Sapa Express (Hanoi — Lao Cai)

Vietnam Railways (VNR) with private-carriage tourist operators (Sapaly Express, Fansipan Express, Vicsapa, Victoria Express, Chapa Express)
Vietnam
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The Journey

Navigate from Hanoi Railway Station (Ga Hà Nội, 120 Lê Duẩn) to Lao Cai Railway Station (Ga Lào Cai, thị xã Lào Cai) across a span of 296km. This is an overnight service.

Scenery Highlights
  • Red River Delta rice paddies north of Hanoi
  • Phu Tho mid-route tea country
  • Yen Bai Red River tributary gorges
  • Hoang Lien Son ridge approach to Lao Cai
  • Sunrise over the Fansipan massif as you pull into Lao Cai
Quick Facts
  • Duration

    8 hours

  • Distance

    296 km

  • Est. Price

    VNR hard sleeper US$25–35, soft sleeper US$45–60; Vicsapa 4-berth US$90–110, Sapaly VIP US$180–220

Official Booking Provider
Classes & Accommodations

Meals: none

Ensuite: No

Meals: none

Ensuite: No

Meals: dinner-breakfast

Ensuite: Yes

Meals: dinner-breakfast

Ensuite: No

Engine / Locomotive

VNR D12W diesel

Track Gauge

1,000 mm (metre gauge)

Braking Technology

Westinghouse air brake

Route Engineering Challenges

  • 1.2% maximum gradient

  • 200 m minimum curve radius

  • Nine tunnels including 540 m longest

  • 78 bridges across the Red River tributaries

Track gauge

1,000 mm (metre gauge)

Top speed

70 km/h

Tunnels

9 (longest 540 m)

Bridges

78

Electrification

None (diesel)

Rolling stock

VNR D12W diesel locomotive with mixed fleet of VNR 22-series stock and privately-owned Sapaly/Vicsapa/Fansipan carriages

Quick Facts
  • Duration

    8 hours

  • Distance

    296 km

  • Est. Price

    VNR hard sleeper US$25–35, soft sleeper US$45–60; Vicsapa 4-berth US$90–110, Sapaly VIP US$180–220

Official Booking Provider