Vietnam train from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh costs about 900,000 – 2,600,000 VND (about 55–160 AUD), offering a 30+ hour scenic journey along Vietnam’s central coast.
I was truly amazed because I didn’t expect Vietnamese railways to have such high-quality service and scenery, easily rivaling international tourist trains. The experience of leisurely admiring the majestic coastal route through the modern windows was far beyond my expectations.
Why did I choose to travel by train instead of plane?
Instead of choosing the fast but tedious option of flying, I decided to take the train while travel to Vietnam, driven by a desire to fully experience the journey across Vietnam and witness firsthand the magical transformation of the landscape along the country’s length.
I’ve always been curious about the innovations in Vietnam’s railway system after hearing praise about the quality of the carriages and the upgraded services, and I’m truly impressed. Living in a “mobile hotel” while traversing pristine blue coastal roads or majestic mountain passes offers an indescribable thrill.
In particular, with extremely reasonable ticket prices ranging from 900,000 to 2,600,000 VND (about 55 to 160 AUD), I not only saved on the cost of one night’s accommodation but also had a fulfilling trip. The experience was exciting, safe, and comfortable, exceeding all expectations.
Vietnam train Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh: booking & first impressions
As a foreign tourist, I was quite surprised that booking train tickets from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City was easier than I thought. I chose train SE3 from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City, one of the fastest routes and recommended by many people.
I booked my ticket online through the official Vietnam Railways website and selected a 6-berth sleeping compartment at a price of approximately 1,400,000 VND (approximately 85 AUD). This level of comfort is suitable for a long journey without being too expensive. Alternatively, you can also buy tickets directly at the train station.
My initial impression upon boarding the train was that it wasn’t very modern. It is quite compact, easy to use, and suitable for a journey of over 30 hours. To give you a better idea of how long is train from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City, here’s some important information about this train line that I researched before my trip:
- SE1, SE3 (fast, good quality): Travel time is about 31–32 hours.
- SE5, SE7 (more popular, more affordable): Duration is approximately 33–35 hours.
- SE9, SE11 (slower, more cost-effective): Duration is approximately 36–38 hours.
- Average across the route: Approximately 31–35 hours
- Frequency: Approximately 5 – 6 trips per day
Train fares are quite flexible, suitable for a wide range of budgets. Common price range for train from Ho Chi Minh to Hanoi price is approximately 800,000 – 2,600,000 VND (about 50 – 160 AUD). Details by ticket class:
- Air-conditioned soft seats: Approximately 900,000 – 1,400,000 VND (about 55 – 85 AUD)
- Sleeping berth in a 6-berth compartment: Approximately 1,200,000 – 1,800,000 VND (about 70 – 110 AUD)
- Sleeping berth in a 4-berth compartment: Approximately 2,100,000 – 2,600,000 VND (about 130 – 160 AUD)
- Ticket prices may vary depending on: Holidays, weekends, train types (SE1, SE3 usually have higher prices), and bed location (lower bunk is more expensive).
Overall, considering the price I paid for this public transport train from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi and the travel time of over 30 hours, this was a pretty worthwhile experience if you want to explore Vietnam at a leisurely pace and enjoy the scenery along the way.
What’s special about 30+ hours on Hanoi – Ho Chi Minh train?
For over 30 hours, I traveled by Vietnam train from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City across Vietnam, a journey full of surprises that I would never have experienced if I had chosen to fly.
#1. Are the spaces and amenities on board truly comfortable?
Throughout the journey, I chose a 6-berth sleeping compartment to allow for more comfortable rest. The interior of the train isn’t overly modern but is quite clean and well-arranged. The beds are wide enough for one adult, with basic blankets and pillows, and offer a reasonable amount of privacy.
The beds are wide enough for one adult, with basic blankets and pillows, and offer a reasonable amount of privacy. In terms of amenities, each compartment has air conditioning operating stably, which helps keep the interior air comfortable even during long journeys.
Some locations have electrical outlets, making it convenient to charge phones during a 30+ hour trip. The restrooms at the end of the carriage were acceptable, not luxurious but cleaned regularly.
Additionally, the train serves simple meals such as instant noodles, boxed meals, snacks, and some basic drinks like water, coffee, or soft drinks. I found the food quality to be average, not overly diverse or high-end, but sufficient to meet my needs throughout the journey.
In particular, the convenience of being able to buy food right on the train meant I didn’t need to prepare too much in advance, especially during long journeys.
#2. What were the most impressive sights along the journey?
What surprised me most wasn’t the amenities, but the scenery outside the window of the train Vietnam Ho Chi Minh to Hanoi. As the train passed through the Vietnamese countryside, I saw green fields, small houses, and a peaceful pace of life that was so different from big cities.
The most beautiful stretch for me is the area from Hue to Da Nang, often known as the heritage train Hue Da Nang route, with mountains on one side and the sea on the other, creating a truly impressive scene. This was a moment when I could barely take my eyes off the window.
Sitting on the train and watching Vietnam change through different landscapes made me feel like the trip wasn’t just about traveling, but a true journey of discovery.
#3. Is sleeping on a train for 30+ hours comfortable?
Since the journey lasted over 30 hours, rest on the train was very important. I found the beds comfortable enough to sleep in, but there was still slight vibration when the train was moving, and I occasionally heard noise from the corridor or other carriages.
Compared to train journeys in some other countries, this experience wasn’t as smooth, but it felt very authentic. I was still able to sleep quite well, especially at night when the train moved more steadily.
Pros and cons of Hanoi – Ho Chi Minh train
From the perspective of a foreign tourist who experienced a journey of over 30 hours, I found this trip very interesting but also with some limitations.
#1. Advantages of traveling by train
Traveling by train offers a comfortable and relaxing way to explore the country. It also allows passengers to enjoy beautiful scenery along the journey while avoiding traffic congestion.
- Experience the unique landscape: Sitting on the train allowed me to fully appreciate Vietnam’s scenery, from rice fields and mountains to the sea.
- A slow, relaxing journey: The trip felt like “slow travel,” allowing me to better appreciate local life.
- Reasonable cost: Train tickets offer a wide range of prices from seating to sleeping berths.
- Ability to relax on board: With a sleeping berth, I could sleep, eat, and rest throughout the journey.
#2. Disadvantages of traveling by train
Although train travel is comfortable and scenic, it also has some drawbacks. The journey can be quite long, and schedules are sometimes less flexible compared to other transport options.
- Very long travel time: About 31–35 hours, which can be tiring.
- Comfort level is moderate: Beds are basic and affected by vibration.
- Noise and disrupted sleep: Sounds from corridors and movement affect sleep quality.
- Basic amenities: Functional but not comparable to hotels or airplanes.
05 Lessons learned after a train in Vietnam
After completing this journey on the Vietnam train from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi, I gained several practical and valuable insights that are especially helpful for first-time travelers planning to experience the long-distance train route.
- It’s better to choose a sleeper berth instead of a seat if you’re traveling long distances: For journeys lasting over 30 hours, sleeping berths allow for better rest, preventing fatigue and making it easier to adapt to the long trip.
- Prioritize choosing express trains like SE1 or SE3: These trains have a travel time of approximately 31-32 hours, fewer stops, and a more consistent quality compared to slower trains.
- Book your tickets early to secure good seats and stable prices: It’s advisable to book a few days in advance, or even earlier if traveling during peak season, to secure a lower bunk or a compartment with fewer people.
- Prepare your own snacks and drinks: Although food is sold on board, bringing your own supplies will give you more control and save you money on a long journey.
- Bring your headphones, power bank, and essential personal items: These items help you feel more comfortable while resting, relaxing, and handling inconvenient situations on board the ship.
Conclusion
The train Vietnam train from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh is long but highly rewarding for those who want to explore Vietnam slowly and authentically. While there are some limitations in comfort and time, the scenery and overall experience make it unforgettable.
