Night train to Sapa offers various different train options

Hanoi to Sapa Train: Top 6 Highly Recommended Night Options

The top 6 Hanoi to Sapa trains will help you make an informed decision and ensure a comfortable trip. Discover the best night trains from Hanoi to Sapa.

Curious about the best way to travel from Hanoi to Sapa? With options like trains and buses available, it’s essential to choose the most suitable transportation for your journey. This article aims to provide insights into the top 6 night train to Sapa from Hanoi, helping you make an informed decision and ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable travel experience.

Best Train Options from Hanoi to Sapa for an Unforgettable Journey

Traveling from Hanoi to Sapa offers a variety of train options catering to different preferences and budgets. Whether you prioritize speed, comfort, or cost-effectiveness, there’s the best train from Hanoi to Sapa option suitable for you:

Night train to Sapa offers various different train options

  • Local Train: Ideal for budget-conscious travelers, local trains provide basic facilities and the opportunity to mingle with local people. They offer various seating and berth options, including hard seats, soft seats, hard berths, and soft berths with air conditioning. Express trains SP1, SP2, SP3, SP4, SP7, and SP8 typically depart between 19:40 and 22:00.
  • Overnight Sleeper Train: Optimal for those seeking comfort during the 8-hour journey, the sleeper train to Sapa from Hanoi offers soft sleeper berths or hard berths. While hard and soft seats may leave you exhausted, sleeper berths provide a more comfortable sleeping experience, saving you time as you rest overnight.
  • Tourist Train: Specifically designed to cater to tourists, these trains offer enhanced services and comfort. Equipped with amenities like air conditioning, soft sleeper berths, and reading lights, tourist trains ensure a pleasant journey for travelers. Private companies rent carriages on these trains, transforming them into luxurious sleeping cars for tourists.
    • SP1/SP2: Feature a range of privately-run sleeping cars for tourists, including Fansipan Express and Orient Express.
    • SP3/SP4: Includes trains like Sapaly, Victoria Express, and Orient Express, with options like King Express available on SP7/SP8.

Although tourist night train to Sapa may come at a higher cost, the superior services and comfort they offer make them a worthwhile investment for travelers seeking a more enjoyable journey from Hanoi to Sapa.

>>> For more info about other transportation to Sapa, explore ▷ “Hanoi to Sapa: Best Transportation Methods

>>> Book tour: Hanoi – Sapa – Halong Bay – 6 Days 5 Nights

Discover How to Get to Sapa

Timetable and Fare for Night Train to Sapa Departing Hanoi

Express trains SP1 and SP3 depart from Hanoi to Lao Cai twice daily, offering a journey of approximately 8 hours from Hanoi Train Station to Lao Cai Train Station. The departure and arrival times, as well as the duration of the journey, are as follows:

Discover the Hanoi to Sapa train timetable and fares that suit your schedule and budget

Train No Departure time Arrival time Duration
SP1 21:35 5:30 7 hours and 55 minutes
SP3 22:00 6:05 8 hours and 5 minutes

Ticket fares for train to Sapa Vietnam vary depending on the brand, reflecting differences in facilities and services. The Victoria Express Train is among the most expensive options.

For tourist trains, passengers are offered two options: a shared berth cabin and a private 2-berth cabin. The ticket fare for a 4-berth cabin ranges from 30 to 83 USD per person, while a private 2-berth cabin costs between 130 and 225 USD per cabin.

Additionally, Hanoi to Sapa train ticket rates vary according to the type of cabin::

  • 4-bed cabin with wooden furniture: 395,000 VND at the beginning of the week, 500,000 VND at the weekend
  • Premium 4-bed cabin tickets (Dream, Chapa Train, Sapaly, etc.): 680,000 VND per bed per trip.

These ticket prices provide travelers with various options to suit their preferences and budgets when traveling by night train to Sapa from Hanoi.

For more Sapa Tours

Top 6 Overnight Train Services from Hanoi to Sapa with Customer Reviews

Explore the top six overnight train to Sapa compiled and presented here for your travel convenience, providing insights into their amenities, schedule, and customer feedback.

Victoria Express Train

The Victoria Express Train is one of the best night train Hanoi to Sapa. It stands out as a premier option for travelers journeying from Vietnam Hanoi to Sapa, boasting deluxe accommodations tailored to enhance the experience. With a capacity for 48 passengers distributed among 13 deluxe cabins, this night train to Sapa features a bar and restaurant for added convenience and comfort.

  • Facilities: Equipped with essential amenities such as air conditioning, private reading lights, ample luggage storage, spacious bathrooms with large picture windows, and a dedicated waiting room at the train station.
  • Train Schedule: Departure at 22:00 and Arrival at 6:10 on the following day (SP3).

night train to Sapa Victoria Express night train to Sapa offers luxury service

Renowned for its top-notch service, the Victoria Express Train has garnered numerous positive reviews from satisfied passengers. Noteworthy highlights of the experience include:

  • Premium services cater to those seeking luxury and privacy during their journey.
  • Impeccably maintained facilities, including separate washbasins and well-appointed, spacious toilets.
  • Clean and comfortable private cabins offering stunning views along the route.
  • Attentive and friendly onboard staff are readily available to assist passengers.

While the ticket fares for this night train to Sapa may be on the higher end, travelers consistently affirm that the exceptional service and luxurious amenities justify the cost, making it a worthwhile investment for an unforgettable journey to Sapa.

Orient Express

The Orient Express is a Sapa night train that offers superior facilities onboard, including air conditioning, spacious and hygienic bathrooms, ample luggage storage, and comfortable berths for a relaxing journey.

  • Train Schedule: Departing from Hanoi at 21:35 and arriving at Lao Cai at 5:45 the following day (SP1).

night train to Sapa The Orient Express night train to Sapa has superior onboard facilities for comfort

Orient Express is a good choice for night train to Sapa for some reasons:

  • The Orient Express provides spacious bathrooms, receiving high praise from passengers for their comfort and cleanliness.
  • The well-trained staff are attentive and readily available to assist guests throughout the journey.

However, there are some disadvantages when visitors choose this train to travel to Sapa.

  • For those opting for a 2-berth cabin, the entire cabin must be paid for, without the option for a single-person deduction.
  • Departing at 21:35 and arriving at 5:45 the following day, the Orient Express’ schedule may result in a rushed experience for some passengers.

King Express

The King Express night train Hanoi to Sapa boasts 25 cabins spread across multiple carriages, accommodating nearly 100 passengers comfortably.

  • Facilities: Each cabin is equipped with air conditioning, blankets, cushions, towels, and a private toilet for added convenience.
  • Train Schedule: Operating as SP3, the train departs from Hanoi at 22:00 and arrives at Lao Cai at 6:10 the following day.

night train to Sapa The King Express train features 25 cabins across carriages

King Express is a popular choice for those traveling to Sapa for a number of reasons.

  • The company aims to provide a royal experience, reflected in their friendly and attentive staff who treat guests like royalty.
  • Passengers have praised the clean and spacious cabins offered by King Express.
  • This overnight journey offers the advantage of saving both time and money.

However, some passengers noted that due to the overnight schedule, there isn’t much to see along the way, and those not accustomed to sleeping on a moving train may find it challenging to rest.

Fansipan Express Train

The Fansipan Express night train to Sapa, catering to 112 passengers across four superior sleeping carriages, is renowned for its deluxe tourist service on the Hanoi to Lao Cai route.

  • Facilities: Passengers enjoy amenities such as air conditioning, reading lights, complimentary water, snacks, and napkins. Additionally, each carriage is equipped with a tool and table for providing hot or cold water. A waiting room is available at the train station.
  • Train Schedule: Operating as SP1, this night train to Sapa departs from Hanoi at 21:40 and arrives at Lao Cai at 5:45 the following day.

night train to Sapa The Fansipan Express Train excels in deluxe service

Many passengers select the Fansipan Express Train as one of their favorite transportation options to Sapa because:

  • Fansipan Express stands out for its professional staff, quality services, and well-equipped facilities.
  • The company offers competitive pricing, making it an attractive option for travelers.

However, the absence of a large bathroom may inconvenience some passengers, particularly for longer journeys.

Sapaly Express Train

The Sapaly Express Train, operating as SP3 from Hanoi to Sapa, boasts high standard soft sleeper cabins and VIP cabins with air conditioning, catering to passenger comfort.

  • Facilities: Passengers benefit from amenities such as air conditioning, reading lights, complimentary water, snacks, and napkins. Additionally, each cabin is equipped with a tool and table for providing hot or cold water.
  • Train Schedule: Departing Hanoi at 22:00, this night train to Sapa arrives in Lao Cai at 6:10 the following day.

night train to Sapa The Sapaly Express night train to Sapa offers high-standard soft sleeper cabins

A visit to Sapa by Sapaly Express Train brings many benefits:

  • The cozy cabin décor creates a warm ambiance, complemented by strong air conditioning.
  • Hot water availability adds convenience for passengers.
  • The attentive and well-trained staff ensure a pleasant journey for travelers.

Chapa Express

Chapa Express, one of the latest additions to the rail network, offers a lavish and comfortable journey for passengers, boasting top-notch facilities unparalleled in the Vietnamese train system.

  • Facilities: Equipped with air conditioning, reading lights, water, snacks, and a waiting room at the station.
  • Train schedule: Departure from Hanoi at 22:00, arriving in Lao Cai at 6:10 (Date +1).

night train to Sapa Chapa Express offers a lavish and comfortable journey

There are a number of reasons why visitors choose Chapa Express:

  • The train features a waiting room for guests to relax or freshen up.
  • Spacious cabins with large windows for scenic views.
  • Complimentary snacks, water, and fruits are provided for all passengers.
  • Guests often praise the exceptional service provided by the staff.

However, the narrow corridors may pose a slight inconvenience, although the spacious cabins more than compensate for this.

>>> Book tour: Discover Northwest Vietnam – Hanoi – Sapa – 5 Days 4 Nights

Helpful Advice for Traveling by night train to Sapa from Hanoi

When traveling from Hanoi to Sapa by train, follow these helpful tips for a smooth journey:

  • Book early: Night train to Sapa tickets are limited, so secure your preferred train and cabin type in advance, especially VIP 2 berth cabins.
  • Minimize cash: Store valuables in a bank to reduce the risk of loss or theft.
  • Choose the right gate: Enter through Tran Quy Cap street gate at Hanoi train station for trains to Sapa.
  • Avoid scams: Purchase tickets from official counters or trusted agencies to prevent potential fraud.
  • Arrange pick-up at Lao Cai: Upon arrival at Lao Cai train station around 6:00 AM, opt for either a local bus or arrange pick-up service with your hotel for a seamless transition to Sapa town.

Get Your Discount


Choosing the best night train to Sapa from Hanoi is crucial for an unforgettable travel experience. Whether you prefer the convenience of a train or the flexibility of a bus, this article has provided valuable insights to help you make an informed decision. For hassle-free booking of your train journey to Sapa, look no further than Asia Legend Travel. With our expertise and resources, we can ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip, providing you with travel guides and local tips for your utmost comfort in Vietnam. Don’t hesitate to reach out to Asia Legend Travel for all your travel needs and embark on your Sapa adventure with confidence.


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