While many travelers opt for buses due to their affordability and frequency, taking the train in Vietnam offers a unique and enjoyable experience. Unlike the crowded and often chaotic roads, where highways are lined with bustling cafés, fuel stations, and shops, train journeys provide a more peaceful way to witness the beauty of Vietnam’s countryside. Moreover, train rides offer fewer close calls with trucks, motorbikes, and dogs. For those seeking to meet friendly locals, the train is also a great way to strike up conversations.

Vietnam Railways Overview

Vietnam Railways operates an extensive train network spanning over 2,500 kilometers, running from Ho Chi Minh City to the Chinese border. While parts of the network date back to the colonial era and are still undergoing upgrades, many services remain slower than more modern alternatives. Travelers should remain vigilant with their belongings, especially when the train stops at stations. It’s important to keep valuables securely tucked away and ensure your luggage is safely stowed during the journey.

The most popular routes among tourists include the scenic shuttle from Da Nang to Hue (2–3 hours), providing a short but picturesque glimpse of Vietnamese rail travel. Another favorite is the overnight train between Hanoi and Hue (11–16 hours), as well as the route from Hanoi to Lao Cai (8–9 hours), which leads to the famous Sa Pa.

Train Routes

Vietnam’s main railway line runs parallel to Highway 1, connecting Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi, passing through key cities such as Nha Trang, Da Nang, and Hue. From Hanoi, three branch lines extend north toward the Chinese border and the northern coast. One line follows the Red River toward Lao Cai, a border town close to Sa Pa, and the Yunnan province of China. While the Chinese side of the rail network was restored in 2014, no trains cross the border; however, taxis provide transport between the two networks.

The second branch line runs north to Dong Dang, connecting Hanoi to the Chinese city of Nanning, with the famous bi-weekly train service between Hanoi and Beijing. The third branch heads to Haiphong, an ideal route for travelers heading to Ha Long Bay.

There are numerous services running between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, including six daily trains (SE1 to SE8), which typically take between 30–40 hours. Keep in mind that some trains arrive at inconvenient times, particularly early in the morning, so be sure to check the schedule before booking. For an up-to-date and user-friendly train timetable, the website Seat61 (seat61.com) is a reliable source.

On the northern lines, there are three trains daily between Hanoi and Haiphong (2.5 hours) and two services to Dong Dang (4.5 hours). Additionally, there are two night trains and a daytime service to Lao Cai (8–10 hours). For southern routes, two trains depart from Ho Chi Minh City to Phan Thiet (3.5 hours), providing easy access to the nearby Mui Ne beach.

Train Classes

When booking train tickets in Vietnam, you can choose from several classes of service. It’s generally recommended to opt for a higher class to ensure a more comfortable journey.

  • Hard Seats: These seats, though basic and often found in less-than-clean carriages, are bearable for short journeys. However, they are gradually being phased out.
  • Soft Seats: More comfortable than hard seats, these are typically found in air-conditioned carriages. Some trains feature double-decker carriages, and newer ones even have flat-screen TVs, albeit sometimes playing at high volumes.
  • Berths: For overnight trips, it’s advisable to reserve a berth. The hard-berth compartments have six bunks (three on each side), with top bunks being the cheapest. While the compartments are fairly comfortable, some guests may need to request fresh sheets if boarding after the train’s departure. Soft-berth compartments have only four bunks, offering more space and comfort, especially on the SE1 to SE4 routes. On certain routes, particularly from Hanoi to Da Nang, luxury carriages offer upgraded fittings and more comfortable beds, making them worth the extra cost.

Onboard Facilities

Most trains are now air-conditioned, and smoking is prohibited in most areas. However, it’s not uncommon to see smokers in the hard-seat sections. All train carriages are equipped with toilets, which can be a bit unclean, especially the squat-style toilets. The cleaner sit-down toilets are found in the sleeper carriages.

Meals are often provided as part of the ticket price, but it’s wise to bring your own snacks for the journey. You’ll also find snack carts traveling through the aisles, and kiosks at most train stations offering refreshments.

Booking Train Tickets

It’s a good idea to book your train tickets in advance, especially if you’re traveling during peak seasons or holidays. During these times, lower sleeper berths are often sold as multiple seats, which can create overcrowding and chaos. For overnight journeys, it’s recommended to book your sleeper compartment at least a day or two ahead, and even earlier for soft-sleeper berths on popular routes such as Hanoi–Hue and Hanoi–Lao Cai.

Tickets cannot be used for multiple journeys; you’ll need to buy a separate ticket for each leg of your trip. While it’s possible to purchase tickets at the station, it’s often easier to book through your hotel or a travel agency for a small fee (usually around 50,000 VND, though this can vary). You can also book online through Vietnam Railways’ official website (dsvn.vn), but be aware that international card payments sometimes face issues.

Ticket prices have decreased in recent years, with fares varying depending on the class and type of train. As a general rule, faster trains tend to be more expensive. For example, a sleeper berth on the most expensive train from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City may cost around 60 USD.

Conclusion

Train travel in Vietnam offers an excellent opportunity to explore the country in comfort while enjoying scenic views and experiencing local culture. Though bus services are more popular due to their affordability and frequency, the train journey is an enriching and pleasant way to travel, especially for longer distances. With several routes and classes to choose from, you can easily find a train service that suits your schedule and budget. Whether you’re traveling from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City or visiting the picturesque towns of the north, Vietnam’s railways offer a convenient and scenic alternative to buses and flights.