Vietnam by Train: Which Journeys Are Worth It

The Reunification Express, the Hue–Da Nang heritage train and the night train to Sapa: times, cabins, booking, and when a flight is the better choice.

Published Oct 2026 • Updated Oct 2026 • By the Vietnam Private Tours planning team, reviewed by Van Anh (Founder & Chief Executive Officer)

Quick answer

Take the train for one scenic section, not the whole country. The best ride is Hue to Da Nang over the Hai Van Pass (about 3 hours, heritage train four times a day). The night train to Lao Cai is a good way to reach Sapa. Hanoi to Da Nang takes about 15–16 hours and Hanoi to Saigon 31–33 hours, against flights of 1 h 20 and 2 hours.

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Vietnam train journeys at a glance

Route	Train time	Flight	Our verdict
Hue – Da Nang (heritage train)	About 3 h	None	Take it: the coast and the Hai Van Pass
Hanoi – Lao Cai (for Sapa)	About 8 h overnight, + 1 h by road	None	Good one way; road up by day
Hanoi – Ninh Binh	A little over 2 h	None	A car is easier at the other end
Hanoi – Da Nang	About 15–16 h	About 1 h 20	Only for the experience
Ho Chi Minh City – Da Nang	Roughly 17–19 h	About 1 h 20	Fly
Hanoi – Ho Chi Minh City	31–33 h	About 2 h	Fly

Vietnam Railways runs five pairs of Reunification Express trains a day between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City (summer 2026 timetable), including the SE1 and SE3, which leave Hanoi in the evening. Times change by season; check the timetable when you book.

The Hue – Da Nang heritage train

Vietnam Railways’ tourist train, “Kết nối di sản miền Trung”, links the old imperial capital with Da Nang (and Hoi An beyond). The line hugs the coast and climbs over the Hai Van Pass, with the sea on one side and jungle on the other, then stops for 10 minutes at Lang Co lagoon. It runs four times a day in both directions, takes about three hours, and was refitted in March 2026; it has carried more than 440,000 passengers in its first two years.

Sit on the sea side: on the left heading south from Hue, on the right heading north from Da Nang. If you would rather stop at the top of the pass and at the beaches, a private car takes about two and a half hours with stops.

Sleeper cabins: what to book

Four-berth soft sleeper (air-conditioned): the one to book. Couples and families can buy the whole cabin.
Six-berth hard sleeper: cheaper and more crowded.
Soft seat: fine for daytime sections such as Hue–Da Nang.
Bring snacks, water, a light jacket for the air-conditioning, and wet wipes. Bags go under the lower berths or above the door.

Sources

Summer 2026 train ticket sales and timetable (15 May – 16 Aug) (Vietnamese)
Dân Việt — new version of the Hue–Da Nang heritage train (Vietnamese)
Báo Lào Cai — Hanoi–Lao Cai train fares, summer 2026 (Vietnamese)

Frequently asked questions

Is it worth taking the train in Vietnam?

For one or two scenic sections, yes; for the whole country, usually not. The Hue–Da Nang stretch over the Hai Van Pass is one of the most beautiful train rides in Asia, and the night train to Lao Cai for Sapa saves a hotel night. Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City takes 31–33 hours, against a 2-hour flight.

How long is the train from Hanoi to Da Nang?

About 15–16 hours on the Reunification Express (791 km). Most travellers take the evening departure, sleep in a four-berth soft-sleeper cabin and arrive in Da Nang around midday. The flight takes about 1 hour 20 minutes.

How long is the train from Ho Chi Minh City to Da Nang?

Roughly 17–19 hours depending on the train, usually overnight. Unless you want the experience, fly (about 1 hour 20 minutes) and keep the train for the Hue–Da Nang section.

What is the Hue to Da Nang heritage train?

A tourist train run by Vietnam Railways called "Kết nối di sản miền Trung" (Connecting Central Heritage). It makes four trips a day between Hue and Da Nang, takes about 3 hours over the Hai Van Pass with a 10-minute stop at Lang Co lagoon, and was refitted in March 2026. Seats cost roughly 180,000–500,000 VND (about US$7–20) depending on class and day.

How do I book Vietnam train tickets?

On the Vietnam Railways website or app, at the station, or through your tour operator. Book early for summer (mid-May to mid-August) and Tet, when extra trains run and sleeper cabins sell out. Bring your passport: tickets are issued in the passenger's name.

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