Choosing how to travel to Sapa to ensure safety and a good experience is something many tourists care about. In this article, Geargru.com will share in detail the various ways to travel to Sapa, providing you with an objective view to help you choose the most suitable travel plan for yourself.
Ways to Travel to Sapa: Pros and Cons
Travel by Plane
Currently, there are no commercial airports in Lào Cai province, only military airports. Therefore, if tourists want to reach Sapa by plane, they must land at Nội Bài Airport – Hanoi.
Advantages: This is the fastest, safest, and least tiring way to travel for those coming from far away to reach Sapa.
Disadvantages: You cannot fly directly to Sapa; you can only reach Hanoi, from where you need to choose another means of transport to continue to Sapa.
Travel by Car
Traveling to Sapa by car can be divided into personal car, taxi service, and sleeper bus service, with a travel time of 6-7 hours.
By Personal Car: This is a popular choice among Vietnamese people, especially families.
Advantages: Flexible departure times, the ability to stop and rest at planned locations along the route, giving complete control over the journey. Driving yourself provides peace of mind regarding safety.
Disadvantages: Driving yourself requires concentration, leading to fatigue, especially if the trip is fast-paced and on a tight schedule.
By Taxi: This is the least chosen method due to high costs.
Advantages: Fast, safe, and flexible. You can take a taxi to Sapa from any location.
Disadvantages: High cost. However, if traveling in a group, this option becomes relatively reasonable.
By Sleeper Bus: This is the preferred travel method for 70% of Vietnamese tourists.
Advantages: Low cost. Most sleeper bus services offer free pickups from locations such as Hanoi’s Old Quarter, Nội Bài Airport, and various other spots in Hanoi, making it convenient. Some buses offer private, comfortable sleeping cabins. Day and night departure times are available.
Disadvantages: Long travel time and the lowest safety level compared to other travel methods.
There have been many reports of sleeper bus incidents across Vietnam, mainly due to driver fatigue, reckless driving, and night driving. This has left lasting concerns for many travelers.
However, bus companies have recently improved their services and safety measures by investing in new buses and ensuring at least two drivers are on board to take turns, preventing fatigue. Additionally, the Vietnamese government has enacted laws prohibiting drivers from driving for more than four consecutive hours.
Travel by Train
Traveling by train is considered the safest way to reach Sapa and is favored by many tourists. The train journey from Hanoi to Sapa takes about 8 hours.
Advantages: The safest way to travel, energy-efficient, and allows tourists to feel relaxed and ready to explore Sapa.
Disadvantages: There is only one train per day, departing at 10:00 pm, which limits flexibility. Additionally, the number of tickets is often insufficient, so booking in advance is required. Luxury cabins can be expensive. The train only reaches Lào Cai city, from where tourists need to rent a motorbike, taxi, or take a bus for the remaining 40 km to Sapa.
Travel by Motorbike
Traveling to Sapa by motorbike is a popular choice among young tourists who enjoy adventure trips. Many young Vietnamese frequently ride motorbikes to Sapa, Hà Giang, and Cao Bằng, usually on weekends.
Advantages: The cheapest way to travel, offering flexibility and the opportunity to fully experience the scenery along the route. Camping along the way is an option.
Disadvantages: Slow travel time since motorbikes are not allowed on highways. Dangerous, especially on winding mountain roads with sharp curves.
Conclusion
Each way of traveling to Sapa has its own pros and cons and caters to different types of travelers. Regardless of how you choose to get to Sapa, you are sure to have an exciting and memorable experience.
