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King Express Train Review: Best Seat Classes and Timetable for Sapa Tours

Hop on the King Express Train—not a night train, but your ticket to an unforgettable journey from Hanoi to Lao Cai. One of Vietnam’s most dependable express train luxury operators, the King Express Train offers comfort, refinement, and flawless service to travelers bound for Sapa’s stunning hills. Whether traveling as a couple seeking some intimacy in a VIP 2 berth cabin or a family going to explore the scenic north, this train upgrades the classic Hanoi to Sapa Train journey to the standards of a rich travel experience.

Tour in Details

Train Overview: What Makes the King Express Train Stand Out

A Trusted Brand in Northern Vietnam’s Rail Travel

Built to deliver the growing demand for luxury train travel from Sapa to Hanoi, the King Express Train has become a top and respected service. Commended for sustainable quality, warm hospitality, and beautifully designed accommodations, it’s a preferred choice for domestic and international travelers taking the Hanoi to Sapa Train.

Unique Features That Set It Apart

Why is the King Express Train more than just transportation? Consider its outstanding features:

  • Wood-panelled cabins that create a warm, cozy, and elegant atmosphere
  • Two-way air conditioning for comfort in all seasons
  • Individual reading lamps and ambient cabin lights
  • Private storage compartments for your personal belongings
  • Clean, high-quality linens: blankets, sheets, and pillows
  • A private mini-bar area is available in some coaches for snacks and refreshments
  • Professional, English-speaking attendants at your service anytime

For travelers seeking a touch more privacy and convenience, the VIP 2-berth cabins offer a quieter, cozier atmosphere—perfect for couples or solo travelers who simply want a good night’s sleep in comfort before arriving in Lao Cai.

Compared to Other Trains: Why Choose King Express?

A few more trains are running the Hanoi – Sapa overnight trip, like Sapaly, Victoria Express, and Chapa Train. But the King Express Train stands out in that it achieves the balance between:

  • Affordability and luxury service
  • Comfort and ease
  • Authenticity and modern design

Cabin Types Explained: Choose What Fits Your Style

VIP 2-Berth Cabin – Private, Peaceful, and Premium

If you’re traveling with your partner or simply like to have your room, the VIP 2-berth cabin is the epitome of luxury on the King Express Train. Designed with your comfort and seclusion in mind, every one of these cabins features:

  • Two snug, comfortable sleeping berths
  • Wood panel interior for that warm, classic look
  • Private reading lights, USB plug, and adjustable air conditioning
  • Complimentary drinks including beer, soft drinks, and bottled water
  • A fruit basket, cookies, and cold towels at boarding
  • A brand new and clean common bathroom in proximity

Many honeymoon couples or anniversaries choose this one to begin their journey to Lao Cai in total comfort. It’s the most comfortable way to sleep through the breathtaking ride of the Hanoi to Sapa Train.

VIP 2-Berth Cabin at King Express Train

VIP 2-Berth Cabin at King Express Train (Source: sjourneyvietnam)

Deluxe 4-Berth Cabin – Elegant and Budget-Friendly for Groups

Traveling with families or in groups? The Deluxe 4-berth cabin is the smart choice. Each cabin includes:

  • Four cozy beds with superior quality bed linen
  • Air-conditioning and comfortable ambient lighting
  • Fresh towels and complimentary water
  • Wooden fixtures that provide a warm, cozy atmosphere
  • Shared washroom facilities on each coach

This class of cabin provides comfort at budget prices, and that is why it is favored by backpackers and small tour groups who are looking for a relaxed, easygoing environment.

Deluxe 4-Berth Cabin at King Express Train

Deluxe 4-Berth Cabin at King Express Train (Source: vsvtravel)

Suite and Family Options – For Honeymoons or Private Family Trips

For individuals with special needs, the King Express Train also offers customized cabin layouts. Some cabins may be converted from a 4-berth to a private 2-berth suite, which is suitable for families with young children or couples who like extra space.

In some coaches, these variable cabins include:

  • Lockable doors for complete privacy
  • More snacks and better bedding
  • Flexible sleeping configurations (e.g., child-friendliness)

This flexibility makes the King Express Train an excellent choice for family gatherings with multiple generations or special events. It’s not just a ride,  it’s a personalized fit.

Suite Cabin

Suite Cabin (Source: vietnamrailway)

King Express Timetable and Travel Duration

Hanoi → Lao Cai (Outbound Journey)

  • Departure Station: Ga Tran Quy Cap, Hanoi (Gate 6 – back door of Hanoi Railway Station)
  • Train Code: SP3
  • Departure Time: 22:00 (10:00 PM)
  • Arrives at Lao Cai: 06:00 on the next morning
  • Travel Duration: Approximately 8 hours

This overnight trip enables you to sleep comfortably in your choice of VIP 2 berth or deluxe cabin, and wake up over Lao Cai just at sunrise, and your onward transfer to Sapa.

Lao Cai → Hanoi (Return Journey)

  • Departure Station: Lao Cai Station, 318 Khanh Yen Street, town square area
  • Train Code: SP4
  • Departure Time: 21:40 (9:40 PM)
  • Arrival in Hanoi: 05:30 the next morning
  • Travel Duration: About 8 hours

Similar to the outbound trip, the King Express Train has clean and quiet cabins to rest in comfortably on your return trip from the famed Hanoi to Sapa Train journey.

Station Information & Tips

  • Ga Tran Quy Cap is centrally located in Hanoi, an easy walk from the Old Quarter. We recommend arriving at least 45 minutes before departure time to allow for check-in and cabin assignment.
  • Lao Cai Station is just a short stroll from the city centre. To make things easy for you, there are King Express Train personnel available onsite to facilitate boarding.

Tip: If you happen to be in Sapa, prebook your transfer from Lao Cai or ask about King Express’ transfer service.

Ga Tran Quy Cap

Ga Tran Quy Cap (Source: mytour)

Prices and Booking Options: What to Expect

Ticket Prices by Cabin Type

Prices can vary slightly depending on the day of the week, high season travel, and availability. The following is a rough guide to one-way fares on the King Express Train:

Cabin Type

Weekday Price (VND)

Weekend Price (VND)

Notes

VIP 2 berth

1,600,000

1,800,000

Cabin for 2, more privacy, free fruit & drinks

Deluxe 4 berth

595,000

695,000

Shared cabin, soft beds, water & towels included

Suite conversion

From 1,200,000

From 1,400,000

Private use of a 4-berth cabin for 2 people

Under 5 years, traveling with parents, travel for free (no bed in itself).

How to Book the King Express Train

You can book your spot on the King Express Train as follows:

  • Official website: Easy and secure with email confirmation
  • Approved travel agents: Convenient for combination hotel packages or Lao Cai transfers
  • Station counters: Available at Ga Tran Quy Cap in Hanoi, but may sell out during peak season
  • Hanoi Old Quarter tourist offices: May have flexible pickup times and current availability

Pro tip: Book directly for improved communication and more transparent refund policies.

 Promotions and Cancellation Policy

The King Express Train occasionally offers round-trip ticket specials or group fares. Ask about those when you reserve.

Cancellation fees (for 1–10 tickets):

  • Within 24h of reserving: 20% fee
  • 5–7 days before departure: 30% fee
  • 3–4 days: 50% fee
  • Less than 2 days: 100% fee

Reservations for large groups (10+ travelers) have a less strict policy but must be arranged through an express request.

What You Get With Your Ticket

No hidden fees there! King Express Train tickets all include:

  • Soft bedding (sheet, blanket, pillow)
  • Drinking water, a wet towel
  • Personal light and air-conditioning
  • Clean the group bathroom (with staff present)
  • Snack and drink service (add-ons for VIP 2 berth)

The Experience Onboard: What Past Travelers Say

Sleeping Experience: Rock Solid Sleep, Gently in Motion

For all but the most impatient tourists, the best part of their journey is how relaxing it is. Due to the train’s new suspension system and well-oiled tracks, the ride is quiet and remarkably comfortable. Many passengers in both luxury cabins and the VIP 2 berth have slept comfortably throughout the night:

Food & Drinks: What’s Included, What’s Extra

All guests to the King Express Train are offered free mineral water, a fresh towel, and a sheet. If you are traveling in the VIP 2 berth, more surprises await you… Beer, soft drinks, fruits, and a box of cookies are part of a welcome package!

Looking for something a little more during the ride? On the train, each coach has a mini-bar counter where you can buy snacks, instant noodles, or even a glass of Vietnamese coffee to drink by the window.

Complimentary Refreshments Available

Complimentary Refreshments Available (Source: namthangtravelpro)

Cabin Comfort: Clean, Functional, and Thoughtfully Designed

Cleanliness is a main reason for using the King Express Train over other train operators on the Hanoi to Sapa Train route. Every cabin, shared or private, is cleaned before every departure, sheets freshly laundered, and toilets inspected overnight.

Other in-cabin facilities are:

  • USB charging points and reading lights
  • Soft, comfortable mattresses with hotel-grade linen
  • Secure shelving for storage and coat hooks
  • Efficient, adjustable air-conditioning

The attention to detail here provides a touch of boutique hotel luxury to this express train experience.

Pros & Cons – Based on Real Reviews

Pros:

  • Quiet and comfortable journey
  • Very clean toilets and cabins
  • English-speaking, friendly staff
  • High value for money, especially in VIP 2 berth
  • Easy check-in process at both Hanoi and Lao Cai

Cons:

  • Fewer options of food options (take snacks for fussy people)
  • Toilets may become crowded during peak hours
  • No in-flight Wi-Fi (although most travelers view this as a refreshing digital detox!) 

Conclusion

Ultimately, the King Express Train is well worth it for couples, families, and solo travelers alike. With its cozy VIP 2-berth cabins, proficient service, and smooth overnight journey from Hanoi to Lao Cai, this express train turns the tried-and-true Hanoi to Sapa Train route into one to remember. If you value comfort, reliability, and charm, the King Express Train has it all.

Ranana

You feel like organized tour, but you are in a privet tour. Impress Travel make the different.

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.

Ebrahim

Tour of Vietnam

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!

Solly Pochee

The tour was fantastic

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

Bernard Lim

Great value for money with 4 stars hotel

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.

Derek.Schooling

We enjoyed our holiday with Impress travel

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

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