Trains in Vietnam

Vietnam Railways runs one long line down the country, the Reunification Express, from Hanoi through Hue, Da Nang and Nha Trang to Ho Chi Minh City. It is slow, scenic and best taken in sections, with overnight sleepers on the longer legs.

Main lines and journeys

North–South line

Hanoi, Ninh Binh, Vinh, Dong Hoi, Hue, Da Nang, Quy Nhon, Nha Trang and Ho Chi Minh City, about 1,726 km.

Hanoi to Lao Cai

The overnight train for Sapa takes roughly 7.5 hours. Sapa itself is about 38 km further by road.

Hanoi to Hai Phong

A shorter line to the northern port city.

Saigon to Phan Thiet

A short southern line to the coast.

Train types and classes

Soft sleeper

Four-berth air-conditioned compartment with a door that locks. The most comfortable choice.

Hard sleeper

Six-berth compartment with lower, middle and upper berths. Cheaper, with similar facilities.

Soft seat

Reclining air-conditioned seats for daytime trips.

Hard seat

Basic seats, being phased out on many trains.

Tourist carriages

Run by private companies on some trains. They cost more for similar compartments and add small extras.

Travel tips

• Book ahead for Tet, the Vietnamese New Year in late January or February, when trains fill up.
• Choose the lower berth if you want easy access, and the upper berth for privacy.
• Ticket offices at stations usually take Vietnamese dong only, so booking online is easier.
• Break the trip in two or three stops rather than riding the whole line at once.

Popular routes in Vietnam

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Written in October 2026. Services, timetables and fares change, so check the live timetable for your travel date before you book.