🚆 Train Travel in Vietnam
🚉 TOP Railway Routes
📍 Vietnam Railway Map
❓ FAQ + Travel Tips + Info
🎫 Book Train Tickets
Vietnam Railway Map for tourists and other useful information.
Vietnam has a large coverage of railway stations, but a lots of interesting places are accesible only by bus or private taxi. If you look at the map, you will see that the less covered is the large part of northern Vietnam and the southernmost part of southern Vietnam. We can expected that other railway stations will grow in the upcoming years or they will be renovated.
Traveling by train in Vietnam offers several advantages. Firstly, it allows you to enjoy the scenic beauty of the country’s landscapes as the railways pass through picturesque regions. Secondly, trains are a relatively comfortable mode of transportation, especially for long-distance journeys, with options for reclining seats or sleeper cabins. Additionally, trains are often considered safer and more environmentally friendly compared to other modes of transport. Lastly, train stations are usually located in or near city centers, making it convenient to access popular tourist places and accommodation.
BOOK TRAIN TICKETS in Vietnam here ➜
In addition to comfort, safety is another significant advantage of train travel in Vietnam. Trains are generally considered to be safer compared to other modes of transportation, with well-maintained tracks and modern rolling stock contributing to a secure journey for passengers. This peace of mind is especially important for travelers exploring unfamiliar territories.
Furthermore, train travel is often touted as an environmentally friendly option. Trains have a lower carbon footprint compared to other forms of transportation such as cars or planes, making them a more sustainable choice for eco-conscious travelers looking to reduce their environmental impact while exploring Vietnam.
Lastly, the strategic location of train stations adds to the convenience of traveling by train in Vietnam. Train stations are typically situated in or near city centers, providing easy access to popular tourist destinations.
Vietnam Railway Map / Network (2024) – Click on the picture for the high resolution ⏬
🚉 The most popular railway routes in Vietnam:
| The most frequented railway routes in Vietnam: | |
|---|---|
| Northern Vietnam | Hanoi to Sapa (Lao Cai) > Lao Cai to Hanoi > Hanoi to Ninh Binh |
| Central / Southern Vietnam | Da Nang to Ho Chi Minh > Da Nang to Nha Trang > Ho Chi Minh to Nha Trang |
| From northern to central Vietnam | Hanoi to Dong Hoi > Hanoi to Hue > Hanoi to Da Nang |
| From central to northern Vietnam | Da Nang to Hanoi > Hue to Ninh Binh > Hue to Hanoi > Dong Hoi to Hanoi |
📍 Vietnam Railway Map / Network:
The most important railway stations for travellers and tourists > Lao Cai, Yen Bai, Dong Dang, Hanoi, Hai Phong, Ha Long, Ninh Binh, Thanh Hoa, Vinh, Dong Hoi, Hue, Da Nang, Quy Nhon, Nha Trang, Phan Thiet, Ho Chi Minh City.
Some small and not so important railway stations in Vietnam are not marked on this Google map. Red circle – the main and bigger railway stations (tourist places). Map was updated in January 2024.
➜ In the near future, there are plans to build a new high-speed railway route in the south of Vietnam. Vietnam to Build 139km High-Speed Railway From Saigon to Can Tho. Once the high-speed railway is finished, it will only take 45 minutes to travel from Saigon to Can Tho. Read full story about this railway project in southern Vietnam.
➜ There is also a plan to build a new railway route from Ho Chi Minh City to Vung Tau (more information).
❓ FAQ + Travel Tips about travel by train in Vietnam:
1. Are there trains in Vietnam?
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- Yes, there are various trains in Vietnam. There are typical regular trains of Vietnam Railways and also private tourist trains (luxury sleeper trains). There are hard or soft seats or sleeper berth (2,4 or 6 berth cabins). These tourist sleeper trains are added to the regular trains of Vietnam Railways (SE1, SE3, SE7, SE9, SE11, SE17…).
2. How you can book and buy train tickets in Vietnam?
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- You can book and buy train e-tickets for Vietnam easily online with Baolau ➜ or 12go.asia ➜.
3. Is there a train from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)?
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- Yes, there is a train from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City. Travel by train from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City takes about 32-36 hours. There are also tourist trains – Violette Trains, New Livitrans Express, Lotus Train, Laman Express (from Hanoi to Da Nang) and Livitrans Express, Violette Trains, Saigon Golden Train (from Da Nang to Saigon). There are about 6 regular trains of Vietnam Railways from Hanoi to Saigon every day.
4. What is the most popular tourist railway route in Vietnam?
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- The most frequented and popular railway route is from Hanoi to Sapa (Lao Cai). There are luxury sleeper tourist trains + regular seat + sleeper trains of Vietnam Railways to Lao Cai.
5. How do I get from Hanoi to Hoi An by train?
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- The only way how to get by train from Hanoi to Hoi An is to travel by train to Da Nang and from Da Nang you can travel by bus or van/minivan/taxi to Hoi An. Travel by train from Hanoi to Da Nang takes about 17 hours.
6. Can you take a train from Thailand to Vietnam?
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- No, it is not possible to travel by train from Thailand to Vietnam. There is no direct train between these countries.
7. Is there a train from Vietnam to Laos or Cambodia?
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- No, there is no railway from Vietnam to Laos and Cambodia, it is not possible to travel by train to these countries. You can travel by plane (various direct flights) or tourist bus from Vietnam to Laos and Cambodia.
8. Is there a train from Vietnam via border to China?
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- There is a popoular railway route from Hanoi to Nanning. This route is operated by Vietnam Railways + China Railways. Travel by train from Hanoi to Nanning via Lang Son (stopover in Dong Dang border) takes about 12 hours.
9. How extensive is the train network in Vietnam?
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- Vietnam has an extensive train network that connects major cities and popular tourist destinations across the country. The railway system covers the north-south route, running from Hanoi in the north to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) in the south, with multiple stops along the way. There are also branch lines that reach other regions of Vietnam, offering a convenient and scenic mode of transportation.
10. What kinds of classes are available on Vietnam Railways?
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- Vietnam Railways offers different classes to cater to various preferences and budgets. The available classes include Hard Seat, Soft Seat, Soft Sleeper, Hard Sleeper, and Reclining Seat. These classes provide options ranging from basic non-reclining seats to private cabins with sleeping berths, allowing passengers to choose the level of comfort they desire for their journey. There are also luxury sleeper tourist trains in Vietnam.
11. What amenities are available onboard Vietnamese trains?
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- Onboard amenities vary depending on the class of service, but typically include comfortable seating, air conditioning, clean restrooms, and dining cars. For sleeper trains, amenities may also include bedding, curtains for privacy, and personal storage space.
12. Can I bring food and drinks onboard Vietnamese trains?
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- Yes, passengers are allowed to bring their own food and drinks onboard Vietnamese trains. However, there are also onboard dining options available, offering a variety of snacks and meals for purchase during your journey.
BOOK a TOUR / ACTIVITY in Vietnam ➜
🎫 Search and book your train tickets in Vietnam online:
(You can change your departure place, arrival, date of departure, eg. Hanoi to Da Nang…)