Ha Giang To Sapa
Ha Giang and Sapa are two of the most popular destinations in northern Vietnam for nature-lovers and adventurers.
To go from one town to the next, you have to drive. There are no trains, ferries, or planes that run directly between the two.
I visited both of these spots during my one-month adventure through Vietnam and found that transportation was pretty intuitive and straightforward (though it did require a huge amount of trust each and every time).
So if you need some tips and tricks, here are the three best options to go from Ha Giang to Sapa, how much they cost, what the schedules look like, and how to book them.
How Far Is Sapa From Ha Giang?
Ha Giang and Sapa are roughly 214 kilometers (133 miles) apart. The route takes you through some mountain highways and usually take 5-6 hours depending on road conditions.
How To Go From Ha Giang To Sapa By Bus
The best way to get from Ha Giang to Sapa is by bus.
You can either take a limousine bus during the day or an overnight sleeper bus to make the most of your time.
If you’re doing a tour like the Ha Giang Loop motorbike tour or a multi-day trekking tour through Sapa, transportation might already be included. Just double check with your tour provider and they can probably get you on a bus at no additional cost.
If you have to book transportation on your own, I recommend using 12Go. It basically looks up all your possible options and then allows you to book directly through the platform. I used it for every part of my journey through Vietnam and found it super accessible and reliable throughout.
Tips For Booking Your Bus
Filter by the "bus" option and then sort by time. I found that this was the best way to find buses that lined up with my schedule.
Double check on pick-up and drop-off points. You want to be as close to your accommodations as possible. Calling a Grab or taxi up in the mountains to get you to where you need to go can be pretty challenging.
Use reviews and photos to help you make your decision. They might not be the most accurate, but can give you a better sense of what to expect.
Tips For Taking A Sleeper Bus In Vietnam
Always confirm the schedule, and pick-up / drop-off points before booking.
Double check if the company has any luggage restrictions. Most are pretty flexible, but if there are a lot people on your ride, you might be asked to keep smaller belongings with you. (Here's how to save space and pack appropriately for Ha Giang.)
Use the seat belt and stay strapped in when the bus is on the move!
Invest in noise-cancelling earphones because it gets pretty loud on the road.
Avoid seats next to the toilet or over the wheel!
Buses from Ha Giang to Sapa usually cost between 300,000 VND ($12 USD) and 500,000 VND ($20 USD) and the journey usually takes about six hours.
Ha Giang To Sapa By Private Transfer
The second way you can go from Ha Giang to Sapa (or vice versa) is by private car.
This option offers the most comfort and flexibility as you can dictate the schedule and request any stops along the way. It's definitely worth considering if you have large luggage or are traveling with two or three additional people.
Going by private transfer is also usually safer and smoother. The journey from Ha Giang to Sapa includes lots of winding mountain roads and a smaller car driving at a moderate pace is definitely preferred over a coach bus barreling down the narrow dirt road.
To book this option, I recommend using Viator or GetYourGuide. You can also of course use 12Go and filter by "taxi," but I personally haven't used it and can't give any tips there.
A private transfer from Ha Giang to Sapa will usually cost you from 3,240,000 VND ($130 USD) - 3,800,000 VND ($150 USD) and take closer to five hours.
Motorbike From Ha Giang To Sapa
The last way to go from Ha Giang to Sapa is by motorbike.
If you're a daredevil who plans on riding from Hanoi to Ha Giang, or tackling the precarious Ha Giang Loop on your own, you might as well take your bike all the way to Sapa.
The road between Ha Giang and Sapa is a little less scenic, but riding your own motorbike will give you much more flexibility than the other two options.
This choice is obviously only limited to skilled riders with single duffels/backpacks, who have their Vietnamese motorbike license. Most foreign licenses, even when accompanied by an IDP, are not valid in Vietnam so any risk of renting a motorbike falls entirely on yourself.
However, if you're still up for the adventure, just make sure you rent from a credible source, and double check road and weather conditions before you head out. The journey should take a little over six hours, but I’d recommend taking a few breaks in between or even splitting it into two days if you really want to slow travel the countryside.
Conclusion
I hope that this clarified some of your transportation questions.
If you decide after Ha Giang or Sapa that you're sick of the mountains, you can always head back to Hanoi to reset.
It's the perfect safe city to meet other solo travelers and take day trips out to the sandy beaches of Halong Bay or riverbanks of Ninh Binh.
Vietnam is a stunning country with such diversity in people and landscape and I hope that you get to take your time and see it all.
For any questions or if you'd love to connect, feel free to message me on Instagram!
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