Other than Hanoi, 2 popular attractions that are a must should be Sapa and Halong Bay. These places are different, one with the towering mountains looking down valleys covered in cloud beds, and the other with fantastic karst formations and wonderful islands. Combining Sapa and Halong Bay is a brilliant choice if you want to experience the best of Northern Vietnam. Save this article for your get-ready guide from Sapa to Halong Bay.
Sapa and Halong Bay are two of the most popular tourist destinations in northern Vietnam, and combining them may give a rich and varied experience. The following are some of the reasons why you might want to think about joining these two locations.
Proximity: Both Sapa and Halong Bay are in the northern region of Vietnam, namely in the provinces of Lao Cai and Quang Ninh, respectively. The distance from Sapa to Halong Bay is approximately 350 kilometers (220 miles) apart. Buses, railroads, and private transfers are some of the modes of transportation that are accessible to travelers who wish to travel between the two locations. When you combine these two locations, you can maximize the most of your time in the region as well as have a different travel experience from Sapa to Halong or vice versa.
Contrasting landscapes: Sapa and Halong Bay both have natural sceneries that are significantly different from one another. Rice terraces, foggy mountains, and communities inhabited by ethnic minorities are some of the distinguishing features of Sapa. To hike, to learn about the culture of the locals, and to take in the breathtaking scenery of the highlands, this location is an excellent option. Halong Bay, on the other hand, is characterized by breathtaking limestone karsts that rise out of green waters. This bay makes for a one-of-a-kind scenery that is best explored by boat. By visiting both of these locations, you will get the opportunity to admire the varied natural beauty that Vietnam has to offer.
>> See more: Exploring Sapa Rice Field | When and Where to See ?
Cultural immersion: Sapa and Halong Bay have different local communities, resulting in distinct cultural values. Interacting with members of ethnic minority groups in Sapa, such as the Hmong and the Dao people, allows you to get knowledge about the traditional practices, crafts, and lifestyles of these communities. Visit fishing villages in Halong Bay to get a glimpse of the marine culture that is prevalent there. Visiting all of these locations together will provide you with the opportunity to learn about various aspects of Vietnamese culture.
>> See more: 4 Sapa Ethnic Groups and Their Unique Cultural Beauty
A wide array of activities: Several different kinds of outdoor activities may be enjoyed in both Sapa and Halong Bay. Activities like trekking through terraced rice fields, hiking to stunning views, and visiting local marketplaces are all available to tourists in Sapa. Discovering caves, cruises, kayaking, and swimming are among the activities that may be enjoyed in Halong Bay. If you are someone who enjoys going on adventures outside, combining these locations will allow you to participate in a wide range of activities.
>> See more: The Best Halong Bay Beaches Revealed
There are a few different modes of transportation that you may choose from to go from Sapa to Halong Bay.
When compared to other modes of transportation, traveling by bus from Sapa to Halong or Halong to Sapa is the most cost-effective however, it is also the most inconvenient option. The overnight bus from Sapa to Halong Bay is favored among locals, but not popular with tourists. In case you want to do something locally, it is not a bad option since it is a comfortable enough shuttle bus that offers a variety of services and amenities, including leather sleeping beds, air conditioning, an LCD screen, free internet, blankets, bottled water, and so on. All of these things provide favorable conditions for a quite good night's sleep for a long-distance trip.
Though it is a reasonable price for cost-effective travelers and you'll get the sleep and recharge for your upcoming activities, there are some cons to using the bus. It takes a quite long road trip (9-10 hours) so tiredness is expected. May cause car sickness for the ones who don't get along with traveling by mass transportation. As well as the ability to get scammed because there are a lot of fake websites with the name of the same company.
There are a few bus brands that you can have a look at for a bus from Sapa to Halong Bay like Cuong Lan, Phuc Xuyen, Phuc An Bus… with the ticket price is about $20.
There is no direct train from Sapa to Ha Long, so you need a transit in Hanoi. You move from Sapa to Lao Cai Station. There is a train route to Lao Cai - Hanoi. From Hanoi, you can take a shuttle bus or private transfer to Halong (the train from Lao Cai to Hanoi takes 7-8 hours of duration, and of course, you need time to relax in between).
Train from Lao Cai to Hanoi: It starts in the evening time, often from ~ 9 p.m. You can have a lot of options with different qualities. The highest one is Victoria Express Train (~$70) and the cheapest one is Vietnam Railway (~$20). You'll get different choices of bedding like 2 berths, 4 berths, soft seats, and hard seats.
After reaching Hanoi (normally 5 am), you’d use the day-use service in a hotel near the train station for a short break and refresh before hopping on a shuttle bus/private car to Halong Bay. You can arrange this by yourself with another transfer company, travel agent and the hotel itself. It's up to you.
The advantage of using a train is that you can enjoy the sceneries of the local area of Vietnam, as well as experience several options from normal to luxury trains (Lao Cai-Hanoi). However, you probably will get tired a little bit because of moving around. Noises from the train engine sometimes are irritating.
Some suggested train brands:
>> See more: Vietnam Sleeper Train: Things to Know Before Your Journey
A rental vehicle is the most convenient way to go from Sapa to Halong Bay if you are looking for a high level of privacy during your vacation. If you do not possess a valid driver's license and are in acceptable health, it is recommended that you make reservations for a private car with an experienced driver.
In contrast to the train and bus journey, traveling to Halong Bay by private automobile does not require you to adhere to a predetermined itinerary or schedule. Private automobiles will also be of great convenience to visitors who want to stop along the route to take photographs or to take in the breathtaking scenery throughout their travels. Traveling by car has no time constraints, more privacy, and flexible pickup and dropoff service.
All that is required of you is to get in touch with the private car services through their websites or hotlines, initiate the booking procedure, and then thereafter wait for your private car to arrive at your location. It takes you around 8 hours to travel from Sapa directly to Halong.
Another way to make your way from Sapa to Halong is to go by train from Lao Cai to Hanoi and then have a private transfer to Halong Bay at 8 am at the Hanoi train station. You'll probably get enough sleep on the night train, and no need to use the hotel room to relax. That's a good one!
See more: 7 Ways to Travel from Hanoi to Halong?
When it comes to traveling to both Sapa and Halong Bay, the months of March and April are considered to be the most favorable times to do so. Other than that, each time is a good time to explore both attractions in different settings.
In Sapa, the shift from winter to spring occurs throughout these months. In the range of 15 degrees Celsius to 25 degrees Celsius (59 degrees Fahrenheit to 77 degrees Fahrenheit), the weather begins to become pleasant and warmer. Witnessing the blossoming of flowers and taking pleasure in hiking in weather that is pleasant is a wonderful experience during this time of year.
During this period, the weather in Halong Bay is characterized by pleasant temperatures and a lack of precipitation. The sky is mostly clear, and there is a lower likelihood of rainfall. Temperatures range from 15 degrees Celsius to 25 degrees Celsius (59 degrees Fahrenheit to 77 degrees Fahrenheit), although it can still be rather chilly. This is a wonderful time to go on a cruise and discover the breathtaking limestone formations that are located in the bay.
In most cases, a total duration of 5-7 days is adequate to have a satisfying experience if you wish to visit both Sapa and Halong Bay on the same journey from one location to another. Because of this, you will have the opportunity to spend a few days in Sapa, during which time you will be able to trek, explore the highlands, and become fully immersed in the culture of the area. You may then make your way to Halong Bay, where you can spend a couple of days sailing and exploring the breathtaking limestone karsts and green waterways at your leisure.
See more about Halong Bay:
>> Hanoi - Sapa - Ninh Binh - Halong Bay 07-Day Itinerary
>> Halong Bay Cruise in 2 Days 1 Night - What to do and see?
>> Top-rated Halong Bay Private Cruise - Small Charter Boat
