How to Get from Hanoi to Bac Ha?

Are you planning a journey from the bustling city of Hanoi to the charming town of Bac Ha in northern Vietnam? Whether you're drawn to Bac Ha's famous markets, ethnic diversity, or scenic landscapes, understanding your transportation options is key to a smooth and enjoyable trip. Let's explore the various ways to travel from Hanoi to Bac Ha:

1. Travel from Hanoi to Bac Ha by local bus

The Hanoi to Bac Ha local bus is low-cost public transport suitable for anyone who wants to experience the life of local people. The bus usually departs from My Dinh bus station.

• Price: 250.000 – 310.000 VND/pax
• Travel time: 5-6 hours
• Time schedule: usually in the evening from 18.00 – 20.30
• Pick-up point: My Dinh bus station
• Drop-off point: Bac Ha bus station
• Advantages: low cost
• Disadvantages: There are not many buses available and the quality of service is not very high since it caters primarily to local people. Buses usually depart at night and arrive at Bac Ha around 3-4 AM.

Note: currently, there is no bus route from Hanoi to Bac Ha. There is only a bus route from Hanoi to Lao Cai, and then from Lao Cai to Bac Ha by other buses or renting a motorbike for distances of 60 km.

Reference to book the bus at My Dinh bus station:
VietBus: Tel: 02436272727
Hai Van Express: Tel: 02438717171 
Sao Mai bus: Tel 0372238074 or 0989408366

2. Travel from Hanoi to Bac Ha by taxi

It is an easy means of transportation to move from Hanoi to Bac Ha, but not many tourists choose it as it is high-cost and unsuitable for traveling to mountainous areas.

• Price: 3.500 .000 VND (SUV car) following the meter.
• Travel time: 5-6 hours
• Advantages: It is easy to stop the taxi comfortably on the way to enjoy the sceneries with a flexible schedule.
• Disadvantages: high cost, not many drivers are familiar with the mountainous roads in the northwest.

3. Travel from Hanoi to Bac Ha by motorbike

Traveling to Bac Ha by motorbike is a suitable choice for backpackers and young tourists who are passionate about exploring. With 200.000 VND for gasoline, you can comfortably conquer the route for 320 km, take breaks, enjoy the scenery, and take photos at any time.

• Travel time: 10 – 12 hours following the National Road 70
• Motorbike rental: 200.000 VND – 300.000 VND/day. Not included gasoline
• Travel Route: Hanoi – Phu Tho – National Road 70 – Road 153 – Bac Ha
• Advantages: Proactive in time, easy-to-discover destinations on routes
• Disadvantages: Take many hours to travel. You need good health, and you need to study the routes, travel time, and the weather well before the trip. Avoid the rainy season because it is dangerous in mountainous areas.

Some Motorbike rental shops in Hanoi:

Flamingo Travel:
Add: 66 Dao Duy Tu str, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
Tel: +84.912.214.554 
Web: https://flamingotravel.com.vn/

Motogo
Add 1: 1081 Hong Ha, Chuong Duong, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
Add 2: 81 Nguyen Kha Trac, Mai Dich, Cau Giay, Hanoi
Tel: 0966 456 969
Web: Motogo.vn

4. Travel from Hanoi to Bac Ha by train

This is the swiftest transportation, however, upon arrival at Lao Cai railway station, you will need to take a bus to reach Bac Ha.

• Price: 375.000 – 700.000 VND/pax depending on the seating or sleeping class.
• The price for the bus from Lao Cai to Bac Ha: is 150.000 VND/pax
• Travel time: 8-9 hours
• Starting point: Hanoi railway station at 9.35 PM – 10.00 PM
• Arrive at Lao Cai railway station at 5.15 AM – 5.55 AM
• Advantages: Safe, save cost for 1 night in hotel
• Disadvantages: It is noisy, bumpy, not really easy to sleep well, and takes time for the bus ride to Bac Ha after the train.

Reference to book ticket via travel agency or official website of Vietnam Railway: dsvn.vn

5. Travel from Hanoi to Bac Ha by private car

From Hanoi to Bac Ha, a private car is still the most preferred transportation choice because it is the fastest and safest. Driving in 5-6 hours is especially optimal for families with kids.

• Travel time: 5-6 hours
• Travel route: Highway Noi Bai to Lao Cai – Road 153 – Bac Ha town
• Price: about 2.025.000 VND/day (SUV car)
• Advantages: proactive in time, safe, and the travel route is guaranteed, private space, no waiting time, no transit bus.
• Disadvantages: high cost than other public vehicles.

>>> Reference to book private car from Hanoi to Bac Ha

Learn more about Bac ha journey:

• Things to Know about Bac Ha Market , Vietnam
• Hoang A Tuong Palace - An Impressive Architecture in Bac Ha
• What to Do in Bac Ha Vietnam ?