Other Tourist Scams in Sapa

Lao Cai Railway Station Ticket Tout

The overnight train between Hanoi and Lao Cai station is the main transport link to Sapa. Touts operating at Hanoi train stations and around Lao Cai sell counterfeit or heavily marked-up tickets, claiming the official trains are sold out. Travelers who buy from touts may arrive at the platform to find their ticket is invalid or for a different date, or they may pay 2 to 3 times the official rate for a genuine ticket. Some touts also sell tickets for inferior cabin classes while charging soft-sleeper prices.