Sa Pa is a popular destination during Tet thanks to its cool climate and impressive mountainous scenery. Since there is no commercial airport, travelers often choose to fly to Noi Bai (Hanoi) or Van Don (Quang Ninh) and then travel by road to Sa Pa town. So which option is more suitable when buying Tet flight tickets to Sa Pa? The article below from Vietjet will help you compare and choose the most convenient journey.
1. Flying to Sa Pa during Tet: Should you choose Hanoi or Van Don?
Before deciding to book tickets, comparing popular transit airports will help travelers choose the most suitable option for their journey to Sa Pa during Tet.
1.1 Flying to Hanoi - The most popular choice when going to Sa Pa during Tet
For many years, Hanoi has always been the main transit point for travelers wishing to travel to Sa Pa, especially during major holidays. Most travelers looking for Tet flight tickets to Sa Pa choose to buy tickets to Hanoi and then continue their journey by road.
Sa Pa during Tet wears a beauty that is both poetic and bustling with cool weather, mist-covered mountains, and a festive atmosphere rich in the identity of the highlands.
Noi Bai International Airport is the largest airport in the North, connecting with almost all provinces across the country. During Tet, the frequency of flights from Noi Bai increases significantly with many flexible time slots, making it easy for travelers to arrange their schedules. Additionally, the system of passenger buses, limousines, and sleeper buses from Hanoi to Sa Pa operates continuously, even during peak days.
Regarding prices, Tet flight tickets from Hanoi usually increase compared to regular days, but the increase remains relatively stable thanks to a large supply of flights. If you monitor early and actively hunt for deals, travelers can still purchase Tet flight tickets to the North at reasonable costs.
Refer to flight ticket prices from other provinces to Hanoi during Tet:
No. | DEPARTURE POINT | EXPECTED TICKET PRICE | NOTE |
1 | Flight tickets from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi | From only 490,000 VND | Price does not include taxes and fees |
2 | Flight tickets from Da Nang to Hanoi | From only 90,000 VND | |
3 | Flight tickets from Hue to Hanoi | From only 90,000 VND | |
4 | Flight tickets from Pleiku to Hanoi | From only 490,000 VND | |
5 | Flight tickets from Phu Quoc to Hanoi | From only 490,000 VND | |
6 | Flight tickets from Cam Ranh to Hanoi | From only 490,000 VND |
See more: List of domestic and international airports in Vietnam
1.2 Flying to Van Don Airport - An alternative option for travelers who enjoy new experiences
In addition to Hanoi, Van Don Airport (Quang Ninh) is an alternative option that many travelers consider when purchasing Tet flight tickets to Sa Pa. Van Don Airport has the advantage of modern infrastructure and a lower passenger density than Noi Bai, so the procedures are usually quick and there is less congestion during Tet.
Some travelers choose to fly to Van Don to combine their spring journey in the North, visiting Quang Ninh before heading to Sa Pa. However, compared to tickets to Hanoi, the number of flights to Van Don during Tet is fewer, and the flight times are less flexible. This means that hunting for Tet flight tickets to the North via Van Don requires planning earlier.
Check out flight tickets to Van Don from only 90,000 VND (excluding taxes and fees)
From Van Don Airport, travelers usually travel by car through Quang Ninh - Lao Cai or transfer to Hanoi and then continue to Sa Pa, with a total travel time of about 7 - 9 hours depending on the route and traffic conditions.
See more: Traveling to Sapa - The best place to hunt clouds and welcome snow in Vietnam
1.3 Comparing flying to Hanoi or flying to Van Don when going to Sa Pa during Tet
To easily choose the suitable destination when buying Tet flight tickets to Sa Pa, comparing the two options of flying to Hanoi or Van Don is necessary. Below is a quick comparison table of important criteria to help you consider the optimal transportation option during the Tet peak season.
Criteria | Flying to Hanoi | Flying to Van Don |
Flight frequency | Many flights, flexible, diverse options | Fewer flights |
Distance to Sa Pa | About 300km | About 450km |
Travel time by road | 5 - 6 hours | 8 - 9 hours |
Suitable for | Families, first-time travelers, short schedules | Travelers who enjoy new experiences |
Advantages | Easy to book tickets, many transfer vehicles | Modern airport, not too crowded |
Disadvantages | Easily overloaded during Tet, must wait long | Long distance, fewer flights |
From the comparison table, it can be seen that most travelers still prefer to fly to Noi Bai when purchasing Tet flight tickets to Sa Pa, especially for those traveling with family or wanting to optimize travel time.
Especially, if you plan to travel to Sa Pa during Tet, do not miss Vietjet's Tet livestream programs including Mega Live sessions twice a month or Mini Live sessions held on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays every week. Because passengers also have the opportunity to access millions of 0 VND tickets, exclusive discount codes of up to 100%, e-vouchers reducing up to 10%, and priority ticket classes like SkyBoss, Business at attractive prices during the peak season starting from 1,800,000 VND. |
2. Guide to transportation from the airport to Sa Pa town
After choosing the suitable airport, the next step is to find out the transportation options from the airport to Sa Pa town in the most convenient and time-saving way during Tet.
2.1 Traveling from Noi Bai Airport to Sa Pa
From Noi Bai Airport, travelers need to move to the center of Hanoi or directly to the Noi Bai - Lao Cai expressway to go to Sa Pa. During Tet, this route is still considered the most convenient despite the high density of vehicles.
Common means of transportation include high-quality limousines, sleeper buses, and private cars. The average travel time from Noi Bai to Sa Pa is about 5 - 6 hours, depending on traffic conditions and departure time. The reference cost ranges from 300,000 - 500,000 VND/person, a reasonable price compared to the total travel cost during Tet in the North.
Thanks to the continuous operation of vehicles, the option of flying to Noi Bai during Tet is always highly rated for its flexibility and safety during peak season.
From Hanoi, travelers can travel to Sa Pa by the Noi Bai - Lao Cai expressway combined with buses or limousines, with an average time of about 5 - 6 hours, convenient even during the Tet peak season.
2.2 Traveling from Van Don Airport to Sa Pa
If you choose to fly to Van Don, travelers will continue a longer road journey to Sa Pa. The route usually goes through Ha Long - Hai Phong - Noi Bai - Lao Cai. The actual travel time during Tet can extend from 8 to 9 hours.
Common means of transportation are intercity limousines or private car rentals. The travel cost from Van Don to Sa Pa is usually higher, ranging from 600,000 - 900,000 VND/person. Therefore, this option is more suitable for travelers with long itineraries who want to combine visits to many destinations in the North.
See more: 3-Day 2-Night Sapa Tour: Itinerary & Experience
3. Tips for effectively purchasing Tet flight tickets to the North to Sa Pa
To purchase reasonably priced Tet flight tickets to Sa Pa, travelers should plan early and closely monitor price fluctuations. Booking Tet tickets to Hanoi 2 to 3 months in advance increases the chances of selecting a good flight time and reduces the financial pressure when Tet flight prices to Hanoi rise close to the departure date.
Additionally, regularly updating on promotional programs, especially Vietjet's Tet livestreams, will help you access many opportunities to buy Northern Tet flight tickets at good prices. Once you have confirmed your flight, be sure to book a shuttle to avoid the situation of fully booked spots during peak times.
With convenient transportation infrastructure and many shuttle options, flying to Noi Bai during Tet remains the optimal choice when purchasing Tet flight tickets to Sa Pa, especially for travelers with family or short itineraries. Van Don Airport is a worthy alternative if you want to experience a new journey and combine it with sightseeing in Quang Ninh. Regardless of the destination chosen, proactively hunting for Tet tickets to Hanoi or Northern flight tickets early will make your Tet trip to Sa Pa more complete and easier. Don't forget to follow the domestic and international flight ticket promotion program of 0 VND every day from 12 PM to 2 PM to enjoy the best ticket prices. See details HERE.
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