Travel by train in Vietnam, why not?

Traveling by train in Vietnam is a wonderful experience, as the slow, leisurely pace favors admiring the scenery and taking in the local culture. The train is a popular means of transport in Vietnam, much appreciated by the Vietnamese owing to its low cost, comfort, and convenient network that connects the country from north to south, from the Chinese border near Sapa to Ho Chi Minh City.      

The train in Vietnam, the eulogy of slow-paced travel

A train journey is an art of travel where the means of transport counts just as much as the destination. It allows us to return to the very basis of travel: contemplation. This is a time to let yourself be gently rocked by the rolling and jolting of the train, a moment of relaxation during which you can contemplate the endless scenery of rice paddies and the Vietnamese countryside from an angle you have never seen before. Train travel also offers great opportunities to meet and share with local travelers. And as the Vietnamese never travel without a few treats and like to share them, you'll surely have the chance to sample a few culinary delights as you savor the scenery that passes by through the window.

Brief history of trains in Vietnam

The first railroad to appear in Vietnam was the Saigon-My Tho line, which no longer exists, built in 1881 under French colonization. Most of Vietnam’s rail network was built between 1882 and 1936, including the Hanoi-Saigon line, which covers 1730 kilometers and serves several cities. After Vietnam’s reunification in 1975, this line was dubbed the “Reunification Express”, since it links the people of North and South Vietnam.

Vietnam’s train comfort conditions

The comfort conditions of trains in Vietnam vary according to the class chosen.

For short journeys, you can choose between 2 classes of seating: hard wooden bench, or soft, cushioned bench.  

For longer journeys, such as the night trains, you can opt for couchettes. There are also two classes: hard sleeper (6 berths per cabin) and soft sleeper (4 berths per cabin). Note that some private companies offer cabins with only 2 berths, which are more comfortable. All trains are air-conditioned, with toilets and washbasins in every car. A snack service is also available on most trains.

Trains in Vietnam, like other means of road transport, are constantly being improved to the satisfaction of travelers.            

Sleeper trains in Vietnam     

The Vietnamese rail network offers night trains equipped with cabins that have soft berths. While you won't have the opportunity to enjoy the scenery extensively, taking a night train is quite practical, as it saves on accommodation costs. Here are some routes you can consider for night train travel:

Train Hanoi- Lao Cai: Ideal for travelers wishing to reach Sapa from Hanoi to admire the rice terraces and meet the ethnic minorities of this mountainous region. Arriving in Lao Cai at 5:30 am, an hour's drive by road will take you to this former colonial-era health resort.

Hanoi- Lao Cai Night Train

Train Hanoi- Hue/ Ninh Binh- Hue or Train Hanoi-Danang/ Ninh Binh-Danang: Perfect for getting to Central Vietnam from the capital or from the “Halong Bay on land”. The Hue train station is located right in the city center, and a short ride will take you to the hotel to freshen up before visiting the historic wonders of the ancient imperial city, a UNESCO World Heritage site. From Danang, it's just a 30-minute drive to the charming UNESCO-listed Hoi An Ancient Town.

Train Hue- Nha Trang or Train Danang- Nha Trang: Perfect for those who prefer to enjoy the seaside pleasures of Nha Trang, whose bay has been ranked among the top 20 most beautiful in the world.     

Train Nha Trang- Ho Chi Minh City: An interesting journey for those wishing to travel to southern Vietnam to discover ancient Saigon and to explore the Mekong Delta and its fabulous floating markets.     

And there you have it, a panorama of trains in Vietnam that will eventually make you want to discover the S-shaped land with a safe, practical, and nostalgic means of transport. Bon voyage!   

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