The distance between Tam Cốc and Lao Cai is around 387km (240 miles) and the quickest way to get there is to drive which takes around 4h 10m.
We've found 4 different ways to get from Tam Cốc to Lao Cai by bus, train and car. The recommended routes, which include information on duration, ticket price, and level of difficulty, can be found below.
👋 Also check out Lao Cai → Tam Cốc if you're planning a return trip.
Take the bus to Hanoi Airport and then to Lao Cai.
Multiple bus operators
1 similiar route
We’ve grouped similar routes together, click the arrows to see the other options.
Take the train to Ha Noi and then to Sapa Lao Cai.
Vietnam Railways
There are several options for getting from Tam Cốc to Lao Cai by bus, train and car. The cheapest option is to take the train which costs around ₫491,275 ($21) and will take around 10h 30m. If you need to get there more quickly, you can drive and arrive in approximately 4h 10m, though it is a bit more costly at approximately ₫1,052,730 ($45).
The distance between Tam Cốc and Lao Cai is around 387km (240 miles). In a direct line (as the crow flies), the distance is 302km (188 miles)
It takes around 6h 55m to get from Tam Cốc and Lao Cai by bus. If you are travelling by car it will take around 4h 10m to drive there.
The quickest way to get from Tam Cốc to Lao Cai is to drive which takes around 4h 10m and will set you back approx ₫1,052,730 ($45).
The cheapest way to travel between Tam Cốc and Lao Cai, if you exclude driving, is to take the train which will typically cost around ₫491,275 ($21) for a standard one-way ticket.
Yes there is a train service that runs between Tam Cốc and Lao Cai. It typically takes around 10h 30m and departs 4 times a week.
There are no direct train services that runs from Tam Cốc to Lao Cai. However, you can instead can take several connecting trains with a changeover in Ninh Binh and Ha Noi. These services run 4 times a week and will take a minimum of 10h 30m.
Vietnam Railways run train services between Tam Cốc and Lao Cai. Trains depart 4 times a week and will take around 10h 30m, however, this may vary depending on the particular service and whether it runs express or stops all stations.
Yes there is a bus that runs regularly from Tam Cốc and Lao Cai. It typically takes around 6h 55m and departs every 4 hours.
There are no direct bus services that runs from Tam Cốc to Lao Cai. However, you can instead can take several connecting buses with changeovers in Tam Coc and Hanoi Airport. These services run every 4 hours and will take a minimum of 6h 55m.
Ninh Binh Excursion Transport, Sao Viet, Trang An Limousine and BinhMinh Limousine run regular bus services between Tam Cốc and Lao Cai. Buses run every 4 hours and take around 6h 55m on average but will vary depending on you book with.
It doesn't look like you can fly directly from Tam Cốc to Lao Cai. We recommend that you take the bus to Hanoi Airport and then to Lao Cai. instead which will take 6h 55m.
The closest major airport to Lao Cai is Dien Bien Airport (DIN) (DIN) which is approximately 149km (93 miles) from Lao Cai. Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) (HAN) and Bai Thuong Airport (THD) (THD) are also nearby and might be a better alternative airport depending on where you are flying from.
Yes it is possible to drive from Tam Cốc and Lao Cai. The distance is around 387km (240 miles) by road and it will take around 4h 10m in normal traffic conditons.
If you don't have a car, the easiest way to get from Tam Cốc to Lao Cai is to take the bus which takes, on average, 6h 55m and will usually cost around ₫748,610 ($32).
Transport option | Duration | Cost | Frequency | Distance |
---|---|---|---|---|
Bus + 1 similar | 6h 55m | ₫748,610($32) | every 4 hours | 390km (242 miles) |
Bus via Rạp Xiếc Trung Ương | 7h 60m | ₫584,850($25) | hourly | 393km (244 miles) |
Train | 10h 30m | ₫491,275($21) | 4 times a week | 417km (259 miles) |
Drive | 4h 10m | ₫1,052,730($45) | on demand | 387km (240 miles) |
Ninh Binh Excursion Transport
Sao Viet
Trang An Limousine
BinhMinh Limousine
Vietnam Railways
The following major airports near Lao Cai offer regular flights to various popular destinations within Vietnam and internationally.