Ninh Binh to SaPa
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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 physical 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.
A visit to SaPa will also reward you with views of misty mountains for as far as your eyes can see. Its town centre can be a bit touristy, but don’t let that deter you. The real charm of SaPa lies deep in the mountains — in 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 three ways to travel the distance of 410 km (255 miles) from Ninh Binh to Sapa: by bus (7h-9h), taxi (8 hours) and train (11 hours 15 minutes). The journey takes between 7h - 11h 15m and the quickest way is by bus. The lowest priced tickets start from 415,000 VND ($16.70) 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 415,000 VND ($16.70).
The Long Travel and Sapa Grouptour operate nightly buses for this route. The advertised travel time is 7h-9h. 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 The Long Travel and Sapa Grouptour 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 115,000 VND ($4.60) 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 8 hours.
A ticket costs 330,000 VND ($13.30) 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 40,000 VND ($1.60) for the journey that takes 45 minutes.
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 ($1.20) and travel time is around 1 hour.
Ninh Binh to Sapa by Taxi
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 4,880,000 VND ($195).
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 ($260).
Our favourite 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 km (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 7h-9h.
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 415,000 VND ($16.70).
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.
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