
On our way to Sapa, it actually only took 5 hours (after everyone was picked up in Hanoi, which does add up to an hour). That time also included two bathroom stops, which totaled 3o minutes. Keep in mind, these stops are out in the country; the first stop is holes in the ground and not very clean. And the second stop is literally just a field. On the way back to Hanoi, you only make one stop (you skip the field stop because it's dark out). It also took the full 6 hours to get back and they don't drop you at your hotel. It was only a 10 minute walk back, though, so not bad.