I’m a photography enthusiast, and the landscapes in Northwest Vietnam seem incredible for capturing scenic views. Are there any specific spots that are particularly photogenic...
Other than Hanoi, two popular attractions that are a must are Sapa and Halong Bay. There are 3 available ways to travel from Sapa to Halong Bay.
Combining Sapa and Halong Bay is a brilliant choice if you want to experience the best of Northern Vietnam. One with towering mountains looking down valleys covered in cloud beds and the other with fantastic karst formations and wonderful islands. Save this article for your get-ready guide from Sapa to Halong Bay.
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1. The Distance and Travel Time from Sapa to Halong Bay?
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.
The travel time between these locations varies depending on the type of transfer:
- Bus: 8-10 hours
- Train and transfer: Around 12 hours
- Private Car: 7-8 hours
For such long distance, many travelers choose to spend a night in Hanoi as it lies between destinations.
2. How to Get from Sapa to Halong Bay?
2.1. By bus
When compared to other modes of transportation, traveling by bus from Sapa to Halong or Halong to Sapa is the most cost-effective. 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.
- Cuong Lan Coach:
- Phone number: 096 385 68 56
- Departure time from Halong: 20:00 - 22:00
- Departure time from Sapa: 16:00
- Office in Sapa: No. 785 Dien Bien - Near Mau Thuong Ngan Temple
- Duration: 9.5 hours
- Pick up/Drop off point: Bai Chay Bus Station (Halong); Sapa Bus Station (Near Sapa Market); or at any Hotel around Sapa town or bus office
- Phuc Xuyen Coach:
- Phone number: +84 983 827 827 and 02033 827 827
- Departure time from Halong: 7.:30 - 11:00 - 20:00
- Departure time from Sapa: 8:00 - 11:00 - 16:00
- Duration: 7 hours
- Pick up/Drop off point: 599 Dien Bien Phu Str. (Sapa); Bai Chay Bus Station (Ha Long)
2.2. By train
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).
Combine a train from Lao Cai to Hanoi, then a transfer from Hanoi to Halong Bay.
The train 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:
- Sapaly Express Train
- Orient Express Train
- Livitrans Express Train
- The Pumpkin Express Train
- Fansipan Express Train
- King Express Train
- Chapa Express Train
2.3. By car/taxi
A rental vehicle is the fastest way to go from Sapa to Halong Bay,especially 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. The price for car/taxi from Sapa to Halong Bay is around 148 US$.
There are a few different modes of transportation that you may choose from to go from Sapa to Halong Bay. Among them, the most effective way to travel from Sapa to Halong is to go by train from Lao Cai to Hanoi and then have a private/shuttle transfer to Halong Bay at around 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.
3. Sample Sapa - Halong Bay Itinerary
We'll discover an essential Sapa - Halong Bay itinerary. Following that, you can arrange a suitable transfer.
Day 1: Lao Chai - Ta Van Villages
Arrive in Sapa in the morning and check into your hotel.
In the afternoon, take a guided trek to the villages of Lao Chai and Ta Van, home to the Black Hmong and Giay ethnic groups. Learn about the traditional customs and way of life of the local people.
In the evening, enjoy a delicious dinner at a local restaurant and explore Sapa town at your leisure.
Day 2: Fansipan Mountain - Sapa Town - Sapa Market
Have breakfast at your hotel and then take a cable car ride up Fansipan Mountain, the highest peak in Indochina. Enjoy the panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and Muong Hoa valley.
In the afternoon, explore Sapa town and visit the Sapa Market, where you can find a variety of souvenirs and local handicrafts.
In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner at a local restaurant and relax at your hotel.
Continue spending the next two days in Halong Bay.
Day 3: Halong Bay - Sung Sot Cave - Titop Island
Take a morning cruise from Ha Long Harbor to explore Halong Bay.
The cruise takes you to visit Sung Sot Cave, where stunnning limestone formations amaze and Titop Island's peak for a panoramic bay view. In the afternoon, kayak or swim in the emerald waters of the bay.
In the evening, enjoy a delicious seafood dinner on board the cruise and watch the sunset over the bay.
Day 4: Halong Bay
Have breakfast on board the cruise and then visit a cave on one of the bay's many islands. Relax on the sundeck of the cruise and enjoy the views of the bay. Enjoy a brunch on board and disembark in Ha Long city.
>> Find a great deal for Halong Bay Cruises
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