A Malaysian’s Journey to Sapa, Vietnam: KL to Sapa Travel, Where to Stay, and Hanoi Return

This blog post has been long overdue, one that I’ve been meaning to write for quite some time now.
Life moves fast, and sometimes it's easy to delay documenting the beautiful moments.
But some memories are too precious to keep to ourselves, and this trip to Sapa, Vietnam, is one of them.
Back in February, right after the Lunar New Year holiday, I went on a short but unforgettable getaway with my two dear girlfriends, Wan and Kay.
We had planned this trip for about six months, counting down the days with excitement and anticipation, and finally, it came true.
But this wasn’t just any trip; it was a celebration of our 25 years of friendship, a quarter of a century of growing up, laughing, supporting each other, and creating a lifetime of memories.
Time really flies. It feels like just yesterday we met in the US, figuring out our way in a foreign country, sharing the same house and even the same room.
We studied together, cooked together, stressed over exams, and found joy in the little things. We also worked hard, juggling part-time jobs and saving every dollar of pocket money just to make ends meet. Looking back, those days were tough but filled with warmth, determination, and genuine joy.
They were the kind of moments that shape you, and they remain some of the most treasured times in my life.
For this trip, we spent 4 days and 3 nights in the beautiful highlands of Sapa, followed by 3 days and 2 nights in the vibrant streets of Hanoi.
In this post, I’ll be sharing how we traveled from Kuala Lumpur to Sapa by sleeper bus, returned to Hanoi by sleeper train, and a review of the hotel we stayed at.
Since this is quite a long post, I’ll be covering all the places we visited and the food we tried in a separate one. And then the Hanoi adventures will be saved for another new post!
So if you’re thinking of planning your own Sapa journey, or just want a cozy read, stay with me.


From Kuala Lumpur to Sapa Vietnam


For this trip, we flew with Malaysia Airlines, and honestly, it’s been quite a while since I last flew with them.
I had almost forgotten how comfortable and pleasant the experience could be.
I’m really glad that Wan insisted we go with MAS; from check-in to landing, everything was smooth and well taken care of.
The flight attendants were friendly, the seats were comfy, and even the in-flight meal was surprisingly satisfying for a short-haul flight.
We took an early morning flight at 9:30 AM from Kuala Lumpur to Hanoi.
There are no direct flights to Sapa, so Hanoi is the nearest international gateway.


Once we landed in Hanoi, we had a few hours to spare before boarding our next mode of transport, a sleeping bus to Sapa, which we booked through Klook with HK Busline, scheduled at 3:00pm.
Apparently, there are several sleeping bus options from Hanoi to Sapa, but we chose HK Busline mainly for convenience.
Unlike other bus services that require you to travel to a city terminal or different pickup point, HK Busline offers a direct pick-up from the airport, which helped us cut out a lot of unnecessary hassle. After a morning flight, the last thing we wanted was to navigate more transport logistics, so having that door-to-door transfer made a big difference.



We paid around RM80 each for the upper cabin, since it was cheaper than the lower one — and honestly, I’m really glad we went with HK Busline
They arranged everything in a smooth and convenient way; messaging me on WhatsApp early in the morning before our flight, and then again once we landed.
After I let them know we had arrived, they promptly informed us where to board the bus.
Best of all, we didn’t have to walk far with our large luggage.
The bus stop was located right next to the airport, which saved us a lot of trouble.


This was my first time ever on a sleeping bus, and I went in with very low expectations.
But to my surprise, it turned out to be a really good experience!
Each of us had our own reclining, bed-like seat where we could lie down comfortably.
We were provided with a water bottle, headset, and even a small private TV though I couldn’t figure out how to turn it on. #lol
Overall, it was way better than I had imagined!



The journey itself was super long, which took us over 5 hours to reach Sapa.
Along the way, we made three stops: the first was a quick toilet break, the second at a roadside market area, where there were local snacks, souvenirs, and a small food court, and the third was more of a driver’s stop, probably where they took a quick meal before the final stretch.


I also received some questions from readers on Xiaohongshu asking if the route is safe.
Well, I wouldn’t say it’s very safe, to be honest. The route heading up to Sapa was no joke. 
We were winding through narrow, unstable mountain roads, and at times it felt a bit nerve-wracking, especially with all the sharp turns and occasional trucks passing by.
I kept glancing out the window thinking, How is this road even safe?
It was even more intense at night, with the misty, cool mountain weather making visibility lower and the atmosphere feel even more eerie.
But despite that, our driver was clearly very experienced and handled the road with care, which was a huge relief.



Once we finally arrived in Sapa, the journey wasn’t quite over yet.
The bus company had arranged smaller vans to drop passengers off at their respective hotels, since the main sleeper bus only stops at a central drop-off point.
That final leg, although short, honestly felt like a VIP shuttle after such a long trip!
By the time we reached our hotel, the exhaustion was real, but so was the excitement.
It felt surreal to think that from the moment we dragged ourselves out of bed early in the morning, made our way to the airport, navigated all the transfers... we had finally made it to Sapa! #YES!


Where to Stay in Sapa - KK Sapa Hotel


When I started planning my trip to Sapa, one of the most challenging parts was choosing the right hotel. After hours of researching reviews, comparing amenities, and scrolling through countless photos, I found myself completely torn between two stunning options: KK Sapa Hotel and Pistachio Hotel Sapa. Both seemed equally impressive, offering breathtaking views, cozy vibes, and all the comforts you could ask for in a mountain retreat.
I honestly couldn’t make a decision, and that’s when my friend came up with the perfect idea: why not stay at both?
We had four nights in Sapa, so we split them evenly; two nights at each hotel.
A bit of hotel-hopping isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, but I’m incredibly lucky to have friends who are always up for a little adventure (even if it involves packing and unpacking twice in less than a week!).



So let’s start with our first stop: KK Sapa Hotel, which truly exceeded our expectations.
The lobby of KK Sapa Hotel is spacious, modern, and beautifully designed.
It combines traditional Vietnamese touches with a clean, luxurious feel.
There are two entrances; one at street level and another higher up, offering great views and easy access (short-cut) to the town.
The seating areas are comfortable, with lots of natural light and stylish decor.
The staff at the front desk are friendly and welcoming, making check-in smooth and pleasant.
It’s a great first impression that sets the tone for the rest of your stay.



We booked the Grand Family Room, which was perfect for our group of three adults.
The space was beautifully designed, spacious and well-laid-out, featuring two separate bedrooms: one with a king-size bed and the other with two twin beds.
Each room had its own private bathroom with a shower, which was super convenient.
The bathroom was modern and subtly luxurious, with just the right amount of space for everyone to get ready without stepping on each other’s toes.
Everything felt really cozy and peaceful, and the beds were super comfy with soft linens that made it easy to unwind after a long day.



There was also a separate sitting area that felt like a cozy little living room—perfect for unwinding after a day of sightseeing.
One of the best parts? The private balcony that opened up to stunning mountain views. It was the perfect spot to sip coffee in the morning or simply soak in the peaceful atmosphere of Sapa.
Unfortunately, the weather wasn’t on our side during our visit. It was mostly cloudy and misty, so we didn’t get to enjoy the full view.
That said, I actually enjoyed the misty weather in its own way, sitting outside with a cold beer, watching the fog roll over the mountains. It gave the whole place a calm, almost mysterious vibe that felt uniquely Sapa.


Breakfast at KK Sapa Hotel is served buffet-style at the Ta Phin Restaurant, offering a great mix of Vietnamese and international dishes.
I really appreciated the hot bowl of Vietnamese pho available early in the morning, it was the perfect way to warm up in the cold Sapa weather, and also a nice espresso added a great touch to start the day. 
The buffet also includes made-to-order eggs, pastries, fruits, and more.
The ambience at the restaurant is very welcoming and spacious. Even though it's always full of people, it still feels comfortable and pleasant.


KK Sapa Hotel turned out to be one of the highlights of our visit.
Located just a short walk from the town center, this modern hotel offers both convenience and breathtaking views of the mountains and valleys that make Sapa so special.
The rooms were spacious, clean, and well-equipped, with large windows that opened up to the stunning natural scenery.
The balcony views, especially in the morning, were absolutely unforgettable.
One of the things we appreciated most was the friendly and professional service from the staff.
They were attentive, helpful with local recommendations, and made check-in and check-out smooth and hassle-free.
The hotel also features a good selection of facilities, including a restaurant serving a variety of local and international dishes, a spa, and even an indoor pool.
The breakfast buffet had plenty of options, and the quality was consistently good throughout our stay.
Although the hotel is popular and often busy, the overall ambience remained peaceful and relaxing.
It’s a great place to unwind after a long day of exploring Sapa’s mountains, rice terraces, or local villages.
For our stay, 2 nights for 3 people, we paid a total of about RM1880, which we felt was fair considering the comfort, service, and location.
If you're looking for a comfortable, clean, and scenic place to stay in Sapa, KK Hotel is definitely worth considering.


Where to Stay in Sapa - Pistachio Hotel Sapa


On our third night, we moved from KK Hotel Sapa to Pistachio Hotel Sapa.
Pistachio Hotel is located on the other side of town,  not near KK Sapa Hotel, but quite close to the Sapa train station area.
We initially thought the two hotels were just a short walk apart, so we didn’t bother calling a car or arranging a transfer.
Well... that turned out to be a bit of a mistake.
The three of us had to haul our big, heavy luggage through misty weather and along muddy roadside paths. To make things worse, passing cars splashed water on us without a care, it honestly felt like they weren’t even paying attention.
We ended up walking (with lots of stops) for nearly half an hour, and just when we thought we were close, we had to climb a long flight of stairs, too.
It was definitely a rough experience, but well, it made for a pretty memorable hotel transfer!


When we finally arrived at Pistachio Hotel Sapa, tired and hauling our luggage, one of the hotel guides spotted us from afar and quickly came over to help.
It was such a thoughtful gesture that set the tone for the rest of our stay.
As we stepped into the hotel, we were greeted with refreshing welcome drinks to cool down, a small but much-appreciated touch.



The lobby instantly impressed us with its warm and inviting vibe.
Designed with a wooden, vintage-inspired aesthetic, it felt both cozy and elegant, perfectly suited for Sapa's cool mountain setting.
The staff were incredibly friendly and welcoming, making us feel right at home.
And to our surprise, they even upgraded our room from a Superior Room to an Executive Suite,  completely unprompted!
This unexpected upgrade truly made our stay extra memorable and special.
First impressions? Absolutely positive.
The service, design, and attention to detail at Pistachio Hotel made it one of our favorite stays on this trip.


The Executive Suite at Pistachio Hotel Sapa completely exceeded our expectations.
The moment we stepped in, we were greeted by a spacious living room that felt more like a cozy apartment than a hotel room. 
There was a comfortable sofa set with armchairs, perfect for lounging, and a large TV right in front, great for winding down after a day of exploring. 
Just over by the wardrobe, there was a small pantry area stocked with complimentary bottled water, coffee, and tea, which added a nice touch of convenience. 
The living room itself was super spacious, making it a perfect spot to hang out, relax, or even just spread out your things without feeling cramped.
It definitely elevated our stay and gave us a bit of that luxury feel after the long journey to Sapa.


The Executive Suite at Pistachio Hotel Sapa was impressively spacious. 
It featured two large double beds plus an additional single bed, which made it incredibly comfortable and roomy for the three of us.
We had more than enough space to stretch out and relax without feeling cramped at all.
Across from the beds was a large flat-screen TV, perfect for movie nights or just catching up on local channels after a long day.
Next to the TV, there was a makeup table with a mirror, which was really convenient for getting ready in the morning or doing skincare before bed.
The room’s layout was thoughtfully designed to balance both comfort and function, and it gave us a sense of home away from home.
With the generous space, cozy beds, and all the little touches, it was definitely a highlight of our stay in Sapa.


The bathroom in the Executive Suite was just as impressive as the rest of the room.
One thing we really appreciated was how it was thoughtfully designed with a clear separation between the wet and dry areas, making it much more comfortable and practical, especially for a shared space.
The shower area was enclosed, which kept the rest of the bathroom floor dry and clean.
There was plenty of counter space around the sink, along with all the basic toiletries neatly provided.
But the best part? The bonus of having a bathtub right in the room!
After a long day of sightseeing and walking around in the misty Sapa weather, being able to soak in a warm bath felt like such a luxury.
It was the perfect way to relax and unwind before bed.


Breakfast at Pistachio Hotel Sapa was served buffet-style, offering a decent variety of both local and international options. 
The dining area had a warm, inviting atmosphere, and the staff were attentive in clearing plates and refilling items.
That said, I personally felt that the selection was a bit more limited compared to what we had at KK Hotel Sapa.
While there were still the usual staples, like bread, eggs, noodles, and a few hot dishes, the overall spread wasn't as extensive.
Still, it was a satisfying start to the day, especially when paired with a hot coffee and views of the misty Sapa morning outside the window.


We paid a total of RM1,200 for 2 nights and 3 pax at Pistachio Hotel Sapa.
If you were to ask me, I’d still prefer KK Hotel Sapa over Pistachio.
While Pistachio definitely has its charm, especially with its spacious Executive Suite and more affordable pricing, I personally prefer the modern, simple, and brighter design of KK Hotel Sapa.
Pistachio leans more towards a vintage, classic style, with lots of wooden furniture and darker tones, which isn’t really my taste.
One of the highlights of staying at Pistachio Hotel, though, is the stunning mountain view, especially when you can catch the train passing by in the distance. Just be sure to visit during the right season or in clear weather to fully enjoy it!
In contrast, KK Hotel Sapa feels more contemporary and fresh, which made the overall stay much more comfortable for me.
Although Pistachio may offer better value for the price, KK Sapa would still be my first choice.
From the design and ambience to the room layout and breakfast selection, the overall experience at KK Hotel felt more aligned with what I look for in a hotel stay.


From Sapa to Hanoi


After sharing about our hotel experiences in Sapa, I originally planned to save the journey back to Hanoi for a separate post, but I figured it makes more sense to include it here.
For our return trip to Hanoi, we decided to switch things up and try a different mode of transport. Instead of taking another sleeper bus, we opted for the overnight sleeper train.
We wanted to experience something different, and the train ride offered a unique and nostalgic way to end our Sapa adventure.
To catch the train, we first had to travel from Sapa to Lao Cai Station, since the train departs from there, not directly from Sapa.
The journey from Sapa to Lao Cai took around an hour by car, and it’s something to factor in when planning your timing for the night train.


One of the most frequently asked questions I get on Xiaohongshu is: How do you get from Sapa to Lao Cai Station to catch the train back to Hanoi?
The good news is, it’s pretty convenient.
If you book your sleeper train in advance, most train companies will arrange a shared van transfer from your hotel in Sapa to Lao Cai Station.
The van goes around Sapa picking up passengers from different hotels, so although the actual drive is only about an hour, the total time spent in the van can be around 1.5 hours depending on the number of stops.
So, definitely plan ahead and give yourself enough time to make it to the station comfortably.


The train itself was quite old, you could see parts of the wooden panels peeling off, and the overall look felt a bit dated.
So honestly, my first impression wasn’t great, especially when comparing it to the much newer and more modern sleeper bus we took earlier.
That said, despite its age, the train was actually very well-maintained.
The cleanliness really surprised me, In both the common areas and even the toilet.
Everything was kept tidy, and it felt like the staff put in effort to ensure a comfortable experience, even if the train didn’t look fancy.



So, this is what the 4-berth cabin on the overnight sleeper train looks like: it’s very small and compact, honestly, much smaller than I expected.
The cabin has two double-decker beds (bunk beds), one on each side, and there’s barely any space to move around once everyone’s inside.
One small relief is that there’s a bit of storage space under the lower bunk beds, which was just enough to fit our heavy, hard-case luggage.
Without that space, there would’ve been almost nowhere to put our bags, it’s really that tight.


The beds themselves are very narrow, so narrow that you can’t comfortably turn from side to side while lying down.
I could only lie flat or stay in one position, which made it hard to get proper rest. It felt more like a sleeping shelf than a real bed.
The overall space is so cramped that you can hardly move around freely.
It kind of feels like being in a moving capsule, cozy for some, but very limiting if you're not used to small spaces.


If you're traveling as a group of four, it’s actually not too bad because you get to have the whole cabin to yourselves.
But for us, since we were a group of three, we had to share the remaining bed with a stranger, which wasn’t ideal.
It was especially inconvenient for my friend, who is Muslim, as sharing such a small, enclosed sleeping space with someone of a different gender made her feel uncomfortable.
Unfortunately, unless you book all four beds in advance, this is a situation you might have to deal with on sleeper trains.


If you were to ask me whether I’d take the sleeper train again, my answer would probably be no.
This was my first time on an overnight sleeper train, and to be honest… it wasn’t the most comfortable experience.
The cabin itself was clean and tidy, but the bed felt quite small and narrow, especially if you’re used to more spacious sleeping arrangements.
It was manageable for one night, but definitely not something I’d call cozy.
To make things harder, the ride was pretty bumpy the whole way through.
You could feel the constant shaking and occasional jerks as the train moved along the tracks.
Because of that, I didn’t get a good night’s sleep, I kept waking up every time the train jolted or came to a sudden stop.
It wasn’t unbearable, but it definitely wasn’t restful either.
If you’re someone who’s sensitive to movement or noise while sleeping, I’d say prepare yourself, it’s part of the experience, but not necessarily the most relaxing one.
For the whole journey, we paid about RM120++, which felt reasonable for the experience, though a bit pricey for the comfort level.
But if you’re curious about the sleeper train experience, I’d still say it’s worth trying at least once in a lifetime. :)


That’s all for today’s post, thank you for reading!
I hope this has given you a clearer idea of how to get to Sapa, where to stay, and what to expect in terms of transportation and accommodation.
Sapa is still considered a bit of a hidden gem, especially for travelers coming from outside of Vietnam.
While it's growing in popularity, it still retains a lot of its charm, culture, and untouched natural beauty, which makes it such a special destination to explore.
If you're in the midst of planning your own trip and need more tips or suggestions, feel free to reach out or drop a comment. I’d be more than happy to share more details to help you craft your own Sapa itinerary.
In my next post, I’ll be sharing the amazing places we visited and the local food we enjoyed during our stay in Sapa.
So if you're curious about what to do and eat in Sapa, stay tuned, it's coming up next!

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