Do you need to book trains in advance in Vietnam?

Where to book a sleeper train in Vietnam?

Stations, yes. Online wins. Simpler life, that’s the game.

Baolau, good place. Southeast Asia travel, figured out. Easy enough. Or is it?

• Online is king. Convenience.
• Stations are options. But lines.
• Baolau: Tickets, routes. All there.

Booking sleeper trains requires a passport, obviously. My first trip, nearly forgot it. What a mess!

Train types vary. Soft sleeper, hard sleeper, seats. Choose wisely. Noise levels, consider them. Especially if the kids are with ya.

Consider booking in advance. Especially during Tet. Madness. Truly.

Always check reviews. Avoid unpleasant surprises. Bed bugs? No thanks.

How far in advance can I book a sleeper train?

Ugh, booking sleeper trains… it’s always a headache. 120 days. That’s what they say, anyway. Seems like forever, but it goes by fast. Especially if you’re like me, leaving things to the last minute.

I need to book my tickets for that trip to Denver in October, see my sister. God, I miss her. It’s been too long.

Planning is key, I know. But sometimes… I just don’t. Procrastination is my curse. My fault, I guess.

Planning a trip feels monumental sometimes. Too much to remember.

Things I need to remember:

• Tickets (120 days prior). That’s the big one. Don’t forget!
• Hotel reservations in Denver. A cozy place, nothing fancy.
• Packing list. Clothes, toiletries, books. Don’t want to forget my book. I’m reading “Cloud Atlas” again.

This October trip is really important. I really need this. I need to see her face, hear her voice, feel like myself again. It’s pathetic, I know. But it’s true.

What is a sleeper train ticket?

A sleeper train ticket. A bed rolls. Wheels hum.

• It’s a ticket for sleep. On rails.
• Think moving hotel. Less check-in. More clickety-clack.
• Bed included. Sometimes. Depends.
• Consider it time arbitrage. Sleep saves hours.
• Toilets exist. Hopefully clean.
• Food? Maybe. Pack snacks.
• Essentially, pay to sleep. Arrive…somewhere.
• My worst trip? Lisbon to Hendaye, ’23. Snoring neighbor. Never again.

Why bother?

• Cost savings. Hotels become obsolete.
• Time efficiency. Travel at night. Work by day.
• Experience. The rhythm. The views (in daylight).
• Some routes are legends. Orient Express, Trans-Siberian. Dreams.

Things forgotten.

• Earplugs. A must. Always.
• Eye mask. Block out everything.
• Small bag. For overnight essentials. Avoid the overhead struggle.
• Phone charger. Obviously.

It’s transport. It’s lodging. Or it’s a terrible mistake. Depends on the train. And the neighbors.

Are sleeper trains worth it?

Sleeper trains? Worth it? Oh honey, that’s like asking if a chocolate croissant is worth the calories. (Spoiler: It totally is.) It all depends on your tolerance for adventure—and potential snoring roommates.

Are you the type who finds cramped spaces charming or claustrophobic? Do you dream of rhythmic lullabies, or do you require the silence of a tomb to sleep? It is a question of finding out whether you prefer spending your precious dollars on comfort or saving a bit of money and enduring an uncomfortable journey on a crowded bus.

Think of it as a hotel room on wheels, minus the bellhop and room service. I always find it funny when people ask me about that. You trade legroom for the unique experience of waking up in a different city, or even sometimes… state.

• Pros: Saves daylight travel time. You wake up already THERE! Plus, you avoid those ghastly airport security lines.
• Cons: Pricey! Can be cramped, like my old college dorm room (shudders). Potential for noisy neighbors who think 3 AM is the perfect time for a chat. I remember the chat I had with my dorm-mate, no thank you.

Basically, it is a gamble. A gamble with potentially very good rewards. So, yes, sleeper trains are worth it… if you pack earplugs and an open mind.

More to ponder:

• Consider the route: Are you traversing scenic landscapes? Or endless fields of corn? (Unless you’re REALLY into corn.)
• Research the train: Some sleeper trains are luxurious, others are… well, functional. It is all a gamble.
• Pack strategically: Remember the limited space. A carry-on size suitcase is your best friend here.
• Check amenities: Do they offer meals? Showers? Or are you on your own for sustenance and hygiene? Be prepared.

Okay, I’m done dispensing wisdom. Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m off to book my next sleeper train adventure!