Ha Giang to Sapa tickets

About the ride from Ha Giang to Sapa

Located just a short distance from the southern border of China, travelers making their way into Vietnam will pass through the rustic town of Ha Giang. Here, you can sample traditional country life and trek through stunning limestone scenery. But when you’re ready to push deeper into the travelers’ playground of Vietnam, the town of Sapa — located the next province over — is a great place to start.

Blessed with a cool mountain climate and lush green mountains, Sapa is a trekkers’ paradise. 

You can test your stamina on any number of remote trails and take in waterfalls, authentic villages and local culture all on one excursion. If you love nature, history, and panoramic views, this is definitely a place you need to visit.

Fortunately, you have several transportation options from Ha Giang to Sapa, catering to everyone, from a budget bus to private minivans and cars. 

While you’re in the neighborhood of far north Vietnam, taking a detour to Sapa is an absolute no-brainer.

Top things to see and do in Sapa

While Sapa may be remote, and the trappings of tourism are beginning to make inroads, it is still an authentic destination. Here are some of the best things to see and do in Sapa:

1. Go trekking. The top draw that brings travelers to Sapa is its rugged yet rewarding trekking opportunities. The mountains and valleys are covered with terraced rice paddies, so green they must be seen to be believed. 

From stunning waterfalls to breathtaking mountain vistas, embarking on a self-guided hike or joining a multi-day trek with accommodations in traditional homes is incredibly rewarding despite the leg soreness.

2. Take a ride up Mount Fansipan. Mount Fansipan is the tallest mountain in Vietnam and a highlight of any visit to the area. The summit is conveniently connected by a cable car that will whisk you to a station near the top. 

At this point, you can either climb 600 steps or take a funicular. Not only does this save you a lot of shoe leather, but you will have more time and energy to enjoy the best views around — so long as it’s not covered in clouds. For the greatest chance of catching a clear day, try to plan your visit in March or April.

3. Catch a waterfall or two. Combine a vertical landscape with plenty of rainfall, and you’re bound to have a large selection of waterfalls to visit. Sapa is literally dripping with them, from the beautiful Love Waterfall to the popular Silver Waterfall. You won’t be far from the beauty of falling water anywhere you go.

4. Take in some culture at Cat Cat Village. Though rather touristy in nature, Cat Cat Village showcases elements of the Hmong culture. You can take pictures with locals dressed in traditional clothes and wander the town filled with restaurants, cafes and plenty of souvenir shops.

What to expect when traveling from Ha Giang to Sapa

Ha Giang and Sapa are separated by about 235 kilometers (146 miles) of lush, mountainous terrain draped with jungle and terraced rice paddies. 

Of course, you’ll only see this if you travel by day. Some bus services run overnight, which denies you a chance to look at the scenery but saves you the cost of a hotel room.

You can expect the ride to take anywhere from six to seven hours, with regular restroom and snack breaks. 

You will ride through curvy mountain roads in a very remote and underdeveloped region of Vietnam. The upside is that the landscape still retains its authentic beauty and charm.

How to get from Ha Giang to Sapa

Travel between Ha Giang and Sapa breaks down into three main options: minivan, car or bus. 

Here are some important details that can help you figure out what works best for you:

Minivan

With minivans, you can either book a seat in a shared minivan or rent a private one if you are traveling in a group. Either way, you’re looking at a drive time of around six hours, including breaks.

A shared minivan has specific departure and drop-off points in both towns. Seats start around $12.

If you hire a private minivan and driver (about $145 per van), you have the option of being picked up and dropped off at your hotels in Ha Giang and Sapa, as well as choosing a departure time. 

You can expect your minivan to have air conditioning and reclining seats. Each passenger is allowed one large bag up to 20 kg (44 lbs).

Car

If you want your own private car with a mandatory local driver and are not afraid to shell out quite a bit more for it, hiring a car is the luxe choice.

You have the perk of picking your departure time and relaxing in air-conditioned comfort while your English-speaking driver navigates the narrow, winding course of Vietnam’s roadways.

With a car, you can also expect a drive time of about six hours, including stops. One large bag per passenger is standard.

Cars start around $132, can fit three to four passengers, and offer hotel pick-ups and drop-offs.

Bus

Buses are a great value and very comfortable, with air conditioning, reclining seats, and sometimes drinks and a blanket are included. 

If your chosen operator doesn’t include a blanket, keep a jacket or hoodie close because it’s almost certain the air conditioning will be set to Artic mode.

Some buses depart late in the evening, allowing you — at least in theory — to sleep during the approximately six to seven hours of drive time. Along the way, you’ll have the chance to use the restroom and purchase snacks. 

Luggage is limited to one large bag (up to 20 kg/44 lbs) per passenger.

With a roughly $10 price point, buses are the cheapest option. If you’re on a tight budget,  consider combining your transportation and lodging costs for one night on a sleeper bus. Talk about a great value!

Buses will arrive and depart at preset locations in both towns. This could be the bus station or the operator’s offices. You’ll have to check with the specific operator for exact details.

When is the best time of year to visit Sapa?

Figuring out the best time to visit Sapa comes down to what you wish to do. If it’s trekking or photography that brings you here, September and October are when the rice paddies are at their peak, while April and May offer the clearest skies. 

If you don’t mind a little heat, the summer months are also a fine option. 

And if you like to trek in cooler weather, November through March will be downright chilly — especially if you’re heading to the top of Mount Fansipan.

Where to after Sapa?

After the peaceful landscapes of Sapa, it’s time to switch it up. Head to Hanoi for big-city vibes. It only takes about five to six hours via train, bus, car, or minivan.