Hanoi To Sapa Train Guideline: Top Tips To Consider

You want to know about the best way to travel from Hanoi to Sapa, whether by train or bus. This article focuses on traveling by Hanoi To Sapa Train, providing all the necessary details. One option is to take the train from Hanoi to Lao Cai station and then continue by bus or taxi to Sapa town. The distance is 340 km, so safety is a priority for many travelers. Here, you’ll find updated information from Vietnam Dope on the train schedule and prices based on personal experience.

Types of Hanoi To Sapa Train

• Express Trains and Fast Trains: Several trains run from Hanoi to Sapa, with express trains starting with “SP” being the fastest. These include SP1, SP2, SP3, SP4, SP7, and SP8, taking about 8 hours to travel from Hanoi to Lao Cai.
• Local Trains: Local trains provide basic facilities and a chance to mingle with local people. Options include hard seats, soft seats, hard berths, and soft berths with AC. Express trains (SPs) depart at 19:40, 20:35, 21:30, and 22:00, while normal local trains (LCs) start at 6:10 and 22:00.
• Overnight Sleeper Trains: For the 8-hour trip, seats can be tiring, making soft sleeper berths or hard berths a more comfortable choice. Overnight travel allows you to save time by sleeping through the journey.
• Tourist Trains: Designed for tourists, these trains offer enhanced comfort and service, featuring AC, soft sleeper berths, and reading lights. Private companies often rent and convert carriages into luxury sleeping cars for tourists.

The 5 best overnight Hanoi To Sapa Train review

Five best overnight train brands are collected and introduced here for your convenient trip. Let’s have a look at their facilities, train schedule, ticket price, and review from the customer.

1. Victoria Express Train

The Victoria Express Train is a top-tier service on the Hanoi – Sapa route, offering 13 deluxe cabins, a bar, and a restaurant, with a capacity for 48 passengers. It is highly regarded as the premier option for this journey, garnering numerous positive reviews. Below are the key advantages and disadvantages of traveling on the Victoria Express Train:

Pros

• Luxury and Privacy: Provides high-quality services, ideal for those seeking a professional and luxurious experience.
• Amenities: Features separate washbasins, spacious and elegantly decorated toilets that are always clean.
• Comfort: The private 2-berth cabins are very clean, with comfortable mattresses and stunning views.

Cons

• Cost: The ticket fare is quite expensive, though many guests believe the experience is worth the price.

2. Orient Express

• Facilities: All cabins are equipped with superior facilities such as AC, clean and pure bathroom, big luggage storage, and comfortable berths.
• Train schedule: SP1: Dep. Hanoi at 21:35, Arr. Lao Cai at 5:45 (Date+1)

Pros

• They also have a big bathroom for the guests and received a lot of positive comments from the passengers for the comfort of using services here.
• The staff are well trained and willing to help guests in any cases.

Cons

• You have to pay the whole cabin if you would like to stay at the 2 berth cabin. There is no deduction for a single person.
• Besides, Orient Express is located at SP1, which departs at 21:35 and arrives at 5:45 (Date+1). A little earlier departure and arrival may make you rush in some cases. 

3. King Express

King Express train features 25 cabins across several carriages, accommodating nearly 100 passengers.

Facilities:

• Air conditioning
• Blankets
• Cushions
• Towels
• Private toilets in each carriage

Train Schedule:

• SP3: Departs from Hanoi at 22:00, arrives in Lao Cai at 6:10 the next day.

Pros:

• King Express aims to treat guests like royalty, offering a friendly and helpful staff. Passengers often highlight the clean and spacious cabins in their reviews.

Cons:

• While there are no major complaints, the overnight schedule means you can’t enjoy the scenery. Additionally, if you struggle to sleep on a moving train, it might affect your rest. However, traveling overnight can save both time and money.

4. Fanxipan Express Train

Fansipan Express is among the most luxurious tourist trains running from Hanoi to Lao Cai, accommodating 112 passengers in four superior sleeping carriages.

Facilities:

• Air conditioning
• Reading lights
• Water, snacks, and napkins
• Hot and cold water dispensers in the carriages and waiting room at the train station

Train Schedule:

• SP1: Departs Hanoi at 21:40, Arrives in Lao Cai at 5:45 the next morning.

Pros:

• Renowned for its professional staff, excellent service, and well-maintained facilities.
• Offers competitive pricing for passengers.

Cons:

• The absence of a large bathroom, which might make using the toilets somewhat inconvenient.

5. Sapaly Express Train

Sapaly Express Train operates the SP3 route from Hanoi to Sapa, featuring high-standard soft sleeper cabins with air conditioning and wooden interiors. It offers two options: 4-bed soft sleeper cabins and 2-bed VIP cabins.

Facilities

• Air Conditioning
• Reading Lights
• Water, Snacks, and Napkins
• Tool and Table for Hot/Cold Water

Train Schedule

• SP3: Departs Hanoi at 22:00, Arrives in Lao Cai at 6:10 the next day

Pros

• Cozy cabin decoration with effective air conditioning for summer.
• Availability of hot water is a significant advantage.
• Well-trained and attentive staff.

Cons

6. Chapa Express

This train is one of the newest in the system, offering a luxurious and comfortable journey for passengers. The facilities stand out compared to other train systems in Vietnam.

Facilities: Air conditioning, reading lights, water, snacks, and a waiting room at the station.

Train Schedule:

• SP3: Departs Hanoi at 22:00, Arrives in Lao Cai at 6:10 (next day).

Pros:

• A waiting room is available for guests to relax, change clothes, and shower while waiting for the train.
• Spacious cabins with large windows.
• Snacks, water, and fruits are provided to all guests.
• Most passengers consider the staff to be the best on the Hanoi to Sapa route.

Cons:

• While the cabins are spacious, the corridors are quite narrow. However, this is generally not an issue as guests prefer to stay in their rooms from the moment they see them.

Local tips to travel to Sapa from Hanoi by train

Book in Advance

Train tickets are limited and sell out quickly. If you plan to travel by train from Hanoi to Sapa (Lao Cai), it’s best to reserve your ticket as soon as possible. Early booking gives you the advantage of choosing the best tourist train and securing a VIP 2-berth cabin, which tends to get fully booked quickly.

Do Not Bring a Lot of Money or Expensive Items

It is safer to keep your money in the bank rather than carrying it with you when traveling by train.

Please select the appropriate entrance at Hanoi train station

There are two gates serving different train routes departing from Hanoi. The gate on Le Duan Street is for passengers heading south in Vietnam, while the gate on Tran Quy Cap Street is exclusively for those traveling to Sapa. Remember to head to Tran Quy Cap Street. You can ask your taxi driver or hotel receptionist for assistance.

Protect yourself from scams at the station

To ensure a safe journey, purchase your train tickets from the station’s ticket counters or through a reputable travel agency for possible discounts. These are reliable options for a comfortable trip. Beware of individuals offering cheap tickets, as these can sometimes be counterfeit, resulting in financial loss.

Reserve pick up service at Lao Cai train station

Book a pick-up service at Lao Cai train station. Regardless of the company you select, your expected arrival time at Lao Cai train station is approximately 6:00 AM, early in the morning. From there, you have two travel choices to reach Sapa town. 

One option is to take a local bus, which costs around 1.4 USD (30,000 VND) per person and takes about 45 minutes from Lao Cai to Sapa.

Conclusion

Traveling by Hanoi To Sapa Train offers a scenic and memorable experience through Vietnam’s picturesque landscapes. By following these top tips, you can ensure a smooth journey, from booking your tickets to enjoying the breathtaking views en route. Whether you’re a first-time traveler or a seasoned explorer, these guidelines will help you make the most of your trip and create lasting memories of this beautiful region.