How to Get from Sapa to Bac Ha?

Sapa, located 30km from Lao Cai city, is a popular tourist destination with an average altitude of 1500 – 1800m above sea level. Bac Ha, about 100km from Sapa town, has its own charm, nestled in a forested area with wild features. Connecting Sapa and Bac Ha offers a great opportunity to explore beautiful landscapes and people. There are various transportation options are available from Sapa to Bac Ha.

1. From Sapa to Bac Ha by local bus

Not many buses go directly from Sapa to Bac Ha. Mostly, during the peak season of tourism, there will be buses going straight from Sapa to Bac Ha, but only 1-2 buses per day. Another easier way is to catch the bus from Sapa bus station to Lao Cai bus station and then from Lao Cai bus station to Bac Ha bus station.

• Price: 150.000 VND for Sapa – Lao Cai and Lao Cai – Bac Ha
• Travel time: 3 hours
• Departure time: 6.00 AM to 5.00 PM
• Advantages: Low cost
• Disadvantages: Not many buses are available, mainly for local residents and domestic tourists, so the quality is not particularly high. Passengers have to transfer between the bus station and the hotel. The service is not proactive in terms of time and travel schedule.

2. From Sapa to Bac Ha by motorbike

Traveling from Sapa to Bac Ha by motorbike is a great option for young adventure seekers. For only about 100,000-150.000 VND per day, you can comfortably conquer the high roads, take breaks, enjoy the scenery, and take photos at any time.

• Travel time: 3 hours
• Motorbike rental: 100.000 – 250.000 VND/day – not including the gasoline
• Advantages: Proactive in time and free to discover the destinations on route.
• Disadvantages: You need to know the route from Sapa to Bac Ha well. There are many winding roads, and it is not easy to ride.

Reference for motorbike rental in Sapa:

Diep Hang motorbike
Add: 16 Hoang Dieu, Sapa town
Tel: 0912 435 006 – 0973 010 033
Price: 100.000 VND/day, not included gasoline

Manh Hung motorbike
Add: Sapa town
Tel: 0986 557 236
Price: 100.000 – 220.000 VND/day, not included gasoline

3. From Sapa to Bac Ha by taxi

You can ask the hotel front desk for assistance if you're looking for a convenient way to travel from Sapa to Bac Ha. A car will be arranged to pick you up from your hotel in Sapa and take you to Bac Ha. However, it's important to note that this option can be expensive, and there may be a language barrier with the driver, as they might not speak English. If you take a taxi, be cautious as some drivers may overcharge you. It's advisable to ask for the estimated price before confirming your booking. The typical taxi fare for this route is around 1,500,000 VND each way.

4. From Sapa to Bac Ha by private car

Due to its speed and safety, a private car is still preferred when transferring from Sapa to Bac Ha. It is optimal for families with small children or groups traveling together.

• Travel time: 2.5 hours
• Price: 1.700.000 VND/day (Sedan, SUV car)
• Advantages: Proactive in time and safety, guaranteed travel plan, private space, and no waiting time.
• Disadvantages: the cost is higher than other public transportation

>>> Reference to book the Vietnam private car

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 ?