If you want to head for the hills at Sapa, the best way to get there is to take the train from Hanoi to Lao Cai. Sapa has no railway station, but it's about 38 km (24 miles) from Lao Cai railway station and easily reached from there by bus, jeep or taxi in about 50 minutes.
- Sapa Hard Trekking To Ban Ho Village
- From March 31, 2018, Sapa has the most modern mountain railway in Vietnam
Sapa is one of the most visited towns in Vietnam, it has become very popular over the years for its traditional villages scattered all around. Many ethnic tribes still live in these villages following an antique life-style, as time stopped in this region.
To meet the needs of tourists, service providers have upgraded the train with full amenities such as air-conditioner, clean bathroom, and comfortable beds with different names for each type of cars. When you hear Sapaly Express or King Epxress, they are not actual trains but just different cars attached to the same train operated by national railways.
Generally, it can be divided into three types of cabins: 4-berth cabin, 6-berth cabin and soft-seat cabin. Tourist trains also run VIP cabin where the upper berths are removed, allowing for more space and privacy for just 2 people. The price per person in a 4-berth room ranges from $35 to $45 and 6-berth cabin is between $20-$25. A return ticket can also be bought right from Hanoi. Children less than five years old will not be charged any ticket fee and will share beds with their parents.
Best train operators:
Each train offers a different advantage - you can choose one based on your preference for timing and budget:
- Sapaly Express: this is the most popular carrier thanks to its early operation and built-in reputation
- King Express: offers lowest fare with seasonal promotions
- Chapa Express: offers free shuttle bus to Sapa/ Chapa also has an express lounge at the train station for their guests
- Victoria Express: the most luxurious train to Sapa, reserved exclusively for in-house guests