How to get from CatBa to Sapa
Why visit 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.
What are the 2 ways to travel from CatBa to Sapa?
There are 2 ways to travel the 370 kilometre (230 miles) distance from CatBa to Sapa. You can choose between the bus and train. The journey takes 9 to 13 hours and the quickest way is by bus. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by bus with tickets starting at 538,000 VND ($20.50).
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.
CatBa to Sapa by Bus
There are seven companies offering direct buses from CatBa to Sapa: Sapa Ethnic Travel, Techbus VN JSC, Duc Duong Bus, Ket Doan, Full Moon Party, TBus and Good Morning Cat Ba.
Ket Doan offers the cheapest fares from 538,000 VND ($20.50), already with free hotel drop-off. Good Morning Cat Ba gets better reviews, though — you can expect friendly staff and comfortable buses.
Both day and night buses are available from CatBa to Sapa. When you take the day bus, you will lose an entire day on the journey. But if you take the night bus, you will arrive in the middle of the night in Sapa, so you will still need accommodation for that night.
Schedule-wise, taking the indirect train is more convenient because you will travel overnight. That is, if you don’t mind all the transfers.
Departure and arrival station
Good Morning Cat Ba offers free hotel pick-up and drops off passengers at Sapa Bus Station, 1 km east of Sapa Lake in the town centre.
Ket Doan departs from the parking lot of CatBa Night Market in the town centre. It takes you straight to your hotel’s doorstep as long as it’s within Sapa town centre.
Bus schedules from CatBa to Sapa
CatBa to Sapa by Train
Travelling by train from CatBa to Sapa covers 3 steps and takes around 12 hours 30 minutes to 13 hours — a few hours longer than the bus.
The train offers one advantage though: the train leg from Hanoi to Lao Cai travels overnight and allows you to have a good night’s sleep as well as save a night on accommodation.
Step 1: CatBa to Hanoi
There are 2 ways you can travel from CatBa to Hanoi: by combined ferry & bus or via a DIY ferry + taxi + train. See below for a detailed guide.
Option 1: CatBa to Hanoi by Ferry & Bus
Taking a combined bus & ferry from CatBa to Hanoi is more convenient. Your tour operator takes care of your transfers, which depart from CatBa centre and arrive at Hanoi city centre.
Ticket prices start from 287,000 VND ($11) for the combined bus & ferry journey that takes 3h - 5h 40m.
For more info, visit our page for CatBa to Hanoi.
Option 2: CatBa to Hanoi by DIY Ferry + Taxi + Train
This 2nd option involves several steps that you will have to do and plan on your own. While we don’t recommend this, it’s worth knowing these steps as an alternative if the combined bus & ferry tickets are sold out.
From CatBa Pier, you can get to the mainland by ferry to Pha Binh Harbour. There are six ferries available daily, but we recommend taking the last ferry that departs at 15:50. A ticket costs 140,000 VND ($5.40) and you can buy them online through Baolau.
From the pier, you can get to Hai Phong Railway Station via a 20-minute walk or a 10-minute taxi. Rates start from 50,000 VND ($1.90).
From Hai Phong, Hanoi is 2.5 hours away by train. We recommend taking the last train, which departs at 18:40.
Step 2: Hanoi to Lao Cai by Train
Vietnam Railways operates every night from Hanoi to Lao Cai. Train SP3 departs at 22:00 and arrives in Lao Cai at 05:55 the next day. Travel time is around 7h 55m - 8h 05m.
Ticket prices for a 4-berth sleeper start from 703,000 VND ($27) when you book online.
More luxurious train choices are also available on BookAway, where you can book deluxe, luxury and private cabins.
Visit our Hanoi to Sapa guide for more details.
Step 3: Lao Cai to Sapa by Van or Bus
From Lao Cai Railway Station, you can reach Sapa via a van for 1 hour 02 minutes or bus for 1 hour. A ticket costs 97,000 VND ($3.70) and 30,000 VND ($1.10), respectively.
Vans are normally waiting for passengers just outside the train station. If you’re taking the bus, you can find them at the parking area across the railway station.
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!
Rounding it up
We hope this guide was helpful in planning how to get from CatBa 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!
Frequently Asked Questions about CatBa to Sapa
What is the distance from CatBa to Sapa?
The distance from CatBa to Sapa is 370 kilometre (230 miles).
What is the fastest way to get from CatBa to Sapa?
The fastest way to get from CatBa to Sapa is by bus and takes 9 hours.
What is the cheapest way to get from CatBa to Sapa?
The cheapest way to get from CatBa to Sapa is by bus with ticket costs starting from 538,000 VND ($20.50).
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.
