Vietnam Train Travel
Vietnam's air-conditioned trains are
safe, comfortable & inexpensive, the ideal way for independent travellers to get
around and see Vietnam at ground level. The train journeys are an experience in
themselves, and become an integral part of your visit to Vietnam. You might even
meet some Vietnamese people. Inexperienced travellers often mistakenly think
they'll save time by using internal flights - in fact, an overnight train ride
from Hanoi to Hué or Danang is not only far more of an experience (and cheaper)
than a flight, the train actually saves time compared to flying, because the
train leaves Hanoi city centre in the evening and arrives in Hué city centre
next morning. Flying takes 4 or 5 hours out of your sightseeing day in getting
to a remote airport, checking in, taking the flight itself, collecting your bags
and getting back into the city centre. And the sleeper trains saves a hotel
bill, too.
Air-conditioned trains with sleepers and on-board catering link
Hanoi, Hué, Danang, Nha Trang, and Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City).
Hoi An has no station, but it's just
30km by bus or taxi from Danang. There are also trains from Hanoi to Lao Cai
(for Sapa). For most visitors, overnight train travel from Hanoi to Lao Cai and
by road to Sapa is the best option.
Which class should you
choose?
Air-conditioned soft sleeper is the recommended choice for most western
travellers, for any journey involving overnight travel. Air-con soft sleeper
cars have western-style toilets at the end of the corridor, and in the newer
cars you'll find sockets for recharging your camera or mobiles. Air-con soft
seat is a good choice for daytime journeys, but not for overnight trips as you
can't sleep properly in a seat.