Are you planning a trip from Ninh Binh to Sapa but feeling lost about the best way to get there? This travel blog will guide you through every detail – transportation choices, costs, schedules, and insider tips that will make your journey smooth and enjoyable.
How far is it from Ninh Binh to Sapa?
The distance between Ninh Binh and Sapa is about 400 kilometers (248 miles). Most travelers spend 7-8 hours on this journey, depending on their chosen transport method and route. The path takes you through the Red River Delta and up into the Hoang Lien Son mountains, showing you different sides of Vietnam’s landscape.
Best Ways to Get from Ninh Binh to Sapa
By Train (Recommended Option)
- Time: 8-9 hours
- Cost: $35-50 per person
- Best for: Comfortable overnight travel, photographers, first-time visitors
The train offers the most comfortable way to travel this route. You’ll need to:
- Take a taxi from Ninh Binh to Hanoi Railway Station (2 hours)
- Catch the overnight train to Lao Cai (8 hours)
- Take a shuttle bus from Lao Cai to Sapa (1 hour)
Popular Train Services:
- Victoria Express Train: Leaves Hanoi at 10:00 PM, arrives in Lao Cai at 6:00 AM
- Sapaly Express: Departs at 9:35 PM, reaches Lao Cai at 5:30 AM
- Chapa Express: Night departure at 10:00 PM, morning arrival at 6:15 AM
>>> If you wanna read more about how to get from Hanoi to Sapa, check out this:Hanoi to Sapa – How to plan a perfect travel itinerary?
- Book your tickets at least 1 week ahead during peak season
- Choose a bottom berth for easier access
- Bring a light jacket as trains can get cold
- Pack some snacks for the journey
By Private Car
- Time: 7-8 hours
- Cost: $150-180 for the whole car (up to 4 passengers)
- Best for: Families, small groups, people who want to make stops
A private car gives you complete control over your journey. Your driver will pick you up from your hotel in Ninh Binh and take you directly to your Sapa hotel. This option lets you:
- Stop for photos whenever you want
- Take bathroom breaks at clean rest stops
- Enjoy comfortable air conditioning
- Make detours to interesting places along the way
By Tourist Bus
- Time: 9-10 hours
- Cost: $25-30 per person
- Best for: Budget travelers, backpackers, solo travelers
Tourist buses offer a direct route from Ninh Binh to Sapa. Most buses are sleeper-style with reclining seats. Companies like:
- Good Morning Sapa: Daily departure at 7:30 AM
- Sapa Express: Morning (8:00 AM) and evening (8:00 PM) departures
- Queen Cafe: Overnight bus leaving at 8:30 PM
How many days to spend in each destination?
Ninh Binh
You should spend 2-3 days in Ninh Binh for these must-do activities:
- Take a boat ride in Tam Coc
- Visit the ancient Hoa Lu temples
- Climb Mua Cave’s 500 steps for valley views
- See Vietnam’s largest temple at Bai Dinh
- Bike through the rice fields
- Visit Cuc Phuong National Park
>>> If you are wondering about the best time to visit Ninh Binh, read this blog: Best time to visit Ninh Binh – Weather & Highlights of Season
Sapa
It’s recommended to spend 2-3 days for the best activities:
- Walk through Muong Hoa Valley
- Visit Cat Cat Village
- Shop at Sapa Market
- Try local Hmong food
- Take pictures of rice terraces
- Visit Silver Waterfall
>>> Check out this blog for more unique things to do in Sapa: Top 15 things to do in Sapa Vietnam: Ultimate Travel Guide to Vietnam Westnorth Mountain
Best Northern Vietnam tour: combine Hanoi, Halong Bay, Ninh Binh and Sapa
This carefully planned journey shows you the best of northern Vietnam. You’ll experience the busy streets of Hanoi, the mountain culture of Sapa, the ancient beauty of Ninh Binh, and the stunning islands of Halong Bay. This trip balances active exploration with relaxation, giving you time to enjoy each place fully.
Day 1: Hanoi Arrival
Your northern Vietnam adventure begins in Hanoi. After checking into your hotel, you can take a walk around Hoan Kiem Lake and try local street food in the Old Quarter. The evening is yours to rest or explore nearby night markets.
Day 2: Hanoi City Tour – Train to Lao Cai
The morning starts with visits to Hanoi’s main sights – Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Temple of Literature, and the Ethnology Museum. After dinner, you’ll board the night train to Lao Cai, beginning your mountain journey in a comfortable sleeper cabin.
Day 3: Lao Cai – Sapa – Silver Waterfall & Heaven Gate
You’ll arrive in Sapa early morning. After breakfast, visit the powerful Silver Waterfall and stand at Heaven Gate, the highest road pass in Vietnam. The afternoon includes a walk through Sapa town and its local market.
Day 4: Sapa – Ma Tra Black H’mong Hill Tribe Village – Train to Hanoi
Today you’ll walk through rice terraces to Ma Tra village, home to the Black H’mong people. You’ll learn about their daily life and traditional crafts. In the evening, take the night train back to Hanoi.
Day 5: Hanoi – Ninh Binh – Hoa Lu – Trang An
Drive to Ninh Binh to see Vietnam’s ancient capital at Hoa Lu. Then take a peaceful boat ride through Trang An’s limestone caves and valleys. The limestone mountains rising from rice fields create amazing photo opportunities.
Day 6: Hanoi – Halong
Travel to Halong Bay for an overnight cruise among thousands of limestone islands. You’ll visit caves, go kayaking, and watch the sunset from the deck. Enjoy fresh seafood meals and sleep on the calm waters.
Day 7: Halong – Hanoi
Wake up to see the morning fog lift from the bay. After brunch on board, return to Hanoi for your last evening in Vietnam’s capital. You can shop for souvenirs or enjoy a final Vietnamese dinner.
Day 8: Hanoi Departure
Time for last-minute shopping or sightseeing before heading to the airport.
This itinerary of Northern Charm Discovery 8 days is a starting point that we can customize for you. Would you like to spend more time in certain places? Or add different activities? Contact our travel experts by filling out this form or emailing [email protected], and we’ll create your perfect Vietnam tour. We can adjust the schedule, choose different hotels, or add special experiences to match your interests and travel style.
FAQs
What’s the best time to visit both places?
September to November is perfect. The weather is cool and dry, and you’ll see golden rice fields in both locations. March to May is also good, with spring weather and green landscapes.
Can I visit Sapa on a day trip from Ninh Binh?
No, the distance is too far. You need at least one night in Sapa to enjoy it properly.
Where can I find ATMs?
Ninh Binh has many ATMs in the city center and Tam Coc area. In Sapa, you’ll find ATMs along the main streets, but bring extra cash for village visits.
Is it safe to travel between these places?
Yes, all these travel options are safe. Just book through reliable companies and keep your valuables close, like in any tourist area.
Vietnam Travel Online hopes this travel guide helps you plan an amazing journey from Ninh Binh to Sapa. Traveling between these two stunning destinations shows you Vietnam’s amazing variety – from low-lying limestone cliffs to mountain peaks in the clouds. Each place has its own special beauty and culture. Take your time to enjoy both places fully. Safe travels!
Mo Nguyen – From Vietnam Travel Online
