Cover Trains form the basis of many exploration routes across Vietnam (photo: Unsplash / Hoach Le Dinh)
Trains form the basis of many exploration routes across Vietnam (photo: Unsplash / Hoach Le Dinh)
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Railways and trains entice travellers with a charm that no other mode of transport quite offers.
Not as fast as a plane, nor as autonomous as a car, trains continue to appeal to travellers precisely because of the distinct experience they offer. Nowhere is this truer than in Vietnam, where the railway stretches from North to South. The journey glides through plains, mountains, beaches, villages and cities, each frame through the window a snapshot of Vietnamese life and landscape.
There was a time when the railway seemed destined to be forgotten, unable to compete with budget airlines or the expanding highway network and the rise of self-drive. But in recent years, this timeless mode of transport has made a comeback. From inside the carriage, scenery seems both near and distant; nature and life appear anew, almost cinematic. Time, somehow, feels suspended beyond the tracks, and travellers instinctively slow their pace, observing the world as it passes gently by. In that, the train shares much with the slow travel trend, a sense of unhurried luxury that few today can truly afford.
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Above Railway across sea and forest (photo: Van An)
Railway across sea and forest (photo: Van An)
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The railway line hugs the S-shaped strip of land
Railways remain woven into the daily fabric of life for many Vietnamese, and are becoming an increasingly popular choice for tourists. Travelling the length of the country by rail offers not just scenic marvels, but a deeper understanding of its regions and their culture, history and people.
The longest and most travelled route is the Thong Nhat Railway, built in 1881. It runs from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City, connecting 21 provinces and cities over some 1,730km. Lonely Planet has twice named it among the most beautiful and worthwhile train journeys in the world. CNN and Discova have echoed similar praise.
Above Trains offer an exciting and unique travel experience
Trains offer an exciting and unique travel experience
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Indeed, seasoned travellers still recount the grandeur of the Hai Van Pass and the serene sweep of Lang Co Bay on the Da Nang–Hue route, or the untouched coastlines along the Ho Chi Minh City–Nha Trang stretch. Beyond the Thong Nhat line, several shorter routes also leave lasting impressions—like the Da Lat–Trai Mat train running past flower fields, or the Muong Hoa ‘mountain-climbing’ line that reveals the raw beauty of Hoang Lien Son. Along the way, stations appear that still retain architectural details from bygone eras, while locals, often lifelong residents, stand as living reminders that the journey itself may be the destination.
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New coat for trains connecting North and South
Above The Vietage train creates a new travel experience for high-end customers (photo: The Vietage)
The Vietage train creates a new travel experience for high-end customers (photo: The Vietage)
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Spurred by growing affection for train travel, recent years have seen increased investment in upgrading the experience. Vietnam’s railway system has been gradually rejuvenated, from modernised infrastructure to the introduction of high-end services such as five-star trains and culturally focused experiences. Notable examples include the ‘Central Heritage Connection Train’ linking Hue and Da Nang, and The Vietage train, which runs between Da Nang and Quy Nhon with a capacity of just 12 guests—offering amenities on par with luxury hotels.
In late 2023, Olivier Brochet, French Ambassador to Vietnam, shared that several renowned French fashion and luxury houses including Louis Vuitton had expressed interest in launching a heritage train between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Belmond has also proposed operating its iconic Eastern & Oriental Express along select Vietnamese routes. Such initiatives hint at a rich future ahead, where train travel in Vietnam promises ever more unforgettable journeys.
