Vietnam is a definite once-in-a-lifetime travel destination around the world, attracting more visitors with each passing year. However, for people preferring a more local and exciting experience, they should consider seeing the country through the window of the local trains. How to travel Vietnam by train is an all-encompassing guide on rail travel, helping global travellers to plan out their itineraries as smoothly as possible!

Why to travel Vietnam by train ?

1. Feast your eyes on Vietnam’s natural beauty as the train visits one province after another, with its breathtaking scenery on both sides of the carriage.  

2. Enjoy a stress-free and peaceful trip, as you go about Vietnam at your own pace, without having to navigate Vietnam’s chaotic roads and traffic. 

3. Keep your transportation spending low, as train tickets are lower than car rentals or flying. 

4. Interact with local people and other fellow train travelers, to create lasting friendships for years to come. 

Where can you travel by train ?

Hanoi 

Vietnam’s capital, a landmark filled with unique local cuisine and historic architecture, attracting visitors from around the world. For those landing at Noi Bai airport, the first minute being in Ha Noi is one of excitement, as the city is inviting travellers to explore its rich culture. The train station itself, Ha Noi station, is the representation of the Vietnamese people’s resilience, with over a century of service throughout multiple wars and conflicts. Its trains carry the energy of the city, as travellers will experience when they share the same carriage with locals on their daily commute. Hanoi is a must-have on any Vietnamese trip itinerary, and a perfect start as we embark south on the tracks.

Ha Long

Ha Long, and specifically Ha Long Bay, is truly a one-of-a-kind destination, one that is imbued with the essence of Vietnamese culture and natural splendor. Even before UNESCO’s declaration as a natural heritage site in 1994 and 2000, it had captured the hearts of all who witnessed its unique rock formations, glistening waters and spiritual energy. It should be a non-negotiable stop on your train journey, as you can rent out a boat to explore its caves and outcrops, or simply stay on the beach and embrace its local culture.

Hue 

The former capital of Vietnam, typically marks the mid-way point of travelling through the country. One side of the train shows off the angelic coastline, as the other exhibits the mountainous landscape of Vietnam. Traveling to Hue by train offers a serene and picturesque journey through Vietnam’s stunning landscapes. The slow pace allows time to relax, reflect, and soak in the natural beauty. The gradual change in architecture, the ambient shift in accent - one that captures the soul of Vietnam even before arriving in Hue.

Nha Trang

Many would say that the beaches in Vietnam are second-to-none, to which I would presume that they have been to Nha Trang. As the train approaches the seaside destination, the city’s stunning coastline catches the lens of every travellers’ cameras. However, the nearby rice fields are also captivating, in their rustic charm and countryside beauty. As Nha Trang station comes into view, many will find it difficult to resist reaching the beach as soon as possible, which is only a stone’s throw away. Not only that, but the city is also home to many natural treasures like Phong Nha cave, which have attracted many a celebrity to explore its geological and natural allure. 

Ho Chi Minh City

The epicenter of activity along with Ha Noi, as you will see people across the country and around the world. Ho Chi Minh City shows off the accelerating rate of modernization in Vietnam, which is represented with the newly implemented metro system. However, the Saigon Railway Station offers a snapshot of the traditional train experience for foreign and domestic travellers, as the carriages past by the residential areas of the city’s outskirts. There is a nostalgic charm to those who have experienced train travel when they were younger, as the magic of leaving the urban sprawl of major cities for rural areas continues with each passing stop. 

Dong Hoi, Quang Binh

Đong Hoi Station, in the center of Quang Binh Province, is often overlooked for the more well-known cities on the North-South line. It is approximately 450 km south of Hanoi and it is the appetizer to the travellers’ central exploration. As you exit the station, the options for unique destinations are plentiful. The Nhat Le Beach, one of many fantastic parts of the coast, is ideal for beachgoers and their families. The historic Đong Hoi Citadel and Tam Toa church shows glimpses of the areas past, its people and their culture. Finally, one cannot simply pass by Quang Binh without exploring its other-worldly cave systems, with geological structures that are enticing scientists to this day. The most famous would be the Phong Nha caverns, attracting many a foreign travellers for its unique aesthetics, along with Sơn Doong cave as the largest cave in the world. 
 

Danang 

Stopping at Danang Station signals the half-way point on the reunification line, as travellers reach the commercial hub of the central region. The vibrant city is constantly innovating and developing, as it is home to many of the most recent man-made tourist attractions of the country. Ba Na hills, a French-inspired village and the subsequent Golden Hands Bridge, have become social media sensations as the prime area to stay for their Danang travels. Not to be outdone by its neighbors of Nha Trang and Quy Nhon, the My Khe beach is a must-have for those looking to enjoy the city’s seaside wonder. Additionally, the Dragon Bridge’s illuminated beauty at night is enjoyed by visitors afar and in the city center. 
 

Quy Nhon

Quy Nhon is a hidden gem of a destination, typically underrepresented when discussing Vietnam’s central region. The city blends its local population and lifestyles within the direction of tourist growth, as to retain the natural wonder of its culture. Unsurprisingly, the coastal city boasts several superb beachfronts for all manner of visitors, such as Ky Co and Bai Xep. The glistening waters and nearby fishing villages are sure to satisfy the most fickle of travelers to enjoy a day by the sea. Additionally, the city is home to many indigenous civilizations, which is exemplified with Twin Towers (Tháp Đôi) of the Champa people, enriching the cultural journey of visitors.

How to make train bookings ?

Type of train tickets 

Economy : standard 1 seat, 20 kg, the size cannot exceed 0,8 m in length, 0,5 m in width and 0.4 m in height

Luxury : typically an additional 20.000 VND - 50.000 VND, which provides water bottles and towels.

Cabin : three options of two, four or six beds, depending on the route. 

Bookings

Online bookings: Official Vietnamese railway website with multiple payment methods. 

Direct calls: 19000109 (Ha Noi Branch); 19001520 (Ho Chi Minh City Branch)

Refund:

24 hours or more prior : The fee to refund will be 10% of the ticket price

24 hours or less : The fee to refund will be 20% of the ticket price (refunds are unavailable 4 hours before departure time) 

Ticket changes

The fee to change tickets will be 20.000 VND at least 24 hours before departure time

Discounts

Summer break: 5%-10% reduction for bookings of 30-40 days ahead. 

Children, students and the elderly: 5% - 10% reduction for ticket purchase. 

Identification

Under 18: Birth Certificate (Copy) 

18 or above: ID card or passport 

Food options

Ready-meals: Bánh mì (bread), instant noodles

Snacks: Peanuts, crisps, sweets, etc… 

Drinks: Soft-drinks, coffee, bottled water, fruit juices, etc… 

Entrees: Rice, 1 protein (typically pork or chicken), 1 vegetable side, 1 soup, please check ahead before booking about other dietary requirements.

What are the train routes

1. The Reunification Line

This route rides along the S-shape of the nation, rich in history and serves as one of the main forms of cross-country travel. The line was completed by the French in 1936 and served as the link between Hanoi and Saigon. Following a long stint of disconnect as Vietnam was divided in 1954, the trains resumed on December 31st, 1976 and unifying the country. Starting from Hà Nội (the capital) to Sài Gòn, the SE1, SE3, SE5, SE7 and TN1 trains will be the best options. Vice versa, going from Sài Gòn to Hà Nội will be the SE2, SE4, SE6, SE8 and SE10 trains. These trains encounter heavy use, with packed carriages during peak seasons like Tet or summer vacation. The journey will be a total of 1,726km, equating to approximately 33 hours of travel. They will also have differences in amenities, seat availability and cabin sizes, such as:

The SE1, SE2, SE3, SE4 :  AC soft-bed cabin (4-beds), AC hard-bed cabin (6-beds), AC soft seating. Prices range from 1 million VND - 1.5 million VND.

The SE5, SE6, SE9, SE10 :  AC soft-bed cabin (4-beds), AC hard-bed cabin (6-beds), AC soft seating, AC hard seats and non-AC hard seats. Prices range from 900.000 VND - 1.5 million VND. 

The SE7, SE8 : AC soft-bed cabin (4-beds), AC hard-bed cabin (6-beds), AC soft seating. Prices range from 950.000 VND - 1.5 million VND.

2. The Northern Area

Ha Noi serves as the hub for rail travel in the North, with routes leading North-West into the mountains, East to the coastline, and South to Huế and Đà Nẵng. Keep in mind, the SE1, SE3, SE5, SE7, and TN1 trains can also be used as they will go through many major cities and destinations like Vinh, Hạ Long or Huế. 

Other specific routes:

+ Hanoi - Danang : SE19

+ Hanoi - Vinh - Dong Hoi - Hue : NA1, VD31, DH41

+ Hanoi - Lao Cai : SP1, SP3, LC1, LC3, YB1

+ Hanoi - Hai Phong : HP1, LP3, LP5, LP7.

+ Hanoi - Thai Nguyen : QT91

+ Hanoi - Dong Dang (Lang Son) : DD3 (change midway for Hạ Long: R167)

3. The Southern Area

Sai Gon station (Ho Chi Minh City) serves as the hub for rail travel in the South, with routes leading North-East to the central region. Keep in mind, the SE2, SE4, SE6, SE8 and SE10 trains can also be used as they will go through many major cities and destinations like Nha Trang, Tuy Hòa and Huế. 

Other specific routes: 

+ Saigon - Hue : SE21

+ Saigon - Quy Nhon : SE25

+ Saigon - Nha Trang - Tuy Hoa : SNT1, N11

+ Saigon - Phan Thiet : SPT1, PT3

Tips for preparing your train journey

+ Arrive early at the station before departure time, around 15 minutes for online tickets and 1 hour for direct ticket purchases. 

+ Weather items to explore the surrounding area: umbrella, sunscreen, sunglasses, hats, etc…

+ Personal medication: Allergy, car sickness, etc… 

+ Identification: Passport, ID card, birth certificate

+ Entertainment: Books, game console, kindle...

Overall

Vietnam’s unique geographic landscape makes for the ideal train excursion, exploring the country in its entirety from North to South. For those looking to have an exciting cultural experience, contact us at Vietnam Original Travel. We wish to make the most of your visit, without you having to stress the little details. Whether you are starting from Sài Gòn or Hà Nội, we ensure that your train excursion through Vietnam will be one to remember. 

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