Taxi & Transport Scams in Sapa

Lao Cai to Sapa Bus Overcharge

After the overnight train arrives at Lao Cai station, the 38 km road journey to Sapa town takes about 1.5 hours. Official minibuses operate the route for around 50,000 to 70,000 VND per person. Unofficial drivers waiting directly outside the station aggressively approach arriving passengers and quote 200,000 to 500,000 VND for the same route, claiming the public buses are full or have departed. Some legitimate-looking buses operate this route at inflated tourist prices by posing as official services.