Vietnam by Train: 10 Scenic Rail Journeys for an Unforgettable Adventure
1. Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City – The Reunification Express
For travelers who want to experience Vietnam by train, the classic choice is the north-south railway connecting Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.
Often referred to as the Reunification Express, this railway journey follows the country's coastline for more than 1,700 km. The route passes through or near major destinations including Hue, Da Nang, Nha Trang, and other cities along the way.
You don't have to travel the entire route in one go. Many travelers choose a shorter section and get off at one or two destinations along the way.
The section between Hue and Da Nang is particularly scenic, with the railway winding along the coast and through the Hai Van Pass.
Best for: First-time visitors, slow travel, long-distance journeys, and travelers who want to see different landscapes from a train window.
2. Hue to Da Nang – The Central Heritage Connection
Known as the Central Heritage Connection, the service connects two of Central Vietnam's most important destinations and travels through the spectacular Hai Van Pass. The tourist-oriented service officially began operating in March 2024.
The journey combines coastal scenery, mountains, and cultural heritage. On the route, trains make a stop at Lang Co Station, allowing passengers time to admire the surrounding scenery and take photographs.
This is particularly useful for travelers who are already planning a Hue–Da Nang–Hoi An itinerary.
Best for: Scenic views, heritage travel, short train journeys, and first-time visitors.
3. Hanoi to Hai Phong – Ride the Hoa Phuong Do Train
The Hanoi–Hai Phong railway is one of the most interesting options for travelers who want a shorter rail experience in northern Vietnam.
In 2025, Vietnam Railways introduced the premium Hoa Phuong Do (Red Flamboyant Flower) train on this route. The service was designed to add a more tourism-focused experience to the journey between the capital and Hai Phong.
Hai Phong is known for its food scene, colonial-era architecture, and access to nearby coastal destinations. The train therefore works well as part of a wider northern itinerary.
Travelers can combine a Hanoi–Hai Phong train journey with a visit to Cat Ba Island or other coastal attractions.
Best for: Short rail trips, food-focused travel, Hai Phong, and northern Vietnam itineraries.
4. Da Nang to Quy Nhon – The Vietage Luxury Train
For travelers looking for a more luxurious railway experience, The Vietage connects Da Nang and Quy Nhon.
The journey covers approximately 318 km and takes around six hours. It travels through Central Vietnam, passing rice fields, mountains, and coastal landscapes.
Unlike a standard train journey, The Vietage is designed as a premium travel experience, with an emphasis on comfort, dining, and onboard service.
It can be particularly appealing for travelers who want to turn transportation into part of their holiday rather than simply using a train to reach the next destination.
Best for: Luxury travel, couples, food lovers, and special occasions.
5. Da Lat to Trai Mat – A Short Scenic Heritage Ride
The short trip takes travelers through the highland scenery around Da Lat and is often included in visits to Linh Phuoc Pagoda and Trai Mat.
The journey is much shorter than the north-south railway, making it easy to add to a Da Lat itinerary.
For travelers interested in railway history, Da Lat Railway Station itself is also worth visiting.
Best for: Families, photographers, short excursions, and travelers exploring Da Lat.
6. Muong Hoa Mountain Train – A Scenic Route to Sa Pa
The Muong Hoa mountain train offers a different kind of rail experience in northern Vietnam.
Rather than crossing the country, this short mountain railway connects areas around Sa Pa with the Frasnian cable-car access point. The journey provides views of the surrounding mountains and the Muong Hoa Valley.
It is particularly useful for travelers visiting Sa Pa who want to combine railway transportation with mountain scenery.
Best for: Sa Pa trips, mountain scenery, photography, and families.
7. Hue to Phong Nha – A New Heritage Tourism Route
One of the newest additions to Vietnam's railway tourism offerings is the planned Hue–Phong Nha tourist train, called “Ancient Capital Hue – Phong Nha: A Journey of Wonders and World Heritage.”
According to Vietnam's Ministry of Construction, Vietnam Railways is developing the service, with commercial operation scheduled to begin on August 28, 2026. The planned train has eight carriages, including seating cars, a VIP carriage, a community carriage, and a service and entertainment carriage.
The concept is designed to connect two major heritage and tourism destinations while incorporating food, cultural performances, and onboard interpretation.
Because this is a newly launched service, travelers should check the latest official schedule and operating information before planning around it.
Best for: Heritage travel, Phong Nha, Hue, and travelers looking for a new tourism-oriented rail experience.
8. Hanoi to Bac Ninh – The Hanoi 5 Old Gates Cultural Train
Travelers staying in Hanoi can also experience a shorter cultural train journey to Bac Ninh.
The Hanoi 5 Old Gates – The Hanoi Train is designed as a cultural tourism experience connecting Hanoi with the Kinh Bac region. Its published itinerary includes travel from Hanoi Station to Tu Son, a visit to Do Temple, a scenic stop around Long Bien, and a return to Hanoi.
The train itself is designed around Hanoi's historical identity, with carriages named after the city's old gates.
This experience is particularly interesting for travelers who want to explore Bac Ninh, Quan Ho culture, temples, and northern Vietnamese heritage without committing to a long-distance train trip.
Best for: Cultural tourism, short trips from Hanoi, history lovers, and travelers interested in Quan Ho heritage.
9. Quy Nhon to Nha Trang – A Scenic South-Central Journey
The railway between Quy Nhon and Nha Trang offers another opportunity to experience the scenery of Vietnam's south-central coast.
The broader north-south railway passes through coastal landscapes in this part of the country, with sections featuring views of mountains, countryside, and the sea.
This route can be useful for travelers building an itinerary around Quy Nhon, Phu Yen, and Nha Trang, especially if they prefer slower overland travel.
Best for: Coastal journeys, independent travelers, and South-Central Vietnam itineraries.
10. Take a Scenic Section of the North-South Railway
You don't need to choose a dedicated tourist train to enjoy Vietnam's railway scenery.
Some of the most memorable experiences can come from simply booking a regular train for a scenic section of the North-South railway.
The route provides a window into everyday Vietnam, passing through rural areas, towns, agricultural landscapes, and coastal regions. Vietnam Tourism describes the journey as an opportunity to see villages, rice fields, hills, and the East Sea from the train.
Good sections to consider include:
- Hue – Da Nang for mountains and coastline
- Da Nang – Quy Nhon for Central Vietnam scenery
- Quy Nhon – Nha Trang for coastal landscapes
- Nha Trang – Ho Chi Minh City for a longer southbound journey
Best for: Slow travel, budget-conscious travelers, photographers, and independent trips.
Best Train Journeys in Vietnam at a Glance
Train journey
Experience
Ideal for
Hanoi – Ho Chi Minh City
Long-distance railway adventure
First-time visitors
Hue – Da Nang
Scenic heritage journey
Mountains & coastline
Hanoi – Hai Phong
Premium short-distance train
Food & coastal trips
Da Nang – Quy Nhon
Luxury rail experience
Premium travelers
Da Lat – Trai Mat
Short heritage railway
Families & sightseeing
Muong Hoa – Sa Pa
Mountain railway
Nature lovers
Hue – Phong Nha
New heritage tourism train
Culture & nature
Hanoi – Bac Ninh
Cultural tourism train
History & local culture
Quy Nhon – Nha Trang
South-central scenic route
Coastal travel
North-South railway sections
Classic slow travel
Independent travelers
Why Travel Vietnam by Train?
There are several reasons to choose rail travel instead of flying between destinations.
1. The scenery is part of the journey
A flight gets you to your destination quickly, but a train lets you watch Vietnam change outside the window.
You can see cities gradually give way to rice fields, mountains, villages, and coastline.
2. It is a slower way to travel
Train travel gives you time to relax, read, take photographs, or simply watch the landscape.
This makes it particularly attractive for travelers interested in slow travel in Vietnam.
3. You can connect multiple destinations
The railway makes it possible to build an itinerary around several cities instead of relying entirely on domestic flights.
For example:
Hanoi → Hue → Da Nang → Quy Nhon → Nha Trang → Ho Chi Minh City
4. Some trains are becoming destinations themselves
Vietnam's newer tourism-focused services show how the country's railway network is developing beyond conventional transportation.
From the Central Heritage Connection to the Hoa Phuong Do and The Vietage, travelers increasingly have options where the train journey itself becomes part of the experience.
Tips for Traveling Vietnam by Train
Before booking your journey, keep these tips in mind:
- Check the latest timetable before traveling.
- Choose a soft seat or sleeper depending on journey length.
- For overnight journeys, a sleeper berth can be more comfortable.
- Bring snacks and water for longer trips.
- Keep valuables close to you.
- Choose a window seat when possible for scenic routes.
- Allow extra time if you're connecting to another form of transportation.
- For dedicated tourist trains, check whether reservations are required.
- Check weather and operating conditions for scenic routes.
Train schedules and tourism services can change, particularly for newer dedicated tourist trains, so always verify the latest information with the railway operator or official tourism sources before booking.
What Is the Most Scenic Train Journey in Vietnam?
If you only have time for one scenic train ride, the Hue–Da Nang route is one of the easiest recommendations.
The combination of the Hai Van Pass, mountains, coastline, and two major cultural destinations makes it an excellent short railway experience.
For a longer adventure, however, traveling a section of the North-South railway gives you a much broader perspective on Vietnam.
And if you want something more unusual, consider one of the country's newer tourism-focused trains, such as The Vietage, Hoa Phuong Do, the Hanoi–Bac Ninh cultural train, or the new Hue–Phong Nha service.
Final Thoughts
Traveling Vietnam by train is one of the best ways to slow down and see the country from a different perspective.
The famous North-South railway remains the classic choice, but Vietnam's growing range of tourist and heritage trains is making rail travel even more interesting.
Whether you want to watch the coastline from the Hue–Da Nang train, enjoy a premium journey from Da Nang to Quy Nhon, explore Hai Phong by train from Hanoi, or take a longer ride through Vietnam's countryside, there is a railway experience for different travel styles.
For international travelers, the biggest appeal is simple: the journey becomes part of the adventure, not just a way to reach the next destination.
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