| Type | Operator | Class | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Price | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Bus | Sapa Discovery Travel | VIP 20 | 00:00 | 04:00 | $15.25 | |
Bus | Sao Viet | Sleeper | 00:19 | 05:04 | $9.53 | |
Bus | Futa Ha Son | Limousine 24 | 00:45 | 05:25 | $13.72 | |
Bus | Futa Ha Son | Limousine 24 | 04:30 | 11:25 | $16.01 | |
Bus | Sao Viet | VIP Cabin | 05:00 | 10:00 | $12.58 | |
Bus | Sao Viet | Sleeper | 05:16 | 11:01 | $9.53 | |
Bus | To Vietnam Travel | Cabin 22 | 05:45 | 11:45 | $20.96 | |
Bus | Sao Viet | VIP Cabin | 06:01 | 11:01 | $12.58 | |
Bus | King Express Bus | Sleeper | 06:20 | 11:50 | $5.87 | |
Van | April Adventure | Van 9pax | 06:36 | 12:06 | $19.80 | |
Bus | HK Sapa Open Tour | Upper Single Cabin | 07:00 | 12:45 | $12.01 | |
Bus | Sao Viet | VIP Cabin | 07:16 | 11:31 | $11.82 | |
Bus | Phuc Lam Limousine | Limousine 11 | 07:35 | 11:20 | $15.25 | |
Van | Phuc Lam Limousine | Van 9pax | 07:55 | 11:40 | $15.25 | |
Bus | Techbus VN JSC | VIP 20 | 08:15 | 14:15 | $15.25 | |
Bus | Sao Viet | Sleeper | 08:31 | 14:01 | $9.53 | |
Bus | Phong Khanh | Limousine 34 | 08:47 | 14:57 | $11.44 | |
Bus | Sao Vang | Sleeper | 09:10 | 13:40 | $9.53 | |
Bus | HK Sapa Open Tour | Upper Single Cabin | 09:30 | 16:00 | $12.01 | |
Bus | Sao Viet | Sleeper | 09:50 | 14:35 | $9.53 |
Renting a car in Lao Cai can be convenient for exploring the surrounding areas, such as Sapa or Bac Ha. However, road conditions can be challenging, especially in mountainous regions. It is essential to have experience driving in similar environments. Car rental costs typically range from 1,000,000 to 1,500,000 VND per day ($40-$60), excluding fuel.
Hiring a car with a driver is a popular alternative, offering local knowledge and navigation aid. Public transportation options, like buses and trains, are also available and often more economical. Always ensure you have the correct driving permits if you choose to drive yourself.
For a night out in Lao Cai, dress casually yet suitably for the local climate and venues. Temperatures can be cooler in the evening, especially if you're heading to Sapa or higher altitudes, so consider bringing a light jacket.
Most local bars and restaurants are laid-back, so comfortable attire like jeans and a nice shirt or blouse is appropriate. If you plan to visit more upscale venues or events, business casual attire is a safe choice. Footwear should be practical, as you might encounter uneven surfaces or hills.
Overall, prioritize comfort while being mindful of the cooler nighttime temperatures.
Tap water in Lao Cai is generally not safe for drinking without treatment. Travelers are advised to use bottled water for drinking and brushing teeth. Bottled water is widely available at convenience stores and supermarkets.
For dining, Lao Cai offers a variety of local and Vietnamese cuisine, with many restaurants observing good hygiene standards. It is recommended to eat at busy places where food turnover is high to ensure freshness.
The streets and public areas are reasonably clean, though like many places, you may encounter some litter in less frequented areas. Recycling and waste management initiatives are gradually improving. Public restrooms may vary in cleanliness, so it is advisable to carry hand sanitizer and tissues.
Overall, practicing general hygiene measures will help ensure a comfortable visit.
Travelling between Hanoi and Lao Cai is possible by Bus, train, van and taxi. Taxi guarantees the fastest travel on this route. Train+van is the slowest option.
The most expensive ticket will cost you USD 464.55 if you go by Train; to keep it budget-friendly, opt for a bus which will set you back mere USD 10.90.
It can take you anywhere between 5 and 10 hours to travel between Hanoi and Lao Cai depending on the means of transport you choose.
Taxi is the fastest way to travel between Hanoi and Lao Cai. Taxi will bring you to your destination in 4h 40m. Train+van does a much slower job and take about 9h 30m to reach Lao Cai.
Travelling between Hanoi and Lao Cai can be as cheap as USD 10.90 if you opt for a Inter Bus Lines (Công Ty Cổ Phần Inter Bus Lines) bus and as expensive as USD 464.55 if you buy a Chapa Express Train ticket.
Here is the list of how much you can expect to pay travelling by each means of transport available for this route.
Check above for a bus, train, flight and ferry timetable from Hanoi to Lao Cai.
Things to remember: For a more comfortable ride opt for a higher-class bus wherever possible. These buses usually have soft reclining seats and are equipped with air-conditioning and on-board toilets.
They often include water, snacks or a light lunch into your ticket price and make bathroom stops en-route.
Inter Bus Lines (Công Ty Cổ Phần Inter Bus Lines), King Express Bus
Things to remember: If you are planning to make detours during your trip, discuss it with your driver or service provider in advance as it may affect the price.
Grouptour (Công ty du lịch quốc tế Grouptour)
Note that there are air-conditioned and fan-only carriages; private compartments for 2 or 4; hard and soft seats.
Though the upper class you get the smoother is your journey, often second class air-conditioned or fan-only sleepers are a good money saving alternative.
Things to remember: When travelling by van with huge luggage buying a separate seat for your suitcase or backpack is a good idea. Do not expect there is a roomy luggage compartment in a van - there is actually none and your fellow passengers are unlikely to appreciate your luggage stuck under their feet, alas.
Eco Sapa Limousine, GreenLion Bus (Du lịch Sư tử Xanh), Sapaking Limousine
There is a choice of transportation means any time of the day with Train remaining the most popular option due to their reasonable pricing and comfort.
Out of 1000 travellers who bought tickets for this route
| Cheapest Transport | $11 |
| Fastest Transport | 4h 40m |
| Earliest Departure | 6:30 AM |
| Latest Departure | 11:52 PM |
| Departures per day | 33 |
| Distance | 234 kilometers |
| Transport Companies | April Adventure, Chapa Express, Daiichi Travel, Damitrans, Eco Sapa Limousine, GreenLion Bus, Grouptour, Inter Bus Lines, King Express Bus, Sapaking Limousine, Tiim Group, Vietnam Rail |