1st class sleeper train Vietnam like SE1/SE2 or Chapa Express cost from 1M VND. They offer private 2-4 berth cabins with 5-star service and premium amenities.
I found the current first-class sleeper train experience in Vietnam to be really good, with newer carriages like the SE1 or Chapa Express. I enjoyed a private, clean cabin with full modern amenities, providing a completely different and relaxing feeling compared to traditional train classes.
Top 04 most luxurious first-class sleeper trains in Vietnam
As a foreign tourist visiting Vietnam for the first time, I chose to experience the system. First-class sleeper trainInstead of old-fashioned carriages, these trains have been upgraded to resemble mobile hotel rooms, making travel between provinces more convenient and comfortable.
#1. SE1 & SE2 train system (North-South route: Hanoi – Saigon)
I chose this train route for my journey from Hanoi to Saigon aboard the Sjourney luxury train Vietnam. The first-class compartment is designed with four symmetrically arranged beds, the interior is paneled with wood, and uses soft yellow lighting.
The beds have thick spring mattresses, about 20cm thick, are spacious enough, and come with clean white sheets and pillowcases. While the train is traveling, I can lie down comfortably, enjoying a private space to sip coffee and admire the rice fields through the large window.
- Utilities: Complimentary mineral water, cold towels, a personal hygiene kit, and hot meals are served in the room.
- Expense: The first class sleeper train Vietnam price for this route ranges from 1,300.000 – 1.600.000 VNĐ (approximately 80 – 100 AUD), depending on the time of booking.
- How to book tickets: Purchase online at the official website dsvn.vn or through apps like Traveloka and Klook using international credit cards.
#2. Trains SE21 & SE22 (Saigon – Da Nang route)
This train connects Saigon and Da Nang with very new carriages. The first-class cabins are cleverly designed in a modern style, creating a spacious feeling like a small studio apartment.
The beds are quite large, enough for a tall person to turn around comfortably without feeling cramped. The biggest plus is that when the train passes through Hai Van Pass, you can lie in bed and look directly out at the blue bay through the window right next to you.
- Key features: The ceiling-mounted air conditioner has a separate airflow control knob at each bed, USB ports, and the cafeteria offers free Wi-Fi.
- Budget level: About 700,000 – 1,100,000 VND (43 – 68 AUD).
- Book your tickets: Book at dsvn.vn, and be sure to select the correct train code, SE21 or SE22, to get the newest carriage.
#3. Chapa Express / Sapaly express premium train (Hanoi – Lao Cai route)
These are private train carriages that run the Hanoi to Lao Cai (Sapa) route. I booked a VIP cabin with two beds for complete privacy on this 1st class sleeper train Vietnam.
The interior is designed in the Indochine style, using feather pillows and soft fabric blankets, which helped me sleep soundly even while the train was in motion. Before disembarking in the early morning, staff prepared a tray of fresh fruit and hot tea to serve guests in their rooms.
- Benefits: Welcome drink, fruit, pastries, premium toiletries, and a private lounge at the station.
- Investment value: The first class sleeper train vietnam price for this premium service is from 1,700,000 – 2,100,000 VNĐ (approximately 105 – 130 AUD) for a sound sleep in the middle of the mountains.
- Buy tickets: Book through the websites of private ferry companies or travel agencies specializing in Sapa tours to secure a cabin with two beds.
#4. Luxury cruise ships SNT6 & SNT3 (Saigon – Nha Trang route)
I chose this overnight train from Saigon to Nha Trang to save on hotel costs. The sleeping compartments were made of new materials, so they were very clean and odorless.
The bunk bed arrangement was quite practical; the space between the lower and upper bunks was high enough for me to sit upright and work without hitting my head. The toilet system on the train was a vacuum-operated type with modern sensors, and it was very dry.
- Passenger assistance: Free drinks and snacks, smart platform announcements, and 24/7 baggage assistance staff.
- First class ticket: About 850,000 VND (approximately 52 AUD).
- How to buy tickets: You can book tickets at dsvn.vn or directly at Saigon Station. It’s recommended to book at least one week in advance as seats on this route often sell out quickly on weekends.
Comparing first-class sleeper trains with other seat classes
To give you a clearer picture before deciding to book your ticket, I’ve done a small comparison between first class and economy class. In fact, the price difference is entirely justified by the privileges of privacy and amenities you receive. Below is a detailed comparison table based on my personal experience:
| Criteria | First-class sleeper train | Standard bed / Soft seat |
| Space | Private cabins with 2-4 beds, equipped with secure lockable doors. | An open compartment with 6 beds or a crowded shared seating carriage. |
| Comfort | Thick spring mattress, high-quality bedding, and plenty of legroom. | Thin cushions or limited reclining seats can easily cause fatigue during long journeys. |
| Privacy | Absolutely quiet, ideal for families or couples. | It was quite noisy due to the open space and the many passengers moving around. |
| Amenities | Reading lamp, individual USB charging port, air conditioning adjustable to each bed level. | The lighting and air conditioning systems are shared throughout the entire carriage. |
| Toilet | The restrooms are modern and regularly cleaned. | Basic standards, sometimes overloaded during peak hours. |
| Reference ticket prices | 850,000 – 2,100,000 VND (~52 – 130 AUD) | 400,000 – 700,000 VND (~25 – 43 AUD) |
05 tips for booking first-class sleeper train tickets in Vietnam
Booking train tickets in a foreign country to travel to Vietnam can be a bit confusing, but with increasingly modernized railway systems, travelers can easily choose their preferred itinerary on a Vietnam railways 1st class sleeper. For a smooth and truly “first-class” trip, here are five practical tips I’ve compiled:
- Prioritize booking tickets early through the official website or app: First-class trains (especially 2-berth cabins or tourist trains like Chapa and The Vietage) often sell out very quickly. You should visit the official Vietnam Railways website (dsvn.vn) or reputable apps at least 2-4 weeks before your trip to reserve your seat and get a good price instead of buying directly at the station.
- Choose the lower berth bed for the best space: If you have bulky luggage or don’t want to climb stairs, the bottom bunk is always the best option. The lower bunk not only offers more usable space but also allows you to easily enjoy the view from the window and use the tea table without having to move around much.
- Carefully check the train number to select a new carriage: Not all trains are of the same quality. My experience is to look for odd-numbered train numbers like SE1, SE3, SE19 (North-South direction) or trains specifically designed for tourism. These trains usually have newer generation carriages, better soundproofing, and more modern sanitation systems.
- Use an international credit card and keep your e-ticket handy: Currently, the payment system accepts Visa/Mastercard, making it very convenient. After successfully booking, you simply save the PDF ticket file with the QR code to your phone; the ticket inspector will scan the code directly at the carriage door, saving you time and hassle from printing.
- Confirm the exact departure and arrival stations (especially in Hanoi): Hanoi has several different train stations depending on the route. For example, trains to Lao Cai (Sapa) usually depart from Tran Quy Cap Station (Station B), while North-South trains depart from Le Duan Station (Station A). Please check the information on your ticket carefully to avoid going to the wrong station close to train departure time.
Conclusion
Choosing a 1st class sleeper train Vietnam is the best way to enjoy comfortable rest while fully admiring the beauty of the S-shaped country. With reasonable costs and increasingly high-class service, this is definitely a must-try experience for any traveler who wants to enjoy an inspiring and relaxing journey across Vietnam.
