Train travel is becoming a popular trend among travel enthusiasts, offering a harmonious blend of unique travel experiences and opportunities to admire the beautiful natural scenery along the tracks. Instead of rushed flights or tiring bus trips, trains offer a slower pace, allowing you to leisurely gaze at the majestic and poetic landscapes of the country stretching out the window. Join “Du lịch khắp thế gian” to explore the most captivating train travel destinations in Vietnam, where each stop is a story, and each journey is an unforgettable memory.
Why Choose Train Travel?
Before discovering the appealing destinations, let’s highlight the outstanding advantages that make train travel increasingly popular:
- Admire Stunning Natural Scenery: Trains often travel along railways built in prime locations, revealing majestic and diverse natural landscapes that other means of transport struggle to access. From rolling mountains and vast rice fields to long stretches of blue coastline, everything unfolds vividly before your eyes.
- Experience Local Culture: Train stations are usually located in the heart of cities and towns, acting as hubs for local culture and life. At the train station, you can feel the bustling rhythm of life, observe daily activities, and enjoy distinctive street food.
- Convenient and Comfortable: Compared to buses, the space on trains is much more spacious and comfortable. You can freely move around, stretch your legs, admire the scenery, read a book, or chat with friends. Especially for long journeys, sleeper berths on trains are an ideal choice for rest and rejuvenation.
- Safe and Environmentally Friendly: Trains are considered one of the safest modes of transport. Moreover, compared to airplanes and cars, trains are also a more environmentally friendly means of transport, contributing to reducing carbon emissions.
- Cost-Effective: In many cases, especially for long-distance travel, train travel costs can be more economical than airplanes or buses, especially if you know how to hunt for cheap tickets.
Discover Vietnam’s Most Famous Tourist Railway Routes
Vietnam boasts many beautiful railway lines, each with its own unique charm. Here are the top suggestions for your train travel journey:
Hanoi – Lao Cai Railway: Conquering Majestic Sapa
The Hanoi – Lao Cai railway is the gateway to Sapa, one of the most attractive tourist destinations in Northern Vietnam. The journey lasts about 8 hours, taking you through peaceful countryside, lush green tea hills, and rolling mountains of the Northwest region. Arriving at Lao Cai station, you only need a short transfer to reach Sapa, a resort paradise with a cool climate, majestic natural landscapes, and unique indigenous culture.
Majestic scenery on the Hanoi – Lao Cai railway, leading to Sapa – a famous train travel destination with the natural beauty of Northwest Vietnam.
Must-See Destinations in Sapa:
- Fansipan Peak: The Roof of Indochina, where you can take in panoramic views of Sapa and the majestic Hoang Lien Son mountain range.
- Cat Cat Village: An ancient village of the H’Mong people, where you can explore traditional culture and shop for souvenirs.
- Muong Hoa Valley: Admire the beauty of terraced rice fields in harvest season and the mysterious Sapa ancient rock field.
- Sapa Stone Church: A classic French-influenced architectural structure, a symbol of Sapa.
- Sapa Market: Explore local cuisine and shop for regional specialties.
Saigon – Nha Trang Railway: Immerse Yourself in Blue Sea and Golden Sunshine
The Saigon – Nha Trang railway takes you to the beautiful coastal city, famous for its white sandy beaches, clear blue waters, and mild year-round climate. The journey lasts about 6-7 hours, offering you the opportunity to witness the transformation of landscapes from the fertile Mekong Delta to the sunny South Central Coast. Nha Trang is not only an ideal beach resort destination but also a place to explore culture, history, and distinctive cuisine.
Sunrise over Nha Trang beach, one of the unforgettable sights when traveling by train to this coastal city.
Must-See Destinations in Nha Trang:
- Nha Trang Bay: One of the most beautiful bays in the world, where you can swim, snorkel, dive to see coral reefs, and participate in water sports.
- VinWonders Nha Trang: A world-class entertainment complex with many exciting games and spectacular shows.
- Ponagar Tower: Ancient Cham architectural relics, dedicated to the Mother Goddess of the Country.
- Dam Market Nha Trang: The largest market in Nha Trang, where you can buy fresh seafood and local specialties.
- Hon Mun, Hon Tam, Hon Mieu Islands: Explore the pristine beauty of the islands and participate in exciting sea activities.
Da Nang – Hue Railway: Admire Majestic Hai Van Pass
The Da Nang – Hue railway is known as one of the most beautiful railway routes in the world, especially when the train traverses the majestic Hai Van Pass. The journey takes about 3 hours, taking you through towering cliffs, spectacular hairpin bends, and deep blue beaches embracing the foot of the pass. Arriving in Hue, you will explore the ancient capital with historical architectural works, unique royal culture, and refined cuisine.
Majestic Hai Van Pass seen from a train window on the Da Nang – Hue railway, an unmissable train travel experience.
Must-See Destinations in Hue:
- Hue Imperial City: A World Heritage Site, where you explore imperial architecture, tombs, and ancient temples.
- Perfume River: A poetic river flowing through the heart of the city, where you can cruise and listen to Hue folk songs.
- Thien Mu Pagoda: An ancient and sacred pagoda, a symbol of Hue.
- Tombs of Nguyen Emperors: Explore the unique architecture and historical stories of the tombs.
- Dong Ba Market: The busiest market in Hue, where you can enjoy local cuisine and shop for souvenirs.
Da Lat – Trai Mat Railway: Admire the City of a Thousand Flowers
The Da Lat – Trai Mat railway is a short but exciting journey, taking you to explore the poetic beauty of Da Lat, the city of a thousand flowers. The train ride lasts about 30 minutes, taking you through lush green vegetable gardens, pine hills, and charming wooden houses. Trai Mat station is the final destination, where you can visit Linh Phuoc Pagoda, famous for its unique architecture and serene space.
Poetic scenery of Da Lat seen from the Da Lat – Trai Mat railway, a romantic and relaxing train travel journey.
Must-See Destinations in Da Lat and Trai Mat:
- Da Lat Railway Station: A classic French-style railway station, one of the most beautiful stations in Vietnam.
- Linh Phuoc Pagoda (Ve Chai Pagoda): A unique pagoda with exquisite ceramic mosaic architecture.
- Da Lat Flower Garden: Admire the brilliant beauty of thousands of flowers in bloom.
- Xuan Huong Lake: A poetic lake in the city center, where you can stroll and watch the sunset.
- Da Lat Market: A bustling night market with street food and typical Da Lat products.
Saigon – Binh Thuan (Mui Ne) Railway: To the Land of Golden Sands and Blue Sea
The Saigon – Binh Thuan railway is an ideal choice to reach Mui Ne, a famous island paradise known for its long stretches of golden sand dunes, pristine beaches, and warm year-round climate. The journey takes about 4 hours, taking you through vast dragon fruit fields, coastal fishing villages, and luxurious resorts. Mui Ne is not only a great beach resort destination but also a place to explore culture, cuisine, and adventurous sand sports.
Vast dragon fruit fields on the Saigon – Binh Thuan railway, opening up a train travel journey to sunny and windy Mui Ne.
Must-See Destinations in Mui Ne:
- White Sand Dunes: Admire the majestic beauty of the golden sand dunes and participate in sand sliding and off-road vehicle activities.
- Mui Ne Beach: Swim, relax, and enjoy fresh seafood.
- Mui Ne Fishing Village: Explore the simple life of fishermen and enjoy fresh seafood.
- Fairy Stream: A small stream with unique scenery, likened to “Fairyland.”
- Hon Rom Island: A pristine island with beautiful beaches and exciting entertainment activities.
Saigon – Binh Dinh Railway: Discover the Land of Martial Arts
The Saigon – Binh Dinh railway takes you to the land of martial arts Binh Dinh, famous for its pristine beaches, ancient Cham relics, and traditional martial arts culture. The journey takes over 8 hours, offering you the opportunity to admire the diversity of the Central region’s landscape, from majestic mountains to vast oceans. Binh Dinh is not only a destination for exploring cultural history but also a place to experience distinctive cuisine and immerse yourself in beautiful nature.
Pristine beauty of Binh Dinh revealed on the Saigon – Binh Dinh railway, a train travel destination rich in culture and nature.
Must-See Destinations in Binh Dinh:
- Ky Co – Eo Gio: Two famous tourist spots with the pristine and majestic beauty of the sea and islands.
- Twin Towers: Unique Cham architectural relics, a symbol of Binh Dinh.
- Quang Trung Museum: A place to preserve artifacts and stories about the hero Quang Trung.
- Quy Nhon Beach: Beautiful beach with fine white sand and clear blue water.
- Dam Market Quy Nhon: The largest market in Quy Nhon, where you can enjoy local cuisine and shop for specialties.
Da Nang – Quy Nhon Railway: Journey Along the South Central Coast
The Da Nang – Quy Nhon railway is a journey to explore the beauty of the South Central Coast, taking you through lands rich in cultural traditions and diverse natural landscapes. The train ride lasts about 6 hours, offering you the opportunity to admire beautiful beaches, coastal fishing villages, and majestic mountains. Quy Nhon is not only an ideal beach resort destination but also a place to explore Cham culture and enjoy rich seafood cuisine.
Scenery of the South Central Coast on the Da Nang – Quy Nhon railway, a colorful and experiential train travel journey.
Must-See Destinations in Quy Nhon:
- Ky Co – Eo Gio: (Same as above, as Quy Nhon and Binh Dinh are often mentioned together)
- Hon Kho Island: A pristine island with beautiful beaches and snorkeling activities to see coral reefs.
- Ghenh Rang Tien Sa: Famous tourist area with Bai Trung beach, Han Mac Tu’s tomb, and Thi Nhan hill.
- Banh It Tower: Ancient Cham architectural relics, located on a high hill with panoramic views.
- Khu 6 Market: Bustling night market with street food and local products.
Phung Hung Train Street (Hanoi): Explore Hanoi From a Unique Perspective
Phung Hung Train Street is not a long-distance tourist railway line, but it is a unique and interesting destination right in the heart of Hanoi. The short railway section of about 2km runs through ancient streets, adjacent houses, and cute little cafes. Sitting on the train, you will have the opportunity to see Hanoi from a completely new perspective, feeling the bustling rhythm of life and the ancient beauty of the capital.
Phung Hung Train Street, a unique train travel destination right in the center of Hanoi, offering a different experience of exploring the Old Quarter.
Slow train on Phung Hung Train Street, blending into the vibrant life of Hanoi.
Must-See Destinations along Phung Hung Train Street and Hanoi Old Quarter:
- Hanoi Old Quarter: A historic district with narrow streets, ancient houses, and traditional shops.
- Hoan Kiem Lake: Symbol of Hanoi, where you can stroll, admire the scenery, and visit Ngoc Son Temple.
- Dong Xuan Market: The largest market in Hanoi, where you can shop for a variety of goods and enjoy street food.
- Hanoi Opera House: Classic French architectural building, where special art programs take place.
- Temple of Literature – Quoc Tu Giam: Vietnam’s first university, where you learn about history and educational culture.
Tips and Experiences for Train Travel
To have a complete and memorable train travel trip, keep these useful tips in mind:
- Choose the Right Seat Class: Depending on the travel distance and budget, you can choose hard seats, soft seats, or sleeper berths. Hard seats are suitable for short trips and cost-saving, while soft seats and sleeper berths offer more comfort for long journeys.
- Book Train Tickets Early: Especially during peak tourist season, train tickets often sell out very quickly. Plan and book tickets at least 1-2 months in advance to ensure availability and choose your preferred seat location. You can buy tickets online through the Vietnam Railways website, VNPAY e-wallet app, banking apps, or directly at the train station.
- Pack Light Luggage: Space on trains is limited, so bring just enough luggage and keep it compact. Prioritize essential and easy-to-move items.
- Bring Personal Items: Don’t forget to prepare drinking water, snacks, tissues, masks, personal hygiene items, and a small pillow to help you feel more comfortable throughout the journey.
- Maintain Common Hygiene: Be mindful of maintaining common hygiene on the train, dispose of garbage in the designated places, and respect the common space of everyone.
- Pay Attention to Security and Luggage: Always keep an eye on personal luggage, especially at crowded train stations. Avoid getting off the train when it stops at a station if not really necessary, as stop times are usually very short.
- Enjoy Local Cuisine at Train Stations: Train stations are often places where many delicious and cheap local eateries are concentrated. Take advantage of train stop times to explore the distinctive cuisine of each region.
Conclusion
Train travel is not just a means of transportation, but also a journey full of interesting and memorable experiences. With suggestions for beautiful train travel destinations in Vietnam and the useful tips above, “Du lịch khắp thế gian” hopes you will have more ideas for your upcoming trips. Get on board and discover the endless beauty of the country, where railway lines will lead you to new horizons!