Luxury Van Transfer from Hanoi to SaPa
In April 2023, we travelled 3 weeks in Vietnam. Our original plan was to visit all of Vietnam but as we were planning it, we decided to focus on the north and center of Vietnam. Therefor allowing more time in both those regions.
Our trip started and ended in Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam. And we also spent an overnight in Hanoi as we travelled back from Sapa to Halong Bay.
Our complete trip included in this order: Hanoi, Sapa, Hanoi, Halong Bay/LanHa Bay, Tam Coc (Ninh Binh), Hue, HoiAn, Hanoi. And as always, we will make a complete itinerary of the trip.
One particular thing is that we travelled Vietnam while Tina was 9 to 12-week Pregnant. So, it wasn’t always easy, yet we enjoyed it!
SaPa was our second stop, directly after Hanoi. Even though it is a bit out of reach, we opted to get there, and it was amazing. No regrets at all.
We made quite a few research on how to get to SaPa and finally opted for this luxury Van transfer from Hanoi to SaPa. So, if you too are looking for a comfortable way to get to Sapa, this Luxury Van Transfer from Hanoi to SaPa might help tou
Table of Contents
Here is our complete video from this trip :
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Where to Stay
It is definitely important to have a good accommodation in Hanoi as the weather can be a bit tricky and wet. That’s why we handpicked those ones:
- (€): Emerald Waters Hotel
- (€€): San Grand Hotel
- (€€€): Peridot Grand Luxury
Going from Hanoi to Sapa
The best ways to get from Hanoi SaPa are:
- By Van: the most comfortable way to go from Hanoi to SaPa: This is the option we chosed. It takes 5-6h to get there. If you want to reserve it, book it here.
- By Bus: On a similar note, you can also book a bus. The bus journey takes around 5-6 hours, depending on the traffic and road conditions. If you want a unique VIP bus, we would recommend this one.
- By Train: This is not the easiest as there isn’t a train station in SaPa and you need to take the train to Lao Cai. From there a taxi to SaPa which is about 38 kilometers away. The journey from Lao Cai to Sa Pa usually takes around 1-1.5 hours. And the complete train journey takes approximately 8-9 hours. Once you arrive at Lao Cai Railway Station, you can hire a taxi or take a local bus to Sa Pa. We wouldn’t recommend this option to get from Hanoi to SaPa.
Review of the van from Hanoi to Sapa
We opted to book our van between Hanoi and SaPa online via A21 Eco SaPa, a local traval agency. The main reason is that their website was well made and everything was clear :
- Departure time: 7:00, 15:00daily
- 5 hours of transfer with 2 breaks on the way
- Relax on recliner soft seats with top-notch services and amenities
- Travel with a professional and experienced driver who will take you to your destination quickly and safely
They also had an itinerary :
- 07:00 – 07:30 (or 15:00 – 15:30): Free pick-up at your hotel in the Old Quarter of Hanoi and transfer to Sapa Express Bus for the departure to Sapa at 7:30
- 09:00 (17:00): Have a rest-stop at Km57 for 30 minutes. Here you can go to the toilet and at 11:30 (19:30) there will be a second stop for 15 minutes at Km237
- 13:00 (21:00): Arrive in Sapa town and the limousine will take the passengers to their accommodation around Sapa town or Eco Sapa bus office for the ones staying outside the town
Booking the trip
Here also, it was super easy to book the van from Hanoi to SaPa, a few days before our trip to SaPa (2 if I am right), we contacted A21 on Whatsapp, they right away answered and told us about availability on the van. After confirming it, we validated the pick-up point in front of our accommodation in old town Hanoi.
We opted for the middle seats which are more expensive but more comfortable. Hopefully Tina will not be too nauseous due to her pregnancy. In terms of price it was:
- Regular (Next to the driver – Max 02) 18 USD
- VIP Seat (Middle Row – Max 04) : 24 USD (Our option)
- Regular (Back seat – Max 03) : 22 USD
From there, we received a link to pay online which was really easy and convenient.
The day before our transfer, we received another message on Whatsapp to remind us of the trip. We also recvied a pickup time, registration plate for the van as well as a map validate the pick-up location. It was the same on the way back.
What we didn’t know is that we could have just book it online here.
Hanoi to SaPa Step by Step Review
Pick-Up from Hanoi
We woke up around 6h. We already almost had packed our bags, so we just finished them, brushed our teeth and went on to wait the van to Sapa that should pick us up at 6h35.
The van from Hanoi to SaPa arrived around 6h40. We were the first one. We put our bags in the rear and then took our seat. There are 4 seats in the middle. We got the rear row. So far, seats are confortable, have bottle holder, USB…
We then picked up 2 other foreigners and 2 local at another hotel and 3 more locals at another one. We were full by 7h.
We then received a small bag with water, sweet bread and a wet wipe. We then left Hanoi and it was still raining.
First break
At 8h30 we made a first break on our journey from Hanoi to SaPa for about 25min. When we went out of the van, we received a free drink voucher. We got a coffee and a ginger tea. That was the strongest coffee I have ever drunken. We bought some fresh mango for 20 000, had breakfast and then went for toilet. It was super clean and cost 5000 per person, so 10 000 here. Also it was western style toilet, as usual paper in the trash.
I also took a peek at sleeper bus. The one I checked out was quite fancy but it was a bit stuffy in it. I also saw some other that were more basic, older and looked dirtier.
At the station there was also lots of small stalls and even a type of supermarket in the end.
The further we went north, the less rain there was.
Second break
We made another stop on the way from Hanoi to SaPa at 11h37. It was time. It was becoming super stuffy in the van. We left at 12h. Tina asked the driver to turn on the AC which he did. This second station was more basic and old school. Toilet was 3000 each so 6 000.
Also USB weren’t turn on. Guess you also have to ask the driver for it. Unfortunately its English isn’t that great. But at least its driving is OK.
Arriving in SaPa
We kept on, now the road was going up the mountain. And slowly our journey from Hanoi to SaPa ended. We arrived in Sapa and we were dropped of at the Cathedral a bit before 13h. If your accommodation is within SaPa center they will drop you there directly but ours was out of town, so the drop of was the cathedral.
Final though
After doing two ways with the Luxury Van Transfer from Hanoi to SaPa, we would recommend it. It was in the end comfortable and well organised. Be sure to book it in advance to secure your spot.
Where to Stay in SaPa
- (€): Capsule Hotel Sapa
- (€€): Sapa Rosie house
- (€€€): Laxsik Ecolodge
Đi đêm lắm có ngày gặp ma – If you keep going out at night, eventually you will meet ghosts.
Get our full map
Why pin one by one when you can get them all at once? With this map, you get all our pins, destinations, things to see, where to eat and sleep, and so much more in one time.
