Train Travel in Vietnam

Vietnam’s railway network spans the length of the country on 1-meter gauge tracks. The iconic Reunification Express (Đường sắt Thống Nhất) is the main trunk line linking Hanoi in the north with Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) in the south. Trains are broadly categorized by service type and code prefix. The high-end express trains (numbered SE1–SE10) cover long distances with few stops. In contrast, TN trains (TN1–TN10) are slower “local” or ordinary services with many stops. Special SP trains (SP1, SP3, etc.) serve the Hanoi–Lao Cai (Sapa) route, and LC-coded trains are basic regional/commuter services for shorter distances. (The odd/even numbering indicates direction: odd-numbered trains run north→south, and even numbers run south→north.) In recent years, private tourist-sleeper trains (e.g. Livitrans, Violette, King Express) have been attached to these routes, offering upgraded cabins and amenities on popular lines like Hanoi–Sapa or Hanoi–Hue.

Vietnam’s Reunification Express: The blue-and-white express trains (SE-coded) link Hanoi and Saigon. Trains like the SE1/SE3 have full air-conditioning and sleeping berths. The 1,726 km Hanoi–Saigon journey takes about 30–37 hours (SE3/SE4 being fastest), passing major cities (Hue, Da Nang, Nha Trang). Local TN and LC trains run the same line more slowly with more stops. (New high-speed “bullet” trains are planned for the future, but none are in service as of 2025.)

Classes & Seating Options

Vietnam Railways offers four main classes of seats/berths, each of which may be in air-conditioned (AC) or non-AC cars. The most common are:

• Soft Sleeper (2nd Class Sleeper): Enclosed cabins with 2 tiers, 4 berths each. All berths are padded and come with bedding. These are air-conditioned on express trains, and all berths are equally priced. Soft sleepers offer more privacy (especially suitable for couples or small groups).

• Hard Sleeper (3rd Class Sleeper): Open-plan cabins with 3 tiers, 6 berths (upper/middle/lower) on one side of a narrow aisle. Berths have thinner mattresses. Upper berths are cheapest, lower berths cost more due to convenience. Hard sleepers are also usually air-conditioned (on SE trains).

• Soft Seat: Cushioned seats (reclining or fixed) in chairs or benches. These are generally air-conditioned and found on express trains. Soft seats are comfortable for daytime travel and short journeys, but do not convert to beds.

• Hard Seat: Bench-style wooden seats without armrests (often crowded). These exist in both AC and fan-cooled cars. Hard seats are cheapest and often smoky and cramped; they are only recommended for short hops (under ~2 hours).

Interior of typical Vietnam Rail cars: top left (hard seats), top right (soft seats), bottom (4-berth sleeper). All newer expresses have at least some AC cars. In practice, AC is standard on SE/express trains; some slower TN/LC trains still run with open-window fans. The lower sleeper berths are larger and easier to access, so travelers who are elderly or carry bulky luggage often prefer them. Upper berths offer better views (and are slightly cheaper) but can be cramped.

Bedding and Amenities: Soft sleepers come with blankets and pillows; hard sleepers often provide linen or sale of blankets on board. Some soft-seat coaches have built-in power sockets. Dining cars (restaurant or snack carts) are available on many overnight trains, selling hot meals (noodles, rice) and drinks. Many travelers recommend bringing snacks and at least 1–2 liters of water, as onboard food is basic. The trains also circulate “bao xep” vendors selling instant noodles, coffee, and bottled water through the aisles.

 

Major Routes & Scenic Journeys

Vietnam’s rail map offers both practical connections and stunning scenery:

• Hanoi–Ho Chi Minh City (Reunification Express): The headline route (SE1–SE8) covers ~1,726 km in 30–37 hours. Southbound trains (SE1, SE3, SE5, SE7) depart Hanoi; northbound (SE2, SE4, SE6, SE8) depart Saigon. The route threads through the Central Highlands and coastal plain, calling at Ninh Bình (for Tam Cốc/Trang An), Vinh, Đồng Hới (Phong Nha), Huế, Đà Nẵng, Hội An (via Da Nang), Quy Nhơn, Nha Trang, Phan Rang, Phan Thiết (Mui Né), and finally Saigon. Aside from sheer length, it is scenic — particularly around Huế and Da Nang (Hai Vân Pass) — but passengers often travel overnight.

• Hanoi–Lao Cai (Sapa): Overnight SP trains (SP1/SP3 northbound, SP2/SP4 southbound) run daily from Hanoi to Lao Cai in ~8 hours. Sapa town itself has no station; Lao Cai is 38 km closer to Hanoi, with onward shuttle buses to the mountain resort. These trains typically include both hard- and soft-berth sleepers with air-conditioning. Onboard are often private “tourist” carriages (Fanxipan, Victoria, King, etc.) operated by travel companies, offering cleaner berths and amenities in exchange for higher fares. Sapa is famous for its terraced valleys and hill-tribe culture, so this overnight train is popular with hikers and backpackers.

Tourist sleeper train to Sapa: Private operators (Fanxipan Express here) attach modern 4-berth cabins to the SP trains between Hanoi and Lao Cai. The journey climbs through the Red River Valley, offering glimpses of northern Vietnam’s rural landscapes. Most travelers book soft sleepers or private cabins (when available) to arrive rested.

• Hue–Da Nang (Hai Vân Pass): This central coast run is often cited as Vietnam’s most scenic train journey. The line over the ancient Hai Vân Pass (the “Ocean Cloud Pass”) runs from Huế to Đà Nẵng (165 km) along dramatic coastal and jungle terrain. The climb and descent were historically challenging (the railway was completed ~1906), but today the train slowly winds through tunnels and along the South China Sea. Travelers rave about seascapes on one side and misty mountains on the other. If possible, book a daytime train on this segment and request a window seat on the mountain/ocean side. The trip takes roughly 2–3 hours by day train (SE trains stop at Da Nang on their way north/south), or about 4 hours at night.

• Hanoi–Haiphong (Hạ Long Bay): A short line runs east to Haiphong (gateway to Hạ Long Bay). Three daily train pairs (HP1/HP2 etc.) connect Hanoi–Haiphong (~100 km) in about 2.5 hours. Passengers transfer to buses/boats for Hạ Long Bay. The view is mostly urban/rural rather than dramatic coast, but it is one of few train options for visiting the bay.

• Other notable routes: The coastal segment Danang–Nha Trang is also scenic (beaches, fishing villages). The Vietage luxury train now offers single-day upscale service from Danang to Quy Nhơn. In the south, trains from Saigon to Phan Thiết/Phan Rang serve beach destinations (Mui Ne, Ninh Thuận). Finally, Vietnam’s grid includes lines to Ninh Bình (Trang An karsts) and Đông Hới (Phong Nha), useful for tourism. By train, Vietnam is slower than buses but far more comfortable; many travelers intentionally break journeys to sightsee from the window.

Ticket Booking & Prices

• Where to buy: Tickets can be purchased online or in person. The official Vietnam Railways website is dsvn.vn (formerly VR.com.vn), but it is not very foreigner-friendly (it charges fees and requires Vietnamese payment). Safer options are international booking sites like Baolau or 12go.Asia, which display schedules and accept credit cards. (Baolau even guarantees free e-ticket delivery by email, to be exchanged at the station for the actual ticket.) Alternatively, you can buy tickets at major railway stations in Vietnam: go to the ticket counter with your passport. (Hanoi Station has English-speaking staff.) Local guesthouses or travel agencies can also reserve tickets for you (they usually issue vouchers you redeem at the station).

• Timing: Train tickets go on sale about 60 days before departure. For popular dates (National Day, Lunar New Year Tết, summer holiday), seats can sell out quickly. It’s wise to book well in advance if traveling in July–August or around Tết. Note: most trains run at reduced frequency during Tết (some lines may suspend), so early booking is critical.

• Prices: Fares depend on distance and class. In general, soft sleeper (4-berth AC) is most expensive, followed by hard sleeper (6-berth AC), then soft seat, then hard seat. To give examples: a Hanoi→Ho Chi Minh City soft-seat ticket is around 1.1–1.2 million VND ($43). A hard-sleeper lower berth on the same route is about 1.5–1.6 million VND ($59), while a 4-berth soft sleeper is roughly 1.6–1.7 million VND (~$62). (Upper-tier sleeper berths are ~$5–10 cheaper.) Shorter trips scale down: for instance, Hanoi→Hue soft-seat is 1.0 million VND ($21). Children under 1 meter height often travel free or at a steep discount, but ages 2–9 usually pay half fare. Beware that booking sites charge a small service fee.

• Peak-season tips: During rush periods, tickets may only be available via tour companies at inflated prices. Always carry your passport when buying or exchanging tickets. If booking online, print out (or screenshot) your e-ticket reservation – Vietnam Railways typically requires the actual printed ticket or e-voucher at boarding. At stations, double-check the train number and departure time on the official electronic boards and arrive early (stations can be crowded).

Onboard Experience & Travel Tips

Train travel in Vietnam is generally safe and comfortable, but it has quirks. Trains are usually punctual to within an hour or two, but delays of 1–3 hours are not uncommon on long routes – so allow extra time for tight connections. Caution: petty theft can occur at busy stations; keep valuables on you or locked in your berth. Overall crime on trains is low, but it’s smart to use a small padlock on berth compartments and keep bags nearby.

• Comfort: Lower berths are wider and easier to enter, so if mobility is a concern (or for families with children), choose a lower berth. Upper berths give a bit more privacy and are cooler, but require climbing a small foot peg. The AC can be quite cold, so bring a light blanket or sweater. Hard seats are very basic – wooden benches often shared by 3 people so avoid them for overnight journeys. Soft seats (if available) recline slightly and offer reasonable comfort for day trips.

• Food & Drink: On most long-haul trains there is a dining car selling simple meals (rice dishes, soups, grilled meat, coffee) and a selection of cold drinks. Service quality varies. Often you’ll see staff walking through the cars with trays of instant noodles, spring rolls, or tea. Tip: Pack snacks (instant noodles, fruit, water, snacks) especially for overnight trains, because options can be limited or expensive. Always carry bottled water or a refillable bottle, as tap water is not potable on board.

• Scenery: Vietnam’s countryside can be beautiful from the window. For the best views, sit on the right-hand side (northbound trains) when passing the Hai Vân Pass and along the South China Sea, and on the left side when approaching Phong Nha (near Đồng Hới). On the Reunification line, travel during daylight for the scenic central and northern sections. Don’t be shy about moving between cars to look out unshaded windows.

• Onboard Service: Conductors and porters are generally helpful but have limited English. They will check tickets (hold onto your ticket/passport to show) and may offer to help with bags. Power outlets (if any) are often shared, so bring a portable charger. Restrooms on trains are small squat-style—bring hand sanitizer and toilet paper.

• Etiquette: Keep noise to a minimum at night (bright reading lights can disturb others). It’s polite to allow fellow travelers space when boarding or storing luggage. Smoking is prohibited inside cars, but often allowed in vestibules or at the open platforms between cars on older trains.

Summary for First-Time Travelers: Vietnam’s trains are slower than buses but far more comfortable for long trips. Overnight sleepers are popular because they save a night in a hotel. To prepare, pack light (soft duffel) so you can store your bag under the berth, bring warm clothes, snacks, and entertainment (books, music). Onboard, make new friends – Vietnamese travelers are typically friendly and curious. By following these tips and keeping an open mind, a train journey in Vietnam can be a memorable adventure connecting you to the country’s landscapes and people