Can you travel around Vietnam by train?
Yes, Vietnam offers extensive train travel. A single 2,600km track connects north and south, run by Vietnam Railways. Trains average 40km/h, providing a scenic and leisurely way to see the country, from Ho Chi Minh City to the Chinese border. Enjoy the journey!
Train Travel in Vietnam: Is it Possible?
Vietnam train travel? Totally doable. It’s a slow roll, around 40km/h, but that’s the charm.
One long track, 2,600km, run by Vietnam Railways. Saigon to China, basically.
I took the train from Hanoi to Hue last March (2023). It was a soft sleeper, about $30, and took forever, but the views were insane. Rice paddies flashing by, tiny villages… So worth it.
Saw a family sharing noodles, kids giggling. A grandma napping, head bobbing. It’s like a glimpse into real life.
Train travel in Vietnam offers a unique, slow-paced journey through the country’s diverse landscapes. It’s a 2,600km track connecting North and South Vietnam, averaging 40km/h.
How good are trains in Vietnam?
Dude, Vietnam trains? Mixed bag, honestly. The food on that one trip, though? Amazing! Seriously, four stars easily. I mean, fantastic food. We went from Da Nang to Saigon, first class, VIP even! Two-berth cabin. Total game changer.
But the regular carriages? A disaster. Filthy, I tell ya. Grimy and gross. Seriously, so dirty. The VIP cabin was a luxury, though. So much better, way cleaner. Think plush seating, a working toilet (most important!), and air conditioning that actually worked.
So yeah, it’s a huge difference between the cheap seats and the VIP. The VIP is definitely worth it for longer journeys. But that’s just my experience. My friend went on a sleeper train last month and said it was cramped and smelled bad. Don’t expect a smooth, clean ride, unless you’re in VIP.
Here’s the breakdown:
- VIP Cabins: Clean, comfortable, air-conditioned. Worth the extra cost, especially for long distances.
- Regular Cabins: Expect dirt, cramped quarters, and potentially non-functional facilities. A gamble, especially on longer journeys.
I’d recommend checking reviews specifically for the route and type of cabin your considering before booking, though. Things change quickly. This was all in 2024.
How much is public transportation in Vietnam?
Seven thousand dong. A bus ticket. Ten thousand, maybe. Two hundred thousand, a month. Freedom’s price, perhaps less. Sixteen thousand to start. A taxi. Fourteen thousand per mile. Meters tick. Thoughts wander. Is it worth it? Time, the ultimate currency. Lost in Hanoi traffic. Lost in thought. Seven thousand. So little. So much.
- Local bus: 7,000–10,000 VND (2024 prices). My last trip. Hot. Crowded.
- Monthly pass: 200,000 VND (average). Bought one once. Never used it.
- Taxi start: 16,000 VND (normal tariff). Air conditioning. A luxury.
- Taxi per mile: 14,000 VND. Adds up. Quickly. Like sand through fingers.
Destinations change. Prices fluctuate. The journey persists. Seven thousand dong. A small price. For a larger journey. Where am I going?
What is the train system like in Vietnam?
Vietnam’s trains? North. South. Ho Chi Minh City to Lao Cai. Sapa calls.
Forget buses.
Trains win. Space. Safety. Speed? Less so, maybe. So what.
- Reunification Express: North-South backbone.
- SE trains: Express options. Supposedly.
- Local trains: Slower. Cheapest? Always.
Expect delays. Book ahead. I always do.
Info:
- Gauge: Meter gauge.
- Rolling Stock: Aging, some modern.
- Classes: Hard seat, soft seat, berth options. Choose wisely.
- Tickets: Buy at stations, online (limited), travel agencies.
- Food: Available onboard, station vendors. Negotiate prices. Always.
- Scenery: Varies. Coastline views? Yes. Mountains? Sometimes. Rice paddies? Inevitable.
- Safety: Improved, but be aware. My bag.
- Cleanliness: Variable. Pack wipes. Believe me.
- Cost: Affordable compared to flights.
- Noise: Consider earplugs.
- My trip: Nearly missed my train to Hue. Never again.
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