Car Travel
A sedan is a perfectly viable way to get around much of the Northwest. You can rent a car and driver in dozens of spots in Hanoi, and you'll be able to book a two-day, one-night car trip to Sapa for about 2,000,000d, all driver's expenses included. A longer excursion in a four-wheel-drive vehicle is more expensive: the going rate for the six-day, five-night excursion through the Northwest (Hanoi–Mai Chau–Son La–Dien Bien Phu–Sapa–Hanoi) in a Toyota Innova (with a driver) is 10,200,000d. A host of rental companies in Hanoi will provide modern four-wheel-drive vehicles for such an itinerary. Popular models include Mercedes, Toyota, Ford, and Hyundai.
Set aside at least five days to visit Dien Bien Phu from Hanoi: two days traveling each way and one full day to see what you came for—although the remarkable scenery makes the trip as interesting as the history of the place. If you're coming from Mai Chau and Son La, the natural next step is to continue clockwise: through Lai Chau, on to Sapa, and then back to Hanoi. The Dien Bien Phu–Sapa road has been much upgraded and is narrow, but in good condition. It is a beautiful stretch, and although the round-trip adds a day or two to your journey, it's much more interesting than simply retracing your outward route.
The Ha Giang Loop is gaining considerable popularity with tourists, both as package excursions and solo adventures on a motorbike or with a car. The route takes you from Hanoi to Ha Giang to Quan Ba to Dong Van to Meo Vac to Mau De, then back through Quan Ba to Hanoi. A private SUV with a driver will cost 2,200,000d per day. The trip takes four to five days to complete and encompasses stunning scenery and villages.
The 35-km (22-mile) stretch of road from Sapa north to the border town of Lao Cai is in good condition. If time is limited, you may prefer to go directly to Sapa, bypassing Dien Bien Phu, Son La, and Mai Chau, and heading up and down Route 70 and the main Noi Bai-Lao Cai Expressway.
Cars with drivers can be hired from travel agencies, car rental firms, and tourist cafés in Hanoi. Try Hoa Mai Tour, who can rent everything from a compact four-seater car to a Landcruiser and even a bus, with a selection of top-of-the-range modern models. The Hung Thanh Company also has a broad range of new vehicles ranging from smaller cars to Landcruisers and minibuses.
Car Contacts
Hoa Mai Tour. No.9, Alley 92, Nguyen Khanh Toan St., 2nd fl., Hanoi, Ha Noi. 09/8509–4455; www.hoamaitour.com.
Hung Thanh Company. 287 Tran Khat Chan, Hanoi, Ha Noi. 04/3633–7575; www.hungthanhtravel.vn.
