How to Travel from Halong to Sapa
04 Oct 2024
To get from Halong Bay to Sapa, you'll cover nearly 494 kilometers, which can take up to 10 hours of travel. You can choose between different modes of transportation based on your budget and preferences: a direct bus Halong Sapa for convenience, a combination of bus and train, a for a more scenic and varied journey, or a private car directly from Halong to Sapa for a more comfortable, flexible option. Another convenient choice is taking a Limousine van from Halong to Sapa, with an optional break in Hanoi. This allows you to split the trip, making it a more relaxed journey while experiencing more along the way. Each offers unique benefits depending on how you want to experience the trip.
A21 Tours will provide you with detailed information on all available transfer options. We hope you find this guide useful for planning your journey. Enjoy reading and feel free to reach out for further assistance!
1. Why Halong and Sapa?
While Hanoi is undoubtedly the top choice for exploring Northern Vietnam due to its international airport and rich historical and natural attractions, if you had to choose just two more destinations, about 85% of travelers would likely select Halong and Sapa for their initial travel plans. This combination offers a balanced mix of natural beauty and cultural experiences, with both seaside and mountainous activities. However, keep in mind that the distance between these locations is almost 500km, which can pose a logistical challenge. The cruise tour in Halong Bay, whether a Halong bay day trip or an overnight experience, along with trekking in Sapa, are the two most popular activities that are considered essential experiences in Northern Vietnam.
2. Halong Bay to Sapa route
As mentioned earlier in this article, A21 Tours has highlighted four transfer options from Halong to Sapa. In this section, we will delve into each option, sharing our objective insights regarding the advantages and disadvantages of each, along with detailed information that could be useful for your trip.
2.1. Direct bus from Halong to Sapa - The cheapest, most convenience
For a budget-friendly, convenient, and time-saving option, consider the night sleeper bus from Halong to Sapa.
The most reliable choice on this route is Phuc Xuyen Bus, which operates daily departures from Bai Chay bus station to Sapa. The journey takes approximately 9 to 10 hours, including 3 to 4 stops for meals and restroom breaks. As of October 2024, we do not recommend other bus companies on this route.
Halong to Sapa sleeping bus
Phuc Xuyen Bus is well-regarded on the Hanoi-Halong-Sapa route, featuring well-maintained vehicles and courteous drivers. However, some drivers may exhibit a spirited driving style that could be unsettling for more cautious travelers.
Cost: USD 22/ tickets
Schelude time: 6:45 AM, 11 AM, 15H, 21H
Recommend bus company: Phuc Xuyen bus
2.2. Private car Halong to Sapa - Just 7 hours via Expressway
Aside from the cost of around USD 200 and the 7-hour travel time, there isn't much else to highlight about this service, as its name speaks for itself. We recommend taking a break in Hanoi for a relaxed brunch along the way.
Private car from Hanoi to Sapa
Cost: USD 260 for 5-seat car, USD 270 for 7-seat car
Departure time: uppon customper request
Recommende operator: A21 Tours
2.3. Limousine van from Halong to Sapa, with an break in Hanoi - a balance option between comfortable and budget.
Two connected limousine vans will transport your group from Halong to Sapa, with a stop at our Hanoi office. The first van will pick you up at your Halong hotel in the afternoon and take you to the meeting point in Hanoi. After a brief 30-minute wait, the second van will continue to Sapa, with an expected total transfer time of around 8 hours, arriving by approximately 8 PM.
This schedule is ideal for passengers finishing their overnight cruise in Halong Bay (with check-out typically around 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM) and looking to travel to Sapa within the same day.
Comfortable and Spacious VIP seat limousine van
If you leave Halong Bay in the late afternoon (from 4 pm to 6 pm), you can take the limousine from Halong Bay To Hanoi at 5 pm or 6.30 pm. Once you arrived at Hanoi from 8 pm to 9.30 pm, have dinner before taking the sleeper bus/VIP cabin bus from Hanoi to Sapa at 22:00 PM (arrive at Sapa around 6 AM the next day).
Cost USD 35 for regular seat, USD 40 for VIP seats
Departue time: 12PM from Halong bay
Most highlight of this transfer: Pick up and drop off service around Halong and Sapa
2.4. Halong to Sapa by a combination of bus and train
By this option, you have more time in Halong till about 5 PM, from there you take the van to Hanoi (arriving about 8 PM) and still have 1 and a half hours for dinning before take the train to Sapa (very good option for the sleep). The train will arrive Lao Cai in the morning and you need a short transit route from Lao Cai station to Sapa.
At first glance, this option might seem like a time-consuming and somewhat pricey choice. However, upon closer inspection, it could be the ideal solution for traveling from Halong to Sapa, particularly for senior travelers.
Hanoi to Sapa train
The Limousine van from Halong to Hanoi offers luxurious VIP seating, while the Hanoi-Lao Cai train provides a cozy overnight ride from 10 PM to 6 AM, perfect for a restful night's sleep and be ready for trekking in Sapa the following morning. Plus, you'll save a hotel night.
Just remember, train tickets need to be booked in advance—ideally 1 to 2 months ahead—due to availability.
Cost from USD 35 for 1 VIP seat (Halong - Hanoi Limousine) and 1 berth in 4-berth Cabin (Hanoi - Lao Cai train)
Departue time: 5PM from Halong bay
Most highlight of this transfer: Good sleep on the train and Save on night hotel
Check Hanoi to Lai Cai train
3. In conclusion,
Traveling from Halong Bay to Sapa offers several options that cater to various budgets, schedules, and comfort levels. Whether you prefer the affordability of the direct bus, the flexibility of a private car, or the combination of a Limousine van and train for a scenic yet efficient journey, each mode of transport provides unique advantages. A21 Tours provides detailed guidance and information for each option, ensuring you can make an informed decision that best suits your travel plan. We hope this guide helps you plan a smooth and enjoyable trip! For any further request, please do not hesitae to can contact A21 Tours via this contact form.
