For an unforgettable Vietnam travel, you should not miss out on a journey from Ho Chi Minh City to Sapa. We will introduce this scenic route which connects these two destinations, allowing you to discover the contrasts between the vibrant city of Ho Chi Minh City and the tranquil beauty of Sapa.
1. Ho Chi Minh City to Sapa distance and travel time
Ho Chi Minh City is the largest city in Vietnam and the foremost tourist hub of Southern Vietnam. Meanwhile, Sapa is a small town located in Lao Cai Province in the high mountainous region of Northern Vietnam. To reach this misty town from Ho Chi Minh City, you must embark on a lengthy journey of 1,928 kilometers. Depending on the mode of transportation, the journey may take anywhere from 7 to 35 hours.
>>> More on: North and South Vietnam map: Guide to the BEST cross-region journey
2. How to get from Ho Chi Minh City to Sapa?
How to get to Sapa from Ho Chi Minh City? The journey to Sapa from Ho Chi Minh City is often divided into two segments: Ho Chi Minh City - Hanoi and Hanoi - Sapa. Therefore, to travel from Ho Chi Minh to Sapa Vietnam, you must first reach the capital city of Hanoi.
2.1. From Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi
Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi are two of the most modern cities in Vietnam, thus offering convenient transportation options between them.
2.1.1. Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi by plane
The most common means of transportation from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi is by air. Departing from Tan Son Nhat International Airport, also known as Ho Chi Minh City Airport, travelers will arrive at Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi - one of the busiest Vietnamese airports. Covering a distance of approximately 1,730 kilometers by air, the direct flight typically takes around 2 hours. Five airlines are operating on this route: Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air, Pacific Airlines, Bamboo Airways, and Vietravel Airlines, with average round-trip fares ranging from 2,314,000 to 3,026,000 VND per ticket.
>>> Refer to this guide on flights from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi!
2.1.2. Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi by train
There is no Ho Chi Minh to Sapa train. First, travelers need to take a train from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi, then another from Hanoi to Sapa. Each day, approximately four trains depart from Saigon Train Station to Hanoi Train Station, numbered SE2, SE4, SE6, and SE8. The train travel time ranges from 33 hours 20 minutes to 37 hours 25 minutes. Seating options include hard seats, soft seats, and sleeping berths, with ticket prices ranging from 900,000 VND to 1,700,000 VND per one-way ticket, depending on the seat type.
2.1.3. Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi by sleeper bus
Travelers may also opt for a sleeper bus from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi operated by reputable companies such as Hoang Long, Tan Aba, A Ba, Anh Khuyen, Phuong Hoang, Quoc Vuong, among others. The travel time by sleeper bus ranges from 29 to 36 hours, with ticket prices ranging from 900,000 to 1,200,000 VND.
>>> Refer to this guide on the Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi bus!
2.1.4. Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi by motorbike
For adventurers who wish to admire the scenery along the way, biking from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi is an option. This approximately-1,700-kilometer journey takes about 4 days to reach Hanoi via National Road 1A. Travelers can utilize Google Maps to choose the most convenient route.
2.2. From Hanoi to Sapa
After arriving in Hanoi from Ho Chi Minh City, travelers on their journey from Ho Chi Minh City to Sapa can get from Hanoi to Sapa with the transportation options below.
2.2.1. Hanoi to Sapa by sleeper bus
Sleeper buses are a popular means of transportation from Hanoi to Sapa. Reputable sleeper bus companies include Sao Viet, G8 Sapa Open Tour, Ket Doan Travel, Sapa Dragon Express, Eco Sapa Limousine, King Express Bus, and Kad Bus, with ticket prices ranging from 270,000 to 450,000 VND. The travel time is approximately 5.5 hours for a distance of about 370 kilometers.
>>> Refer to this guide on the Hanoi to Sapa sleeper bus!
2.2.2. Hanoi to Sapa by train
Your Ho Chi Minh City to Sapa train journey will continue with this second leg, departing from Hanoi Train Station and arriving at Lao Cai Train Station, which is about 30 kilometers away from Sapa. Travelers can proceed from Lao Cai to Sapa by taxi. There are two trains from Hanoi to Lao Cai, namely SP1 and SP3, with a travel time of under 8 hours. Ticket prices range from 375,000 to 590,000 VND.
2.2.3. Hanoi to Sapa by taxi
For those seeking convenience and privacy, taxi services offer a seamless option from Hanoi to Sapa. With fares starting at around 2,500,000 VND for a 4-seater vehicle and up to 2,900,000 VND for a 7-seater vehicle, taxi rides ensure a comfortable journey. The travel time by taxi from Hanoi to Sapa typically spans from 3.5 to 4 hours.
2.2.4. Hanoi to Sapa by rental car
For large groups, rental cars with drivers are a suitable means of transportation, from 4-seat sedans to 9-seater vans. The cost of renting a vehicle to travel directly from downtown Hanoi to Sapa typically starts from 4,000,000 VND.
>>> Discover: Map of Sapa Vietnam: 10+ awe-inspiring destinations for your bucket list
*The information provided in this guide is for reference purposes only and may be subject to change over time.
Embarking on the journey from Ho Chi Minh City to Sapa unveils a tapestry of Vietnam's allure, blending urban vibrancy with serene mountainous vistas. Whether by air, train, or road, each mode of travel promises its unique adventure.
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