About the ride from Ha Giang to Sapa
The northernmost region of Vietnam, Ha Giang, is also one of the poorest and many travelers will experience rural life here after crossing the border from China. This is where you'll discover mountain trails leading through river valleys and forested hillsides. Guided walking tours of the area are essential and will help you learn more about the folklore myths and legends related to the natural limestone caves and grottoes.
Once you're ready to leave the region and head deeper into Vietnam, there's only one road to take that leads southwest from Ha Giang to Sapa. This is another of Vietnam's trekking hot spots and you'll be treated to some sumptuous views of rice terraces surrounding mountain villages and cozy tea houses.
When traveling the 235 kilometer (146 mile) distance from Ha Giang to Sapa, you have three options: you can take a sleeper bus which takes about 7 hours; you can take a luxury minivan which takes around 6 hours; or you can book a private car, and driver, which also takes 6 hours. All of these transport options have air-conditioning and will make regular bathroom breaks.
Given the time it takes to reach Sapa from Ha Giang, your best bet if you're on a budget is the sleeper bus. Not only will you have more chance of catching some shut eye but you'll also be saving money on accommodation. And there's nothing an early morning Sapa coffee won't fix to get you ready to face the day after a ride through the night.
What to see when traveling from Ha Giang to Sapa
Both Ha Giang and Sapa are situated in Vietnam's mountainous north. Sapa, which can be found in Lao Cai Province, is especially scenic with vast rice terraces spreading across mountain slopes and bordered by lush green forested hillsides and valleys. The area is also culturally rich, too, and you might well pass by roadside communities on the ride from Ha Giang to Sapa.
Of course, what you can see from your window will rely heavily upon which time of day you set off. Daytime trips in a private car allow you to experience the gorgeous green countryside. Evening departures, on the other hand, will mainly take place in the dark but you might be lucky enough to experience the sunrise over the Hoang Lien Son mountains as you make the final approach to Sapa. It's well worth staying awake just to see the day starting on the rice terraces and the streets surrounding Sapa.
How to get from Ha Giang to Sapa
Taking a bus
Taking an overnight sleeper bus ride in Vietnam is a classic traveler experience and bound to live long in the memory whether you get a good night's rest or not. The semi-reclining seats are comfortable although slightly narrow. There will be enough space to stretch out your legs but don't expect much in the way of elbow room. Buses are air-conditioned which is a blessing and a curse – just make sure to pack a sweater or warm hoodie to avoid the extra cool temperatures.
As buses making the journey from Ha Giang to Sapa don't have onboard bathrooms they will make regular stops for comfort breaks. This is a good opportunity to stretch your legs and perhaps purchase some provisions for the on-going journey. Bottled water is often complimentary on bus rides. One of the best reasons to take an overnight sleeper bus is that you don't have to pay for an additional night's accommodation. And the money you save can be spent on something far more exciting, like a full body massage in one of Sapa's spa resorts.
Taking a minivan
The option to take a luxury minivan gives you more peace and quiet as well as more flexibility when it comes to departure times. Minivans are air-conditioned and reclining seats are comfortable. Bottled water will usually be supplied but you will also be making regular rest stops along the route from Ha Giang to Sapa. If you're looking to save money then you can share the cost of a minivan with other travelers. If you prefer to spend a little more for privacy you can book a private minivan and have all that extra space to yourself.
Driving with a private car
Hiring a car in Vietnam always comes with its own driver as it's not possible to rent a car in Vietnam unless you are a Vietnamese national. Drivers usually speak English and might also be able to give you more information about the surrounding countryside; although don't expect a complete guided tour.
You might also benefit from listening to lots of the driver's favorite tunes on the sound system, which can be quite an enjoyable experience or not, as the case may be. Standard cars are air-conditioned and will make regular bathroom and food breaks. You also get to decide when you leave and can organize hotel pick up and drop off, which is much more flexible than opting for a bus ride.