Lao Cai Train Station: Gateway to Northern Vietnam’s Charm

Nestled in the picturesque landscapes of Northern Vietnam, Lao Cai Train Station is more than just a transit point. It serves as a familiar stop for local travelers and an increasingly popular destination for international visitors. The rail journey from Hanoi to Lao Cai marks the end of the renowned Hanoi-Lao Cai railway line.

As the final destination on this historic route, Ga Lào Cai (Lao Cai Train Station) warmly welcomes travelers to explore the cultural richness, historical significance, and natural beauty of Vietnam’s northern region. Beyond its role in transportation, Lao Cai Station symbolizes connectivity, bridging Hanoi’s urban bustle with the scenic wonders of Lào Cai province.

Lao Cai Train Station Overview:

Established in 1902 and commencing operations a year later in 1903, Lao Cai Train Station stands as a pivotal Grade I railway station along the Hanoi-Lao Cai railway line. Nestled in the heart of Coc Leu Ward, within the city of Lao Cai, in the namesake province, this station serves a crucial role in connecting the Northern and Southern regions of Vietnam through the Unification North-South trains, passenger trains covering the Hanoi-Lao Cai stretch, and freight trains.

Lao Cai Train Station is a testament to Vietnam’s railway history, witnessing the evolution of transportation since the early 20th century. Initially conceived to facilitate the movement of goods, the station quickly adapted to accommodate the growing demand for passenger travel. Over the decades, it has played a vital role in shaping the economic and cultural landscape of the region.

The station’s historical significance is deeply embedded in its architecture and functionality. With a total of four railway tracks, including two separate stations for passengers and cargo, Lao Cai Train Station reflects a thoughtful design aimed at efficiently catering to diverse transportation needs.

The passenger station spans an expansive 1,200 square meters, featuring three ticket counters, a waiting lounge, and restroom facilities. In contrast, the cargo station covers an extensive area of 2,000 square meters, comprising a warehouse and a cargo yard. This division ensures a streamlined and organized approach to handling both passengers and freight, emphasizing the station’s multifaceted role in the transportation network.

Ticket Information for Lao Cai Train Station

Train Schedule to Lao Cai

Here is a snapshot of the train schedule arriving at Lao Cai Train Station:

Train	Departure Station	Arrival Station	Arrival Time	Departure Time	Stop Duration	Next Station	Final Destination
SP2	Lào Cai	Lao Cai	21:48	21:51	3 minutes	Bảo Hà	Hà Nội
SP4	Lào Cai	Lao Cai	22:33	22:36	3 minutes	Bảo Hà	Hà Nội

Notably, Lao Cai Train Station plays a crucial role in receiving and dispatching passengers for these trains. Additionally, it actively participates in the transportation of goods to other railway stations within the Vietnamese railway system.

Ticket Pricing to Lao Cai

Departure Station	Destination Station	Train Type	Soft Seat (VND)	Hard Seat (VND)	Sleeping Berth (VND)
Lào Cai	Hà Nội	SE7, SE3, SES, SE9, SE11, SE13, SE15	120,000	70,000	450,000
Lào Cai	Phú Thọ	SP3	110,000	65,000	420,000
Lào Cai	Yên Bái, Sơn La, Hà Giang	SP3	100,000	60,000	390,000
Lào Cai	Sơn La	SP3	90,000	55,000	360.000
Lào Cai	Hà Giang	SP3	80,000	50,000	330,000
Lào Cai	Cao Bằng	SP3	70,000	45,000	300,000

Note: Prices are subject to change based on the time and type of train. Travel times may also vary based on real-time conditions.

How To Purchase Tickets for Lao Cai Train Station

Planning your journey to Lao Cai involves a crucial step: purchasing train tickets. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to buy tickets for the Hanoi – Lao Cai route, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free experience.

Online Booking Guide:

You can visit online booking platforms such as gatauhoa.com, vetau.alltours.vn, tauhoa.phongbanve.vn, and navigate to the “Book Train Tickets Online” section.

Enter your departure station, destination station, travel date, preferred ticket type, and the number of tickets required. You’ll be presented with a list of suitable train options, including departure and arrival times, ticket prices, and availability.

Choose your preferred train and proceed to make payment online via bank transfer, e-wallet, or online payment gateway. Upon successful payment, you’ll receive a booking code via email or SMS, which you can use to collect your tickets at the station before boarding the train.

Purchase at the Station

For a hands-on experience, visit ticket counters at the station nearest to you. Attendants will guide you through available train options, providing information on schedules and ticket availability. Payment can be made in cash or through credit/debit cards.

Advance Booking Tips

Early booking is recommended to secure availability and avoid potential price increases. For those seeking sleeping berths, it’s advisable to book tickets 1-2 weeks in advance. This ensures availability and secures your preferred accommodation on the train.

Online reservations can be made through the official website of Vietnam Railways (dsvn.vn). Avoid purchasing from unauthorized vendors to prevent high prices or the risk of acquiring fake tickets.

How to Get to Sapa from Lao Cai Train Station

For those opting to venture to Sapa via train, it’s crucial to note that all train journeys culminate at Lao Cai Train Station.

Upon arrival at Lao Cai Train Station, the journey to the picturesque town of Sapa begins. Located approximately 30 kilometers away, travelers have various options for reaching the heart of Sapa:

Taxi: Opt for a taxi, with prices starting from 350,000 VND for a 4-seater vehicle.
Shuttle Bus: Choose a more economical option with shuttle buses priced between 50,000 VND to 60,000 VND per passenger.
Public Bus: For the budget-conscious traveler, walking a short distance to the Lao Cai – Sapa bus stop (either at Lao Cai Bus Station or Pho Moi Station) allows you to catch a bus with a frequency of every 15 minutes. The bus fare is wallet-friendly 10,000 VND per passenger per way.

Tips for a Safe and Comfortable Journey

Double-Check Departure Time: When buying tickets, verify the departure time with the ticket seller to avoid any confusion or last-minute surprises.
Booking Sleeper Beds: Reserve sleeper beds well in advance, especially during peak travel seasons. Aim to book half a month ahead during busy times and 5-7 days in advance during regular periods. For soft seats, book 3-4 days ahead
Bring Your Own Food: Consider bringing your own snacks for the journey, as train food may be relatively expensive and lack variety. Having your favorite snacks ensures a more enjoyable trip.
Choose Late-Night Journeys: Opt for late-night trains for a more restful experience. Night trains are generally less tiring, and the journey seems to pass more quickly compared to early morning trips.
Protect Your Belongings: Stay vigilant in safeguarding your personal belongings, especially in crowded areas of the train, to prevent theft.
Avoid Peak Seasons: Plan your trip to avoid peak holiday seasons when ticket prices soar, and availability becomes limited. Booking in advance helps secure lower prices.

Conclusion:

Lao Cai Train Station Overview: