Hanoi to Sapa Sleeper Train Ticket

We didn’t get to experience Hanoi’s famous Train Street, but we did get to ride the actual train that passes through it—and honestly, it was an experience of its own. We were lucky to have our cabin all to ourselves, which made us feel like VIPs throughout the journey. Before boarding, we also enjoyed access to the Sapa Lounge, where we were able to freshen up with a shower. The trip from Sapa to Hanoi was peaceful, comfortable, and relaxing. Although the train takes longer than a sleeper bus or limousine, it’s a great option if you have extra time and prioritize better rest, comfort, and safety. Overall, I highly recommend taking the train, especially if you want a more relaxing and enjoyable travel experience.

After spending a night in Sapa, we traveled to Lao Cai and took a sleeper train from Lao Cai to Hanoi! We arrived in Lao Cai about 1.5 hours before departure, left our luggage, got our tickets, and relaxed at a nearby cafe. It was my first time on a sleeper train, and I was worried about whether I'd be able to sleep, but it turned out to be the best sleep I had during my entire Vietnam trip! 🚂 I was also unsure which train to choose, but I went with Chapa Express because of the good reviews, and it was the right choice! I think people get confused about which train to take, but it seems that the style of the train is different for each car. But Chapa was relatively clean! The toilet, which I was concerned about, was very clean!! Also, Chapa originally has a VIP lounge where we were planning to wait, but it was under renovation in June 2025 and was not available, which was a shame! (I was planning to take a shower 😭) Since there were two of us girls, we secured four seats just in case! The room is quite small, so it's safer to secure four seats! Other backpacker girls were doing the same! We received a banana, a snack like Yukimi Daifuku (snow-covered mochi), water, a toothbrush, and a comb! We arrived around 5:45 AM! The staff will wake you up, but it's a bit chaotic in the morning lol. Overall, it was a very satisfying sleeper train experience!! If you are going to Sapa, be sure to take the sleeper train either on the way there or back ✨ I think it will be a wonderful trip ~ 🤩

Comfortable overnight trip — great experience!” We took the Chapa Express VIP 2-berth cabin from Hanoi to Sapa and really enjoyed it. The cabin was clean, nicely decorated, and the beds were surprisingly comfortable. We were given bottled water, toothbrushes, and even some snacks. The air-conditioning worked well, maybe a bit cold, but blankets were provided. The train left on time and arrived early in the morning at Lao Cai, where a minibus picked us up for Sapa. Yes, the train shakes and rattles a bit, but that’s part of the charm! We slept better than expected. Highly recommend if you want to save a night’s hotel and travel while you sleep.

The train check-in counter is on the 2nd floor to the left of the station lobby. There's a lounge inside where you can relax after checking in. You can board the train about 40 minutes before departure. I booked a double room for two people, which has one large bed and includes water bottles, bananas, snacks, a comb, a toothbrush and toothpaste, earplugs, and toilet paper. The cabin is very clean and the air conditioning is strong. Each car has a toilet and a sink, but there are no showers. In the morning, when the train is about to arrive, a station attendant will knock on the door to let you know. If you need extra food or coffee, there will be an additional charge. Overall, the experience was good, but the train rocked and rolled the whole way and was very noisy, making it difficult to sleep. In addition, you can conveniently purchase a transfer from the station to Sapa city center, which is convenient and prevents you from being ripped off by drivers outside. Once you arrive at the station, just walk to the station entrance and you will see the driver holding a sign with your name on it, waiting for everyone to board the car together.

The staff were very friendly and welcoming. They served us tea and some snacks while we waited for our train. When it was time to board, the staff guided us all the way to the platform and to our cabin. After we settled in, they checked again to make sure we had everything we needed. Overall, we had a very pleasant and comfortable journey. Highly recommended!

A sleeper train experience is a must when visiting Sapa! VicSapa has a partner lounge right next to the train station. Our train was at 9:30 PM, but we arrived in Lao Cai City at noon. Although the staff was still cleaning, they warmly welcomed us inside to relax and store our luggage. There are free shower rooms with toiletries provided, so you can take a refreshing shower after a day of activities before getting on the train☺️ Around 8:30 PM, the staff will escort you to Lao Cai Station to board. The train is decorated in a classic style and offers free food and drinking water. After departure, staff will come by with a trolley selling snacks and drinks. The air conditioning is cool, and the beds are comfortable, ensuring a good night's sleep!

The railway station and the Chapa Lounge are easy to locate. The staffs are friendly and as for the lounge -- VIP Lounge needs to spend, Waiting Lounge doesn't need to. If sharing 4-sleeper, I preferred the lower berth because the top berth is really cold as the AC blows from the top. Also, if you're 6ft & above or big size, the bed would be a bit too short & narrow for you. Also, when it comes to the noise, YES, it is super loud. Mine felt someone banged the door right next to me the whole night and my wall was shaking. Eye mask is a must if you can't sleep with lights. The bed is soft and clean, no smell. Toilets are clean and suitable for light use only, don't expect to take a bath on the train. The charging pod works but because of the train's shaking, the socket comes off easily, so best to charge your gadgets beforehand. As i exited the train, the shuttle service person was already waiting for me with my name so, it is very convenient. Overall, it is for the experience.

Such a good experience overall! I would definitely choose Chapa Express Train again when coming back to Hanoi. Both VIP lounges in Hanoi and Sapa were comfortable, and the staff were very friendly and helpful. The shuttle service to/from the hotel was smooth and well arranged. Complimentary snacks, water, and amenity kit were nicely provided, and the cabin was comfortable for two people. The train was also on time, which we really appreciated. They also provide slippers — if you don’t see them in the cabin, you can ask the staff and they will assist you. The Hanoi → Lao Cai trip was smooth, while the return trip was a bit noisier and shakier. One small concern was the transparent restroom window on the Hanoi → Lao Cai train, which felt less secure (the return train had proper covering, which was much better). Note: Morning coffee is chargeable, while drinks offered at night (beer/soda/water) are complimentary. Overall, very satisfied with the experience and would book again! 😊

Such a good experience overall! I would definitely choose Chapa Express Train again when coming back to Hanoi. Both VIP lounges in Hanoi and Sapa were comfortable, and the staff were very friendly and helpful. The shuttle service to/from the hotel was smooth and well arranged. Complimentary snacks, water, and amenity kit were nicely provided, and the cabin was comfortable for two people. The train was also on time, which we really appreciated. They also provide slippers — if you don’t see them in the cabin, you can ask the staff and they will assist you. The Hanoi → Lao Cai trip was smooth, while the return trip was a bit noisier and shakier. One small concern was the transparent restroom window on the Hanoi → Lao Cai train, which felt less secure (the return train had proper covering, which was much better). Note: Morning coffee is chargeable, while drinks offered at night (beer/soda/water) are complimentary. Overall, very satisfied with the experience and would book again! 😊

VicSapa is a great choice, with clean rooms and toilets. The van driver picked us up from Sapa and brought us to Lao Cai, which took almost an hour. We then stayed at the VicSapa Lounge for about 2.5 hours. They have a restaurant with good food, as well as bathrooms and shower rooms where you can freshen up before boarding the train. The lounge is conveniently located right in front of the train station. I felt a little dizzy at first on the train, and it can be a bit noisy, but you eventually get used to it. I recommend this if you prefer to lie down while traveling back to Hanoi. Snacks, water, toiletries, clean pillows, and blankets are provided, and they also sell additional snacks during the ride. Just manage your expectations—the beds and cabins are quite small and narrow. Overall, it’s a comfortable and convenient experience.