good communication and comfortable safe transfer. Thank you!
My friend and I took green bus from Sapa to Hanoi, the bus was comfy. There’s a girl as the bus assistant, who speak very good english and would repeat the pre-recorded broadcasts so to make sure everyone aware of the notices.
We booked the other bus company from Hanoi to Sapa, it was also comfy but the arrangement is not better. Also they don’t have clear instruction about when is the next stop. No notice at all, the bus assistant was just sleeping. And only one toilet time which is not quite enough for a 6 hours trip.
One thing i think green bus can improve is to pay more attention to the guests during the trip. As some of them were eating oranges in the bus which the bus is not allow eating. and some of them watching drama without an earphone, that was ignoring. I asked that person to volume down by myself. If the bus assistant can help for such then it would be even better.
Overall, green bus is good and I will book again if I come to Sapa again.
舒適及安排很好。
我們乘Green Bus由Sapa到河內。
巴士助理很有禮貌，英語亦很好。相比起由河內到Sapa的旅程（別的巴士公司），Green Bus的安排比較好。停站的次數也多一次。
Great travel company. Used it twice for booking train tickets (through web). Swift communication, good prices. Fantastic experience
Des transferts adéquates à nos demandes et à des prix courants.
Merci!
We book Private Deluxe on from Hanoi to Lao Cai and VIP from Lao Cai to Hanoi. The experience was nice. The beds were comfortable and the room was clean. We could store our luggage below the bed. Water bottles provided. We were okay with the rumbling of the train while it is making its way on the track - we slept soundly. The toilet was near and clean.
However, on our way back the tea lady asked us to pay 50,000 dong for what is supposed to be a free coffee or tea included in our VIP package. We didn't pay and she relented and gave us our coffee and tea for free. She didn't provide us with towels.
Highly recommended! I was very impressed with the whole service, everybody from staffs, driver to the tour guide in Sapa.
Great communication and excellent service. I stayed in a hotel outside of the old quarter and required a transfer to Sapa. I asked many companies all who said I had to make my way to the main office for pick. A21 were the only company to help me with what I wanted.
THANK YOU.
I'll recommend you to everyone I meet who visits Vietnam. I wish you a happy healthy new year.
The trip with Eco Tours itself was great on the first journey and below average on the second. I wrote a separate review on Eco Tour Bus.
Since the booking and communication with A21 was perfect I rate it 5star.
Very happy with our experience, the bus was so comfortable we were able to sleep almost the entire way to Sapa. The bus guide was very friendly, informative and was wearing the most jolly Christmas sweater ever :). Snacks and water were provided. The only downside was an annoying customer who’s phone kept going off very loudly.
The carriage is beautiful on the inside, our cabin was impeccably clean and so was the toilet throughout the entire journey, a huge plus. We also had free snacks and drinks in our cabin. Overall, a great experience, I only wish they would cover other train routes, we would surely book with Vic.
Eco Sapa was easy to book and provided a safe comfortable ride between Hanoi and Sapa.
You get a few stop on the way and they provide water and a bare bones breakfast, but what more do you need. As a plus, the van had usb ports and wifi, which was unexpected, but great.
The communication for our return trip was a bit of a miss on the confirmation on time, but overall I would recommend.
The train itself was lovely, cosey and clean. But the organisation for the two women at Chapa Express was an utter shambles!!!
First of all the one woman purposely waited till 9pm before she would give anyone a ticket,by which point there was a huge 'crowd'. There was no queing system in place and the two women would just wonder off mid way through speaking to you and ask another person to follow them. I witnessed one man be given four tickets, randomly, another man moan so the women took the tickets off the first guy and gave them to the second one instead. The tickets had not been pre allocated to people it seemed. And it didn't matter what your booking reference was.
At 9.45 myself and another guy were finally listened to. By that point, each of us still wanting our two tickets, they said there was only two remaining tickets?
The lady frantically flapped around and found two tickets with another company so no one was left behind.
It just leaves a sour taste on a journey that turned out ok in the end. All of this could have been avoided if the woman was not such a jobs worth initially and if she had actually done her job in the first place and allocated each booking their tickets to just be handed over on the day.
Not sure why there are so many mixed reviews on these overnight trains to Sapa, but my family had a wonderful time on Chapa Express. We were with two other families, for a total of 13 people. Each family was traveling with small children and we all had our own cabin with 4 beds in each cabin. The cabins were clean, the beds adequate, service was good, and the overall ride was not as bumpy as others have said.
Would I do it again? Absolutely! It's a great way to get from Hanoi to Sapa without having to take a bus. The only benefit of taking a bus is you can go directly to your hotel in Sapa versus having to take a van from the train station. The trip from the station to our hotel took approximately 45 min. Other than that, I would highly recommend Chapa Express!
On arrival from Ninh Binh via train, we took the Chapa express to Sapa and was pleasantly surprised that it was clean, comfortable ride.
Please note that to take the night train to Sapa, you’d have to walk about 10 minutes to the gate from Hanoi station. Gate is actually situated behind the main station, try google to find directions.
Coming back to the cabin, the ride was a little noisy and shaky but we had a good night rest. Toilets were surprisingly clean and without smell of ammonia as some claimed. And compared to the Victoria express, which we took on our return leg to Hanoi, Chapa’s cabin was way more comfortable, bunks were a little wider and longer. To those that are undecided, I’d say choose Chapa express. You won’t regret saving that extra dollar that Victoria charges.
What a great way to travel. Our taxi dropped us at the wrong train station, but Chapa were great and got us to the train. We had a 4 berth deluxe that I booked online. We got water, soft drink, chips, nuts, toothbrush, comb, face wipe and ear plugs. The top bunks had better air conditioning but it was very comfortable, there was wifi and we took portable fans that you charge which was perfect for the bottom bunks. Loved the rocking of the train, easy to fall asleep.
The private Chapa lounge on the station at the end was very disappointing. I enquired before I left about a shower and breakfast and they said yes all free, when we got there nothing was opened so we ended up going straight to our hotel and paying extra to get an early check in which worked out better.
Highly recommend travelling with this company. The train has many carriages all owned by different companies, we were very happy with Chapa.
Very good organized trip and very comfortable bus,I enjoyed my drive from Hanoi to Sapa, thank you so much. Definitely recommend it
A21 organised 4 cars for us on our trip to Vietnam. Very efficient and professional. I would thouroughly recommend these guys for advanced booking of transport around Hanoi and HCM.
Des transferts adéquates à nos demandes et à des prix courants.
Merci!
We had like 8 trips booked with A21. All of them were booked and negotiated via Whatsapp where their response was inmediate, straight to the point, fairly priced. And they delivered a very reliable service accordingly. Some of the trops were long and the drivers were prepared, kind and proactive on planning stops for rests/toilets etc. We used door-to-door service and everytine they showed up 5-10 minues before departure with a comfortable, clean vehicle which was exactly in line we agreed. I also checked prices against other service providers and they were more than fair, so I am not even thinking of getting around with any other transfer service provider. Keep up the good service
A21 Tour provided the best travel service we have ever had abroad; easy, reactive and secure solution that allowed us to have a flexible trip. Found them when tried to book a car from Hanoi to Sapa, then ended up using A21 service 2 weeks across Vietnam. We booking our transfers (approx. every 2 days) always the day before; A21 guys always found an excellent solution in less than 10 minutes. Awesome is the way they work using WhatsApp chats to communicate, pay (with CC/PayPal) and eventually solve problems/misunderstandings with not english speaking drivers.
Thank you very much!
Andrea & Ginevra
I booked 6 transfers around Nord Vietnam. Service supe and always on time, they exceeded my expectations every time. Thank you again!!!
We did two trips with this company, overnight to and from Sapa to Hanoi.
Both times we booked the VIP 2 berth sleeper cabin. This is a more costly option (US$170) but provides privacy and a bit more comfort.
The cabin was nicely set up and lovely and quiet.
Complimentary water, refreshing wipes and cookies as well as a drink on departure.
As expected the train is noisy and there is a lot of motion but we slept surprisingly well.
Staff were friendly and helpful.
Added benefits of booking directly with the company (one way we did one way we didn't).
- shuttle to hotel
- complimentary ear plugs
- much more attentive service.
Overall a practical, safe and manageable way to travel.
Excelente viaje en autobús a Sa Pa con nuestro conductor Dung.
Fanáticas instalaciones, con wifi, TV, cargadores y bebidas.
Completamente recomendable para hacer el viaje más privado con familia.
A21 was very responsive to my queries & was able to communicate with me via WhatsApp promptly throughout my stay in Hanoi. We booked 4x Chapa Express train tickets (2 way) to Sapa & Private car (2 way) to Halong Bay. It was a breeze using A21 & strongly recommend using their services. Their prices are also comparable to other local rates.
Driving did feel a bit erratic at times and travelling down from SaPa was a little unnerving but that’s par for the course once you decide to bus it instead of getting the train.
I wouldn’t hesitate to book again and cannot fault the experience. I have travelled on much worse back home and paid a lot more too.
Information was translated into English too regarding stops and arrival in Hanoi which was helpful. Toilet on board was clean, which was impressive considering a lot of people struggle to keep a toilet clean even when they don’t have a moving bus to contend with.
Different company, different seats made the world of difference. Arrived bang on time, given a cake and water. Wifi worked brilliantly.
Two stops on the way for refreshments etc. Pickup and drop off from our hotels.
Couldn’t fault them and highly recommend.
We travelled in a 4 berth cabin on the King Express From Hanoi to Sapa. The rooms are very small so take as little luggage as possible. We left three bags in our hotel at Hanoi and just took what we needed in one bag on the train to save space. Mattresses are pretty hard and not very wide but we managed to get some sleep. Husband suffered motion sickness - it can get pretty rocky. Trip back to Sapa was better as we knew what to expect. A very basic journey but good if you would prefer to travel overnight.
Also, I lost personal stuff in the bus and Sunny helped me 3 times to search for it.
Finally we found it and he made my day!