Vietnam luxury train journey experience
Vietnam luxury train journey experience
Chloé and Ludvig, a couple from New Zealand who now reside in Sweden, have recently taken one of the most luxurious train rides available in Vietnam for about $20,000 US, an 8-day trek from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City, on board a luxury heritage train that allows you to experience some of Vietnam’s most beautiful scenery and cultural heritage.
The train stops in some of Vietnam’s most magnificent cities and most significant historical sites, including Ninh Binh, Quang Binh, Hue, Hoi An, Nha Trang, and Phan Thiet.
In contrast to the regular trains and train travels throughout Vietnam, this train is meant for slow travel. Each day, travelers will get off the train, participate in tours and activities that allow them to enjoy local cuisine, and return to the train each evening.
The couple’s total cost for their private suite, which included accommodations, all excursions, and three meals per day, was $19,780. The suite includes a king-size bed, full bathroom, mini-bar, and soundproofing, as well as amenities similar to those you would find in a boutique hotel or a luxury sleeper train.
Chloé remarked, “It was a completely different kind of rail journey than anything we have done before”.
One of the couple’s favourite parts was having their breakfast while watching the scenery outside their window while riding the train through Vietnam every morning.
“Every morning you eat breakfast and watch as the landscapes reveal themselves one by one, with everything being taken care of now allowing you to truly relax and enjoy your travel experiences”.
As highlights of the journey, the couple enjoyed visiting ancient Ninh Binh’s landscapes, exploring Phong Nha’s caves, learning about Hue’s Imperial history and taking part in a lantern-making workshop while they were in Hoi An, which Chloé said became their favourite stop of the entire trip.
The couple enjoyed private yacht tours in Nha Trang, then continued south to Phan Thiet and finished the trip in Ho Chi Minh City.
Both Chloé and Will said this was one of the most memorable journeys they have ever experienced.
“I will remember the landscapes, just like the people and stories I have experienced”, said Chloé.
Inside Vietnam’s Most Luxurious Train Journey
The train itself is surprisingly intimate. With only 13 carriages and just three suites in each passenger car, the entire journey hosts a maximum of 60 guests.
That smaller scale makes a big difference. Nothing feels crowded, from boarding at the station to relaxing onboard between destinations.
The design leans heavily into classic Indochine style, with dark wood interiors, soft lighting, carpeted corridors, and details that feel more like a heritage hotel than a train. The cabins are also carefully soundproofed, making the ride feel calm and quiet even while moving overnight.
Service is another major part of the experience. Staff members are available throughout the journey, helping create the feeling of a private hotel on rails rather than a standard train trip.
The train also includes two dining cars and a lounge bar, where guests can sit beside large panoramic windows as Vietnam’s coastline, countryside, and mountain scenery slowly pass by outside.
For travelers interested in experiencing Vietnam in a more personal and immersive way, Vietnam Private Tours offers tailor-made rail and private journeys throughout the country.