Hanoi to Lao Cai Sleeper Train By Chapa Express

The sleeper train was wonderful. Although the lounge at Hanoi Station was full 40 minutes before departure, and we couldn't even get in, we were quickly escorted to our carriage, so it wasn't an issue. We booked with Chapa, but it seemed to be fully booked, as we ended up in a Tonkin Heritage carriage. The interior was clean and beautiful, and the staff were very polite and attentive. Our private cabin was equipped with bottled water, snacks, toothbrushes, combs, and earplugs, and they also brought us beer and soda. There's a water dispenser in the hallway, but no cups are provided, so it might be a good idea to bring a mug or similar if you want to drink something warm. The train was on time, but after arriving in Sapa, we had to wait nearly an hour in the shuttle bus before it departed. (It seemed they were trying to fill the bus by asking travelers who hadn't arranged transportation yet if they wanted to join. I heard this from someone who was approached and got on the bus.) Therefore, my breakdown of the experience is 7 stars for the train and 3 stars for the bus.

We had a good experience trying out the Chapa Express from Hanoi to Sapa (Lao Cai station). Redemption of the Klook vouchers were pretty easy; upon arrival at Hanoi train station take the escalator up to the second floor and you'll see the Chapa Express VIP Room where you can check in. The VIP Room is pretty small and it was full so we just sat outside. The staff will call you when it's about time to board the train. The cabins were pretty comfortable and cozy and they provided some bananas, mineral water and some other Vietnamese snacks. The toilet was clean and there is also a separate sink outside. The whole journey took around 8 hours but we couldn't sleep much as it was quite noisy along the tracks even with earplugs. Upon arrival in Lao Cai we took a pre-booked van to Sapa town center which took another 40 minutes. Overall it was quite a good experience but I would rather take the overnight sleeper bus next time.

Everything was smooth, from the shuttle pickup to the welcoming at Lao Cai station till the arrangement at the cabin in the train. We enjoyed the trip very much! strongly recommended for those wanna try a heritage train!

Before using, I saw a review mentioning that people over 185cm tall can't stretch their legs, and the train shakes and is noisy, which interferes with sleep, so I was worried. However, my wife, who is sensitive to sleeping environments, slept soundly for 6 hours, and I, who am 188cm tall, didn't find it as uncomfortable as I thought and slept well. I bought water and snacks before boarding, but the water, banana, and snacks provided were surprisingly plentiful, so unless you're planning to binge eat before bed, you probably don't need to bring snacks. I'm planning to take the bus back, and I'm looking forward to comparing the two. Also, the Lao Cai-Sapa shuttle bus was very comfortable, and the driver drove so well that we arrived comfortably and quickly. If you have the chance, sit in the front seat.

One of the best transportation mode from Hanoi to Sapa and v.v. Leaves on time and bed are comfortable for the 8 hour travel. Each cabin has bottled water, bananas and snacks, toiletries like toothbrush and comb, and earplugs too. Clean restroom. Lounge in Lao Cai is clean and they provide free welcome snacks. If it’s your first time like us though, you’ll doubt if you’re in the right cabin as no staff will assist you onboard. But it’s easy to find your cabin.

its beeter than my expectations. everything is good and clean. and the air conditioning in the train is good so i have a good sleep throughout the travel!

amazing experience. it's expensive than the other transportation to sapa but it worthy money. Clean cabin provide water toothbrush comb. I booked with shuttle bus so that you dont have to spend again for grab or taxi.The shuttle bus will sent you to ur hotel. Good experience.

Feeling: The lounge has a great atmosphere and is a good place to rest before boarding the train. What was surprising was that I had bunk number 25, and there was no such number. But the staff found me a bunk by moving me to another car and a new bunk number, which I was still satisfied with. The bunk was clean with a good atmosphere, including the bathroom. I really liked it and will probably come back again. Shuttle Service: If you book a Shuttle Bus, when you arrive at the station in the morning, you will find staff holding name signs. You have to wait until all seats are full before departing for Sapa according to the accommodation you have specified.

the experience was great. the host WhatsApp me a day before to confirm my tickets. the VIP lounge is a great place to rest with welcome drinks. cabin is great. just bumpy but expected. be careful there NO bathing facilities at the Sapa station. Throughout the train there will be people trying to sell you tibits. the complimentary drinks onboard is free but the coffee / tea upon arrival is NOT free and they will not inform you. 50000 dong. (3 in 1 coffee mixed)

very straight forward purchase via Klook. Received confirmation very quickly and received email from the provider in this case Chapa, the following day. Klook also addressed my concern of putting 3 of us together in same cabin (we do not get to choose which coach/bed) by advising me to email Chapa directly and provided the email address and also offered to also make a request to Chapa on our behalf. Chapa got back to me the following day. on the actual day I just showed them the ticket issued by Chapa on my phone and they issued an actual ticket with the coach number and bed numbers. Going to Lao Cai they didn’t issue me ticket just asked me to snap a picture of the ticket on their phone. in comparison the train to Lao Cai was in better condition then the one returning to Hanoi. I’m ok with sleeping anywhere. if you are ok with thinner mattress second class is good. Toilet is nearby and always clean. if u need thick mattress u have to go to the higher class and pay more; some has sofa and more fancy wash basin etc. We took some pictures. In conclusion the purchase process is straight forward and quick on Klook oh and it’s cheaper than the provider too.