How do I get from Sapa to Bac Ha?
Taking place every Sunday morning, Bac Ha remains a vibrant local market where ethnic communities in Lao Cai Province come together to exchange and trade goods. Bac Ha Market continues to attract both Vietnamese tourists and international travelers seeking to experience its rich cultural diversity. Visitors can easily reach Bac Ha Market by taking a bus from Lao Cai Terminal or Sapa Terminal, as it is located approximately 70 km from Lao Cai City and 80 km from Sapa Town.
As of 2025, there are multiple buses departing daily from Lao Cai Terminal, with departures at 7 a.m., 11:30 a.m., and 2 p.m., with fares around VND 90,000. Additionally, passengers traveling by train can disembark at Pho Lu station, which is about 50 km from the market, and then access local buses or motorbike services to reach their destination.
From Sapa, travelers can choose between buses or motorbikes to get to Bac Ha Market. Direct buses are available from Sapa Terminal, with ticket prices of approximately VND 100,000. The journey takes about three hours to reach Bac Ha Market.
Adventurous tourists may also rent a motorbike (the Minsk model remains popular) for around VND 120,000 per day, allowing them to enjoy the stunning landscapes en route to Bac Ha. The most common route goes through Ban Phiet, following Highway 70 for roughly 40-50 km, and turning left at the three-way intersection that leads to Bac Ha.
Tips: Use our Route Planner Tool (http://routeplanner.vietnamonline.com/) to find the best way to get from Sapa to Bac Ha.
