Ah, the glorious train journey—romantic, time-consuming, comfy, and stress-free. Some travel personalities want the quickest route to a destination, forgetting the old saying, ‘It’s the journey, not the destination.’ Other slow-travelers, meanwhile, relish the rambling feel of a train journey.
Why wouldn’t you willingly subject yourself to hours of squeaky seats (sometimes), questionable snack choices (not always), and the constant threat of a missed connection? Because train travel is like a rollercoaster for your soul. You can gaze for hours at the scenery whizzing by like a nature documentary on steroids—mountains, forests, and the occasional fat cow chewing cud, giving you a side-eye from the field. It’s a live Instagram story, with no filters. You get to indulge in the art of people-watching: a human zoo where you can observe everything from the power nap enthusiast to the snack hoarder fighting over the last bag of crisps. Then there is the ‘romantic’ notion of chugging along, leaving behind the chaos of airports and traffic jams—because nothing says “relaxation” like a gentle rumble and the comforting clatter of wheels on rails.
Train journeys turn travel into a comedy show, a scenic adventure, and a chance to embrace your inner wanderer—all while pretending you’re in a vintage movie, even if you're just desperately trying to find an outlet to charge your phone. Traveling by train offers a unique experience with plenty of room for your imagination to run wild.
In Vietnam, train journeys are a magical way of getting from A to B, letting you meet locals and experience authentic Vietnamese culture. The vintage trains and old-fashioned carriages evoke a sense of history, reminding travelers of the country’s colonial past and its development over the years. Trains are often bustling with vendors selling local snacks, fruit, and drinks; other passengers chatter incessantly, and intermittent dings ring out as the train crosses roadways or enters quirky towns, punctuating the journey.
Sleeper cabins are available for overnight journeys, letting passengers rest comfortably while watching the scenery change at dawn and dusk. Soft sleeper cabins are clean and reasonably priced, making overnight travel convenient and economical if you are watching your travel budget. The train stations themselves are lively hubs with local markets, street food vendors, and cultural displays, giving travelers a glimpse into everyday life.
The main railway line runs from Hanoi in the north to Ho Chi Minh City in the south, passing through picturesque countryside, mountains, coastal areas, and bustling urban centers. One of the most famous routes is the North-South Railway, which spans approximately 1,726 kilometers and takes around 30 hours. You have hours to sip your coffee while nestled in a tiny cabin as the scenery switches from green rice paddies to sleepy villages. As the train snakes south, you’ll notice the air getting warmer. The other people on the train get friendlier—probably because they’ve heard about the legendary ‘banana pancake’ snack vendor who appears at every stop, offering treats that make your taste buds dance as chocolate syrup or maybe Nutella dribbles down your shirt. The train is less a mode of transport and more a moving comedy show, with fellow travelers sharing stories, snoring in unison, and the conductor’s karaoke attempts that would make even a rock star blush.
By the time you reach Ho Chi Minh City, you’ll feel like you’ve traveled through Vietnam’s soul—full of humor, charm, and the occasional chicken crossing the track.
The train journey from Hanoi to Sapa, a popular destination in the northern mountains, is particularly breathtaking. As the train departs the bustling capital city of Hanoi for Lao Cai Station, near Sapa, it’s a ride through vibrant urban streets that gradually transition into views of rural Vietnam and the Mekong River delta, where vistas of countryside life take over: small villages, farmers working in the fields, children playing, and women carrying goods on their backs. The train then winds through the rugged mountains of northern Vietnam. The highlight of this journey is the ascent into the Hoàng Liên Son mountain range, where cool mountain air meets terraced rice fields blanketed in vibrant green and misty peaks that create a mystical atmosphere. The train chugs along with breathtaking views of valleys, waterfalls, and dense forests, immersing travelers in the region's untouched natural beauty.
The train ride offers comfort for picky people, with options like the Reunification Express or the local Lao Cai train, both providing a unique travel experience.
The train from Danang to Huế or from Danang to Nha Trang offers scenic coastal vistas, with the ocean on one side and mountains on the other, providing a picturesque backdrop for window gazing. As you board the train from Danang to Huế, you’re greeted by a symphony of honking horns, lively chatter, and the delightful aroma of street food wafting through the air. The scenery whizzes by like a paint-by-numbers masterpiece—lush green rice paddies, sleepy fishermen, some mending their fishing nets. You will see the colorful coastal cityscape, with glimpses of bustling beaches and busy markets. Soon, the scenery transitions to lush green mountains and rolling hills, dotted with small villages and rice paddies. The train snakes along the coast, offering stunning views of the South China Sea, where turquoise waters meet sandy beaches and rocky outcroppings. As it passes through tunnels and over bridges, travelers experience the contrast between the rugged mountains and the serene sea. As the journey progresses, the landscape becomes more rural, with traditional Vietnamese houses and fields of crops stretching as far as the eye can see. The sea breeze mingles with the earthy scent of farmland, creating a sensory tapestry. The train slowly approaches Huế, a city rich in history and culture, with ancient temples and the historic Imperial City visible from the window. The scenery is both calming and inspiring, offering a glimpse into Vietnam’s cultural heritage. The journey from Danang to Huế is not just a means of transportation but an immersive experience, showcasing the vibrant and diverse landscape that makes this region of Vietnam so captivating.
Don’t be surprised if your fellow passengers decide to share their life stories—ranging from tales of lost love to conspiracy theories about why the train sometimes stops for no apparent reason.
NB: Plan ahead, especially during peak seasons and holidays, when tickets can sell out quickly. Booking tickets in advance is recommended, particularly for overnight and long-distance journeys. Travelers should also be prepared for potential delays and enjoy the spontaneous moments that come with train travel. You can book through Vietnam Railways.
If you want decadent luxury with a refined air offering curated dining and private cabins rather than a local free-for-all in a chugging monster, look into booking:
The Vietage by Anantara—a maximum of 12 passengers, gourmet three-course meals, free-flow drinks, and onboard head or shoulder massages.
The SJouney Luxury Train—this sleeper train features 1930s Indochine-style décor, ensuite bathrooms, a dining car, and an onboard spa.
Gail Palethorpe, a self proclaimed Australian gypsy, is a freelance writer, photographer and eternal traveller. Check out her website Gail Palethorpe Photography and her Shutterstock profile.
