There are various ways for you to travel from Da Nang to Sapa, like motorbike, bus, minivan, private car, train, and plane. Depending on your favorite, demand, and budget, choose the right way to have a convenient and interesting adventure.
Overview Of Da Nang To Sapa
Da Nang to Sapa is a long but wonderful journey that mixes the impression of Vietnam’s coastal city with the breathtaking mountain landscapes of the North. You can have a chance to enjoy captivating Da Nang’s sandy beaches, the modern as well as old vibe of cities and towns along the roads. Then, you will enjoy the perfect Sapa’s cool weather, terraced rice fields, and rich cultural heritage of ethnic minority groups.
How Far Is It From Da Nang To Sapa?
The distance from Da Nang to Sapa is about 1,050 to 1,100 kilometers by road, depending on the specific direction taken. With the distance above, the common Da Nang to Sapa travel time is about 4 to 6 days (by motorbike), from 15 to 20 hours (by bus or minivan), about 14 to 17 hours (by private car), from 29 – 22 hours (by train), and about 1 hour and 20 minutes (by plane to Hanoi, and then from 5 to 6 hours to Sapa by car or by bus).
How To Travel From Da Nang To Sapa?
Traveling from Da Nang to Sapa, you can select many different types of transportation, like a motorbike, a bus, a minivan, a private car, a train, or a plane. In this part of this blog, Seni World will show you how to get from Da Nang to Sapa.
By Motorbike
The Da Nang to Sapa distance by motorbike is adventurous and has various beautiful scenes. Therefore, travelers can have a chance to revel in stunning landscapes at stops along the way and have a real feeling of freedom.
However, the experience of this Central to Northern Vietnam itinerary is extremely long (over 1,000 kilometers), physically demanding, and may be risky because of unpredictable weather, hard terrains, as well as heavy traffic. This trip also requires exceptional riding skills, a great schedule, and many days on the road, which may not be suitable for everyone.
| Aspect | Option 1 (National Highway 1A and National Highway 70) | Option 2 (Ho Chi Minh Highway or also called QL15) | Option 3 (Mixed route between National Highway 1A and Ho Chi Minh Highway) |
| Route | Da Nang → Hue → Dong Hoi (Quang Binh) → Vinh (Nghe An) → Ninh Binh → Hanoi → Yen Bai → Lao Cai → Sapa | Da Nang → Kon Tum → Pleiku → Buon Ma Thuot → Gia Nghia → Dak Nong → Hoa Binh → Son La → Lai Chau → Sapa | Da Nang → Hue → Ninh Binh → Hanoi → Lao Cai → Sapa |
| Distance | About 1,250 kilometers | About 1,400 kilometers | About 1,300 kilometers |
| Travel Time | From 26 to 30 hours (from 4 to 5 days) | From 30 to 35 hours (from 5 to 6 days) | From 28 to 32 hours (about 5 days) |
Suggested stops for you:
Traveling from Da Nang to Sapa by motorbike, you will have some stops to take some short breaks, as well as sightseeing:
- Hue: Visit the Imperial City, Perfume River, and revel in local cuisine.
- Phong Nha – Ke Bang (Quang Binh): Let’s go to the world-famous Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park and mysterious caves.
- Ninh Binh: You can uncover Trang An, Tam Coc, and Bai Dinh Pagoda.
- Hanoi: The capital of Vietnam is a good place for you to rest, try traditional street food, and explore the Hanoi Old Quarter.
- Yen Bai: Investigate Mu Cang Chai with its captivating rice terraces.
- Lao Cai: Don’t forget to stop at Lao Cai City before climbing up to Sapa.
- Sapa: Win the challenge to Fansipan Mountain, go to Cat Cat Village, and see beautiful terraced fields.
By Bus Or Minivan
The Da Nang to Sapa bus or minivan trip is a budget-effective and relatively comfortable selection, particularly for folks who don’t want to navigate by flights or trains with more cost. This type of transportation helps vacationers revel in a direct adventure with convenient seating, air conditioning, and freely to sleep along the road. Buses and minivans also give greater flexibility because they usually stop at central locations, so you can reach the lodging in Sapa without complex connections.
| Vehicle Type | Price (VND) | Travel Time | Notes |
| Sleeper Bus | About 900,000 – 1,200,000 VND (per person) | About 18 – 20 hours | The Da Nang to Sapa sleeper bus is the lowest-priced option for overnight travel with reclining beds. However, this trip is quite long, so it may make you feel tired. |
| VIP Sleeper Bus | About 1,000,000 – 1,400,000 VND (per person) | About 18 – 19 hours | This type of transportation has more legroom, fewer passengers, privacy curtains, and sometimes also has Wi-Fi and USB ports. It is a more comfortable selection for long-distance travelers. |
| Limousine Minivan | About 1,200,000 – 1,800,000 VND (per person) | About 17 – 19 hours | Limousine minivans bring you premium reclining seats, fewer passengers, so it will be a smoother ride. It is perfect for small communities looking for extra convenience on a long road. |
| Open Tour Bus | About 1,000,000 – 1,500,000 VND (per person) | About 15 – 18 hours | Choosing open tour buses, you will have some flexible stops at major cities (such as Hanoi) before arriving in Sapa. This is a budget-friendly and time-consuming choice. |
By Private Car
Touring from Da Nang to Sapa by private car brings travelers maximum comfort and flexibility, especially in setting their personal schedule without the crowded problems. Private cars have privacy, door-to-door convenience, as well as the ability to travel at a comfortable pace with air conditioning and spacious seating. It is perfect for families or small groups of friends. The personal driver ensures protection and decreases fatigue in this long journey, so it is safe for all travelers.
| Car Type | Estimated Price (VND) | Travel Time | Best For |
| 4-Seater Sedan | About 10,000,000 – 12,000,000 VND | About 14 – 16 hours | Solo vacationers, couples, or small communities (up to 3 members) who want both privacy and flexibility. |
| 7-Seater SUV/MPV | About 11,000,000 – 13,000,000 VND | About 14 – 16 hours | Small families or communities (up to 6 members) with more comfort as well as luggage space. |
| 16-Seater Minibus | About 13,000,000 – 15,000,000 VND | About 14 – 17 hours | Larger groups (up to 15 members) and suitable for company trips or big families. |
| Luxury Car (SUV) | About 15,000,000 – 18,000,000 VND | About 14 – 16 hours | Travelers who seek a premium journey with high convenience, modern and professional service, and various flexible stops. |
By Train
The Da Nang to Sapa train trip brings travelers a remarkable view, as you will go from Da Nang to Hanoi, pass alongside Vietnam’s shoreline before reaching the picturesque Hanoi – Lao Cai railway. Traveling by train, you will feel safe and more convenient on long roads, with selections like soft seats or sleeper cabins. You can also enjoy the culture, revel in local meals, see the scenery through windows, especially from March to September, the best time to visit Da Nang, as well as interact with fellow passengers.
| Cabin Type | Estimated Price (VND) | Travel Time | Required Documents | Best For |
| Hard Seat | About 800,000 – 1,000,000 VND | About 20 to 22 hours (You will go from Da Nang to Hanoi by train, then from Hanoi to Lao Cai by train, and by bus or taxi to Sapa) | Passport (global travelers) or ID card (Vietnamese travelers) | Great for budget vacationers who don’t mind long rides on basic seating. |
| Soft Seat | About 1,000,000 – 1,300,000 VND | About 20 – 22 hours | Passport (global travelers) or ID card (Vietnamese travelers) | This is an affordable choice with air conditioning, and you can feel slightly more comfortable than on a hard seat. |
| Hard Sleeper (6-Berth Cabin) | About 1,300,000 – 1,600,000 VND | About 20 – 22 hours | Passport (global travelers) or ID card (Vietnamese travelers) | This type of transportation is suitable for communities or solo travelers who want to have a balance between privacy and cost. |
| Soft Sleeper (4-Berth Cabin) | About 1,600,000 – 2,000,000 VND | About 20 – 22 hours | Passport (global travelers) or ID card (Vietnamese travelers) | Families or couples will love soft sleepers because of its more comfort and quietness during overnight travel. |
| VIP Sleeper (2-Berth Cabin, Some Trains From Hanoi To Lao Cai) | About 2,000,000 – 2,500,000 VND | About 20 – 22 hours | Passport (global travelers) or ID card (Vietnamese travelers) | Good for premium visitors prioritizing cleanliness, privacy, as well as full modern amenities. |
By Plane
Going from Da Nang to Sapa by plane is the fastest and most convenient option. It helps travelers save energy in comparison to the long overland adventure. Therefore, travelers can have more time to uncover Sapa’s beautiful rice terraces, mountains, and unique ethnic villages. Flights are also comfortable, safe, and have more daily departures for you to easily arrange your journey schedules.
| Aspect | Details |
| Flight Duration | About 1 hour and 20 minutes (from Da Nang to Hanoi), and then from 5 to 6 hours to Sapa by car or by bus. |
| Airlines | Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air, or Bamboo Airways. |
| Airport in Hanoi | There is no airport in Sapa. The nearest one is Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) in Hanoi. |
| Airport in Da Nang | Da Nang International Airport (DAD). |
| Estimated Price (VND) | About 800,000 to 1,800,000+ VND (depends on the peak season, the seasonal promotion, and the hot deal of each airline). |
| Best For | Travelers who want to enjoy the fastest way to arrive in Sapa from Da Nang (by mixing flight and road trip from Hanoi). |
| Required Documents | Passport (global travelers) or ID card (Vietnamese travelers). |
Tips For Traveling From Da Nang To Sapa
If you want to have a convenient, safe, happy, and memorable journey from Da Nang to Sapa, you need to learn more about the travel tips for this adventure. Seni World has summarized them for you to have a wonderful Sapa – Da Nang itinerary.
- Book in advance: You need to book transportation tickets and accommodation early during peak season, which consists of holidays and summer months, for availability.
- Prepare suitable clothes and shoes: Let’s bring warm layers because Sapa’s mountain temperature is much cooler than Da Nang, particularly at night. Besides, comfortable shoes are important for you to trek through Sapa’s rice terraces and villages.
- Bring some cash: ATMs are limited, especially in smaller villages in Sapa, and some homestays prefer cash. So, don’t forget to bring them in your baggage.
- Protect your skin: You need to apply sunscreen, wear a hat, and sunglasses for daytime treks to protect yourself from the sun.
- Travel insurance: Particularly in case you plan thrilling trekking or motorbike rides.
- Check the weather forecast: The weather in Sapa can be foggy or rainy, and it can affect visibility and trekking conditions. So, checking the weather forecast is very important.
Final Thoughts
Traveling from Da Nang to Sapa, you can choose various types of transportation, like an adventurous motorbike, a budget-friendly bus or minivan, a comfortable private car, and a pleasant train or plane. It will depend on your favorite, demand, and real-time cost. If you want to take a journey from Da Nang to Sapa, know more about things to do in Da Nang and Sapa, and receive support for the visa process, let’s contact Seni World, a reputable tour operator from Vietnam. We are here to help you from A to Z on your Da Nang to Sapa trip, and throughout beautiful Vietnam.
