New Highway Linking Hanoi and Sapa Cuts Travel Time in Half

Selected Vietnam private tour including a visit to Sapa

• 9-Day North Vietnam Tour

  Hanoi - Sapa - Ninh Binh - Halong Bay

The Northwest region of Vietnam has been popular with adventurous trekkers and those who wish to interact with nature and hill tribes people. The mountainous town of Sapa especially offers epic scenery along with exotic minority cultures that make it a not-to-miss destination. Before the highway was constructed, the only way to reach Sapa is either catch the overnight train or bus, which is not advised due to bumpy road condition and unsafe factors. If taking the train, western travelers find it torturous to sleep on small bunks while their luggage can barely get through the narrow passage. The train usually leaves in the evening and arrives in early morning at 6:00, meaning travelers need to wait until noon to check into their hotel. 

A few gas stations and a rest area are available along the way.

With operation of the new highway, traveling to Sapa is no longer a nightmare, if not exaggerated. Private transfer is highly recommended - in addition to shorter travel time as 4.5 hours, the drive will be safer and much more comfortable with the most flexibility that train and bus can’t offer. Another best thing is, when traveling in the daytime, you can enjoy beautiful roadside views along the way: rice paddies, village houses, red river, misty mountains, etc.. 

The roadside views offer both natural scenery and country living.

"The trip was wonderful, compared with a bumpy overnight train ride, which travelers technically cannot sleep well and suffer from loud noises," Odyssey Sales Manager Wanda Tang, who just experienced the drive to Sapa, shared her comment. "We are informing our customers about this good news and are happy to arrange a comfortable car drive for them. It’s much more cost-efficient."