Are you planning to visit both Halong Bay and Sapa? This guide will show you how to travel from Halong Bay to Sapa, from distance, ways to get there, and activities you can enjoy in each place. Let’s start planning your trip from the beautiful limestone islands of Halong Bay to the green mountain terraces of Sapa!
How far is it from Halong Bay to Sapa?
The distance between Halong Bay and Sapa is about 420 kilometers (261 miles). The journey takes between 7 to 9 hours, depending on your choice of transport and route. You’ll travel through varied landscapes, from coastal areas to mountain regions, seeing different sides of northern Vietnam.
How to get from Halong Bay to Sapa?
By Train
- Time: 8-9 hours
- Cost: $25-40 per person
- Suitable for: Budget travelers, families, those who want to sleep during the journey
The train journey requires some coordination but offers a comfortable overnight trip. You’ll start by taking a bus from Halong Bay to Hanoi, which takes about 4 hours. Once in Hanoi, a short taxi ride brings you to Hanoi Railway Station. From there, you’ll board your night train to Lao Cai, enjoying a peaceful 8-hour ride through the countryside. When you arrive in Lao Cai early morning, a one-hour van ride takes you up the mountain roads to Sapa.
Train options include:
- Vietnam Railways: Leaves Hanoi at 9:30 PM, arrives in Lao Cai at 5:30 AM
- Sapaly Express: Departs at 10:00 PM, and reaches Lao Cai at 6:00 AM
- Chapa Express: Depart Hanoi at 10:00 PM, arrive Lao Cai (Sapa) at 05:55 AM (Next morning) (SP3)
Helpful tips for train travel:
- Book your tickets 2-3 days ahead during regular season
- Book 1-2 weeks ahead during peak season (December-February)
- Choose a bottom berth for easier access
- Bring warm clothes as trains can get cold
By Private Car
- Time: 5.5 – 6 hours
- Cost: $150-180 for the whole car (up to 4 passengers)
- Suitable for: Families, small groups, travelers who want comfort
When you choose a private car, your journey starts right at your Halong Bay hotel door. Modern, clean vehicles with professional drivers make the trip comfortable and worry-free. You can stop whenever you want to take photos, stretch your legs, or grab some local food. The cars come with good air conditioning and plenty of space for luggage. Most drivers know the best spots to stop along the way, including clean restrooms and good local restaurants.
By shuttle bus
- Time: 8-9 hours
- Cost: $30-35 per person
- Suitable for: Solo travelers, couples, budget-conscious travelers
Tourist buses offer a direct route from Halong Bay to Sapa. These buses include:
- Good Morning Sapa: Daily departure at 7:30 AM
- Sapa Express: Leaves at 8:00 AM
- Green Bus: Starts at 7:00 AM
All buses provide:
- Air conditioning
- Reclining seats
- WiFi (signal depends on location)
- Water bottle
By local bus
- Time: 9-10 hours
- Cost: $15-20 per person
- Suitable for: Very budget-conscious travelers, adventure seekers
Local buses are the cheapest option but take longer and might be less comfortable. You’ll need to:
- Take a local bus from Halong Bay to Hanoi
- Get to My Dinh Bus Station
- Take another bus to Sapa
How many days are in each destination?
Halong Bay
It is recommended to stay 2-3 days in Halong Bay for these must-do activities:
- Take a day or overnight cruise around the bay
- Visit floating fishing villages
- Explore Sung Sot Cave (Surprise Cave)
- Go kayaking between limestone islands
- Try fresh seafood at local restaurants
- Visit Ti Top Island for swimming and views
- Take photos at Lan Ha Bay
>>> Find more about Halong Bay tours by clicking here!
Sapa
You should spend 2-3 days in Sapa for these best activities:
- Walk through rice terraces
- Visit local markets
- Stay with Hmong or Red Dao families
- Climb Mount Fansipan
- Try local mountain food
- Visit Cat Cat Village
- See the Silver Waterfall
- Shop at the Sapa night market
>>> Check out our best Sapa tours here!
6-Day Northern Vietnam Itinerary: Hanoi, Sapa, Halong Bay
Experience the best of northern Vietnam with this carefully planned week-long journey. This tour takes you from the busy streets of Hanoi to the peaceful waters of Halong Bay, and finally to the misty mountains of Sapa. You’ll see how the landscape changes from city to sea to mountains, while enjoying different foods, meeting local people, and learning about Vietnamese culture along the way.
Day 1: Arrive in Hanoi
Your guide meets you at Hanoi airport and takes you to your hotel in the Old Quarter. You’ll have free time to explore the busy streets and try local food. The day ends with a welcome dinner featuring Hanoi’s famous dishes.
Day 2: Hanoi – Halong Bay
A morning drive takes you to Halong Bay. You’ll board a traditional boat for your overnight cruise. The day includes kayaking, cave visits, and swimming in quiet bays. Watch the sunset from the deck and enjoy fresh seafood for dinner.
Day 3: Halong Bay – Night Train to Sapa
Start with sunrise views over the bay. After breakfast, visit more islands before returning to port. Back in Hanoi, you’ll have free time for dinner before boarding your night train to Sapa. Sleep in comfortable cabins as you head to the mountains.
Day 4: Sapa – Lao Chai – Ta Van
Arrive in Sapa early morning. After breakfast, walk through rice fields to Lao Chai and Ta Van villages. Meet Black Hmong and Giay people, see traditional crafts, and enjoy lunch in a local home. Stay overnight in either a homestay or Sapa town.
Day 5: Sapa – Ma Tra – Ta Phin – Night Train to Hanoi
Visit the quiet villages of Ma Tra and Ta Phin. See rice terraces and meet Red Dao people known for their bright clothes and herbal medicines. Have lunch with locals before taking the evening train back to Hanoi.
Day 6: Hanoi Half Day City Tour – Departure
Explore Hanoi’s main sights: Temple of Literature, Old Quarter, and Hoan Kiem Lake. Try more local food and shop for souvenirs before your departure flight.
You can check out this Northern Vietnam Highlights 6 Days for more information. This is just a suggested plan to help you start thinking about your trip. Every traveler is different, and we can help create a custom itinerary that matches your interests, time, and budget. For more tour options or to design your perfect Vietnam adventure, please contact our travel experts at [email protected].
FAQs
When is the best time to visit both places?
Halong Bay: March to May or September to November
Sapa: September to November for good weather and golden rice fields
Should I visit Halong Bay or Sapa first?
Most travelers visit Halong Bay first because:
- It’s closer to Hanoi
- You can take a night train to Sapa afterward
- The route makes more sense logistically
Do I need to book transport in advance?
Yes, especially during the high season (December-February). Book trains at least one week ahead and buses 2-3 days before.
Moving from Halong Bay to Sapa lets you see two sides of Vietnam – the sea and mountains. Each place has its beauty and culture. Take your time to enjoy both places. They’re different but equally wonderful parts of Vietnam.
Mo Nguyen – From Vietnam Travel Online
