The major routes are the north-south train that links Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, serving most popular destinations along the way, and trains north from Hanoi to the northwest and northeast, including Lao Cai (to the tourist destination of Sapa) and beyond to Beijing and China.

Travel between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC)

Vietnam’s Reunification Express is the main train line running between North and South, connecting Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City and stopping at many destinations along the coast, including Hue, Danang, and Nha Trang.  The train trip from Hanoi to HCMC is 1,726 km (1,070 miles), taking more than 30 hours, although few do it in one long journey without stops along the way. 

The two major types of trains are the: SE (SE1-SE6) and TN (TN3-TN10).  In general, the SE trains are the better trains with modern air-conditioned coaches and larger windows, as well as restaurant or buffet car.

Travel between Hanoi and the North - Lao Cai (Sapa)

From Hanoi, there are also trains that run northwest or northeast with border crossings into China (please click here for more information on trains to and from China). 

A popular route is between Hanoi and Lao Cai, which is the closest train station to the tourist destination of Sapa.  The trip from Hanoi to Lao Cai takes about 10 hours, with most choosing to do an overnight trip.  There are a number of tourist trains that run daily from Hanoi to Lao Cai and back, including Tulico, Ratraco, and Friendly Cabins, all with air-conditioned soft sleeper cabins which are comfortable, although not luxurious.  For a luxury options, the Victoria resorts has its own luxury cabins on the train for those that will stay at the Victoria Resort Sapa [link to the Victoria Sapa].

Train Seat Types

On most trains, the types of seats are:

• Soft class sleepers (All have A/C, 4-berths per compartment)
• Hard class sleepers (Some with A/C, 6-berths per compartment)
• Soft class seats (some with A/C)
• Hard class seats (non-A/C)

The most comfortable option on the train, especially for overnight trains, are the hard and soft sleeper seats.  For sleeper seats, it is recommended to book at least 3-4 days in advance, and even further in advance during the high season.

Train Prices & Bookings

Note: Prices as of September 2006.  All prices in VND, with approximate USD equivalent.  For more detailed prices, please see the official website of Vietnam Railway System.

Child Rates: Children aged 0 to 4 travel for free, and children 5 to 9 travel at half fare.  Children 10 and over must pay full fare.

It is not difficult to buy a train ticket directly at the railway stations.  If you would like to purchase tickets in advance of arriving in Vietnam, however, we can arrange the purchase of tickets for you and deliver to your hotel on your arrival to Vietnam.  The booking fee is 25,000 VND (~1.50) per ticket plus a delivery fee of $5.00 USD per delivery.

Locations of Major Railway Stations in Vietnam:

Hanoi Railway Station: Add: 120 Le Duan Street, Hanoi. Tel: (84-4) 9423 697

Saigon Railway Station: 1 Nguyen Thong Street, HCMC. Tel: (84-8) 8466 528
Hue Railway Station: 2 Bui Thi Xuan Street, Hue City, Thua Thien – Hue Province. Tel: (84-54) 822 175.
Danang Railway Station: 122 Haiphong Street, Danang City. Tel: (84-511) 823 810
Nhatrang Railway Station: 17 Thai Nguyen Street, Nha Trang City, Khanh Hoa Province.  Tel: (84-58) 822 113

More Information

The fares and schedules of trains and routes can change at any time.  For more information, visit the official Vietnam Railways website, check directly at a local train station in Vietnam, or inquire with ivivu for more information.