THE SHORT VERSION
Hai Phong to Lao Cai at a glance.
- From
- Hai Phong Hải Phòng
- To
- Lao Cai Lào Cai
- Road distance
- About 385 km
- Straight line
- 332 km
- Car time, no stops
- ~5 h 15 min buses take longer
- Return route
- Lao Cai to Hai Phong →
THE DETAILS THAT MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Right place. Right bus. Better start.
Leaving Hai Phong
Hai Phong is a port city east of Hanoi and a gateway to Cat Ba Island. It has several bus stations serving different directions, and frequent buses and limousine vans run to Hanoi.
- Niem Nghia, Lac Long, Cau Rao and Vinh Niem stations · Bến xe Niệm Nghĩa, Lạc Long, Cầu Rào, Vĩnh Niệm
Different terminals for Hanoi, Quang Ninh and southern provinces.
Arriving in Lao Cai
Buses for Sapa often wait near the railway station to meet trains as well as at the bus station.
- Lao Cai Bus Station · Bến xe Lào Cai
Regional and long-distance buses, including services to Sapa and Hanoi.

Keep the essentials offline
Save your ticket, the exact meeting point and the operator's phone number before you set off. Follow the check-in time on your confirmation.
- The border crossing to Hekou in China is in the city. Check visa rules well before travelling.
KEEP GOING
From Lao Cai, the road continues.
Other ways to reach Lao Cai
More buses from Hai Phong
USEFUL FOR THIS TRIP
Sort the small things before you go.
Partner links. We may earn a commission if you buy through them, at no extra cost to you.
GOOD QUESTIONS
Before you take your seat.
How far is Hai Phong from Lao Cai by road?+
About 385 km by road (332 km in a straight line). Distance is an OpenStreetMap routing estimate, not an operator figure.
How long does the bus from Hai Phong to Lao Cai take?+
We don't publish timetables. As a guide, the drive takes roughly 5 h 15 min by car without stops; bus journeys are usually longer. Check the duration of your chosen departure on 12Go before booking.
Where does the bus leave from in Hai Phong?+
It depends on the operator. Main options in Hai Phong include Niem Nghia, Lac Long, Cau Rao and Vinh Niem stations, and many tourist companies collect from offices or hotels. Your ticket shows the exact boarding point.
Is there a bus back from Lao Cai to Hai Phong?+
Yes, 12Go also lists services in the opposite direction. See our Lao Cai to Hai Phong guide.
Where does the bus from Hai Phong arrive in Lao Cai?+
It depends on the operator. In Lao Cai, services use Lao Cai Bus Station. Buses for Sapa often wait near the railway station to meet trains as well as at the bus station.
How do I get from the bus stop to the centre of Lao Cai?+
Buses for Sapa often wait near the railway station to meet trains as well as at the bus station.
What kind of bus runs from Hai Phong to Lao Cai?+
It varies by operator and departure. Routes in this region are served by a mix of sleeper buses, seated coaches and smaller limousine vans. Check the vehicle type, seat layout and luggage allowance for your departure on 12Go before you book.
Can I book the Hai Phong to Lao Cai bus online?+
Yes. 12Go lists departures on this route. You choose a date, compare operators and pay online, and the provider issues the ticket. BusConnects doesn't sell tickets itself.
Where can I go next from Lao Cai by bus?+
Direct buses from Lao Cai include Hekou, Sapa, Mu Cang Chai, Yen Bai, Noi Bai Airport (HAN) and more. See all connections on our Lao Cai bus page.
FOLLOW THE INFORMATION
Clear sources. Better decisions.
Route listed in 12Go's public route index (checked 2026-10-09). Station information reviewed 2026-10-09. Distance: OpenStreetMap data via OSRM (approximate driving distance). Listings change and are not live inventory. Confirm the departure, pickup, price and conditions before paying.
12Go: Hai Phong to Lao Cai bus route listing ↗Wikivoyage: Haiphong (Get in) ↗Wikivoyage: Lao Cai (Get in) ↗How BusConnects uses sources →