Bus Types & Onboard Experience
Cabin Options
VIP Limousine 21-Cabin Sleeper
All limo-type buses have:
- 10–11 single cabins (upper deck)
- 10–11 double cabins (lower deck)
- Cabin size: 90 x 180 cm
They are fully private with curtains, soft beds, and a window to view the scenery on the Hanoi – Lao Cai highway. Suitable for solo travelers or couples.
21-Cabin VIP Sleeper (Source: xekhachsaoviet)
Standard Sleeper Bus
- 34–40 flat beds
- Suits best for overnight travel or group travelers
- Still has air-conditioning, water, and blankets
This is the less expensive option, yet it still provides a comfortable and smooth ride.
Whether you choose a sleeper bed or a cabin, the Sao Viet Bus Company offers maximum comfort and convenience on every bus ride.
Standard Sleeper Bus (Source: xekhachsaoviet)
Onboard Amenities & Comfort
All Sao Viet Bus to Sapa tours include:
-
- Onboard toilet – a luxury and very convenient on long journeys
- USB charging, complimentary Wi-Fi, and adjustable beds
- Blankets, bottled water, and reading lights
- Clean, well-maintained interior
As compared to other operators like Eco Sapa or Interbuslines, Sao Viet Bus Company is different because of its guaranteed service and better facilities.
Sao Viet Bus Schedule & Departure Points
Hanoi → Sapa: Depart Anytime, Travel Your Way
Departures by the Sao Viet Bus Company operate 30-60 minutes apart from as early as 04:30 AM to as late as 11:59 PM. Regardless of the time your flight touches the ground or the time you’re able to leave the city behind, there’s a bus to take you to Sa Pa toward the spectacular mountain range.
You can jump on from these convenient desks across Hanoi:
- 789 Giai Phong (near Giap Bat Station)
- 114 Tran Nhat Duat (close to the Old Quarter center)
- 07 Pham Van Dong
- Noi Bai Airport – both domestic and international terminals
This sprawling system also grants you the flexibility of selecting a departure point that is most convenient for you , whether you are already in town or arriving directly from the airport.
Sapa → Hanoi: Flexible Return, Seamless Pick-up
Heading back from Sa Pa? The Sao Viet Bus to Sapa also provides comfortable return trips. You can:
- Pick you up at your hotel in the center of Sapa town
- Or catch it across the Sao Viet Bus Office at 03 Nguyen Dang Khue (near the night market)
Return buses depart from early morning till late, so you can time your travel with your flight, or even a connection to another city.
Estimated Travel Time: What to Expect
The trip from Hanoi to Sapa is 6-7 hours on average. But that travel time can fluctuate, depending on:
- Weather in the mountains
- Seasonal traffic (around the festivals or Tet)
- The quality of the road from Hanoi to Lao Cai
Sao Viet Bus Sapa to Hanoi (Source: xesaoviet)
Pricing Guide & How to Book
Ticket Price Breakdown (2025)
- Standard Sleeper Bus: From 250,000 – 310,000 VND
Excellent for those looking for plenty of sleep on a large reclining sleeper bus without the cabin cost.
- VIP Cabin Bus: Around 380,000 – 400,000 VND
Great for people who want privacy, a little extra comfort, and some luxury on the bus trip to Sapa.
Prices during the week are a little cheaper than on weekends or holidays. If the idea of planning doesn’t scare you, planning can save you quite a bit, especially during the peak travel times of September (rice harvest) and December–February (winter.)
Booking Options: How to Reserve Your Seat on the Sao Viet Bus to Sapa
It’s shockingly easy to book your seat on the Sao Viet Bus to Sapa, even if it’s your first time in Vietnam! This isn’t just a bus ride; it’s a well-run system that gives you multiple ways to nail down your perfect trip. Here’s how you can decide which approach is best for you:
1. Book Direct on the Official Website
The most common route is through the official site of the Sao Viet Bus Company: xesaoviet.com.vn.
Benefits:
- Instant confirmation
- Transparent payment process
- See daily itineraries, types of cabins, and departure points (such as Pham Van Dong or Noi Bai Airport).
- Great customer service from official hotline (1900 6746)
Perfect for travelers who like booking directly from the source.
2. Use Trusted Online Travel Agencies (OTAs)
But for those of you who are at ease with the more global/multilingual platforms, these honest OTAs are your new friends:
- Vexere. com – the biggest bus booking website in Vietnam with 2,800+ Sapa tour bus reviews
- 12go. Asia – Accepts international cards, and available in English.
- Sapa Nomad – Perfect for travelers who need airport pick-up and drop-off in Sa Pa or round-trip bus tickets
Benefits:
- Real-time seat availability
- Customer chat or support via WhatsApp
- Sleeper bus or VIP cabin on your choice
- Search by limo, time, or seat &emsp
Great for those travelers looking for a more curated approach to booking.
3. Buy at the On-Ground Counters in Hanoi or Sa Pa
The old-fashioned way of doing things, showing up in person and talking to someone face to face, is also an option at a stop by the offices, known as ticket counters, where one can purchase:
- 789 Giai Phong Street – near Giap Bat station
- 114 Tran Nhat Duat – easy and short for Old Quarter bacteria center homyz
- 07 Pham Van Dong Street – easy to reach if you are living in the Cau Giay district
- Sapa Office – 03 Nguyen Dang Khue (opposite the night market)
Benefits:
- They have such a helpful staff (most speak basic English)
- Option to pay in cash
Buy Tickets in Person – Hanoi Counter (Source: xesaoviet)
Is Sao Viet the Best Bus from Hanoi to Sapa?
Quick Comparison: Sao Viet vs. Other Operators
Feature
|
Sao Viet Bus to Sapa
|
Eco Sapa
|
Interbuslines
|
Departure Frequency
|
Every 30–60 minutes
|
Few/day
|
3–4/day
|
Airport Pick-Up (Noi Bai)
|
Yes
|
No
|
Yes
|
Onboard Toilet
|
Yes (VIP cabins)
|
No
|
No
|
Private Cabin Option
|
Yes (Single & Double)
|
No
|
Some
|
Booking via OTAs & Official Site
|
Wide coverage
|
|
|
24/7 Support & Hotline
|
Yes
|
Limited
|
|
Office Network in Hanoi & Sapa
|
Multiple offices
|
Limited
|
Few
|
From timing to facilities and customer service, Sao Viet Bus Company is the best. There isn’t another bus line with so a full system that runs so well for domestic tourists as well as international tourists.
When Is the Sao Viet Bus to Sapa the Best Fit?
It’s a great bus trip option in general, but especially when:
- You’re arriving at the airport: With pick-ups at Noi Bai Airport (both terminals), you get off the plane and right onto your sleeper bus, no transfers needed!
- You have to travel overnight: Their VIP limo cabins available late at night provide you with a comfortable night’s sleep so you’ll wake up feeling fresh in Sa Pa.
- You’re a couple looking for privacy: Book a double cabin on the lower deck—snug, quiet, and sheltered from external noise.
- You value safe pick-up & drop-off: Whether you are lodging in the area of Pham Van Dong or near the Sapa center, the Sao Viet Bus to Sapa is all safe.
Conclusion
Bottom line, Sao Viet Bus to Sapa is your smartest and most comfortable choice for Hanoi – Lao Cai. With numerous departures, newest sleeper bus choices, and trouble-free assistance, it’s a stress-free trip to start your adventure in the hills. So if you’re still unsure how to get to Sapa from Hanoi, now you know, choose the reliable comfort of Sao Viet Bus to Sapa and get on with it!