By train to Sapa: 5 luxurious rail routes through Vietnam's breathtaking mountains
In this comprehensive travel guide, we present the 5 best train connections from Hanoi to Sapa, that will make your trip an unforgettable experience.
Learn all about:
- Comfortable compartments and sleeper cars: Enjoy a relaxing journey in comfortable compartments with comfy beds, air conditioning and some with en-suite bathrooms. Sleeping cars offer privacy and additional comfort for longer journeys.
- Exquisite meals on board: Let the chefs on board spoil you and enjoy delicious Vietnamese and international dishes during the cruise.
- Breathtaking views: Experience the breathtaking mountains of northern Vietnam through panoramic windows.
- Excellent service: Friendly and helpful staff will be at your disposal throughout your journey to ensure your well-being.
- Additional amenities: Enjoy WLAN, entertainment systems and other amenities to make your journey even more enjoyable.
1. Chapa Express:
- Elegant train with wood paneling, air conditioning and comfortable beds.
- Sleeper car with double bed or Compartments with four beds.
- Perfect for couples, families and solo travelers.
- Price per person is about 60-120 €
- Departure times from Hanoi at 21:35 ( SP1) arrival in Lao Cai at 05:15 or departure at 22:00 ( SP3) arrival in Lao Cai at 5:55
Chapa Lounge at Lao Cai International Railway Station offers travelers a relaxing break on their train journey. This spacious lounge showcases the culture of Lao Cai in miniature and offers various amenities:
- Free WLAN and shower facilities
- Western and Asian cuisine, with a focus on specialties from Lao Cai
- Furnishings that reflect traditional culture (e.g. brocade textiles, rice terraces)
- Information about popular destinations in the province such as Sapa, Y Ty and Bac Ha
The lounge is particularly useful for guests of the Chapa Express:
- Possibility to freshen up after the night train journey
- A place to relax before the return journey
- Exclusive benefits for Chapa Express guests
The combination of Chapa Express and Chapa Lounge promises an unforgettable travel experience.
2. Victoria Express (currently being renovated!):
- "King of the trains" to Sapa with a luxurious ambience.
- Panoramic windows, and excellent service make for an unforgettable experience.
- Ideal for discerning travelers seeking maximum comfort.
- Price per person is about 60-120 €
- Departure times from Hanoi at 22.00 hrs ( SP3) arrival in Lao Cai at 5:55 hrs
The Victoria Express is connected to one of the best hotels in Sapa and offers travelers high-quality cabins for their journey. Unlike other private carriages, which often have little difference to the regular Vietnam Railways cabins, the Victoria Express clearly stands out:
- High quality standard of the cabins
- Clearly superior class compared to other trains on this route
Additional benefits for Victoria Express passengers:
- Free amenities as part of the travel experience
- Access to the Victoria Lounge in Hanoi with free drinks and snacks before departure
- Luggage service: a porter accompanies passengers to their cabin
Overall, the Victoria Express offers a comfortable and worry-free service for travelers on the route to Sapa.
3. Laman Express:
- Modern train with a stylish ambience and first-class service.
- Delicious dinner on board and breathtaking views of the landscape.
- Excellent suitable for travelers who value modern design and comfort.
- Price per person is about 35-38 €
- Departure times from Hanoi at 22.00 hrs ( SP3) arrival in Lao Cai at 5:55 hrs
- In Hanoi, directly at Hanoi Railway Station, passengers enjoy a first-class check-in counter with complimentary welcome drinks and a comfortable waiting room.
- In Hanoi, after checking in and relaxing in the waiting room, staff will take you to your compartment via a separate entrance.
- A free welcome kit consisting of Coca-Cola, mineral water, cookies, fruit, tea, coffee and tissues is provided in your compartment.
- Free Wi-Fi on the train. Please note, however, that the Wi-Fi on the train is a mobile device that may not work well when the train is traveling through mountains or remote areas.
In summary, the Laman Express offers a comfortable and pleasant journey with various free amenities for passengers.
4. Damitrans Train:
- Comfortable train with comfortable compartments and friendly staff.
- Cheaper alternative to the luxury trains, but still offers a pleasant travel experience.
- Highly recommended for price-conscious travelers who do not want to do without comfort.
- Price per person from 35 € - VIP 75 €
- Departure times from Hanoi at 21:35 ( SP1) arrival in Lao Cai at 05:15 or departure at 22:00 ( SP3) arrival in Lao Cai at 5:55
- Today, the Damitrans is one of the most exclusive, largest and most popular operators on this route. Passengers choose the Damitrans Express not only because the train is beautiful and luxurious, but also because of the high level of professionalism of the service team. This guarantees an unforgettable journey to the charming city of Sapa.
- The Damitrans train has a total of 6 cabins with 22 berths. The majority are 4-bed cabins for families and travel groups, the rest are 2-bed VIP cabins specially designed for single travelers and couples who need privacy for their journey. All cabins and carriage terraces are finished in wood and follow a modern western style that exudes elegance and simplicity.
- The facilities on the Damitrans Express are another key feature of this luxurious train. In the limited cabins, passengers are provided with enough amenities to enjoy their journey to the fullest - from food and drinks to entertainment. Meals are not included in the fare, but complimentary snacks and water are offered to passengers during the journey.
5. Sapaly Express:
- Comfortable cabins with modern furnishings and wood paneling.
- Compartments with four single beds, Welcome drinks and snacks
- Perfect for travelers who are looking for something cozy.
- Price per person is about 50-88 €
- Departure times from Hanoi at 22.00 hrs ( SP3) arrival in Lao Cai at 5:55 hrs
- The Sapaly Express is considered one of the best trains for the route from Hanoi to Sapa and back. With two luxuriously equipped carriages, it offers travelers a high-quality and comfortable rail service.
- Sapaly Express is a newly renovated train that serves the route between Hanoi and Sapa. The interior is inspired by the picturesque landscape and local traditions of the Sapa region, giving the train a cozy and inviting character.
- As one of the best options for the train journey to Sapa, the Sapaly Express offers its passengers an excellent service. The cabins are furnished to a high standard and the on-board staff are extremely helpful.
- In each cabin, passengers will find a range of practical extras to enhance their comfort: individual reading lamps, earplugs, slippers, paper cups, mineral water, dental care set, combs and handkerchiefs. These little extras help to make the journey on the Sapaly Express a pleasant and relaxing one.
Overall, the Sapaly Express offers a high-quality and comfortable rail service that takes travelers comfortably and safely to the picturesque region around Sapa. The modern design, excellent service and numerous additional services make it the ideal choice for train travel to the north of Vietnam.
Additional tips:
- Book your tickets in advanceespecially in the high season (September to November and March to May)!
- Combine your train journey with a Stay in Sapa and explore the beautiful surroundings, e.g. the mountain villages of the ethnic minorities, the rice terraces and the Fansipan peak.
- Share your experiences with other travelers and inspire them to have an unforgettable train trip to Sapa!
Below you will find the train connections from Hanoi to Sapa:
Discover Sapa with style and elegance! Immerse yourself in the breathtaking mountain world of northern Vietnam and let yourself be enchanted by the magic of the train journey.