Riding the rails is a nostalgic experience for many, and Vietnam provides plenty of opportunities for this. There are several train rides found through out the country, including the most famous, the Reunification Train running from north-to-south, Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh.
How to Get From Hanoi to Sapa
Sapa is one of the most visited destinations in North Vietnam, with tourists arriving year-round from Hanoi. There are several ways to reach this mountain town from Vietnam’s capital city, including train, bus, shuttle, and motorbike. The closest airport to Sapa is Hanoi’s Noi Bai International Airport, so that’s the one you’ll fly into to …
Tourist Train Rides in Vietnam
Passenger trains operate on a number of railroads around Vietnam. In the north you can venture from the bustling capital city to the mountain town of Sapa via train. While in the south, retreat to the high country at Da Lat, where you can catch a train back to the coast. These are the most popular tourist train rides in Vietnam.
How to Get To/From in Vietnam
Trains, planes and automobiles are among the most common methods to get around Vietnam. The latter of which includes taxis, ride hailing apps like Grab, GoJek, and Be, as well as motorbike rentals, buses, and the easy and efficient, shuttle bus, which is a smaller limo-style bus, which operate from just about anywhere to anywhere.
Guide to Trains and Railroads in Vietnam
There’s lots of opportunity for a scenic train ride in a long, primarily narrow country like Vietnam. Not only is taking the train a safer option as opposed to a bus or motorbike, but it also offers unique views and a relaxing way to travel. Vietnam has many different routes, so if you’re planning on doing some city-hopping, getting to your destinations by train should be considered.
Traveling by train is a fantastic way to have an authentic native Vietnamese experience. When it comes to the cost of travel, it’s much cheaper than a flight but more expensive than a bus. However, paying a little bit extra to avoid several hours on a bus is entirely worth it. Even though trains are usually packed with passengers, the accommodations typically are more comfortable than a bus, too.
Where to Purchase Train Tickets
Train tickets can be purchased over the counter at any train station. In some ways, this method is convenient because you have tickets in hand, sometimes at a lower price, and you can view all the schedules right from that location. However, buying train tickets at the station can also involve waiting in long lines that take up a lot of time when you don’t have any.
The other way to purchase tickets is through a private travel company or a train website, which most people find faster and easier than in person. Either way, buying tickets in advance is the best way to secure the most optimal seats.
Tips for Traveling by Train
Vietnam is fairly well connected by train. You can board a train in Hanoi and ride it Ho Chi Minh City, or opt for one of the other scenic railroads that goes up into the high country, like Sapa or Da Lat. Make the most of your train ride by planning ahead:
- Passengers are responsible for their own belongings; packing light makes this easier.
- Some food and snacks are available on trains, but you might want to pack your own to ensure you have something you like.
- It can be helpful to do some stretches or walk a bit every couple of hours to maintain blood circulation.
- There are different classes of seats, the more expensive they are means they are usually more comfortable.
- If you’ve booked hard wooden seats, bring a neck pillow for napping on long train rides.
- Riding the train is an excellent way to socialize with locals.
- Train cabins can be very noisy; bring earplugs if loud sounds bother you.
- Night trains are available for many connecting cities. These are good for visitors on shorter trips that want to maximize time.
- Watch out for pickpockets that get on and off between stations.
Popular Train Routes
Traveling by train is a popular transportation option in Vietnam for both business and personal riders. Several routes showcase varying types of scenery that might otherwise be missed, ranging from the ocean and forest to rural towns and big cities. Whether you’re planning for a day trip or taking a train to the next destination of your vacation, here are some of the most popular routes.
Reunification Express
If you’re up for the ultimate train adventure, take the Reunification Express ride from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City. This route offers the most complete exposure of Vietnam scenery from its rural backlands to its most busy, vibrant cities and takes about 30 hours from start to finish.
Not only is this a photo-worthy adventure one to remember, but it’s also a great way to meet locals and experience seeing all of the repaired train stations, tunnels, and cities that came together after the northern and southern regions reunified. Trains leave daily from both Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.
Hai Phong to Hanoi
This train ride is less than three hours long and goes through bustling cities and serene rice fields, offering a little bit of everything when it comes to views. The emphasis of this trip is seeing the Long Bien Bridge as the train goes into Hanoi, as passengers get a great panoramic view of the Red River.
Da Nang to Hue
Taking a train along the Da Nang coast might be the most beautiful ride in the entire country, as passengers get to witness stunning sights of the ocean and lush mountains all in one sitting. If you decide to take this ride during the summer, the wildflowers are all in bloom and surround the train on both sides. Another feature of this route is getting to travel through the Hai Van Pass, one of the most picturesque scenic drive areas in the country. Before arriving in Hue at the Lang Co Train Station, visitors see the bright blue water at the bay.
Da Lat to Trai Mai
To take a more rural adventure, ride the train from Da Lat to Trai Mai for some of the most unspoiled scenery in the land. If you choose to ride during January and February, you’ll be treated to endless views of cherry blossoms all around you. From the train car, passengers will see misty mountain tops, fields of flowers, and old villages on this route.
Sapa to Fansipan
Those traveling to Vietnam for the mountains should take the train from Sapa to Fansipan, the country’s tallest mountain. This route is also the longest mountainous train ride in Vietnam. It ends at the Muong Hoa Station, where tourists can enjoy taking photos of the scenery before riding the train back, or they can get off and explore the Fansipan area for a while. There is also a 15-minute ride to the top of Fansipan that visitors can take for some of the best views in the area.
Da Nang to Dong Hoi
This six-hour train ride is best taken during the day if possible, due to the incredible scenery between these two towns. Passengers can get some of the best views of the Hai Van Pass and its lush foliage, as well as the sparkling blue waters of Da Nang Bay. Some of the other highlights of this ride include the Tam Giang Lagoon and the stone tunnel in Quang Binh Province.
Traveling by train can be an enjoyable and memorable experience. If you plan to see Vietnam by train, don’t forget your camera to capture all the stunning scenery.
Traveling by train can be an enjoyable and memorable experience. If you plan to see Vietnam by train, don’t forget your camera to capture all the stunning scenery.
