Halong Bay to Sapa tickets

About the ride from Ha Long Bay to Sapa 

Ha Long Bay and Sapa are two of Vietnam's most remarkable destinations. You may think it's hard to beat Ha Long Bay's towering limestone karsts and brilliant blue waters, but Sapa puts up a really good fight. 

Sapa Town isn't where the beauty lies. 

Instead, escape to the outskirts of the town where ethnic communities are nestled in the mountains and a blanket of vibrant green rice fields covers the landscape. This is the real Sapa!

Excited to see what all the hype is about? 

There are three ways to cover the 291 miles (469 km) between Ha Long Bay and Sapa in Vietnam:

1. Bus

2. Minivan 

3. Car

Just from reading the distance between these two popular destinations in Vietnam, you've probably guessed it's no small journey. The trip can take anywhere from 7.5-10 hours. 

Luckily, Vietnam has some really great transport companies offering very comfortable rides. Most buses covering this route are sleeper buses, meaning you can lay almost or fully flat and get some sleep!

Keep reading to discover everything you need to know about the transport options from Ha Long Bay to Sapa so you can choose the right ride for you!

Five unforgettable things to do in Sapa

Sapa turns out to be a favorite place for a lot of people traveling in Vietnam. They can't help but be wowed by the extraordinary landscapes and the hospitality of the locals. Without a doubt, Sapa should be on your itinerary.

Here are some must-do things while you're there:

1. Go hiking through rice fields. Explore the captivating rice fields of Sapa, a sight that dominates the region. Join local women on short walks or multi-day adventures, gaining cultural insights while trekking through these stunning landscapes.
   
   

2. Live with a local. Make the time to stay with one of the ethnic minority communities. Families welcome visitors into their homes where you can enjoy delicious home-cooked food, play with the kids, spend the night chatting and inevitably have a shot or two of happy water (rice wine).
   
   

3. Hike Fansipan Mountain. Conquer the heights of Fansipan Mountain, the tallest peak in the Indochinese Peninsula at 10,311 feet (3,143 meters). Choose between taking the scenic cable car to the top or a somewhat challenging multi-day hike, which rewards you with breathtaking sunrise views amidst a sea of clouds.
   
   

4. Explore Cat Cat Village. If the above sounds like too much hiking for you, Cat Cat Village is only a short stroll from Sapa Town. You'll still learn about the H'mong community, visit picturesque waterfalls and learn about their rich culture and craftsmanship at a local museum.
   
   

5. Marvel at Silver Waterfall and Heaven's Gate. Hire a driver or hop in a taxi to make the short drive to Silver Waterfall. After admiring this natural wonder, move onto Heaven's Gate (Tram Ton Pass), the highest mountain pass in Vietnam. The views of the Hoang Lien Son mountain range are phenomenal. 

How to get from Ha Long Bay to Sapa

There are three ways to travel between Ha Long Bay and Sapa: by bus, minivan or car.

By bus

The bus is the most popular and cheapest mode of transportation. Prices start from $16. 

The journey takes 8-12 hours, depending on traffic, your driver, and any unplanned delays.

Luckily, the buses in Vietnam can be very comfortable, and although it's hard to believe, you can actually get some sleep on them. They generally have air conditioning, offer water and blankets, and have seats that recline to nearly flat.

Many bus companies operate on this route, offering plenty of departure times as well as pick-up and drop-off locations. 

By minivan

If you are traveling from Ha Long Bay to Sapa in a group or want a more private option tailored to your schedule, consider renting a minivan. 

A luxury minivan costs around $350 and fits a maximum of nine people. 

The minivan is pure luxury with reclining armchair-style seats, plenty of leg space, air conditioning, and no snoring strangers keeping you awake. 

It's also slightly faster than the bus, taking 7.5 hours. Plus, you'll get door-to-door service, so you won't have to think about a thing.

By car

Traveling by car offers a quicker and more private option than taking the bus from Ha Long Bay to Sapa. 

The journey takes 7.5 hours, and like the minivan, it's a private transfer.  

Depending on the car, you can fit a maximum of 3-5 people. Prices start at $260.

Just like the minivan, you'll get door-to-door service. However, the cars aren't as spacious as the minivans and buses, so they may not be as comfortable for this long journey, especially if you're traveling overnight. 

With both the minivan and the car, you get to choose the departure time that is best for you.

What to expect on the trip from Ha Long Bay to Sapa

There are a lot of miles to cover between Ha Long Bay and Sapa, so unfortunately, no matter which transport option you pick, you'll be in for a long ride. 

That is why many travelers prefer to take this journey overnight. You don't waste a day traveling; you save on a night of accommodation, and sleeping makes the journey go faster. The sleeper-style buses are great if you decide to do this. 

Most buses don't have bathrooms onboard, nor will you have one if you take a car or minivan. The drivers will make stops for you to grab a snack and go to the restroom. 

This route is considered safe for solo and female travelers. 

When is the best time to visit Sapa?

For an unforgettable Sapa experience, September is the prime time to visit. This is when the rice fields reach their peak, creating a breathtaking landscape of golden yellows and lush greens as they await harvest.

If September doesn't align with your plans, fear not. March to May and October to November offer equally enchanting views. These months boast dry weather, ideal for trekking adventures and still boast the vibrant green blanket of rice fields that Sapa is famous for.

Braving the winter chill in Sapa demands proper preparation. With temperatures often plummeting below freezing and the possibility of snow-covered rice fields, it's essential to bundle up in warm clothing. For many, winter may not be the optimal time for a visit, given the challenging weather conditions.

How many days should you spend in Sapa? 

Deciding on the ideal duration for your Sapa getaway depends on how much you want to immerse yourself in the local community. 

For those planning to stay only in Sapa Town and tick the iconic rice fields off their bucket list, two days should be enough. 

If you want a unique and unforgettable mountain retreat with a family, consider the two-night, three-day trekking option. This gives you ample time to immerse yourself in mountain living, savor insanely good homemade meals, and delve into the traditions and culture of the ethnic minority community.

Where should you visit after Sapa? 

Over recent years, one activity in particular has exploded in Vietnam, the Ha Giang Loop. This motorbike loop showcases some of the finest scenery in North Vietnam and across the whole country. 

Many claim it's the best thing they've done in their travels. If you want to see whether it lives up to the hype, head to Ha Giang after Sapa. 

The journey from Sapa to Ha Giang takes 5-7 hours and can be done by bus, minivan and car.