The Most Scenic Train Journeys in Vietnam

Posted By: Claire Osbaldeston / Vietnam Travel Guides

Discover the most scenic train journeys in Vietnam, including Hanoi to Da Nang’s coastal ride and the iconic Reunification Express. Get train travel tips for a memorable journey!

Vietnam’s Most Scenic Train Journeys

Vietnam’s railway system offers some of the most breathtaking train journeys in Southeast Asia. Whether you're traveling along the coastline Hanoi to Da Nang or experiencing the historic Reunification Express, train travel in Vietnam is an adventure in itself.

This guide covers:

✔ The best train routes in Vietnam – stunning coastal and countryside views.

✔ Tips for choosing the best seats and compartments.

✔ What to expect the Reunification Express experience.

If you love slow travel and stunning landscapes, Vietnam’s scenic train rides are a must-try experience!

Journey along Vietnams coast on the Hanoi to Da Nang train, passing mountains & ocean views! — Journey along Vietnam’s coast on the **Hanoi to Da Nang train**, passing mountains & ocean views! - (Source: Collected)

1. Hanoi to Da Nang – Vietnam’s Most Scenic Coastal Train Ride

Route: Hanoi → Da Nang

Duration: ~16 hours

Why Take This Train? This train ride offers breathtaking coastal views, passing through lush mountains, fishing villages, and pristine beaches.

✔ Highlights of the Hanoi to Da Nang Train Journey:

Hai Van Pass – One of Vietnam’s most stunning coastal stretches.

Lang Co Beach – A turquoise bay nestled between mountains.

Rice Fields & Fishing Villages – A peaceful glimpse of rural Vietnam.

Best Seat Recommendation:

✔ Soft seat (Air-conditioned) or 1st-class sleeper cabin for comfort.

✔ Sit on the right side (Southbound) for the best coastal views!

Pro Tip: Bring snacks and water—train food options are limited.

Book Your Train Ticket Hanoi to Da Nang

Ride the train over the Hai Van Pass, where misty mountains meet the sea for a breathtaking view! — Ride the train over the **Hai Van Pass**, where misty mountains meet the sea for a breathtaking view! - (Source: Collected)

2. Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi – The Legendary Reunification Express

Route: Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) → Hanoi

Duration: ~32-36 hours

Why Take This Train? The Reunification Express is Vietnam’s most iconic train journey, stretching 1,726 km South to North, passing through rivers, mountains, and farmlands.

✔ Highlights of the Reunification Express Journey:

Ho Chi Minh City – Start your journey in Vietnam’s bustling metropolis.

Nha Trang & Quy Nhon – Beautiful coastal towns with stunning beaches.

Hue & Da Nang – Cultural hotspots with incredible food and history.

Northern Vietnam Countryside – Endless rice fields and traditional villages.

Best Seat Recommendation:

✔ Soft sleeper (4-berth cabin) for long journeys.

✔ Hard sleeper (6-berth) for budget travelers.

Pro Tip: If you want to experience this route without taking the full 36-hour journey, consider stopping in Hue or Da Nang for a shorter segment.

Check Out the Reunification Express Schedule

Travel Vietnam affordably in a hard sleeper (6-berth) cabin, perfect for budget-friendly adventures! — Travel Vietnam affordably in a **hard sleeper (6-berth) cabin**, perfect for budget-friendly adventures! - (Source: Collected)

3. Train Travel Tips & Best Seat Recommendations

✔ Buy Tickets in Advance – Trains can sell out quickly, especially for soft sleeper cabins.

✔ Choose a Soft Sleeper Cabin for Comfort – Ideal for long journeys.

✔ Bring Your Own Food & Drinks – Onboard meals are basic.

✔ Charge Your Devices Beforehand – Some trains have power outlets, but not all.

✔ Be Prepared for Delays – Vietnam’s trains run on “relaxed” schedules.

Pro Tip: Download Google Translate for communicating with train staff who may not speak English.

Book Vietnam Train Tickets Online

Customer Reviews – What Travelers Say

⭐ Sarah, UK: "The Hanoi to Da Nang train ride was absolutely stunning! Sitting on the right side gave me the best coastal views."

⭐ James, USA: "The Reunification Express is a must-do in Vietnam! I loved seeing the changing landscapes South to North."

⭐ Anna, Australia: "Vietnam’s train travel is slow but charming. I highly recommend a soft sleeper for long journeys!"

Explore Vietnams landscapes by rail! Book your train journey for an unforgettable scenic adventure! — Explore Vietnam’s landscapes by rail! **Book your train journey for an unforgettable scenic adventure**! - (Source: Collected)

Plan Your Vietnam Train Adventure!

Vietnam’s train journeys are an incredible way to see the country at a relaxed pace. Whether you choose the scenic coastal ride to Da Nang or embark on the epic Reunification Express, train travel offers a unique and memorable experience.

Book your train ticket today!

Hanoi to Da Nang Train

Reunification Express Ticket

Vietnam Train Travel Guide

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Tags: Reunification Express, best train routes in Vietnam, Vietnam train travel

Best Itinerary Services: 7-Day Vietnam’s Most Scenic Train Journeys Tour

Day 1: Hanoi – Exploring the Capital Before Departure

⭐ Where? Northern Vietnam
⭐ Daytime Activities:

Visit the Hanoi Train Street, where trains pass just inches houses and cafés.
Explore the Old Quarter, with its historic streets and delicious street food.
Visit the Vietnam Railway Museum, learning about the country’s railway history.

⭐ Evening Experience:

Board the Hanoi to Dong Hoi overnight train, experiencing a soft sleeper cabin for comfort.

⭐ Best Scenic Moment: Watching the city lights fade as your train heads south.

Day 2: Dong Hoi & Phong Nha – Caves & Countryside

⭐ Where? Central Vietnam
⭐ Daytime Activities:

Arrive in Dong Hoi, a peaceful coastal city.
Take a short drive to Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, home to stunning caves and jungle landscapes.
Explore Phong Nha Cave by boat, sailing through incredible limestone formations.

⭐ Evening Experience:

Enjoy a quiet night in a riverside homestay, preparing for the next train journey.

⭐ Best Scenic Moment: Cruising through Phong Nha Cave’s illuminated stalactites.

Day 3: Hai Van Pass Train – Vietnam’s Most Scenic Railway

⭐ Where? Hue to Da Nang, Central Vietnam
⭐ Daytime Activities:

Take the morning train Dong Hoi to Hue, enjoying rice field views.
Explore Hue’s Imperial City, the former royal capital of Vietnam.
Board the Hue to Da Nang train, passing through the famous Hai Van Pass, where mountains meet the sea.

⭐ Evening Experience:

Arrive in Da Nang, enjoy a beachside dinner, and relax by My Khe Beach.

⭐ Best Scenic Moment: Watching the coastline unfold as the train winds through the Hai Van Pass.

Day 4: Hoi An – A Cultural & Coastal Escape

⭐ Where? Central Vietnam
⭐ Daytime Activities:

Visit Marble Mountains, a cluster of caves and temples with panoramic views.
Explore Hoi An Ancient Town, with its lantern-lit streets and historic charm.
Join a traditional lantern-making workshop and take home a unique souvenir.

⭐ Evening Experience:

Take a sunset boat ride on the Thu Bon River, releasing floating lanterns.

⭐ Best Scenic Moment: Hoi An’s riverside glowing with lantern lights at sunset.

Day 5: Da Nang to Nha Trang – A Coastal Railway Adventure

⭐ Where? Central to South-Central Vietnam
⭐ Daytime Activities:

Board the Da Nang to Nha Trang train, passing through some of Vietnam’s most beautiful coastal views.
Relax at Nha Trang Beach, known for its golden sands and clear blue waters.
Visit Po Nagar Cham Towers, an ancient Hindu temple complex.

⭐ Evening Experience:

Enjoy fresh seafood at a beachside restaurant with ocean views.

⭐ Best Scenic Moment: Watching the sunrise over the ocean the train window.

Top 5 Best Destinations for Train Travel in Vietnam

Sapa – A Scenic Train Ride to the Northern Highlands
Ninh Binh – The Best Train Journey for Nature Lovers
Hue – A Historic Destination with a Scenic Railway Journey
Da Nang – A Coastal City with Stunning Railway Views
Ho Chi Minh City – The Final Stop of the Reunification Express

⭐ Where? Northern Vietnam

Take the Hanoi to Lao Cai overnight train, then a short drive to Sapa.
Experience breathtaking mountain views, terraced rice fields, and ethnic villages.
Visit Fansipan Mountain, the highest peak in Indochina.

⭐ Best Train Route: Hanoi to Lao Cai – The best way to reach Sapa by rail.

⭐ Where? Northern Vietnam

Take a short train ride Hanoi to Ninh Binh, passing lush countryside.
Explore Tam Coc and Trang An, known as the "Ha Long Bay on land."
Hike to Hang Mua Viewpoint for stunning sunset views.

⭐ Best Train Route: Hanoi to Ninh Binh – A quick and scenic countryside escape.

⭐ Where? Central Vietnam

Ride the Reunification Express Hanoi to Hue, passing through coastal landscapes.
Visit the Imperial City, ancient tombs, and pagodas.
Enjoy a peaceful boat ride on the Perfume River.

⭐ Best Train Route: Dong Hoi to Hue – A beautiful railway stretch along Vietnam’s central coast.

⭐ Where? Central Vietnam

Enjoy My Khe Beach and the famous Golden Bridge at Ba Na Hills.
Take the Da Nang to Nha Trang train, another stunning coastal railway journey.
Visit Marble Mountains for panoramic city and ocean views.

⭐ Best Train Route: Da Nang to Nha Trang – A scenic ride along Vietnam’s coastline.

⭐ Where? Southern Vietnam

Travel Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City on the full-length Reunification Express.
Visit the War Remnants Museum, Ben Thanh Market, and Notre-Dame Cathedral.
Take a river cruise along the Saigon River, enjoying skyline views.

⭐ Best Train Route: Nha Trang to Ho Chi Minh City – A relaxed ride Vietnam’s bustling metropolis.