Mai Chau to Sapa is a trip that combines the plains and plateaus. It offers an exciting change of pace as you leave the peaceful villages of Mai Chau and head up to the misty mountains of Sa Pa.
Overview Of Mai Chau To Sapa
If you’ve ever been to Mai Chau, you’ll remember the calm feeling of the valley with its stilt houses next to rice fields, and the sound of the Khen blowing in the afternoon wind. But if your trip has not ended there, and you want to continue to Sapa, to feel the chill of the highlands and the clouds drifting on the top of Fansipan, this article will assist in giving you a clearer idea of that road.
How Far Is It From Mai Chau To Sapa
Going from Mai Chau to Sapa is not a short journey. In distance, going from Mai Chau to Sapa is about 400 km to 450 km, depending on which way you travel. By car, it normally takes 9 to 11 hours to travel from Mai Chau to Sapa. If you go by motorbike, it is best to break the trip into two days of travel.
The route features twisting mountain passes that go up and down in rotation, but enjoy the beautiful scenery from both sides. From Mai Chau valley, you will go through Moc Chau with its green tea hills. On to Son La, you can see the land of vast corn fields. On to Yen Bai, all the views will turn into undulating mountains before you finally arrive close to Sapa.
How To Travel From Mai Chau To Sapa
There are many ways to travel from Mai Chau to Sapa. The table below outlines three main route options to suit different preferences.
| Aspect | Option 1 | Option 2 | Option 3 |
| Route | Mai Chau -> Hoa Binh -> Hanoi -> CT05 -> Sapa | Mai Chau -> Son La -> Moc Chau -> Yen Bai -> Sapa | Mai Chau -> Hoa Binh -> Son La -> Lai Chau -> Sapa |
| Distance | Approximately 300km | Approximately 340km | Approximately 320km |
| Travel Time | 6-7 hours (8-9 hours with stops) | 7-8 hours (9-10 hours with stops) | 6.5-7.5 hours (9-10 hours with stops) |
By Motorbike
For those who love to explore, enjoy the scenery, and are not afraid of challenges, the Mai Chau – Sapa route is a very worthwhile choice to travel by motorbike.
This is one of the most beautiful backpacking routes in the North. The road has many twists, and every curve will showcase a completely different scene, such as clouds drifting on the mountains, small villages, or beautiful terraced fields in the sun. If you travel by motorbike, you should stop in Moc Chau or Son La to find a safe place to rest overnight and have enough time to explore all the places along the way.
Cost:
| Rental Duration | Price Range (VND) | Price Range (USD) |
| Per Hour | 30,000 – 50,000 | $2 – $5 |
| Per Day | 100,000 – 250,000 | $4.50 – $6 |
| Per Month | 1,000,000 – 2,500,000 | $45 – $110 |
By Bus
If you are not used to long-distance travel or do not want to drive, the easiest way is to take a bus.
The journey from Mai Chau to Hanoi can be taken by bus and takes about 4 hours. Once there, you’ll find many sleeper buses leaving directly for Sapa, usually later in the same evening and arriving early the next day. Inter Bus Lines, Sapa Express, or Queen Cafe are some of the bus companies that run this route on a daily basis.
Cost:
The price for traveling from Mai Chau to Sapa by bus is around 800,000 VND to 900,000 VND ($32 to $36) per route.
By Taxi
Actually, taking a taxi straight from Mai Chau to Sapa is completely possible, but this is not a popular choice. The reason is that the distance is quite far – about 420–450 km and takes about 9–10 hours of continuous driving.
However, if you are traveling in a small group, have a lot of luggage, or want to move comfortably, a taxi is also an option worth considering.
Cost:
The price per taxi for a Mai Chau to Sapa route ranges from $159 to $229 (3,975,000 VND to 5,725,000 VND) based on the kind of car you want.
By Multiple Modes Of Transport
If you don’t want to drive long distances but still want to be proactive, combining multiple means of transport is the most reasonable way. Many tourists go this way because it’s less tiring and allows them to experience many different types of transportation.
Step 1: From Mai Chau, you start your journey by bus or taxi to Hanoi. When you arrive in Hanoi, you can rest a bit, have lunch, or have coffee to continue the next leg.
Step 2: From Hanoi, there are two popular options to go to Lao Cai: by train or sleeper bus. If you like comfort, we recommend taking the night train departing at 9 pm. You can sleep and wake up in the morning to arrive at Lao Cai station. If you want to be faster, a sleeper bus is also a good choice, taking about five to six hours to get there.
Step 3: Once you arrive in Lao Cai, you only have a short distance of about thirty kilometers to get to Sapa. You can take a taxi or ask the homestay owner to take you to Sapa town
Cost:
The total cost to travel from Mai Chau to Sapa will include:
| Types of tickets | Price Range (VND) | Price Range (USD) |
| Bus ticket from Mai Chau to Hanoi | 100.000 – 375.000 VND | 4 – 15 USD |
| Train ticket from Hanoi to Lao Cai | 250.000 – 1.750.000 VND | 10 – 70 USD |
| Bus ticket from Lao Cai to Sapa | 50.000 – 175.000 VND | 2 – 7 USD |
| Taxi from Lao Cai to Sapa | 750.000 – 1.500.000 VND | 30 – 60 USD |
Recommended Stops Along The Way
If you travel by road from Mai Chau to Sapa, it will take about 9-10 hours. Although it is a long road, there are many interesting places for you to stop, rest, and enjoy the scenery. Here are some highly recommended stops that are easy to find and really worth visiting.
Thung Khe Pass
After only fifteen minutes from Mai Chau, you will reach Thung Khe Pass, also called Da Trang Pass. Located along National Highway 6 in Hoa Binh Province, Thung Khe Pass is one of the most spectacular mountain passes in Vietnam. It is famous for its spectacular limestone cliffs and sweeping views. Adrenaline seekers will enjoy the winding turns, while nature lovers can enjoy the panoramic views and peaceful surroundings.
Moc Chau
From Mai Chau, it takes about an hour and a half to reach Moc Chau. Everyone coming to the Northwest should visit Moc Chau at least once. The Heart Tea Hill in Tan Lap is much liked in Moc Chau. Early in the morning, travellers can stand in the center of this green tea hill with dew still on leaves underfoot and take a deep breath. It features Dai Yem Waterfall, which is basically pure white, and a colored glass bridge across it. Come around noon any day when time is ample for a break, halt here and have beef noodle soup or yogurt before stepping ahead.
Pha Din Pass (Son La – Dien Bien border)
Most tourists and backpackers come here to satisfy their passion for adventure. The rugged mountain pass and majestic nature here seem to have a strange hypnotic power. From afar, the mountain pass stretches and winds like a rope suspended between the mountains and hills.
Each season, Pha Din Pass has a different beauty, but the most beautiful seasons in Pha Din are spring and summer. Spring is the season of blooming wild flowers with pink peach blossoms, pure white plum blossoms, and white bauhinia flowers covering the sky. Summer in the delta provinces is scorching hot, but the climate in Pha Din is cool and pleasant.
Hang Tom Bridge
Not only impressive as the largest cable-stayed bridge in the Northwest region, Hang Tom Bridge also attracts tourists with its beauty, like a musical frame spanning the poetic Da River. When standing on Hang Tom Bridge, visitors will admire the immense mountain and forest scenery in front and the Da River flowing tirelessly below. Immerse yourself in the fresh natural air here to relax, and don’t forget to pose for photos.
O Quy Ho Pass – Heaven’s Gate Sapa
Before reaching Sapa town, you will cross O Quy Ho Pass in Lai Chau, Lao Cai. This summit has an altitude exceeding 2000m and incredibly scenic views of the valley below. O Quy Ho Pass is a common stop for travelers who want to observe the clouds and take a break before heading to Sapa.
FAQ About Traveling From Mai Chau To Sapa
If you still have some doubts about traveling between Mai Chau and Sapa, read the FAQs that Seni World has compiled from travelers who have experienced this trip.
Should I take this trip during the rainy season?
If you want to be safe and easy to go, you should avoid the rainy season in the Northwest. At that time, the mountain passes are slippery, foggy, and you have to go slowly in many sections. But if you go during this season, you will see more beautiful green mountains and waterfalls.
Are there gas stations and repair shops along the way from Mai Chau to Sapa?
Yes, there are. However, there are a few long mountain passes. You should fill up the tank in Mai Chau or Moc Chau, then check again when you reach Son La. Especially when going through the O Quy Ho pass area, you should not let the gas run low.
If you get carsick, which means of transport should you choose?
If you get carsick, we advise you to travel by train or motorbike.
Are there any places to buy local specialties on the way?
Yes! In Thung Khe, you can buy grilled corn and sticky rice. In Moc Chau, you can enjoy yogurt and sweet soup. When coming to Son La, do not forget to sell dried buffalo meat. And near O Quy Ho, there are honey and wild apples.
Final Thoughts
The ride from Mai Chau to Sapa is an exciting journey through northwest Vietnam (300-340km), connecting the Thai valley with the mountains and misty hills of Sapa. No matter what means of transport you use (motorbike, bus, train, or private car), you will have the opportunity to take in culture and nature.
If you are ready to explore, book a full experience trip with Seni World today!
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