How to Get to Sapa: Choosing Between the Bus, Train, and Car
When going to Sapa you have several options that vary greatly in terms of comfort, cost and time spent on the road. Since there is no airport in Sapa, you’ll have to choose between a train, bus or car ride.
By Train
The train is a great means of transportation when heading to Sapa. It offers a reasonably priced and decently comfortable alternative to going by car and bus and makes it easy to get to know other travelers.
There are several trains a day with the overnight train being the most popular. As it’s a nine-hour ride, it actually gives you the chance to rest and feel energized when you get to Sapa. If you’ve planned a full-day trek on your first day, this is something you want to keep in mind when booking your trip.
To get train tickets, you can ask your hotel or travel agent in Hanoi for help. They can give you all the details concerning timing and the different cabins that are available. Train services to consider are the Sapaly Express and Fansipan Express. They provide excellent service, value for money and clean, comfortable cabins.
Also, be sure to book your return ticket right away. Many visitors to Sapa have found that getting a ticket there is difficult and overpriced as there are many scammers trying to get extra money out of tourists. The normal fare for a roundtrip in a standard cabin should be around 250,000 VND (private sleeper cabins will be a good bit more).
Once you get on, pop in some earplugs and try to get some rest until you reach Lao Cai, where you get off the train and on a one-hour bus ride that will take you to Sapa. This is another part where you need to watch out. In Lao Cai, there are a lot of scammers that will try to sell you overpriced tickets.
Inform yourself beforehand where buses leave so you can head there without falling prey to any tricks. If you book your trip via an agent in Hanoi, they will help you find your bus by sending someone to the platform to pick you up. To be sure you get where you need to be, this is probably the best solution.
By Car
If you want to book a private driver to Sapa, check with your hotel’s reception. Hiring a driver comes with advantages. You can stop anywhere you like on the way and timing is flexible. However, it is a good bit more expensive than the bus or train though. Since you still share the bumpy roads with armies of motorbikes, buses, and minivans, your ride might not be as comfortable as you’d hoped.
By Bus
When starting your trip from Hanoi, you can take a direct bus to the hill station. If you don’t get carsick from bumpy, winding roads and don’t mind speeding through traffic at (Vietnamese buses are known for reckless driving) then booking the bus could be part of your adventure. If you want to be on the safe side though, the train is the better option.
However, if you want to get to Sapa more quickly and without having to change (taking the train requires a change in Lao Cai) and you want to watch your budget, the bus could be your way to go.
What to Bring for Trekking in Sapa
Visiting Sapa is quite different from going to most other places in Vietnam and requires you to pack a few things you might not need otherwise. Also remember that if you go on treks, you will probably stay in different places every night. This will make bringing your whole suitcase or backpack a huge hassle. It is best to leave your big bag with your accommodation in Hanoi and pick it up after your return. For your trip, it’s enough to bring a small backpack with the essentials for a few days.
Apart from the obvious toiletries and the change of clothes, here are a few other things you should pack or consider getting once you arrive in Sapa.
Pro Tips:
- Backpack and a small bag: For your trip to Sapa, bring only enough for the few days you’re going there and keep those things in one backpack. Usually, the tour operators will transfer your bags directly to your homestay for you. Everything you need during your trek should go in another small bag that you can carry with you on the way.
- Sunscreen/sun protection: This is especially important during the summer months. Sapa’s high altitude increases the UV index which can cause nasty sunburns. If you’re traveling from a place where the sun is not as strong, your skin isn’t used to it. Bring a hat, light long-sleeved shirts, and pants to protect yourself from the sun if you really don’t like the sticky sunscreen.
- Insect repellent: This is a good idea anywhere in Vietnam but if you’re planning on hiking in Sapa’s mountains, it’s a must to avoid itchy bites or diseases that mosquitos and leeches (yes, leeches) might be carrying.
- Lightweight rain jacket: If you’re in Sapa during the rainy season, this is a must unless you’re okay with getting wet. Since the local market in the city offers a wide selection of rain jackets, it’s not a problem if you’ve forgotten to pack one. But be aware that all the fancy North Face outfits you see there are knockoffs. The usual price is about 200,000 – 300,000 VND, so be ready to haggle if they ask for more than that.
- Warm clothes: While Sapa can get rather warm in the summer, the winter months get very chilly. Be sure to have a sweater, jacket, hat, scarf or whatever else you need to stay warm with you or get it at the market in downtown Sapa. If in doubt, it’s better to carry an extra sweater rather than freezing on the mountain.
- Proper hiking shoes: Trekking trails in Sapa can be muddy, slippery, or covered in loose gravel. Wearing regular sneakers or tennis shoes could result in slipping, sliding or even injury and that’s really not something you want to happen when you’re miles from the next doctor or hospital.
- Band-Aids: Chances are you’ll get a blister or two, or even a few scratches. Keep some band-aids, disinfectant wipes and fresh socks with you.
- Earplugs: You’ll be sharing homestays, buses and trains with all kinds of people and the noises they make (whether on purpose or not). Unless you sleep like a rock, these are essential for a good night’s sleep.
- Power bank: While your homestay is likely to have electricity, there might not be enough plugs for everyone in your group to charge their phones and cameras at the same time. Make sure to fully charge your devices overnight and bring a power bank with you. Also, keep your electronics in a closed Ziploc bag just in case you end up in a downpour and your bag isn’t as waterproof as you thought.
- Light snacks: Trekking in Sapa can be hard, especially when it’s hot and if you lack experience. If you’re one to get lightheaded, it’s a good idea to carry light snacks when you take breaks along the way. Although meals are usually included in tours, an extra energy boost along the way can work wonders and make the trip so much more enjoyable.
With all these tips about how to plan your trip to Vietnam’ scenic north, you should be overcome with wanderlust and ready to pack your bags and head out the door. But before you do, make sure you do all your research so your time in Sapa will be everything you hoped for and you won’t miss out on any of the incomparable natural beauty, unforgettable experiences and the friendliness of the local people.
