Vietnam has a very extensive and good rail network from Ho Chi Minh City (South) to Lao Cai, the station for visiting Sapa in the north of Vietnam. Traveling by train through Vietnam is a lot easier than taking the bus. Although it can be slower than by bus, you have much more space and it is safer. The tracks and trains are a bit outdated, but it’s a great way to explore Vietnam. Especially the night trains, with air conditioning and beds, are a better alternative than the long bus routes.

On this page you will learn the following about traveling by train in Vietnam:

• Why travel by train through Vietnam
• The trains and classes
• Buy a train ticket in Vietnam
• Train times
• Train stations in Vietnam
• The most popular train routes in Vietnam
• Safety
• Tips

Why travel by train through Vietnam

Traveling by train in Vietnam is really an unforgettable local experience. The biggest advantage of this means of transport is the reasonable price and safety. The fare is half a flight and only slightly more expensive than the bus. The slow train goes through mountains, forests, valleys and even along the ocean, allowing you to enjoy the authentic natural view of Vietnam. Moreover, it is an interesting way to travel by train for a few hours to make friends with the locals and get a better picture of their daily lives.

The trains and classes

The railways of the Vietnam Railways run along the coast and connect Hanoi with Ho Chi Minh City and Hai Phong with train connections to the Chinese border. The government is modernizing the network and the trains themselves. Trains with SE are often new and faster trains. Trains that are referred to as TN are the obsolete trains. Moreover, it is an interesting way to travel by train for a few hours to make friends with the locals and get a better picture of their daily lives.

The options

You can usually choose from a hard seat or a soft seat and a hard sleeper or a soft sleeper. And then with or without air conditioning. The hard seats are the cheapest class and are often full of locals.

You can take your luggage into the wagon and put it in racks above your head or under the seat. Some travelers secure their luggage to the rack with a bicycle lock. It is even possible to take your motorcycle on the train.

Like many countries, Vietnam also has the option of using night trains, which saves an overnight stay in a hotel and a day’s travel and is often a better alternative than a long bus trip. The fastest route from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City is approximately thirty hours. The train runs fairly slowly; often around 50 km / h through the landscape.

Buying a train ticket in Vietnam

Train tickets are generally more expensive than the bus, but cheaper than a domestic flight. The price of tickets depends on your train and which class you book. Hard seats is the cheapest and least comfortable option. Soft sleeper is suitable for long distances at night, but also more expensive (recommended!). For a ride from Hanoi to Hue you pay around 500,000 Dong, which is around $ 22. Often, the earlier you book the tickets, the cheaper the price.

Because the trains in Vietnam always have a limited amount of soft sleepers, it is wise to book train tickets as early as possible. Train tickets are usually available from 60 days before departure (sometimes 90 days in advance).

Where to book a train ticket

Tickets are available at stations and travel agencies, hotels and online via the Vietnam Railways website, Bao Lau and 12go.asia.

Train times

Several Reunification Express trains depart daily from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Train times change regularly, so check the departure times on the Vietnam Railways website.

Vietnamese trains are not always on time. There is often a delay, sometimes a few hours. Do not plan your connecting flight without a significant pause between the arrival of the train and your next departure. The weather can also cause train delays. Conditions are changing rapidly and they do not announce delays or cancellations in advance.

Train stations in Vietnam