Train Travel in Vietnam: Everything You Need to Know in 2025

Why Travel by Train in Vietnam?

The train remains one of the most authentic and enriching ways to explore Vietnam. Whether you dream of crossing the rice paddies of Central Vietnam, discovering the colorful markets of Huế, cruising the Mekong River, or joining a traditional junk boat cruise in Halong Bay, the Vietnamese railways offer a unique cultural immersion.

In this complete guide, discover everything you need to know about train travel in Vietnam in 2025, whether you're a tourist, an adoptee reconnecting with your roots, or simply passionate about Southeast Asia, Indochina, and Asia travel.

Advantages of Train Travel in Vietnam

• Economical: Tickets from as low as €8 for short trips.

• Eco-friendly: A greener alternative to flying, buses, or motorbike travel.

• Scenic: Breathtaking countryside landscapes, including the limestone mountains of North Vietnam and the coastal views near Da Nang.

• Sociable: Meet Vietnamese people, Khmer communities, ethnic minorities, and other travellers, and explore off-the-beaten-track provinces.

Must-Do Train Routes in Vietnam

1. Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City (Reunification Express)

• Distance: 1,726 km

• Duration: 30 to 35 hours

• Key Stops: Ninh Binh, Huế (departure point for the Imperial City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site), Quốc, Tam Ky, Nha Trang, Mui Ne

2. Hanoi to Lao Cai (Gateway to Sapa)

Perfect for trekking enthusiasts seeking mountainous landscapes and encounters with ethnic minorities in Northern Vietnam.

3. Hanoi to Hai Phong (Access to Halong Bay)

The easiest way to reach Halong for a Halong Bay cruise on the Gulf of Tonkin. Many day-trips, day cruises, deluxe cruises, and overnight luxury cruises aboard traditional junks depart from here.

Train Classes and Comfort Levels

Class Description Best For Soft Seat Air-conditioned seating Short trips Hard Sleeper 6-berth basic cabin Budget travellers Soft Sleeper 4-berth comfortable cabin Long-distance comfort VIP Cabin Private 2-berth cabins Couples, families, or honeymoon travellers

How to Book Train Tickets in Vietnam

• Official Website: dsvn.vn

• At the Station: Cash preferred

• Online Platforms: Baolau, 12Go Asia

• Via Agencies, Tour Operators or Homestay Hosts: Especially useful when planning excursions to places like Dalat, Angkor Wat, Cat Ba Island, or Phnom Penh.

• Visa-on-arrival: Ensure you arrange it early if you're planning to travel to Laos or Cambodia during your Vietnam tour.

Experiences Not to Miss

• Huế to Da Nang Train Ride: Overlook the South China Sea and lush UNESCO-protected landscapes.

• Crossing through Southern Vietnam's Countryside: Rice fields, islets, and traditional villages.

• Explore the Cu Chi Tunnels: Combine train and bus tours to experience this key Vietnam War and Viet Cong site.

• Visit Pagodas and UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Like the Imperial City of Huế and the breathtaking temples near Angkor.

• Kayaking in Halong Bay: Many day cruises and luxury cruises offer thrilling kayak excursions among limestone formations.

• Take a Cooking Class in Huống or Danang: Learn authentic Vietnamese cuisine during your stopovers.

Personal Testimony

"The journey from Huế to Nha Trang moved me deeply. Watching temples, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, limestone caves, and the countryside pass by made me feel even more connected to my Vietnamese roots. A train journey across Indochina is a life-changing experience."

Useful Links to Explore Next

• What to Pack for Vietnam in 2025?

• How to Organize an Authentic Homestay Experience

• Discover Your Roots Through Vietnamese Cuisine

Conclusion: The Train, Mirror of Vietnam’s Soul

Traveling by train in Vietnam is not just about moving between destinations — it's a profound immersion into the landscapes of Indochina, the heritage of Angkor Wat and Huế, and the rich culture of the Vietnamese and Khmer peoples. It's a chance to embark on small-group tours, deluxe trips, shuttle-bus excursions, or a honeymoon adventure that leaves unforgettable memories.

Whether you're planning a Vietnam itinerary with a luxury cruise in Halong Bay, an off-the-beaten-track excursion to the Mekong Delta, or a day cruise around Cat Ba Island, don't miss the opportunity to travel by train — the beating heart of authentic Southeast Asia.

Ready for your next adventure visiting Vietnam?