How to Get from Hanoi to Son La?

Son La province is located in the Northwest, more than 300km from Hanoi along the national road No. 6. The province is one of the localities with many potential and advantages for tourism development. It is a large natural area with abundant tourist resources with a lot of landscapes, historical relic systems, diverse cultural heritages, and the largest hydroelectric dam in Southeast Asia. To go from Hanoi to Son La, you can go by many means of transportation:

1. Hanoi to Son La by bus

Many local passengers use a bus to travel from Hanoi to Son La. The buses depart from My Dinh and Yen Nghia bus stations every morning and evening every day and drop off at Son La bus station or Muong La bus station.

• Price: 220.000 – 340.000 VND/pax – depends on the bus companies
• Travel time: 8-10 hours
• Departure schedule: Earliest at 6.30 AM and latest at 10.00 PM
• Advantages: low price, many buses to choose
• Disadvantages: There is no guarantee of timely transportation when traveling to the pick-up and drop-off point since the schedule depends on the bus companies. Additionally, it's hard to communicate with drivers for assistance. If one gets off at the wrong place, it can be easy to lose one's way, with no taxis available in the mountainous area. This makes it an unfavorable choice for foreign tourists.

>>> Reference to book the ticket at vexere.com
or directly bus companies as: Bac Son, Hung Thanh, Hai Van

2. Hanoi to Son La by motorbike

Due to its diverse terrain, many adventure bikers love the Hanoi to Son La route. However, driving carefully on the passes and winding roads is essential. It is best not to drive too fast, especially on rainy or foggy days when the road is slippery, to avoid unnecessary accidents.

• Motorbike rental: 12 -15 USD/day. Not  included gasoline
• Travel route: Start from Hanoi – Thang Long Boulevard – Xuan Mai – Hoa Binh – Cun –National Road 6 – Cao Phong – Son La.
• Travel time: 10 hours
• Advantages: Proactive in time, save cost, and stop to relax or enjoy sightseeing anytime, anywhere.
• Disadvantages: Riding for 10 hours is tiring, and due to the many passes and windings, riding a motorbike on this route is dangerous for amateurs.

>>> Motorbike for rent 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

3. Hanoi to Son La by taxi

This is an easy means of transportation but not a good choice for mountainous roads from Hanoi to Son La. The vehicle is unsuitable, and the driver does not have much experience on this road. In addition, the cost is higher than that of a private car or even higher if you get the wrong taxi. Not many tourists choose this kind of transfer. The taxi fare is about 4.000.000 VND/way with a sedan or SUV car.

4. Hanoi to Son La by private car

If you are planning to travel from Hanoi to Son La, particularly with a group of people that includes children and elderly individuals, then using a private car would be the most optimal option. Private cars ensure a comfortable and convenient journey, especially for long distances. The driver will pick you up from your hotel or house in Hanoi and drop you off at your desired location in Son La City.

• Travel time: 7-8 hours
• Price: around 1.700.000 VND/day (SUV)
• Advantages:  Proactive in time, safe, and your travel routes are guaranteed, private space, no wasting time for waiting.
• Disadvantages: High cost than other public transportation.

>>> Reference to book Vietnam private car