Vietnam rail travel

Travelling in Vietnam by rail is one of the best ways to see the country at a leisurely pace, stopping off as and when you please. The single main rail line runs all the way from north to south, spanning 1,700-plus kilometres, meaning you can traverse the country in just over two days.

Budget travellers often opt to travel the country by bus, but those who have tried both bus and rail travel in Vietnam will tell you that the latter is the way to go – despite being slightly more expensive. Rail travel is more comfortable and gives you the freedom to move around as you please. 

The Reunification Express runs all the way from Hanoi, the capital in the north, to the country’s economic heart in the south – Ho Chi Minh City. The entire trip takes 30-plus hours and is best broken up with stop offs at major cities en route. As you travel from north to south or vice versa you can take in the varying countryside and meet with fellow local passengers. 

Air-conditioned hard and soft sleepers are available and should be booked one week to three days in advance. You can book directly at the train station or through a local tour operator but beware of unscrupulous agents who charge for a soft sleeper but book a hard sleeper. If you haven’t managed to book in advance, it is often possible to pick up discounted tickets near to departure from touts at the station.