THE SHORT VERSION
Sapa to Mai Chau at a glance.
- From
- Sapa Sa Pa
- To
- Mai Chau Mai Châu
- Road distance
- About 380 km
- Straight line
- 224 km
- Car time, no stops
- ~5 h 30 min buses take longer
- Return route
- Mai Chau to Sapa →
THE DETAILS THAT MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Right place. Right bus. Better start.
Leaving Sapa
Sapa is a mountain town in the far north-west. Since the Hanoi–Lao Cai expressway opened, buses from Hanoi take around half a working day, and there's a wide choice of seated, sleeper and limousine-van services.
- Sapa Bus Station · Bến xe Sa Pa
Arrivals and departures for Hanoi, Lao Cai and other northern destinations. Many companies also stop near the town centre.
Arriving in Mai Chau
Arrange the last stretch to your homestay in advance if it's outside town.
- Mai Chau town stops
Most services stop in the town or at partner homestays.
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.
- Hanoi buses for this area often use the south-western terminals.
KEEP GOING
From Mai Chau, the road continues.
Other ways to reach Mai Chau
More buses from Sapa
USEFUL FOR THIS TRIP
Sort the small things before you go.
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GOOD QUESTIONS
Before you take your seat.
How far is Sapa from Mai Chau by road?+
About 380 km by road (224 km in a straight line). Distance is an OpenStreetMap routing estimate, not an operator figure.
How long does the bus from Sapa to Mai Chau take?+
We don't publish timetables. As a guide, the drive takes roughly 5 h 30 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 Sapa?+
It depends on the operator. Main options in Sapa include Sapa Bus Station, and many tourist companies collect from offices or hotels. Your ticket shows the exact boarding point.
Is there a bus back from Mai Chau to Sapa?+
Yes, 12Go also lists services in the opposite direction. See our Mai Chau to Sapa guide.
Where does the bus from Sapa arrive in Mai Chau?+
It depends on the operator. In Mai Chau, services use Mai Chau town stops. Arrange the last stretch to your homestay in advance if it's outside town.
How do I get from the bus stop to the centre of Mai Chau?+
Arrange the last stretch to your homestay in advance if it's outside town.
What kind of bus runs from Sapa to Mai Chau?+
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 Sapa to Mai Chau 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 Mai Chau by bus?+
Direct buses from Mai Chau include Pu Luong, Ninh Binh, Hanoi, Tam Coc, Noi Bai Airport (HAN) and more. See all connections on our Mai Chau 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: Sapa to Mai Chau bus route listing ↗Wikivoyage: Sa Pa (Get in) ↗12Go: Hanoi to Mai Chau bus listing ↗How BusConnects uses sources →