Home » Travel Guider » Vietnam Travel » Lao Cai Travel » Sapa Travel » Sleeper Train Hanoi to Sapa: Best Train Operators and Tips for Your Sapa Tour

Sleeper Train Hanoi to Sapa: Best Train Operators and Tips for Your Sapa Tour

Want the most unforgettable trip to Sapa? The Sleeper Train Hanoi to Sapa is more than just a mode of transport – it’s a night-time journey through the highlands of northern Vietnam. The excitement begins even before you reach your destination, the overnight train from Hanoi to Sapa travels you both overnight in a railway sleeper and a very smooth ride to bring you from Hanoi train station to Lao Cai train station, where located about a 25-minute bus ride to Sapa. Learn why the Sleeper Train Hanoi to Sapa is a traveler favorite bus or private car option in our complete Hanoi to Sapa train guide.

Tour in Details

Hanoi to Sapa Train Route Overview

The Sleeper Train Hanoi to Sapa – A comfortable and scenic way to get from Hanoi to Sapa. Here’s how the whole journey operates:

Departure Point: Hanoi Railway Station

  • Address: 120 Le Duan, Dong Da District, Hanoi
  • All trains to Lao Cai originate here.
  • Generally, trains leave in the evening, roughly from 21:30-22:40, depending on the company.

Overnight Train Journey: Hanoi → Lao Cai

  • Travel time: 7.5 to 8 hours
  • Arrive early morning at Lao Cai Station
  • Operators include:

These trains feature sleeper berths, air-conditioning, and clean bedding along with free drinks/snacks. Some of them even offer lounge access in Hanoi.

Final Leg: Lao Cai to Sapa (33km)

  • Lao Cai Sapa distance: approx. 33 kilometers
  • Travel time:
    • Shuttle bus: 60-70 minutes
    • Private car/taxi: 45-60 minutes
  • This transfer is often included with lots of Sleeper Train Hanoi to Sapa packages.

Complete Timetable: Daily Sleeper Train Departures

Hanoi to Lao Cai – Night Departures

Train Code

Departure (Hanoi)

Arrival (Lao Cai)

Operators

SP1

21:35

05:30

King Express Train, Orient, Pumpkin

SP3

22:00

06:00

Chapa Express Train, Sapaly Train, Victoria Sapa Train

SP7

22:40

06:30

Vietnam Railways, Damitrans Express

Lao Cai to Hanoi – Return Departures

Train Code

Departure (Lao Cai)

Arrival (Hanoi)

Operators

SP8

12:05 PM

19:40

Damitrans, Vietnam Railways

SP4

21:30

05:35

Chapa Express Train, Sapaly Train, Victoria Sapa Train

  • The Sleeper Train Hanoi to Sapa is typically an overnight journey. That means you board in the evening, sleep in comfort, and wake up fresh near the cool hills of Sapa.

Top Train Operators: Which Sleeper Cabin is Right for You?

 Chapa Express Train – Cultural Elegance with Premium Comfort

    • Cabin Types: Premium 4-bed shared cabin and Private VIP 2-bed cabin.
    • Design: Cosy wood interiors with Dong Ho folk-style art on the walls.
    • Perks:
      • Complimentary welcome drink, water, towel, and toiletries.
  • Relax in the departure lounge at Hanoi Station.
  • Best For: Groups, couples, or travelers looking for a quaint and comfortable ride.
  • Train Codes: SP3 (Hanoi → Lao Cai), SP4 (Lao Cai → Hanoi).
Chapa Express: Sleeper Train Hanoi–Sapa

Chapa Express Train (Source: chapaexpress)

Sapaly Train – Cozy, Stylish, and Well-Rated

  • Cabin Types: 4-bed shared cabin and 2-bed VIP cabin.
  • Design: Warm wood with soft lighting for a soothing overnight trip.
  • Perks:
    • Complimentary tea, coffee, and snacks.
    • Fresh bedclothes, slippers, and daily sundries.
  • Best For: Couples and solo travelers who desire a no-fuss, comfortable space at a reasonable price.
  • Train Codes: SP3 and SP4.
Sapaly Train: Sleeper Hanoi to Sapa

Sapaly Train(Source: namthangtravelpro)

VicSapa Train – Budget-Friendly and Reliable

  • Cabin Type: Regular 4-bed compartment with air conditioning.
  • Design: Clean and functional decor with all the essentials.
  • Perks:
    • Clean beds, air-conditioning, and water provided.
  • Best For: Budget travelers, backpackers, or anyone looking for a no-frills, cushy ride 
  • Train Codes: SP3 and SP4
VicSapa Train

VicSapa Train (Source: vetausapagiare)

Hara Express – Comfortable & Consistent Mid-Range Service

  • Cabin Types: 4-bed and 2-bed solid wooden cabins.
  • Highlights:
    • Air con, reading lights, clean bedding.
    • Warm wooden furnishings leave you feeling cosy and relaxed.
  • Price Range: From 680,000 VND (mid-range).
  • Availability: Good – perfect for the spur-of-the-moment booking.
  • Best For: Travelers who value comfort and dependability without breaking the bank.
Hara Express

Hara Express (Source: iammanussite)

Victoria Sapa Train – Vietnam’s Most Luxurious Sleeper

  • Cabin Type: VIP cabins with private bath.
  • Highlights:
    • Fine onboard dining in the Le Tonkin Restaurant Car.
    • Sophisticated interiors, cushy beds, and top-notch service.
  • Price Range: 2,900,000 – 5,000,000 VND per person.
  • Best For: Luxury travelers who appreciate a little bit of the off-beat, honeymooners, or anyone looking for a five-star trip.
Victoria Sapa Train

Victoria Sapa Train (Source: sapanomad)

Types of Cabins & Ticket Prices

Cabin Types Available

The three most common cabin types are provided by the majority of express train operators:

  • 4-Berth Shared Cabin:  Perfect for budget travelers, whether together or individually. Every cabin is equipped with 4 bunks with soft beds and is air-conditioned, curtained, and clean with basic amenities.
  • VIP Twin Cabin: Only 2 beds in a cabin – more room, better privacy. Ideal for couples or friends who want some comfort without splurging on top luxury prices.
  • Suite Cabin (Victoria): Only one cabin is available on the Victoria Sapa Train. These cabins come with toilets, better soundproofing, and access to a dining car – a more premium way of travelling on the Sleeper Train Hanoi to Sapa.

Ticket Price Range (Per One-Way Trip)

Here’s an overview of prices per cabin type and per train brand:

Cabin Type

Price Range (VND)

Operators

4-Berth Shared Cabin

330,000 – 690,000

Sapaly Train, Chapa Express Train, King Express Train, Hara

VIP Twin Cabin

800,000 – 1,500,000

Chapa Express Train, Sapaly Train, VicSapa Train

Victoria Suite Cabin

2,900,000 – 5,000,000

Victoria Sapa Train

Fares fluctuate depending on the train brand, time of year, and promotions. Trains leave from Hanoi Station and arrive at Lao Cai Sapa transfer – 45km to Sapa town.

Victoria Suite Cabin at Victoria Sapa Train

Victoria Suite Cabin at Victoria Sapa Train (Source: chapaexpresstrain)

When to Book (and Why It Matters)

  • Standard dates: Book at least 7-14 days in advance.
  • Peak times like: Book 3-4 weeks ahead for:
    • Public holidays (Tet, 2nd September)
    • Weekend in September-April (high season in Sapa)
  • VIP cabins and the Victoria seats tend to fill up fast as they are in limited supply.

Train Travel Tips for First-Time Visitors

 What to Pack for the Ride

There’s precious little room, even aboard the finest express train’s cabins – so pack wisely:

  • Essentials: Passport, print out ticket/e-voucher, phone charger.
  • Comfort: Sleep mask, earplugs, light jacket (AC can be chilly).
  • Snacks & drinks: Some trains have free ones (chapa express train and king express train), but anyway, you would need to bring your bottle of water and stuff you like to eat, so they don’t matter anyway.
  • Toiletries: Wet wipes, hand sanitizer, toothbrush – especially if you are sharing a cabin with others.

How to Check In Smoothly

  • Get there 45-60 minutes ahead (or more) at Hanoi Railway Station (120 Le Duan).
  • For train travelers on Sapaly train or Victoria Sapa train, you will have free access to a VIP lounge with welcome drinks.
  • Present your ID and booking at the appropriate counter/platform.
  • Porters will be available to help with luggage if you require assistance — a handy option for families and larger groups.

Know the Luggage Rules

  • Baggage Allowance: 20kg of luggage per participant (average for all Sleeper Train Hanoi to Sapa trains).
  • In the cabin, Travel confidently recommends holding on to your valuables (and you should, too), not in an overhead bin or a shared compartment.
  • Carry luggage with wheels or a backpack. You will have to navigate narrow train corridors and perhaps transfer to a different vehicle once you’re at Lao Cai Sapa station.

Best Cabin Type by Travel Style

Traveler Type

Recommended Cabin

Train Options

Solo travelers

4-berth shared sleeper

chapa express train, Sapaly train, king express train

Couples

Private VIP 2-bed cabin

Sapa train, Victoria Sapa train, Chapa express train

Families or friends

Book full 4-berth cabin for privacy

chapa express train, king express train

Luxury seekers

Suite with private bathroom & fine dining

Victoria Sapa train (best on the Sleeper Train Hanoi to Sapa)

Budget backpackers

Standard 4-bed cabin with basic amenities

King Express train, vicSapa, Vietnam Railways

Conclusion

Booking the Sleeper Train Hanoi to Sapa is the ideal choice to turn your Hanoi to Sapa train ride into a comfortable and unforgettable experience. From budget-friendly cabins to luxury rides like the Victoria Sapa train and chapa express train, there’s a train for every traveler. Forget bumpy roads, you’ll sleep through the night and be ready to explore Lao Cai Sapa in the morning!

FAQ 

Which train company is best from Hanoi to Sapa?

The Chapa Express Train and Sapaly Train are the mid-range picks for comfort and service. The Victoria Sapa Train offers a premium experience with private bathrooms and gourmet meals. Cost-conscious travelers might consider King Express Train or Vietnam Railways, both with clean, reliable cabins.

How long is the sleeper bus from Hanoi to Sapa?

A sleeper bus will take an estimated 6 to 7 hours, depending on traffic conditions and road status. It may be faster than the train, but it may also be less comfortable on a twisting mountain road, particularly if you’re traveling overnight.

How long is the sleeper train to Sapa?

How long is the Sleeper Train Hanoi Sapa? The Sleeper Train Hanoi to Sapa is around 7.5 to 8 hours, and over overnight train from Hanoi Railway Station to Lao Cai Station. The journey from here to Sapa town takes another 45-60 minutes by shuttle or taxi.

Are overnight trains safe in Vietnam?

Yes, the overnight trains in Vietnam – particularly from Hanoi to Sapa – are quite safe, clean, and in good repair. Trains such as Chapa Express, Sapaly Train, Victoria Sapa Train, or Fanxipan Train provide extra security and staff service, then makes them preferred by either independent travellers, families, or foreign tourists.

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

CHECK PRICE & AVAILABILITY - BEST QUALITY GUARANTEE

    Top 4

    SAPA TOURS

    The truly amazing Sapa Tour with easy trekking: 2 days

    Sapa trekking tour: 2 days

    An amazing sapa tour to admire the dramatic scenery of Sapa Hill Station in the northwest of Vietnam such as imposing rice terraces, stunning green valleys, hills row on hills, mountains of mountains.

    View tour
    Sapa Easy Trekking & Homestay Tour: 3 Days

    Sapa Trekking Tour: 3 days

    Three days of Sapa easy trekking to explore the most iconic attractiveness of Sapa such as rice terraces, lush-green valleys, imposing mountains rows of mountains, the cultural diversity.

    View tour
    Sapa and Cable Car Tour to Fansipan Peak: 3 days

    Sapa - Fansipan Tour: 3 days

    To do the athletic activities as easy trekking to visit the rustic hill tribe villages via the stunning rice terraces, to meet at the friendly communication with local ethnic people, enjoy local foods.

    View tour
    Sapa O Quy Ho Glass Bridge Tour: 3 Days

    Sapa - O Quy Ho Tour: 3 days

    The tour bring you to Sapa easy trekking tour to ethnic villages & O Quy Ho Glass bridge where travelers floating experience by the imposing scenery around and the deep smoking bottom.

    View tour