All Aboard! Exploring Vietnam's Top 5 Scenic Train Journeys

Hop on these train rides in Vietnam, a country with an extensive railway network offering a unique and exciting way to discover its stunning landscapes
For representation purposes only
For representation purposes onlyUnsplash/Genine Alyssa Pedreno-Andrada
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4 min read

Vietnam, with its breathtaking landscapes, rich culture, and vibrant history, is a country that has long captivated the hearts of travellers. While many explore this Southeast Asian gem by road or air, there's a unique and mesmerising way to experience the country's beauty: by train. Vietnam's train trips offers a front-row seat to some of the country's most stunning natural and cultural wonders. Here, we take you on a journey through the best train journey in Vietnam.

Hanoi To Hai Phong

Long Bien Bridge
Long Bien Bridgevietnam_railway/Instagram

If you want to explore Vietnam's stunning scenery, taking a train journey from Hanoi to Hai Phong is worth considering. This train route covers a distance of 102 km and takes about 2 hours and 45 minutes to complete. Along the way, you'll see the contrast between the bustling city life and the serene rural scenery. One of the journey's highlights is the Long Bien Bridge, a 117-year-old bridge connecting Hanoi with the Red River Delta. The bridge is of great historical and cultural significance, having survived decades of wars. It also offers a panoramic view of the Red River and its green fields on both sides, making it an attraction not to miss for anyone visiting the region.

Ticket Fare

Ticket prices vary and are about INR 443.30 (VND1,30,000).

Da Nang To Hue

Hai Van Pass
Hai Van Passvietnamtravelers/Instagram

If you're looking for a train ride that offers breathtaking views, the journey from Da Nang to Hue is arguably one of the best in Vietnam. The train route spans 103 km and lasts around 4 hours, taking you through the spectacular Hai Van Pass, which separates the North and South Central Coast regions. Along the way, you'll enjoy stunning ocean views and mountains and pass by some of the most famous landmarks in Da Nang, including the Marble Mountains, the Son Tra Peninsula, and the Dragon Bridge.

Ticket Fare

The train tickets cost between INR 380 - INR 1,200 (VND 1,11,502.35-VND 352,112.68) and the journey takes 2h 32m.

Da Lat To Trai Mat

Da Lat railway station
Da Lat railway station1998.jjh/Instagram

It's a short but incredibly scenic trip that covers a distance of only 7 km and takes around 30 minutes to complete. The Vietnam train travels on a narrow-gauge railway that was built by the French in 1932 and is still preserved today. As you travel through pine forests, flower gardens, vegetable farms, and tea plantations, you'll get a glimpse of the rural life in the highlands. If you happen to visit in spring, you'll also be able to see cherry blossoms along the way. Once you reach Trai Mat, don't forget to visit the Linh Phuoc Pagoda, a colorful temple adorned with mosaic tiles and glass bottles.

Ticket Fare

The ticket fare from Da Lat to Trai Mat is INR 579.36 (VND 170,000)

Ho Chi Minh City To Binh Thuan

The luxury train travel in Vietnam from Ho Chi Minh City to Binh Thuan is a unique experience that takes you from the bustling metropolis to the peaceful coastal province. The journey covers a distance of 187 km and lasts for about 4 hours. Along the way, you will see the contrast between the urban sprawl and the rural tranquillity. One of the highlights of this train ride is passing by a dragon fruit garden that stretches for kilometres and offers a unique sight of green cacti and red fruits.

Ticket Fare

The ticket fare for this route is INR 1,206.14 (VND 353,914.32)

Sapa To Fansipan

Hoang Lien Son mountain range
Hoang Lien Son mountain rangeWikimedia Commons

The train route from the town of Sapa to the peak of Fansipan is an incredibly unforgettable experience. It is Vietnam's longest mountain train ride, covering a distance of 9 km in about 20 minutes and climbing up to an altitude of 3,143 meters above sea level. The route offers breathtaking views of the Hoang Lien Son mountain range, the Muong Hoa valley, and the terraced rice fields. You can take a cable car or hike to reach the summit at Fansipan station. Once at the summit, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the surrounding landscape and visit some spiritual sites such as temples and statues.

Ticket Fare

You can get a ride on this train route for INR 415.90 (VND 122,072.20).

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