How to get from Sapa to Ha Giang
Why visit Ha Giang?
The journey from Hanoi to Ha Giang is as beautiful as the destination, and Ha Giang is home to some of the most amazing landscapes in Vietnam. There are not too many travellers going to this side of northern Vietnam but it’s gradually becoming more well-known.
Ha Giang offers a beautiful green scenery close to the Chinese border. The town is characterized by winding roads, limestone mountains, and lush hills. If you want to reach Heaven’s Gate, Ha Giang is the place to be.
What are the 3 ways to travel from Sa Pa to Ha Giang?
There are 3 ways to travel the 235 kilometre (146 miles) distance from Sa Pa to Ha Giang. You can choose between the bus, van and private transfer. The journey takes 5 hours 50 minutes to 6 hours 40 minutes and the quickest way is by bus. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by van with tickets starting at 291,000 VND ($11.10).
Sa Pa to Ha Giang by Van
Sapa Ethnic Travel and Quang Giang operate minivan trips from Sa Pa to Ha Giang daily. These are luxury minivans with reclining seats, unlike the bunk beds offered on sleeper buses.
The advertised travel time is 5 hours 50 minutes to 6 hours, although a few passengers have complained that the journey actually takes 7-8 hours because the minivans make a lot of stops.
Still, we recommend taking a minivan over the bus for this route. With a minivan, you can travel during the day, enjoy the scenic landscape along the way, and arrive in Ha Giang in the afternoon. With a bus, you will arrive in Ha Giang in the middle of the night.
Minivan ticket prices from Sa Pa to Ha Giang start from 291,000 VND ($11.10).
Departure and arrival station
Quang Giang departs from its office in Sapa town centre. The minivan drops you off at your hotel’s doorstep as long as it’s within Ha Giang town centre.
Sapa Grouptour departs from its headquarters in Sapa town centre and arrives at Ha Giang Hostel in the town centre.
Minivan schedule from Sapa to Ha Giang
Sa Pa to Ha Giang by Bus
The bus is an affordable way to get from Sa Pa to Ha Giang. Bus fares start from 298,000 VND ($11.40) and the journey takes around 5 hours 50 minutes to 6 hours 40 minutes.
Sapa Grouptour offers 3 daily trips from Sa Pa to Ha Giang. All of these buses depart in the evening and arrive past midnight — not exactly the best time to arrive if it’s your first time in Ha Giang.
You will take a sleeper bus with basic bunk beds. Sapa Grouptour is known for its comfortable buses, although its drivers sometimes drive too fast.
Ticket fares start from 298,000 VND ($11.40). Travel time is around 5 hours 50 minutes to 6 hours 40 minutes, but like the minivan, there have been complaints of buses arriving late.
Departure and arrival station
Sapa Grouptour departs from its Sapa office, just 3 blocks north of Sapa Lake. The bus arrives at Ha Giang Hostel in the town centre.
Bus schedules from Sapa to Ha Giang
Sa Pa to Ha Giang by Private Transfer
Private transfers are also available for the journey that takes 6 hours from Sa Pa to Ha Giang.
Rates start from 3,376,000 VND ($130) for a 3-seater private transfer. Divide the cost and that’s just about 1,125,000 VND ($43) per person.
Book your private transfer through BookAway so you can expect a nice car that comes with trusted drivers.
Private Transfer options from Sapa to Ha Giang
Rounding it up
We hope this guide was helpful in planning how to get from Sa Pa to Ha Giang. 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 Sa Pa to Ha Giang
Sapa to Ha Giang?
Does Ha Giang have its own train station?
How long does it take to travel from Sapa to Ha Giang?
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.
