Train from Sapa to Halong Bay: BEST Local Advice

Overview train from Sapa to Halong Bay

However, there is no direct train between these 2 attractions. To catch the train from Lao Cai, you will need to travel by bus or taxi to Lao Cai train station which is about 35 km from Sapa town. The train from Lao Cai arrives at the Hanoi train station (120 Le Duan), but the train from Hanoi to Halong departs at the Yen Vien train station in the Gia Lam district which is about 20 km from Hanoi train station. 

Sapa to Halong Bay train

There are a lot of options for the train from Lao Cai to Hanoi, these trains have good quality, while there is only a train from Hanoi to Halong which is quite old and slow. You will need to spend an extra day in Hanoi if you want to travel by train for both Sapa to Hanoi and Hanoi to Halong routes. Traveling time from Lao Cai to Hanoi is about 9 hours and it is 7 hours for the train from Hanoi to Halong. 

Alternatively, you can choose the Sapa to Halong Bay bus for a direct route that is faster than combining the train with a transfer.

Night train from Sapa to Hanoi

Among many choices for trains from Lao Cai to Hanoi, the Victoria Express train is the best one but the price is quite high, Vietnam railway has the cheapest price, and is a good choice for budget travelers. 

• Victoria Express Train

Victoria Express Train is the most comfortable and luxurious train on the route Hanoi-Sapa. It can accommodate a maximum of 40 passengers. There are bars, and restaurants on the train and tourists can enjoy a full package of Victoria Express Train services along with Victoria Sapa Hotel. 

Victoria Express Train has 2 types of cabins: Victoria Superior 4 berths cabin & Victoria Deluxe 2 berths cabin. These cabins are well designed with natural wood and equipped with air conditioning, a wood-paved floor, personal reading lights, luggage locker, bathroom, large windows, and other amenities. Tasty wine, a-la-carte menu including traditional delicacies of Vietnam, or a 4-dish set menu are available on train to bring you the best dining experience. You can pre-order when buying tickets.

=>Victoria Express Train is the best choice for a luxurious train from Sapa to Hanoi. The train has two bathrooms in each carriage, so bear in mind that you'll share it with other people. 

Victoria Express Train

• Sapaly Express Train

Sapaly Express Train brings tourists a lovely feeling like staying in a hotel of a 3-star standard. The cabin is spacious, and beautifully decorated with natural wooden furniture, night lamps, reading lights, air conditioning, graceful curtains, mattresses, blankets, and comfortable pillows. There are 13 cabins in 2 different types: Deluxe 4 berths Cabin (a popular choice for families or people traveling as a large group of 4 people), and VIP 2 berths Cabin (set up from 4-berth cabin by folding 2 upper berths and is suitable for couples or single people who want to enjoy privacy).

• Orient Express Train Sapa

Orient Express Train Sapa is a famous company and is among the most popular choices among foreign tourists. The train is designed with a modern and elegant style. Each cabin has an air-conditioner, a cozy light system, clean toilets, reading lights, luggage storage space, and a large bathroom. The cabins are designed for those who want privacy with a distinctive interior. The train has 2 types of cabins: Deluxe 4 berths Cabins & VIP 2 berths Cabins. 

=> This train is a good choice for tourists with a mid-range budget. Book a private cabin if you want privacy. 

• King Express Sapa Train

King Express Sapa Train has a similar standard to Orient Express Train. They always do their best for the passengers to get maximum satisfaction. The train has a total of 26 cabins, which can accommodate nearly 100 passengers. There are 3 types of cabins: Deluxe 4 berths Cabins, VIP 2 berths Cabins (in the middle of the coach), and VIP Plus 2 berths Cabins (in the middle of the coach). Every cabin has air conditioning, private reading light, and large luggage storage. Free drinks such as tea, coffee, and Coca-Cola are available in all cabins.

=> This train has a similar standard and price with Orient Express Train Sapa.  

• New Livitrans Express Train

New Livitrans Express Train is a little bit more luxurious than Orient Express Train Sapa & King Express Sapa Train. It consists of 9 cabins in 2 types: Deluxe 4 berths Cabins, and VIP 2 berths Cabins. The interior is modernly designed with luxurious decorations. The space between the berths in each cabin is very spacious compared to other trains, allowing passengers more space. All rooms have air conditioning, power sockets, personal reading lights, luggage storage, and large windows. In addition, the train company also offers slippers, fruits, snacks, mineral water, refreshing wipes, and large luggage storage.

• Chapa Express Train

Chapa Express Train is considered to be one of the best trains going from Sapa to Hanoi. The train has two carriages with 3 types of cabins: Deluxe 4 berths Cabin, VIP 2 beds Cabin (n the middle of the carriages), and Suite 2 berths Cabin (in the middle of the carriages). Each cabin is decorated with modern and luxurious furniture. It has air conditioning, a clean bathroom, cold and hot towels, reading lights, chargers, and other amenities such as earplugs, slippers, paper cups, mineral water, tooth kits, combs, and tissues for everyone. The train passengers can take a shower at Chapa Lounge inside Lao Cai train station for free.

=>This train has great reviews from its customers, you pay less than the Victoria Express train, but you get good service.  It is highly recommended. 

Additionally, if you're looking for the return trip, traveling Halong Bay to Sapa by bus is another comfortable choice for travelers looking for a smooth journey.

Train from Hanoi to Halong Bay

There is only one option for taking a train from Hanoi to Halong Bay. The train belongs to Vietnam Railway, which departs at 4:55 a.m. from Hanoi, and reaches Halong around 12:00 p.m. It is a long journey on the train for at least 7 hours, there are hard seats for the train. To take this train, you need to make your way to Yen Vien station which is about 10 km from the Old Quarter. The train stops at Halong train station, then you need to travel by yourselves to the pier for the cruise. The train ticket costs only 4 USD for one way per person. This transfer is suitable for budget and solo travelers, who want to experience local life in Vietnam. 

After taking the train to Halong Bay, you can enjoy a Halong Bay boat cruise to explore the stunning landscapes of the bay.

Yen Vien train station 

The hard seat on the train from Hanoi to Halong Bay

Sapa to Halong Bay by train in a package tour 

Traveling on the train in Vietnam can bring you a great experience, however, you should carefully choose a suitable route. The best way to travel from Sapa to Halong Bay is to use a train for the route from Sapa to Hanoi, then a bus from Hanoi to Halong Bay. Traveling like this, you will be able to save time, and money, and still have an opportunity to experience local, and see the beautiful scenery along the way.

Many visitors also opt for the best Halong Bay overnight cruise, which offers a unique experience of staying on the water overnight to make the best out of the visit.

If you do not want to waste your time doing the research about kinds of transfers, hotel accommodations, transit vehicles, and cruises, it is highly recommended to book a package tour from Sapa to Halong where everything is taken care of for you. BestPrice travel can arrange all these services for you, you will be able to travel by both train and bus. The travel consultants who speak excellent English are available 24 hours per day to support you on phone, WhatsApp... You will not have to worry about what to do next in the middle of the night at a train station, or somewhere you even do not know. Moreover, providers for transfer and hotels are carefully selected to make sure everything goes smoothly.

>> For a more detailed exploration of these destinations, read more Best Hanoi Sapa Halong Bay Vietnam Itinerary 6 days to plan your trip.

Hopefully, the above information is helpful for your trip from Sapa to Halong Bay. If there is anything you need to know, do not hesitate to contact us for more detail. 

Jenny Tran

(Image source: Internet)