Now, prepare yourself for the Adventure of a Lifetime- from the mountains of Sapa to the waters of Halong Bay, where buckets of upcountry clouds are emptied into the Andesite stones. This beautiful road is among the loveliest in Northern Vietnam, taking the terraced highlands of Sapa and joining them with the mythical limestone karsts of Halong. Whether you want the fastest journey, the cheapest way to get from Sapa to Halong Bay, or a more comfortable private transfer, we have every option covered. Don’t feel like retracing your steps through Hanoi? We’re gonna show you the way directly! And if you’re traveling in the opposite direction, don’t miss our advice for the return journey from Halong Bay to Sapa. Now let’s hit the road — the adventure begins!
Sapa is located 450 – 480 km from Halong Bay in distance (depending on the route taken). Thanks to new expressways, it’s easier than ever to visit directly — no need to pass through Hanoi unless you want to! Here’s a quick comparison:
|
Transport |
Time |
Best for |
|
Private Car |
6.5 – 7.5 hours |
Comfort, families, flexible stops |
|
Sleeper Bus |
9 – 10 hours |
Budget travelers, direct route |
|
Train + Limousine |
12 – 13 hours |
Scenic views, less motion sickness |
The bus from Sapa to Halong Bay is popular for backpackers and budget travelers. These are overnight buses, providing you with a seamless, direct connection and eliminating the cost of a hotel night.
Top Sleeper Bus Operators:
|
Bus Company |
Departure – Arrival |
Time |
Price (USD) |
Contact |
|
Phuc Xuyen |
Sapa Town → Bai Chay Bus Station |
~16:00 – 04:30 |
$17 – $21 |
0203 366 3366 / 0203 366 2662 |
|
Cuong Lan |
Sapa Town → Mong Cai or Bai Chay |
~18:00 – 05:30 |
$16 – $18 |
0967 856 856 / 0977 856 856 |
|
Inter Bus Lines |
Sapa Town → Bai Chay Station |
~21:30 – 07:00 |
$20 – $22 |
0906 809 095 |
|
Thien Ha Travel |
Sapa Town → Bai Chay Station |
~17:00 – 05:00 |
$19.5 |
0214 636 888 |
|
Tech Bus Vietnam |
Sapa Town → Bai Chay Station |
~07:35 – 16:35 |
$21 |
1900 0358 / 0983 560 358 |
Amenities Include:
|
Pros |
Cons |
|
Cheapest direct Sapa to Halong Bay option |
May experience motion sickness on winding roads |
|
Comfortable overnight ride with full amenities |
Limited English proficiency among bus staff |
|
No Hanoi transit — saves 2–3 hours |
Must book in advance in peak season |
Phuc Xuyen Bus (Source: phucxuyen)
Need comfort, privacy, and the flexibility to plan your route as you go? A private car from Sapa to Halong Bay seems to be the best option for you. It’s the quickest and most convenient choice for families, business travelers, or small groups.
Key Info:
Recommended Booking Platforms:
|
Pros |
Cons |
|
The fastest way to travel from Sapa to Halong Bay |
More expensive than public transport |
|
Door-to-door pickup/drop-off |
Must confirm all details (route, driver, tolls) |
|
Stop at scenic spots anytime you like |
Need a reliable agency for an English-speaking driver |
Safety & Booking Tips:
Private Car Charter (Source: butl)
Option 1: Limousine Bus + Van Combo
Best for comfort at budget-friendly prices.
Total Time: ~8–10 hours
Total Cost: ~$25–$40
Eco Sapa Limousine (Source: vexere)
Option 2: Overnight Train + Van to Halong
For travelers who enjoy old-school Vietnam train journeys and stashing a night’s accommodation.
Total Time: ~11–14 hours
Total Cost: ~$35–$55
Train Lao Cai → Hanoi (Source: baochinhphu)
Taking the indirect Sapa to Halong Bay route via Hanoi is not just about getting from point A to point B—understandably, it’s a golden opportunity to get to know Vietnam’s dynamic capital.
When you’ve got a half day to spare in Hanoi, here are some great ideas:
Even a short while in Hanoi can enrich your Sapa to Halong Bay journey with a rich cultural overlay — and make that initial view of the bay’s limestone spires all the more rewarding.
The most popular Sapa to Halong Bay bus routes fill up fast during weekends, holidays, and summer months (May–August). For trains or sleeper buses, it’s best to reserve 3–5 days in advance. If you’re heading from Halong Bay to Sapa, apply the same rule — it’s all about securing a good seat and your preferred schedule.
In need of a detour in Hanoi? Refer to our up-to-date Hanoi to Ha Long travel advice and timetables.
Pro Tip: Keep essentials like chargers, water, medication, and earplugs in a daypack with you.
Your Sapa to Halong Bay trip can last anywhere from 7 to 13 hours, so be prepared for the ride:
There are four seasons in Northern Vietnam, and they do make a difference while traveling from Sapa to Halong Bay:
|
Season |
Sapa |
Halong Bay |
|
Spring (Mar–May) |
Cool, flowers in bloom |
Warm, ideal for cruises |
|
Summer (Jun–Aug) |
Rainy, sometimes foggy |
Hot, occasional storms |
|
Autumn (Sep–Nov) |
Clear skies, golden rice fields |
Mild, great for sightseeing |
|
Winter (Dec–Feb) |
Cold, misty (can drop below 10°C) |
Chilly but mystical |
Getting back from paradise is easy! You can go for the low-cost, no-transfer straight sleeper bus ride, or enjoy the scenic overnight Hanoi stopover with a cruise + van + train package. Whether you’re doing the full loop or coming back after cruising, Halong Bay to Sapa is as magical as the reverse Sapa to Halong Bay journey. And don’t forget, you can always plan smart with our insider guidance from Hanoi to Ha Long. Safe travels, the mountains are calling again!
We went on a private trip to Vietnam and Cambodia, the whole trip plan was organized for us by the Impress Travel Company from Vietnam, the company did an amazing job, the whole trip was organized in a wonderful way with an amazing match between the various parties, their choices were correct and the quality of the hotels chosen were very high quality and it is important to note that the price was low in comparison To other agencies, thanks to Impress Travel and especially to Daniel who was tolerant and open to changes and organized the route for us.
Impress travel were amazing. Did my bookings with Daniel for our tour of Vietnam and I must say Daniel was very professional and prompt with his services. All the arrangement, plans, pick-up & drop-off services, hotels, vehicles, sightseeing tours and guides were spot on and excellent. Did 4 nights Hanoi, 1 night Hà Long Bay cruise, 3 nights Hoian, 4 nights Saigon and 1 night in Can Tho. It was totally awesome. Every part of the journey was superbly arranged and planned. I will highly recommend Impress Travel for anyone interested in visiting Vietnam. Very organized and reliable!
I booked with Impress Travel in July. My contact person was Tommy Thang. He is an amazing person. He was very helpful. He changed my program twice for me. Very accommodating!
We started our holiday in the north (Sapa)of Vietnam and travelled down to HCMC.
The tour was fantastic, Tommy's arrangements were to the"T".
I will always use them if I have to visit the area again and recommend them to one and all.
Thank you once again Mr.Tommy and the Impress Team.
Sulaiman Pochee
Great value for money with 4 stars hotel accommodation for 4 couples. The tour guide has been very helpful and brought us to amazing places in Sapa. We want to thanks Thuy the tour guide and especially Mark from Impress Travel for his great service and assurance throughout our trip. We’ll definitely use his service for other tour packages in other parts of Vietnam.
This is the second time we travel to Vietnam with IMPRESS Travel. First time, we booked our holiday to Hanoi, Halong Bay & Sapa during Dec 2018 with Impress.
Second time, we travel to Hoi An, Hue & Danang (Central Vietnam) during Jan 2019.
My friends & I are very glad & happy with all the hotels stay in Central Vietnam, the meals provided are delicious. We are greatly appreciated with all the tour arrangement by Tommy & his team (tour guide).
Especially, Mr. NHAT C.V. He is helpful, cheerful, knowledgeable and very professional. He always volunteer to take a nice pictures for six of us (group) .
We enjoyed our holiday with Impress travel. We will definitely come back to Vietnam again with Impress
Tour from Hanoi to Halong bay is one of the most amazing package tour in the North Vietnam. Our tours bring you to explore the seascape of Ha Long Bay is synonymous with Vietnam. Cruises sail emerald green waters among thousands of rugged islands and islets, stopping at spectacular caves through which visitors can wander, viewing impressive, centuries-old formations.
You will take an experience of stunning scenery, sumptuous sea food and excellent service with 6 hours cruise tour among the bay that is also a great option for travelers to discover the nature wonder. We ensure you will have memorable trip to visit one of seven World nature wonder.
Tour explores the most magnificent beauty of nature in the world ( Halong Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay). You will not only see many fantastically shaped islands, beautiful beaches, and great natural caves, but you will also learn more about its history and local people and join to ocean activities.
This tour is 3 days and 2 nights staying on cruises. To explore further paths to hidden corner of Halong Bay, Lan Ha Bay or Halong Bay & Bai Tu Long Bay. To take part in marine activities such as kayaking, snorkeling, rock climbing or swimming at the pristine and untouched beaches.
This tour with 4 days/3 nights on boat/cruises to explore Halong Bay & Bai Tu Long bay off the beaten track where is not touristic area, the feeling so tranquil of the fresh atmosphere. And discover the local people where you can see and learn about negative fishermen and floating fishing village around Tonkin Gulf.
