Travel by train in Viet Nam? Why not?

Vietnam has a very extensive and good rail network from Ho Chi Minh City (South) to Lao Cai, the station for visiting Sapa in the north of Vietnam. Traveling by train through Vietnam is a lot easier than taking the bus. Although it can be slower than by bus, you have much more space and it is safer. The tracks and trains are a bit outdated, but it’s a great way to explore Vietnam. Especially the night trains, with air conditioning and beds, are a better alternative than the long bus routes. 

Why travel by train through Vietnam 

Traveling by train in Vietnam is really an unforgettable local experience. The biggest advantage of this means of transport is the reasonable price and safety. The fare is half a flight and only slightly more expensive than the bus. The slow train goes through mountains, forests, valleys and even along the ocean, allowing you to enjoy the authentic natural view of Vietnam. Moreover, it is an interesting way to travel by train for a few hours to make friends with the locals and get a better picture of their daily lives. 

The trains and classes 

The railways of the Vietnam Railways run along the coast and connect Hanoi with Ho Chi Minh City and Hai Phong with train connections to the Chinese border. The government is modernizing the network and the trains themselves. Trains with SE are often new and faster trains. Trains that are referred to as TN are the obsolete trains. Moreover, it is an interesting way to travel by train for a few hours to make friends with the locals and get a better picture of their daily lives. 

The options 

You can usually choose from a hard seat or a soft seat and a hard sleeper or a soft sleeper. And then with or without air conditioning. The hard seats are the cheapest class and are often full of locals. 

• Hard seat: This means that you will sit on the wooden chair and 1 chair is for 2 people. This is the cheapest class. If you take the short distances and want to maximize cost savings, this is the best choice. 

• Soft seat: It will be your own seat, more comfortable than hard seats for day trips. You can choose this class if traveling to Sapa, but the fact is, you can not have one good night’s sleep while sitting, even the leg up is not easy at all. 

• Hard berth: Unlike the hard seat, exactly as you would lie in a bunk bed, which made of iron with one thin mattress. There are 6 berths in one cabin, and the fare will depend on the floor you choose: The most expensive price to the bottom floor, then to the middle floor, and the lowest rate for the top floor. 

• Soft berth: It is the most comfortable class for tourists. Only 4 berths in 1 cabin, or 2 berths even if you have a special request for an additional cost. All berths are marked at the same price. 

You can take your luggage into the wagon and put it in racks above your head or under the seat. Some travelers secure their luggage to the rack with a bicycle lock. It is even possible to take your motorcycle on the train. 

Like many countries, Vietnam also has the option of using night trains, which saves an overnight stay in a hotel and a day’s travel and is often a better alternative than a long bus trip. The fastest route from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City is approximately thirty hours. The train runs fairly slowly; often around 50 km / h through the landscape. 

Buying a train ticket in Vietnam  

Train tickets are generally more expensive than the bus, but cheaper than a domestic flight. The price of tickets depends on your train and which class you book. Hard seats are the cheapest and least comfortable option. Soft sleeper is suitable for long distances at night, but also more expensive (recommended!). For a ride from Hanoi to Hue you pay around 500,000 Dong, which is around $ 22. Often, the earlier you book the tickets, the cheaper the price. 

Because the trains in Vietnam always have a limited amount of soft sleepers, it is wise to book train tickets as early as possible. Train tickets are usually available from 60 days before departure (sometimes 90 days in advance). 

Where to book a train ticket Tickets are available at stations and travel agencies, hotels and online via the Vietnam Railways website (dsvn.vn), Bao Lau (baolau.com) and 12go.asia. 

Train times 

Several Reunification Express trains depart daily from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Train times change regularly, so check the departure times on the Vietnam Railways website. 

Vietnamese trains are not always on time. There is often a delay, sometimes a few hours. Do not plan your connecting flight without a significant pause between the arrival of the train and your next departure. The weather can also cause train delays. Conditions are changing rapidly and they do not announce delays or cancellations in advance. 

Train stations in Vietnam 

The most popular train stations in Vietnam are: 

Train stations in North Vietnam 

• Hanoi 
• Ninh Binh 
• Lao Cai (near Sapa) 
• Hai phong 

Train stations in Central Vietnam 

• Da Nang 
• Hue 
• Vinh 
• Dong Hoi (near Phong Nha) 
• Nha Trang 
• Dieu Tri (near Quy Nhon) 

Train stations in South Vietnam 

• Ho Chi Minh City 
• Mui Ne 

The most popular train routes in Vietnam

From Hue to Da Nang 

The most beautiful train route is from Da Nang to Hue along the famous Hai Van Pass. On one side you have a beautiful view of the ocean and on the other side the mountain pass. A good alternative if you prefer not to drive the motorcycle over the pass.

From Hanoi to Sapa (Lao Cai) 

In the past it was even the only way to get to Sapa from Hanoi, but now you have a good road and great bus connections. It is now still the most popular train connection for tourists in Vietnam. You arrive at the train station of Lao Cai, where you drive the last 40km to Sapa by taxi, bus or minibus. 

From Nha Trang to Quy Nhon 

Not a popular train route, but a very beautiful one is from Nha Trang to Quy Nhon. This train route rises almost the entire journey along the ocean. 

From Ho Chi Minh City to Mui Ne (Phan Thiet) 

This 4-hour train journey takes you past beautiful rice fields to Phan Thiet. From the station it is a short 20km to Mui Ne. 

Safety 

Trains are much safer than buses. Trains also don’t run fast, so you don’t have to worry about accidents. Minor crime is rare on Vietnamese trains. Thieves occasionally try to get things through the window when the train is stopped. Always keep your bag close by and attach or tie it to something, especially at night. 

Tips 

• Book a ticket in advance to choose the best seat! 
• Bring some food for a late evening meal or snack in between if you are afraid of food quality on the train. 
• A towel can be used as a blanket and keeps you warm during the long journey. 
• If you sleep on a hard or soft chair, bring a neck pillow. 
• Do not bring too much luggage; you cannot sleep well while you watch over your belongings all the time. 
• Take small change to pay for the taxi from the station and for food on the train. 
• Never move your cabin while you still leave important items there. Take all valuables with you and do not let others know what you have. Thefts or pickpockets on trains are entirely possible. 
• Close the cabin door (if any) during sleep. 
• Do not put important items next to the window when the train stopped. Someone could reach in and take away your items. Until you are out of the train, that person has gone so far. 
• Tie the bags together. 
• Do not drink alcoholic beverages to avoid losing control or distraction. 
• If there are problems with your seat or the food, do not hesitate to report it to the conductor. 

Source: localvietnam.com