Have you ever considered exploring the beauty of Vietnam in a completely different way? Instead of hurried bus trips or dusty backpacking routes, try experiencing train travel across Vietnam. You’ll surely be amazed by the wonders this journey brings, from majestic natural landscapes to unforgettable relaxing moments.
1. Why Choose the Train for Your Vietnam Trip?
If you’re seeking a slow-paced, relaxing journey to fully appreciate the beauty of the country, then train travel across Vietnam is the perfect choice. Instead of just passing through famous tourist destinations, you’ll have the opportunity to admire landscapes that roads cannot reach.
Natural scenery viewed from a train window in Vietnam
From the train car window, a whole new world unfolds before your eyes. Endless golden rice paddies, majestic mountain ranges hidden in the clouds, and deep blue coastlines embracing the S-shaped land… All create a stunning natural painting that you can’t take your eyes off.
- Slow-paced sightseeing: Trains move at a moderate speed, allowing you ample time to admire and appreciate the beauty of the surrounding scenery.
- Unique experience: The feeling of rocking on the train, listening to the train whistle echoing through the mountains and forests, will be unforgettable memories of your Vietnam exploration.
- Cultural connection: On the train, you can meet and chat with local people, learning about the culture and customs of each region.
2. What to Prepare for Your Vietnam Train Journey?
To have a complete train travel across Vietnam trip, you need to prepare everything carefully, from luggage to train tickets.
2.1. Pack Light
A small backpack or suitcase is an ideal choice for this trip. Bring only the essentials, avoiding bulky luggage.
Light luggage for a train trip
- Comfortable clothes: Prioritize loose, breathable, and easy-to-move clothing.
- Personal toiletries: Toothpaste, toothbrush, face towel, toilet paper…
- Medication: Bring common medications like cold medicine, stomachache medicine, motion sickness medicine…
- Entertainment devices: Books, music players, phones, tablets… for entertainment throughout the journey.
2.2. Book Train Tickets Early
To ensure you get your preferred seats and the best ticket prices, you should book train tickets at least 1-2 weeks in advance. You can book tickets online on the Vietnam Railways website or purchase tickets at train stations.
Booking train tickets online
- Choose the right seat type: There are different types of seats on the train, from hard seats and soft seats to berths. Choose the seat type that suits your needs and budget.
- Prioritize lower or upper berths: If choosing a sleeper berth, you should prioritize the lower berth (easier to move around) or the upper berth (less disturbed).
3. Eating & Living on the Train
One of the interesting things about train travel across Vietnam is that you are free to bring your own food and drinks on board. However, you can also enjoy local cuisine at train stations or buy snacks at the train’s canteen.
Snacks to bring on the train
- Bring snacks: Bread, fruit, snacks… are ideal snacks for a long trip.
- Enjoy local specialties: At major train stations, you can find regional specialties.
- Stay hydrated: Don’t forget to bring enough water to keep your body hydrated throughout the journey.
4. Suggested Itinerary for a Vietnam Train Journey
You can start your train travel across Vietnam journey from Hanoi or Saigon, depending on your preferences and personal circumstances. Here is a suggested itinerary for this trip:
- Hanoi – Hue: Explore the ancient capital of Hue with its ancient tombs, serene pagodas, and specialty dishes.
- Hue – Da Nang: Admire the majestic Hai Van Pass, visit the beautiful My Khe Beach, and explore the vibrant city of Da Nang.
- Da Nang – Nha Trang: Relax on Nha Trang beach, participate in water sports, and enjoy fresh seafood.
- Nha Trang – Saigon: Explore Saigon with its ancient French architecture, bustling markets, and attractive street food.
Natural scenery viewed from the train
5. Fun Activities on the Train
To make your train travel across Vietnam trip more enjoyable, you can participate in the following activities:
- Sightseeing: Don’t miss the opportunity to admire the beautiful scenery from the train car window.
- Reading and listening to music: Bring good books or your favorite music to relax during the journey.
- Making friends: Socialize and chat with other passengers on the train to expand your connections.
- Capture moments: Prepare a camera to capture memorable moments on your trip.
Passengers capturing beautiful moments
Conclusion
Experiencing train travel across Vietnam is not just a trip, but also a journey of self-discovery and country exploration. Try experiencing the feeling of floating on trains, admiring the beautiful scenery, and feeling the slow pace of life in Vietnam. You will surely have unforgettable memories in your life!