Planning your journey from Hanoi to Lao Cai or Sapa? Here’s everything you need to know about Sao Viet’s bus schedules, including departure times, pickup points, and travel duration.
Daily Departure Times from Hanoi
Sao Viet operates multiple daily departures to accommodate different travel preferences:
Morning Departures
- 6:30 AM – Perfect for early birds who want to arrive in Sapa by afternoon
- 8:00 AM – Ideal for those who prefer traveling during daylight hours
- 10:30 AM – Great for enjoying the scenic mountain views
Evening and Overnight Departures
- 6:00 PM – Popular choice for those heading to Lao Cai city
- 8:30 PM – Most popular overnight option
- 10:00 PM – Latest departure, arrives early morning
Journey Duration and Route Information
The journey typically takes:
- Hanoi to Lao Cai: 5-6 hours
- Hanoi to Sapa: 6-7 hours
- Lao Cai to Sapa: 45 minutes
Hanoi Pickup Points
Sao Viet offers multiple convenient pickup locations in Hanoi:
- Old Quarter – Perfect for tourists staying in the historic district
- Hoan Kiem District – Central location near major hotels
- My Dinh Bus Station – Ideal for local travelers
- Giap Bat Station – Convenient for south Hanoi residents
Drop-off Locations
Depending on your final destination:
Lao Cai
- Lao Cai Central Bus Station
- Lao Cai City Center
- Train Station Area
Sapa
- Sapa Bus Station
- Sapa Town Center
- Major hotels (upon request)
Seasonal Schedule Variations
Keep in mind that schedules may vary during:
- Peak tourist season (September to November)
- Tet Holiday period
- Major Vietnamese festivals
- Adverse weather conditions
Booking Information
To secure your preferred departure time:
- Book at least 24 hours in advance during regular season
- Book 3-5 days ahead during peak season
- Week-long advance booking recommended for holiday periods
Travel Tips for Different Schedules
Morning Departures
Perfect for:
- Photographers wanting to capture daytime mountain scenery
- Families with children
- Those who prefer daytime travel
Evening Departures
Ideal for:
- Budget travelers saving on accommodation
- Business travelers maximizing daytime hours
- Those wanting to arrive fresh in the morning
Schedule Flexibility
Sao Viet understands travel plans can change. They offer:
- Free schedule changes up to 12 hours before departure
- Minimal fee for last-minute changes
- Refund options for cancellations with sufficient notice
Special Services by Schedule
Different departure times come with varying amenities:
- Morning buses include lunch stops at clean restaurants
- Evening departures provide dinner break options
- Overnight buses offer sleeping amenities
Remember to arrive at your pickup point 15-30 minutes before scheduled departure. Sao Viet maintains strict departure times to ensure on-time arrival at all destinations. For the most current schedule information and availability, it’s recommended to check their online booking system or contact their customer service directly.
