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How to get to Sapa from Singapore: 2025 travel guide
Looking for the best way to get to Sapa from Singapore? Check out flights and compare train, bus, van, and car options with costs, and tips.
If you’re wondering how to get to Sapa from Singapore, you’ve come to the right place. Because there are no direct flights to Sapa from Singapore, you can fly from Singapore to Hanoi and then have a bit more creativity when deciding the rest of your route.
This guide covers all possible modes of transportation, including flights, trains, buses, vans, and private car and motorcycle options. We’ll also look at estimated travel times, costs, and beginner-friendly Singapore to Sapa travel tips.
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How to travel from Singapore to Sapa
Getting to Sapa from Singapore involves two main legs of travel.
First, you’ll need to fly into Hanoi’s Noi Bai International Airport (HAN), Vietnam’s main northern gateway.
From there, you can continue the journey to Sapa by overnight train, express bus or van, private car, or motorcycle. The entire trip typically takes around 8–10 hours, including transfers, depending on your travel method.
While it’s not a quick hop, the effort pays off as Sapa is one of Vietnam’s most scenic mountain regions. With its terraced rice fields, mist-covered valleys, ethnic minority villages, and cool alpine air, it offers a tranquil contrast to the bustle of Hanoi or Singapore’s tropical climate.
Many travellers go to Sapa to explore hiking trails in Vietnam, experience homestays with local communities, or simply enjoy the mountain views from their hotel balconies.
Step 1: Fly from Singapore to Hanoi
Several airlines offer direct flights from Singapore to Hanoi. These include Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air, Singapore Airlines, and Scoot.
Round-trip fares generally range between SGD 240 and SGD 450 based on rates for Singapore to Hanoi flights in March (2026), which is considered the best time to visit Vietnam, while flight time usually takes up to 3.5 hours.
Budget carriers like Scoot and Vietjet Air offer some of the lowest round-trip deals between Singapore and Hanoi, while full-service airlines such as Singapore Airlines and Vietnam Airlines tend to charge more.
Step 2: Continue from Hanoi to Sapa
Once you arrive in Hanoi, the next leg of your journey takes you to Sapa, located about 315 kilometers (195 miles) northwest of the capital. The trip typically takes between 5 and 8 hours, depending on your chosen mode of transport.
Below is an overview of the four main ways to reach Sapa from Hanoi:
| Option | How to travel | Duration | Estimated cost (one-way) (SGD) | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Hanoi to Sapa by overnight train | Take the night train from Hanoi to Lao Cai Station, and then continue by bus or taxi for about 1 hour to Sapa. | 7–8 hours (including transfer) | $40–$100 | Travellers who prefer a relaxed overnight journey. |
| 2. Hanoi to Sapa by bus or limousine van | Direct bus or luxury limousine van from Hanoi’s Old Quarter or Noi Bai Airport to Sapa town. | 5.5–6.5 hours | $20–$45 | Travellers looking for an affordable, direct option. |
| 3. Private car (with driver) | Hire a private car or driver for a door-to-door transfer. | 5–6 hours | $150–$250 | Families or small groups seeking comfort and convenience. |
| 4. Driving a car | Drive your own or rented vehicle along the Hanoi–Lao Cai Expressway (CT05). Roads are well-maintained, but become winding near Sapa. | 5–6 hours | $20–$40 (own car, fuel + tolls) / $70–$150 (rented car, including rental, fuel & tolls) | Experienced drivers who want flexibility and scenic stops along the way. |
| 5. Motorbike (adventure route) | Ride a rented motorbike via QL32 or CT05, passing through mountain villages and rice terraces. | 8–10 hours (with breaks) | $30–$60 (rental + fuel) | Adventure seekers comfortable with long rides. |
Travel tips for Singapore travellers
Check out these tips to plan your travel from Singapore to Sapa more efficiently:
- Turn your Sapa trip into a 4D3N getaway from Singapore to explore the highlights without rushing.
- Check your Vietnam visa requirements, and keep in mind that Singaporeans can enter Vietnam visa-free for up to 30 days.
- Adjust your schedule for the one-hour time difference between Vietnam and Singapore.
- Travel during the best season, which is from March to May for spring, and September to November for autumn.
- Buy flight tickets and book your accommodations in advance.
- Carry enough cash, as small towns and local shops usually don’t accept credit cards. Note that SGD 1 converts to 18,000 to 20,000 VND.
- Stay connected using a travel eSIM or a Vietnam SIM card, so you can stay connected whether you’re in Hanoi, Lao Cai, or Sapa.
Tip! Check out our Vietnam packing list to know what to bring, from sunscreen and clothes to documents and restricted items. Plus, get a free, printable checklist.
Best route from Singapore to Sapa
Here’s a quick breakdown of how to get to Sapa from Singapore and the best routes to take.
| Route | Duration | Estimated cost (SGD) | Ideal for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flight + overnight train | 3.5 hr flight Singapore → Hanoi + 7–8 hr train/taxi to Sapa | $220–$450 | Travellers who enjoy relaxed, nostalgic travel and don’t mind overnight journeys. |
| Flight + bus / limousine van | 3.5 hr flight + 5.5–6.5 hr bus or van | $205–$395 | Budget-conscious travellers or those who prefer a direct, comfortable route. |
| Flight + private car | 3.5 hr flight + 5–6 hr private car transfer | $330–$600 | Families or small groups prioritizing comfort and door-to-door convenience. |
| Flight + self-drive car | 3.5 hr flight + 5–6 hr self-drive along CT05 | $210–$490 | Experienced drivers wanting flexibility and the freedom to stop at scenic spots. |
| Flight + motorbike adventure | 3.5 hr flight + 8–10 hr motorbike ride | $200–$430 | Adventure seekers comfortable with long rides and offbeat experiences. |
Plan ahead to secure the best flights, train or bus tickets, and vehicle rentals. Don’t forget to get your Holafly eSIM for Vietnam before flying so you can have unlimited data on the move — whether traveling between cities or exploring Sapa’s mountain villages.
Peace of mind before you fly
Set up your eSIM before your trip to Sapa and enjoy unlimited data as soon as you arrive in Vietnam.
Disclaimer: The data in this article is accurate as of November 6th, 2025, and is subject to change.
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Formerly a travel journalist turned marketing copywriter, I found my way back to the travel world with Holafly—my dream company that made remote work possible. My motto? “Dream big and make it happen.” I’m passionate about writing, exploring the world, and staying active through walking, running, swimming, and hiking. I also love learning, reflecting, and connecting with inspiring minds.
