Bus Kunming to Lao Cai
 

Hi all,
Will have spent 3 weeks in China before going into Vietnam.
I am trying to avoid 2 trains from Hanoi to Sapa, and back, and thought the night bus from Kunming might work. Instead of flying into Hanoi I would arrive in Lao Cai and then onto Sapa.

How awful is the bus journey? I am in my 60's and my body is not as flexible as I would like.

I would appreciate all advice from those of you who have made the journey

Although we did not come down from Kunming, we can affirm that the bus from Lao Cai to Sapa (no rail connects those two towns) is not a problem. The train from Lai Cai to Hanoi is quite comfortable. We took it in both directions and found the sleepers and day coaches to be OK.