What to expect when visiting Sapa
Sapa is a small village and popular tourist destination in northern Vietnam. Backdropped by spectacular rice terraces, the town boasts both natural and cultural beauty. Ethnic minorities make up over 80% of its population, and here you’ll get the chance to see and experience their traditional way of life.
Here you’ll also find Fansipan, the highest mountain on the Indochinese peninsula and a great adventure if you’re up for the hike. Don’t worry, cable cars to the summit are also available. The town centre can be a bit touristy, but don’t let that deter you. The real charm of Sapa lies in its mountains and the rice fields still farmed by the hill tribes, as they have been doing so for centuries.
3 ways to get from Ninh Binh to Sapa
There are 3 ways to travel the distance of 410 kilometers (255 miles) from Ninh Binh to Sapa by bus (6 hours 45 minutes to 9 hours 50 minutes), private Transport (8 hours) and train (10 hours 30 minutes to 12 hours). The journey duration ranges between 6 hours 45 minutes to 12 hours and the quickest way is by bus. The lowest priced tickets start from €12.90 for the bus.Where to stay in Sapa?
Still looking for accommodation? Don't forget to check out our favourite places to stay in Sapa at the bottom of this page.
Ninh Binh to Sapa by Bus
When you want to travel direct and on a budget, take the bus from Ninh Binh to Sapa. Bus fares start from €12.90.
Ket Doan, The Long Travel, Techbus VN JSC, Ha Son, Full Moon Party, Duc Duong Bus, Grouptour and TBus operate nightly buses for this route. The advertised travel time is 6 hours 45 minutes to 9 hours 50 minutes. However, both companies are known for late bus departures.
Some buses leave at least an hour later than the promised time. Drivers and staff for both Ket Doan, The Long Travel, Techbus VN JSC, Ha Son, Full Moon Party, Duc Duong Bus, Grouptour and TBus can also be rude to passengers.
For these reasons, you can consider just travelling from Ninh Binh to Sapa by train, where you can expect a comfortable ride.
Departure and arrival station
The Long Travel departs from The Long Hotel in Tam Coc and arrives at Sapa Bus Station.
Sapa Grouptour departs from its headquarters in Tam Coc town centre. It parks at its office in Sapa city centre.
Bus schedules from Ninh Binh to Sapa
Ninh Binh to Sapa by Train
Travelling by train from Ninh Binh to Sapa involves 3 steps: 2 trains and then a van or bus.
Despite all these transfers, train travel in Vietnam is generally comfortable and come with good customer service. The same thing cannot be said for the bus companies operating on this route.
Step 1: Ninh Binh to Hanoi by Train
There are several trains operating daily from Ninh Binh to Hanoi.
We recommend taking the last one, SE8, which departs at 16:30 and arrives at 19:12. With this train, you will arrive in Hanoi in time for dinner. You’ll have more than enough time to find a nice resto in the city and get back to the train station before 22:00.
Ticket prices start from €4 for a soft seat.
Check out our page on Ninh Binh to Hanoi for more train options.
Step 2: Hanoi to Lao Cai by Train
Starting October 2022, Vietnam Railways is back to its nightly operations from Hanoi to Lao Cai. This route previously operated with fewer weekly departures because of the pandemic.
Vietnam Railways train SP3 departs from Hanoi Railway Station at 22:00 every night. Travel time to Lao Cai is around 7h 20m - 8h 5m.
A ticket costs €17.60 for a 4-berth sleeper. You can also get a cheaper bunk in a 6-berth sleeper, but it is less spacious.
For more train choices, you can find deluxe, luxury and private cabins on BookAway.
Also, visit our page on Hanoi to Sapa for more details.
Step 3: Lao Cai to Sapa by Van
From Lao Cai Railway Station, you can get to Sapa by van or bus.
Vans are faster because they don’t make a lot of stops. A seat costs €7.70 for the journey that takes 55m.
The bus is a good way to travel like a local — just don’t expect a lot of space for your bags. A ticket costs 30,000 VND (€1.10) and travel time is around 1 hour.
Ninh Binh to Sapa by Private Transport
Looking to travel door-to-door in a private car?
You can book a 5-seater taxi to get you from Ninh Binh to Sapa for €185.
You can also save money when travelling in a larger group. A private minivan that can fit up to 10 people costs 6,468,000 VND (€240).
Private Transport options from Ninh Binh to Sapa
Best places to stay in Sapa
D&D Eco Lodge Sapa - Budget Friendly
There’s no better way to wake up than opening your curtains to a stunning view over lush rice fields. Add a delicious breakfast to that, and you’ll certainly be starting the day right. A stay at D&D Eco Lodge is an experience in itself. It might even turn out to be one of your best in Vietnam? And if you’re travelling as a couple, this is likely to be one of the best value deals you can find.
Eco Palms House – Mountain Retreat - Treating Yourself
Eco Palm House offers luxury bungalows with the most incredible views. You’ll never want to leave your private balcony overlooking rolling hills and endless rice fields. Maybe their infinity pool with an equally spectacular view can convince you? You’re guaranteed to leave this place feeling relaxed and rejuvenated.
Little View Homestay Sapa - Budget Friendly
If you’d like to be near the centre of Sapa, Little View Homestay is a great choice. The private rooms boast a really unique design – they’re covered top to bottom in pine wood. To add to the uniqueness of the place, instead of a traditional heating system, you’ll have a heated blanket to keep you warm at night. The friendly owners and creative sapa style decorations will make this an extraordinary stay!
Frequently Asked Questions about Ninh Binh to Sapa
What is the distance from Ninh Binh to Sapa?
The distance from Ninh Binh to Sapa is 410 kilometers (255 miles).
What is the fastest way to get from Ninh Binh to Sapa?
The fastest way to get from Ninh Binh to Sapa is by bus and takes 6 hours 45 minutes.
What is the cheapest way to get from Ninh Binh to Sapa?
The cheapest way to get from Ninh Binh to Sapa is by bus with ticket costs starting from €12.90.
Rounding it up
We hope this guide was helpful in planning how to get from Ninh Binh to Sapa. If there's anything else you're wondering about, drop us a comment and we'll do our best to answer you within a few days.
PS: If you've recently travelled this route, share your experience with fellow travellers and help us improve this post. Thanks for helping out our travel community!
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Ela is a storyteller, content producer, solo traveller and a mermaid-in-training. When she’s not in front of her laptop, you will find her barefoot and living her best tan on some island in the Philippines… Or exploring the depths of its seas as a budding freediver. An island girl at heart, she’ll be happy anywhere there is sea, sand, sun and coffee.
Based in Bali, Maarten’s passion for travel is undeniable. In 2016, he decided to quit his job as a stock analyst and started doing what he always dreamed of: travelling through South East Asia and helping other people plan their trips. When he is not working on Gecko Routes, you’ll find him surfing in the ocean or exploring the best gems of Indonesia.
