Train Travel in Vietnam: Routes, Classes and How to Book
Train travel in Vietnam: the Reunification Express and the best sections to ride, sleeper and seat classes, booking on Vietnam Railways and tips on board.
Train travel in Vietnam is slow but scenic: the main line runs along the coast from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City, with sleeper cabins for overnight legs and some of the country's best views between Hue and Da Nang. This guide from our Vietnam travel blog covers the main routes, classes, how to book and tips on board.
Most travelers ride one or two sections rather than the whole 30-plus hour journey. Plan your train legs before applying for a visa; if you need one, apply for a Vietnam e-visa online.
Main routes
The Reunification Express is the north-south line linking Hanoi, Hue, Da Nang, Nha Trang and Ho Chi Minh City, about 1,700 km in 30 to 36 hours end to end. A separate line runs north from Hanoi to Lao Cai, gateway to Sapa.
Hanoi to Hue and Da Nang
The overnight train from Hanoi to Hue or Da Nang saves a hotel night and arrives in the morning. It is the most popular long section for travelers; our Hue travel guide covers what to do on arrival.
Hue to Da Nang
The short daytime ride from Hue to Da Nang, about two and a half to three hours, follows the coast around the Hai Van Pass, with cliffs and sea views. Sit on the sea side.
Hanoi to Lao Cai for Sapa
The Hanoi to Sapa train runs overnight to Lao Cai station, arriving early in the morning, followed by a road transfer up to Sapa. Several private companies attach comfortable carriages; see our Sapa travel guide.
Classes and berths
A Vietnam sleeper train has several classes, from hard seats to four-berth soft sleeper cabins. For overnight trips, the soft sleeper is the comfortable choice.
| Class | What it is | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Hard seat | Basic seats | Very short trips |
| Soft seat | Padded, air-conditioned seats | Daytime trips, such as Hue to Da Nang |
| Hard sleeper | Six berths per compartment | Budget overnight trips |
| Soft sleeper | Four berths per compartment | Comfortable overnight trips |
Lower berths cost the same as upper berths on many trains and are easier to use; ask for one when booking.
How to book train tickets in Vietnam
The easiest way to book train tickets in Vietnam is on the Vietnam Railways website, which has an English version and accepts international cards. Bookings open weeks ahead; buy early for weekends and holidays.
Agents and booking apps also sell tickets for a small markup, and station counters sell tickets in person, often for cash. Keep your passport details ready, as tickets are issued in the passenger's name.
On board
Trains have air-conditioning, toilets at the end of each carriage and food carts selling noodles, rice dishes and drinks. Bring snacks, water, a light jacket for strong air-conditioning and earplugs.
Keep valuables with you, especially at night, and lock compartment doors when you sleep. Trains can run late, so avoid tight connections. One final question decides how much train to include: train or flight for each leg.
Planning train travel in Vietnam
Train trips work best as part of a mixed route. Here is how to decide.
Train or flight
Fly the long legs, such as Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City, and use the train for overnight sections that save a hotel night or scenic daytime stretches. Our guide to getting around Vietnam compares all options.
VietnamVisa-Easy.com is a private visa service operated by H2 Global Travel JSC since 2012, not a government website, and you can apply directly at evisa.gov.vn for US$25. If you would like your application checked first, start your application with us.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the train in Vietnam worth it?
Yes, for the right sections. The overnight Hanoi to Hue or Lao Cai trains save a hotel night, and the Hue to Da Nang section is one of the most scenic rides in Asia. The full north-south journey is long, so most travelers fly part of the way.
Is train travel in Vietnam safe?
Trains in Vietnam are generally safe. Petty theft can happen on overnight trains, so keep passports, phones and cash with you, lock the compartment door and keep bags under the lower berth. Families and solo travelers ride the trains regularly.
Is there food on Vietnamese trains?
Yes. Food carts pass through carriages with rice dishes, noodles, snacks and drinks, and longer trains have dining cars. Many travelers also bring fruit, bread and water from the station. Hot water for instant noodles is usually available.
Do I need a visa to travel by train in Vietnam?
You need a Vietnam visa or a visa exemption to enter the country; train tickets are issued in your name using your passport. Read Do I need a visa for Vietnam? for your passport before planning your route.
