Cat Ba and Sapa are one of the must-see places when traveling into Hanoi, Vietnam. Cat Ba island  archipelago consists of 367 islands in the south of Ha Long Bay, located in Hai Phong city. This place has the characteristics of Ha Long Bay with limestone mountains and calm blue sea.

Sapa is an attractive tourist destination in Lao Cai province, Vietnam. The foggy town is famous for its most majestic natural scenery in the North, with overlapping mountains and terraced fields of ripe golden rice. This is also the destination of those who want to conquer the famous Fansipan Mountain.

Distance & travel time from Cat Ba to Sapa

It is around 470 kilometers from Cat Ba Island to Sapa (include 40 km waterway), which is a distance that is comparable to the distance between Paris and London. If you want to travel by direct bus, which begins in Sapa and ends in Cat Ba town, you will be required to spend approximately 7 hours on such a lengthy journey.

If you do not mind making a stop or if you would want to select your luggage in Hanoi, the combination of two buses or two trains is an option that you can choose from. Approximately 17 hours will be spent by these. 

You will then board a speed boat from Cat Ba Island to Binh Pier, then you will proceed to Hai Phong railway station.  After that, you will need to take a train from Hai Phong city to Hanoi, and then take another train from Hanoi to Lao Cai. And you will need to take a taxi from Lao Cai train station to Sapa town.

On top of that, you have the option of travelling in car rental Cat Ba to Sapa, which may be anything from a 4-seater to a 16-seater minivan. You will have more control over your time and journey, and you experience less fatigue than on other methods.

How to travel to Sapa from Cat Ba?

Bus from Cat Ba to Sapa

Some of the businesses that offer bus service between Cat Ba and Sapa are listed here. On the other hand, the majority of them are transfer buses, which means that customers would take a seated bus from Cat Ba to Haiphong or Hanoi, and then switch to a sleeping bus on their journey to Sapa.

This results in a significantly longer journey, which is accompanied by some hassles and risks, including the need to move luggage up and down when changing buses, delays, and even inpiduals who are forgotten. And it will be quite time-consuming, about 10-11 hours to transfer Cat Ba to Sapa by car.

Even though there is just one firm in Cat Ba that offers direct bus service to Sapa, the bus does have a few restrictions, such as the absence of guides who understand English and the fact that it makes numerous stops along the way to pick up additional passengers, it may cause inconvenience for you.

As a result, you should choose car rental Cat Ba to Sapa which is the greatest option available up until the present day.

Bus companies we recommend for you:

Cat Ba Discovery: 500 000 VND (~21.5 USD). Departure time: 8:30 and 20:00

Good morning Cat Ba: 600 000 VND (~25.8 USD). Departure time: 21:00

Cat Ba to Sapa by train

Step 1: Cat Ba Town to Hai Phong by Speed Boat

Duration: 50 minutes

Ticket fee: ~ 11 - 13 USD

If you are on Cat Ba Island, take a speed boat from Cat Ba Town to Hai Phong. The boats typically depart from Binh Pier around 8:30 am. To get to Hai Phong, you can take a taxi from the pier to Binh Pier, costing approximately 2 USD for a 2 km ride. Alternatively, explore the city on a walking tour.

Step 2: Hai Phong to Hanoi by Train

Duration: 2.5 hours

Ticket fee: ~ 8 USD (soft seat)

Choose a suitable train for your journey from Hai Phong to Hanoi. The recommended option is Train HP1, departing at 6:00 am and arriving at 8:22 am. If you miss this train, it's advisable to buy the ticket upon arrival at Hanoi train station. Trains LP5 and LP7 are mentioned for reference but should be avoided if you want to proceed directly to Sapa.

Step 3: Hanoi to Lao Cai by Train

Duration: 7 hours

Ticket fee: ~ 25 USD (soft bed)

From Hanoi, board a train to Lao Cai. You can choose between trains SP2 and SP4. SP4 is suggested if it arrives on time at 5:30 am, allowing for adequate sleep. However, be cautious as the train from Lao Cai to Hanoi may sometimes experience delays, potentially causing you to miss the first train from Hanoi to Hai Phong at 6:00 am.

Step 4: Lao Cai to Sapa Town by Bus

Duration: 40 minutes

Ticket fee: 30,000 VND ~ 1.29 USD

Upon reaching Lao Cai train station, take a local bus to Sapa town. Buses depart every 20 to 40 minutes from 6:20 am, with the last one at 6:50 pm. For a safer option, catch the 6:00 pm bus and ensure you have dinner before leaving Sapa town.

Choose the train from Cat Ba to Sapa if you crave breathtaking landscapes and leisurely hours. While it may not be the fastest or cheapest option, it offers a unique charm unmatched by buses. 

However, be prepared for a longer and slightly more expensive adventure. This option demands meticulous planning, especially if you need to catch connecting trains. Missing one could mean a frustrating wait, so you should consider this option.

Transfers From Cat Ba To SaPa By Private Car

If you want to travel from Cat Ba to Sapa, a private car is the best choice and you can enjoy the scenery along the way. The distance from HaLong Bay (Cat Ba) to Sapa is about 498 km so it will take you about 6 hours to get Cat Ba to Sapa by private taxi.

If you're not familiar with the road, renting a car with a driver is the best option. The following reasons why you should choose our service:

• Flexible schedule
• Private vehicles are fully air-conditioned and clean
• The drivers are thoroughly trained in driving skills, good English speaking, friendly and enthusiastic
• Stop at any point you want
• Competitive price
• No hidden charges
• You can see here the prices for each type of car

Cat Ba to Sapa by motorbike or scooter

Another option is to rent a motorbike Cat Ba to Sapa if you are a good driver. You must thoroughly check the motorbike before setting off and the mechanic service in case you have problems on the way. The road to Sapa is also quite winding and dangerous, so it is best to consider means of transportation to ensure your safety.

Therefore, from Cat Ba to Sapa by private transfer service will best meet your needs by the thoughtful service it provides as well as the safety guarantee to make the trip more complete.

What kind of cars does our car rental service to Sapa provide?

Vietnam Trust Car Rental has put into use a variety of the latest models of cars from 4 to 45 seats today. All vehicles are fully equipped with amenities and regularly maintained. As follows:

All models are brand new cars below:

Our car fleets information:

⇔Sedan 4 seat.

Sedan or Vios :  3 people & 3 luggages + handbags.

(Toyota Vios, Mazda 3, Honda Civic, Kia Stinger, Kia Selto).

⇔SUV 7 seat .

SUV or Innova: 5 people   & 5 luggages + handbags.

(Mux Isuzu, Toyota Fortuner, Innova, Avanza, Rush, Ford Everest, Nissan Xterra, Kia Sorento, Xpander, Suzuki Ertiga).

⇔Mini van 16 seat.

Minivan : 12 people &16 luggages + handbags.

(Mercedes Sprinter, Hyundai Solati).

If you are interested in our private transfer from Cat Ba to Sapa, please text us from whatsapp.

Trust & excellence reputation.  No hidden charge. 

Professional & friendly driver.   Free cancel with the right reason.

There is a team of enthusiastic and committed customer service consultants with the cheapest rental car in the area, no additional costs, pay after payment, cash, credit card after the end trip.

Just book a car a day before your trip and you will receive complete information about the bus type, driver information as well as a quick and perfect schedule for your trip.

How much is a taxi ride from Cat Ba to Sapa?

You are very interested in how much it costs to rent a car Sapa and details for the routes to the districts of Sapa, the price list below will help you refer and better understand the detailed routes.

Seat	4 seats	7 seats	16 seats
Price

How do I need to book and confirm the ride to Sapa from Cat Ba?

Free +84.934.189.301 

Free +84.932.726.644  

Email: info@vietnamtrustcarrental.com

What kind of payment type is accepted for the reservation from Cat Ba to Sapa?

Option 1: Online payment deposit required for the reservation in advance just from 30% to ensure the booking is available and no increasing the base cost till up on arrival. 

Option 2 : Cash delivery for our staff at the airport or hotels will be accepted but this issue's payment will not be recommended on the reservation because we may charge more for the peak season holiday or last minute booking.

Instructions for your reservation with us below: 

You may please chat with our tour consultants on the Whatsapp' application or send an email trip request and check the quotes before with us. Our sales teams will respond to all your questions and emails in 10 minutes including trip details and the charge. 

Once you have confirmed with the deal then you will receive a booking reserved with a receipt.

Read more:

PRIVATE CAR TRANSFER FROM HANOI TO SAPA

PRIVATE TAXI SERVICE FROM HANOI AIRPORT TRANSFERS TO SAPA

PRIVATE TAXI TRANSFERS FROM HANOI AIRPORT TO SAPA

Best things to do in Sapa from Cat Ba

One of the most noteworthy tourist destinations in Northern Vietnam is Sapa. At an elevation of around 1500 metres above sea level, Sapa experiences weather that is mild and wet during the summer months, while the winter months are characterised by chilly temperatures and snowfall on occasion.

There are some of the most breathtaking scenery in northern Vietnam that can be seen near Sapa. These landscapes are characterised by towering canyons and terraced rice terraces.

It is only after you have ventured out into the verdant fields that you will really appreciate the allure of the Sapa region.

People belonging to more than a dozen different hill tribes call Sapa their home, making it the region with the greatest cultural persity in the country.

The Hmong, Yao, Zay, Tay, and Xa Pho people are the five primary communities that may be found residing in the valleys of Sapa. Sapa, which is located in Vietnam and is a popular trekking base, is surrounded by mountains and valleys, and it features breathtaking scenery.

The valley of Muong Hoa

Address: Ta Van, Sa Pa, Lao Cai

A little more than 10 kilometres away from Sapa, the emerald green Muong Hoa Valley (Thung Lũng Mường Hoa in Vietnamese) is home to some of the most breathtakingly picturesque vistas, making it one of the most popular tourist destinations in Vietnam. There are several different ethnic groups that call this valley their home, including the H'Mong, the Ta Van, and the Tay.

The Muong Hoa stream is fifteen km long and flows past the cities of Lao Chai, Ta Van, and Hau Thao before arriving at Ban Ho. In the region, the Muong Hoa valley is considered to be one of the most important rice-growing regions.

Travellers who choose to hike in this region are greeted by a variety of sights, including the undulating hills of emerald green, breathtaking panoramas, and fascinating traditional towns.

Mountain of Fansipan

Address: Tam Duong District, Lai Chau

Price: Adult and child (taller than 1.3m): 35 USD/ person. Child: 20 USD/ person.

The Fansipan Mount is a well-known tourist destination not just in Sapa but also throughout Vietnam. Due to the fact that Fansipan is the highest mountain on the Indochinese Peninsula (which includes Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia), it is commonly referred to as 'the Roof of Indochina' Fansipan stands at a height of 3,143 metres.

Located inside the Hoang Lien Son Mountain range, Mount Fansipan serves as a watchtower for the terraced rice fields and ethnic villages that are to be found in the area.

Overcoming the Fansipan peak is a goal that many people who enjoy trekking strive to achieve. Your ability to view the breathtaking peak of Mount Fansipan is made possible by a number of different options that are available to travellers of all kinds.

It is dependent on the level of adventurousness, fitness, and time period that you are looking for. There is a range of one to four days for treks.

Ta Phin Village

Address: The foot of Hoang Lien Son Mountain in Sapa Town, Lao Cai Province

Entrance fee: 40,000VNĐ/adult; 20,000VNĐ/child from 1,4m; Child under 1,4m: Free

The town of Sapa is located 15 kilometres away from the little village of Ta Phin. mostly inhabited by members of the Red Dao ethnic group and the Hmong ethnic group, both of which continue to practise their traditional ways of life and adhere to the traditions of ethnic minority groups.

One of the best places to go trekking is at Ta Phin. During your trip to Ta Phin, you will get the opportunity to interact with people who are working in the rice field, see caverns, view traditional houses, and have a traditional medicinal bath.

Silver waterfall

Address: San Sa Ho commune, Sa Pa district, Lao Cai province

This waterfall, known as Silver waterfall or Thác Bạc in Vietnamese, is considered to be among the most stunning waterfalls in Sapa.

The meandering road that leads north of Sapa towards Silver Waterfall is quite picturesque, and you will undoubtedly want to make multiple stops along the way to take in the beautiful views of the rice terraces and Fansipan, which is the highest peak in Vietnam.

Ham Rong Mountain

Address: Duong Len, Sa Pa Town, Sa Pa, Lao Cai

Entrance fee: 70,000VNĐ/adult;  30,000VNĐ/child

One of the most well-known tourist spots in Sapa is Ham Rong, which is situated in the very heart of the city. Because its peak resembles the head of a dragon, people gave it the name Ham Rong mountain, which literally translates to 'dragon jaw mountain' in English.

If you go for a stroll here, you will discover a calm and peaceful area to go, despite the fact that there are a lot of steps that bring you up to the summit of the mountain, where you can see a panoramic view of Sapa from above.

If you are someone who enjoys flowers, then going to this location is a wonderful idea because it is home to a large number of flower farms. You will pass by an orchid garden and a peach garden on your way to the peak of this mountain. Both of these gardens are breathtakingly gorgeous when they are in bloom.

Sapa weather – Best time to visit

If you are going to Sa Pa for the first time, the best time to visit Sapa is during the spring, which is from March to May.

You will have more energy to interact with your guide, visit the markets, eat local cuisine specialties, and simply enjoy your surroundings as a result of the moderate temperatures, which will make the hikes less taxing and leave you with more energy.