Vietnam Railways
Vietnam Railways
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- DarrenandSandyLal Lal, Australia22 contributionsLotus- good. Vietnam Rail- terrible.We travelled in an overnight 2 berth sleeper with Lotus Trains from Hanoi to Hue, and it was quite good. Lotus have their own staff for each carriage, so everything was kept very clean. Food offered was good. 4 stars out of 5. Then we travelled from Danag to Saigon on Vietnam Railways, in a 2 berth VIP cabin. Totally different experience. Dirty, poorly maintained train. Staff were totally disinterested and unhelpful. carriage was noisey, people smoking in corridors, toilets were filthy. Quite poor all round. Then the train broke down! Utter chaos as we transferred to sleeper buses for 3 hours, then onto another train for the last 7 hours. Absolutely no idea what was happening, no one spoke english, so no explanations. Just had to trust our instincts and hope. 2nd train was absolutely dreadful. Very noisy, dirty, disgusting "facilities", and very poorly maintained. We were waiting for the running gear under the train to come up through the floor! A 19-hour VIP trip took 24 hours, 1 star, only because we didn't die. Moral of the story; if you decide to go by train, use one of the private operators, like Lotus or Violette. Vietnam Rail is crap.Visited April 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 12 April 2024
- Patrick HGreenville, Pennsylvania20 contributionsHard time (literally and figuratively) on Vietnamese trainsVietnam railways are a challenge. They are meant for overnight travel and have mostly bunk beds with 4 or 6 per cabin. For daytime trips they are terribly inconvenient, since one has to lay down on the upper ones and can only sit on the lower ones. Reservations are needed several days in advance. There are generally not enough regular seats available. Unless you travel long distance overnight, trains should be avoided. Take buses.Visited March 2024Travelled soloWritten 18 April 2024
- Naomi M2 contributionsGive it ago to say you didIt’s a railway in a developing nation. What do you expect? The food isn’t great, the beds are hard and the aircon is too cold - but it’s definitely worth a trip and something to write home about. We slept in a 2 berth VIP cabin and it was both worth it because I can’t imagine travelling the 16 hours Danang to Hanoi in anything other but it also was what you would expect from a developing nation railway system. You just have to create your own fun during your trip - particularly if it’s over night. The view in the morning is quite a nice thing to wake up to.Visited May 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 6 May 2024
- alisawwMissoula, Montana179 contributionsTrain from Hue to Dong HoiI always like to try a country's railway system if possible, and the train from Hue to Dong Hoi seemed like a good time to try it. The train was about 40 minutes delayed, and the train station in Hue was pretty dirty - the waiting room was blessedly AC cooled, but the chairs were all covered in sticky drinks. The staff were helpful in figuring out what train we were getting on but the train itself was pretty scummy. It was hard to see the train seat numbers, but once we figured them out, we had to ask folks to move out of our seats (which were facing forward) and a few were cranky and hesitant to go to their rear facing seats. The ride was noisy and there was some kind of sticky drink dripping off the tray table down my legs. The cost is very reasonable, and its the real non tourist way to go, but not sure I have too many more hot, dirty train rides in me, particularly when clean busses with wifi are not that much more expensive for a family of four.Visited June 2024Travelled with familyWritten 18 June 2024
- cb512016London, United Kingdom239 contributionsDamitrans deluxe classThe train ran to time but we got on the train and our cabin was occupied. They then told us we had not booked properly, this was a wrong we had booked properly, they tried to make us climb on to tge top bunks, no chance we could physically do that. Eventually the person was relocated to another space and we got an equivalent space to that we had booked. It took some determination and standing our ground. Google translate was the saviour. The conductor did her best but the other passenger was stubborn despite being in the wrong space. Train had good toilet by train standards. Aircon was good so take a cover up or use the duvet provided. Mattress a bit thin but this was an adventure so didn't expect too much Station was well organised at Ninh Binh with snack shop, and they guide you to where to stand to board. Big step off in Da nang but glad we had the experience some beautiful coastal views as you approach DanangVisited September 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 10 September 2024
- Jodi NTauranga, New Zealand249 contributionsSurprisingly goodWe booked a 4 berth sleeper cabin in Coach 6A in the refurbished (in 2023) SE20 train from Da Nang to Ninh Binh. The rooms were clean and we were supplied water. The bathrooms were kept clean during our travel. We brought beer from the rail staff but we supplied our own food and used the hot water machine at the end of our Coach to make noodles etc. We had a surprisingly good sleep and arrived in Ninh Binh about 10 mins behind schedule.Visited September 2024Travelled with familyWritten 14 October 2024
- Liz B2 contributionsTrain ride from Hanoi to Ho Chi MinhThe Hanoi to Hue train was clean and much better experience than the Danang to Ho Chi Minh train. This last leg we found the train dirty - with floors, windows and walls scuffed and marked / unclean. The bedding on this leg was grubby and non of us felt happy with the experience. Everything needs deep clean The Hanoi to Danang trains were much better - clean and on time. This would have been a 4-5 rating based on these. Buy food and drinks to have with you as poor quality on boardVisited October 2024Travelled with familyWritten 26 October 2024
- jessicakm87Noosa Heads, Australia14 contributionsIt did the job...Currently on the SE5, Carriage 7 cabin 1, seats 3&4. Ninh Binh to Da Nang. When people write about 1st class sleepers with baskets of treats and nice bedding they are talking about the VIP trains such as Lotus, Violette, which are just carriages on the same trains as the basic rooms and seats. They are just privately run therefore more expensive but also apparently better in terms of service and cleanliness. This experience is in a non VIP carriage. And I had a fairly good idea of what to expect. No it is not comparable to US/UK/AU trains or even western Europe trains, but generally comparable to Eastern Europe trains. Firstly booked bottom bunks ended up on top bunks. The carriage is filthy, miraculously cleaner by just a touch than the train from Chisinau Moldova to Bucharest Romania... But only marginally. Watched as people in below bunks left and the carriage attendant folded the blanket and placed it back on the bed, for the next guests. Happened twice, so can only imagine how long it's been since they've actually been cleaned. Our cabin for 4 ended up a cabin for 6 as 2 other family members joined their family in the below bunks for the journey. We were lucky they were fairly quiet. There is a puppy that when not locked in a closet crying, is running around barking, no chickens tho, bit of a disappointment, could've really tied the whole experience together 😉. Cigarette smoke engulfing the hallway constantly. But at least that masks the stench of the 4 other peoples constant flatulence and coughing. Do not rely on food or drink service and for the toilet to be clean or have paper, but that should be blindingly oblivious 🫣 The AC was so on and off, the cabins become absolutely stagnant fart lockers. Yes it's rocky, but no worse in my opinion than the sleeper buses. Track noise wasn't bad. All in all do your research, which is difficult, because so many reviews are so fauge and unexpressive. Don't come with any expectations and have an open mind. I chose the train for the long journey, instead of a bus for the fact that even tho it is nasty, at least there is a toilet, and you can get up and walk around.Visited September 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 29 October 2024
- McTollieDubai, United Arab Emirates56 contributionsVery comfortable and beautiful tripEasy to book, and the Da Nang station is comfortable whilst waiting for the train. We took the overnight train to Hanoi in a 4-berth sleeper. There is beautiful scenery as you go through the country. The cabin is comfortable and spacious enough for a 6,3 foot person. There is a menu and QR code in the cabin for you to order with, but it doesn't work (no one comes to you after you use it), so we walked all the way to the front of the train to buy some instant noodles. There is a free hot water station so you can make anything with hot water. We slept fairly well during the night, even though we had another person snoring in our cabin. Overall, the trip was comfortable, and I would only suggest the food/ menu service to be improved.Visited November 2024Travelled with friendsWritten 11 November 2024
- Gayle KCunnamulla, Australia32 contributionsDa Nang to Ho Chi Minh by Vietnam RailwayCaught a 4 bed soft sleeper from Da Nang to Ho Chi Minh It was what we expected We did book the whole sleeper for two of us as didnt wish to share Look pack nibbles - ice and some drinks Definitely pack toilet paper and hand gel Scenery was nice not outstanding lots if rice fields but pleasant Mattress very firm I took my own pillow and mick had a clean pillow case he also had a blow up mattress It was an experience but yep id fly next time Also the charger port needed a different charger to what we had been using Mick had a pork bun he brought on the train it was fine There was a code in our carriage to order a beer but we didn’t use it NOTE - you have to purchase the tickets in cashVisited November 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 16 November 2024
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3.0
714 reviews
Excellent
72
Very good
183
Average
201
Poor
84
Terrible
174
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Sarah W
Peterborough, UK446 contributions
Jan 2025 • Couples
What an experience.
So go with an open mind here!
We booked 1st class, four beds in one cabin.
It’s very basic, top bunks high so you need to be nimble!
You get a pillow and thin sheet. The beds are hard and narrow.
It was cold in our cabin, so make sure you have warm clothing.
It’s busy and noisy so ear plugs and eye mask recommended.
We managed to sleep on and off.
Don’t eat any of the food they bring round, our Vietnamese guides advise.
Toilets grim.
We had good fun and just laughed at our experience which is all you can do.
I hate to imagine what the lower class seats are like.
So go with an open mind here!
We booked 1st class, four beds in one cabin.
It’s very basic, top bunks high so you need to be nimble!
You get a pillow and thin sheet. The beds are hard and narrow.
It was cold in our cabin, so make sure you have warm clothing.
It’s busy and noisy so ear plugs and eye mask recommended.
We managed to sleep on and off.
Don’t eat any of the food they bring round, our Vietnamese guides advise.
Toilets grim.
We had good fun and just laughed at our experience which is all you can do.
I hate to imagine what the lower class seats are like.
Written 28 January 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
scoutts
Leamington Spa, UK256 contributions
Feb 2023 • Couples
We traveled overnight on the train from Nha Trang to DaNang and booked the VIP overnight sleeper which basically means a four berth cabin rather than a six berth. Nha Trang train station is easy to find and although the information boards change very quickly, there is a tannoy system announcing the incoming trains in English; the staff are also helpful. Having read previous reviews we were expecting the worse but our trip was ok. We were on the top bunks which have plenty of room & hubby is 6’2. You are provided with a clean sheet, a pillow and a thicker sheet to use as a blanket, the pillow & thicker sheet aren’t freshly cleaned but ok. No ladder to get to the top bunks, just pull out footrests, so you need to be agile, although we’re both over 50 & managed it with ease. Our cabin pals were ok & didn’t really bother us until they woke up super early. We tried to sleep but couldn’t because the train itself is so noisy and rickety, obviously old trains. The toilet was fine but no paper & we were offered food but managed without. I did note that other cabins had loads of people in with families sharing & there was also a small two berth cabin which would have been ok. We probably won’t bother with the train again but didn’t think it was as bad as some of those the previous reviews.
Written 24 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lynda H
Waiheke Island, New Zealand95 contributions
Jul 2023 • Couples
Good enough, not fabulous, but Surprisingly OK in VIP cabin 2x (2 berth) on SE1 from Ninh Binh to Danang. 14 hours. The Cabin was fine. Beds comfortable enough, wide & long enough for 1.80m though jolting of stop & start almost had me on the floor a few times. The crew came & only tidied the beds as we were getting off in Danang but didn't change any linen at all. I think the linen had already been used before us but it looked clean enough. Toilet was disgusting but later it was cleaned to Vietnam standard of clean. Lunch was served to us in the cabin & though very basic, it was surprisingly OK & tasty. Only 2 water bottles & packet type"coffee" were provided. No beers or soft drinks or fruit as suggested. Train departed on time but 1 hour delayed on arrival. Ninh Binh station was in almost darkness when we arrived & we though we had a problem but then found 2 local ladies also waiting so were reassured. We were the only 4 to get on at 00.15 & it was a little creepy. The station has signs to advise where to wait depending on your carriage number booked. When the train arrives, a crew puts out a small sign at the entry with the carriage number. The lesser class carriages & even the 1st class 4 berths looked fairly grim & I don't think we would try those. Only saw 2 very small baby cockroaches when the lunch was served. We booked through 12goasia very easily with an ticket emailed to us & booked the Vietnam railway version of the cabin at half the price of the Luxury cabin companies, for the same product. It seems for a good trip its the train number to be aware on. SE 1 to SE5 appear to be the better trains, supposedly renovated in 2018. Reviewed by a retired couple from New Zealand.
Written 5 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Balivilla4u
Nusa Dua, Indonesia2,582 contributions
Apr 2024 • Couples
Be well aware.
We booked the trip in three sections.
Hanoi to Danang, Danang to Nha Trang, Nha Trang to Ho Chi Minh through Vietnam Transport a booking agent for Vietnam Railways.
They at all times have tried to assist where possible with our booking for a First class private sleeper for two on all sections but sadly the trip ended up having many issues beyond their control.
The train itself is old with some touch ups and is lacking facilities and service in so many ways except for some nice scenery provided by Mother Earth.
First class you are promised water, coffee, free internet and except for the first stage where we received some breakfast nibbles, water and packet coffee and had internet that was about it.
The beds except for the second stage are average as you have 4 bunks even though its a paid private sleeper for 2.
All stages are noisy and the suspension somewhat lacking. I call it a Rattler.
Sadly on the second stage we had a disgusting toilet, no internet, no water, no coffee and an attendant who did not care. We did get dinner but no water and no coffee included.
We also had a massive change in the time table due to a landslide between Danang and Nha Trang so we arrived in Nha Trang 5 hours late.
These things happen but at no stage were foreigners given any reasonable direction or explanation as to what was going on so we had to follow like sheep hoping we were correct.
After a long time in the train stationary doing nothing we had a 1 hr bus ride in a very average bus and then back on another train in a six bunk cabin with very very thin mattresses for another hour or so before finally reaching Nha Trang at just before 4 am.
Tonight on travelling Nha Trang to Saigon just as well we got to the station early as the train for our final stage had been changed.
Note no notification by our agent but fortunately an employee at Nha Trang station sorted it out for us without inconvenience. There is no way you can track delays or times it seems.
Its all a shame.
Vietnam is becoming increasingly aware of its tourism potential and trying to do the right thing for the visitors to its country but Vietnam railways have a very long way to go in this area.
In closing its not cheap either.
We were happy to pay First class fares for this so called "One of the worlds greatest train trips"
Hardly Great!! Hardly Good!!
We booked the trip in three sections.
Hanoi to Danang, Danang to Nha Trang, Nha Trang to Ho Chi Minh through Vietnam Transport a booking agent for Vietnam Railways.
They at all times have tried to assist where possible with our booking for a First class private sleeper for two on all sections but sadly the trip ended up having many issues beyond their control.
The train itself is old with some touch ups and is lacking facilities and service in so many ways except for some nice scenery provided by Mother Earth.
First class you are promised water, coffee, free internet and except for the first stage where we received some breakfast nibbles, water and packet coffee and had internet that was about it.
The beds except for the second stage are average as you have 4 bunks even though its a paid private sleeper for 2.
All stages are noisy and the suspension somewhat lacking. I call it a Rattler.
Sadly on the second stage we had a disgusting toilet, no internet, no water, no coffee and an attendant who did not care. We did get dinner but no water and no coffee included.
We also had a massive change in the time table due to a landslide between Danang and Nha Trang so we arrived in Nha Trang 5 hours late.
These things happen but at no stage were foreigners given any reasonable direction or explanation as to what was going on so we had to follow like sheep hoping we were correct.
After a long time in the train stationary doing nothing we had a 1 hr bus ride in a very average bus and then back on another train in a six bunk cabin with very very thin mattresses for another hour or so before finally reaching Nha Trang at just before 4 am.
Tonight on travelling Nha Trang to Saigon just as well we got to the station early as the train for our final stage had been changed.
Note no notification by our agent but fortunately an employee at Nha Trang station sorted it out for us without inconvenience. There is no way you can track delays or times it seems.
Its all a shame.
Vietnam is becoming increasingly aware of its tourism potential and trying to do the right thing for the visitors to its country but Vietnam railways have a very long way to go in this area.
In closing its not cheap either.
We were happy to pay First class fares for this so called "One of the worlds greatest train trips"
Hardly Great!! Hardly Good!!
Written 15 April 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kris Burton
3 contributions
Aug 2023 • Couples
Awful. Of all the means of transportation we have taken in Vietnam, this has been the worst by far. First of all, mention that I am not a person of great luxuries, but this has been too much. We were going from Ninh Binh to Hue on a sleeper train, we took first class after reading all the comments recommending it and it was still horrible. The train was dirty, the bathrooms were not even mentioned, they did not give us even a measly bottle of water on an 11-hour trip when it has been something that has been included in every bus we have taken in the country. And to top it off, the sheets and blankets were super dirty, I ended the trip with my legs full of bites, we think from fleas. Quite a disgusting experience.
If you have a long trip in Vietnam I recommend using the VIP buses with cabins, they are wonderful, much cleaner and even cheaper than the train.
If you have a long trip in Vietnam I recommend using the VIP buses with cabins, they are wonderful, much cleaner and even cheaper than the train.

Written 25 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Roving54109848494
1 contribution
Feb 2024 • Solo
I personally couldn't travel on these trains again in my lifetime. They seem to be more for the locals, as it's the cheapest way to travel throughout the country. Did 17hrs from HCMC to Da Nang, and at the end I felt like my head was still moving, as well as such a lack of sleep. Had a family on one bed in the cabin at one point, and people are very loud even at late hours. The pillows were full of mold and bacteria, a massive health hazard. Lucky I bought my neck pillow and used that. They let people smoke wherever on the train and they smoked right where the air-conditioning vents are, so plumes of cigarette smoke seeped into the cabins periodically throughout the ENTIRE trip. It blocked my nose and made my sinuses and head sick by the end of the trip. Very bad and a massive health concern for healthy passengers. The service was mostly unfriendly, and seemed somewhat racist towards foreigners, as well. One lady worker shooed me away for trying to ask something, very stupid and ignorant women. The toilets were 3rd world filthy as they are not maintained and had no supply of toilet paper. Maybe if that women used her bad energy towards cleaning, the trains might be somewhat comfortable. Imo, for 60AUD one way, it was still way too expensive for the quality and service received. I got a refund for the return leg through the travel agency I booked through, and bought a ticket on Vietnam Airlines, and was very glad I did. These people have NO health standards and are very lazy. Paying this amount of money for this level of service and cleanliness, is just not acceptable. You would be shut down immediately if you charged even 1 dollar in Australia for this service. It doesn't take much to fixs these problems, but the apathy is rife, unfortunately. Do better.
Written 25 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jul F
San Candido, Italy2 contributions
Apr 2024 • Couples
We took the train from hoi an to nah trang. We booked the first class sleeper cabin which has to be shared with two other persons. Our roommates, a Vietnamese Granddpa with his doughter and her baby decided to get up at 5 am to yell around open the door and have Breakfast in the room. Everything smelled like garlic.
Then suddenly the train stopped and everybody got off. The staff did not tell us anything. (Well they dont speak english how could they)
Only an other passenger told us that a tunnel is broken snd we have to go with a bus to the next train station.
All this caused a delay of more than 2 hours.
Then suddenly the train stopped and everybody got off. The staff did not tell us anything. (Well they dont speak english how could they)
Only an other passenger told us that a tunnel is broken snd we have to go with a bus to the next train station.
All this caused a delay of more than 2 hours.
Written 19 April 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Molly H
Melbourne, Australia1 contribution
Feb 2024 • Family
I read many decent reviews and the description offered by 12go.asia for the VNR 20 hour trip from HCMC to Da Nang for 2nd class bookings provided a cabin with 6 beds. I was shown this in a diagram when I got to pick the bed numbers, and I booked for myself and my mother to be next to each other. I also chose a fan cabin as I had heard the AC cabins can be uncomfortably cold. When we arrived, there was no such thing as 2nd class sleeper berths and we were told we had to spend 20 hours in seats in a cabin with about 50 other people. We had also been placed in different seats which were away from each other. When I tried to approach several members of staff to discuss solving this issue, they all turned their backs and walked away. The 'fan berth' I had paid for also was actually AC (which was so high I was unable to sleep despite a jacket and a blanket). A couple got on at another stop along the way and had the same issue with booking tickets together but being assigned different seats. When they tried to discuss this with staff, they were turned away and told to just sit down. I can't say this should be blamed entirely on VNR as I don't know how they advertise their options, but be aware that booking through 12go.asia is completely misleading and untrue. For the price, the discomfort, and 20 hours of sleeplessness, I will absolutely be cancelling my next train ticket and booking a flight instead.
Written 11 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ph x
Noumea, New Caledonia8 contributions
Jan 2025 • Family
Damitrans, this is a scam! We went from Hanoi to Lao Cai.
We book a VIP room for 2 people (a private cabin), to our surprise, there was already another couple already present. We warn the staff that there is an error, they have offered another cabin alone (the one planned), but ask us to pay 600,000 dongs more. To defraud us because we checked on our tickets bought online that it was private the cabin. Do not take the bus to get from Lao cai to Sapa with Damitrans at the station on site. They are not very honest about prices! Plus when he took us back to the station, they forced us to leave the hotel well in advance of our train departure (4 hours) in order to try to sell us a ride to Lao Cai during those 4 hours of doing nothing! So especially do not trust Damitrans!! To avoid, we waste our time, we p
We book a VIP room for 2 people (a private cabin), to our surprise, there was already another couple already present. We warn the staff that there is an error, they have offered another cabin alone (the one planned), but ask us to pay 600,000 dongs more. To defraud us because we checked on our tickets bought online that it was private the cabin. Do not take the bus to get from Lao cai to Sapa with Damitrans at the station on site. They are not very honest about prices! Plus when he took us back to the station, they forced us to leave the hotel well in advance of our train departure (4 hours) in order to try to sell us a ride to Lao Cai during those 4 hours of doing nothing! So especially do not trust Damitrans!! To avoid, we waste our time, we p
Automatically translated
Written 3 January 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jessica M
2 contributions
May 2023 • Couples
It’s just awful. We did 2nd class sleepers. From the get go they were trying to scam us. Our 6 birth cabin was empty and no one else had booked to come In and they tried to say we needed to spend £15 each to move to the bottom bunk of the same class, which when you book online is exactly the same cost?? It is so loud and they’re so harsh on the breaks we kept nearly falling out of bed. If you have motion sickness like me I would avoid at all cost. The bed wasn’t the most uncomfortable to lay on, it was fine, just everything else made it unbearable.
Written 13 May 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I plan to visit Vietnam, so I have booked some domestic flights. International flight to Vietnam will allow me with a check-in luggage of 7kgs and cabin luggage of 23kg.
1. Are the domestic flights going to allow me the 7kg check-in luggage if I buy the 20/23 kg cabin luggage?
2. If I avail a train, where it is mentioned that the luggage allowed is 20kg, dows that mean they will not allow the 7kg backpack?
Written 27 November 2024
Yes best to book bottom bunk as more room underneath - you can kind of pop it beside your bed at the end - yep a softer bag easier to put underneath - take loo paper and wipes handy
Written 29 November 2024
Conchita50
Anchorage, Alaska
Hello! Can you explain further how to book the 2 bed VIP cabin? We want to travel from Hue to Hanoi by train but when I try to book on Baolau, I only see options for a 4 bed cabin and no options for a 2 bed or a VIP cabin. Thanks!
Written 28 December 2019
Hi. I only know how to book through Baolau but if it isn't showing you options for a vip 2 bed cabin on your day then there might not be any available on that journey. Try shifting your dates and seeing if one comes up.
Written 29 December 2019
262 Sally and others, Was the train trip you are commenting on the regular Vietnam Railways train or the Lotus or Livi train? Thank you, Dorothy
Written 7 November 2019
Just the standard train.... we looked at those ones you mentioned but they don’t travel on every route/time and the reviews were just as bad 😂
Written 13 November 2019
We had our hotel purchase our tickets and just charge it to our credit card. We told them exactly what we wanted and they organized it for us at no additional charge.
Written 23 August 2019
Hi, my husband and I along with 2 of our grown up children are travelling to Central Vietnam this August (i work in a school so dont have much option if we want a long holiday otherwise August probably wouldn't be our first choice). We are starting in Danang, then plan to visit Hoi An , Quy Nhon, Nha Trang and possibly Mui Ne. Anyway ,noticed you did the NhaTrang to Mui Ne train ride although I know there isn't actually a station at Mui Ne. How easy was it to then find transport to get to Mui Ne itself please? And do you have any other useful advice? Thanks
Alison
Written 20 February 2019
If you can try to negotiate with a driver to take you around but shop around as you can get some good deals.
Get the Grab app to use transport in the big cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh. They are in place of uber and are a cheap and efficient way to get around everywhere.
In Da Nang definitely do ba nah hills and the golden bridge but go early and prepared to spend the day. Well worth the entry fee. Hoi An is worth a couple of days, visit the coconut village and check out taboo for a bamboo workshop. Mr Tan will teach you how to make something amazing out of bamboo.
The food at hoi an is amazing so try out Cao Lau as it is the only place in Vietnam where you can get it and for that reason many Vietnamese themselves have never tried it. Bali well is another cheap place with local food (no menu only one option)that tastes amazing but go prepared with an appetite because they serve a lot of food.
Written 25 June 2019
Morning Amy how do you book a first class ticket, my husband myself and son are travelling and want s compartment to ourselves?
Thanks Sam
Written 23 November 2018
I also used 12goAsia. They’re definitely more expensive than booking direct from the railways, but closer in price than others. You cannot pay with a foreign card direct with the railways. The option they have to hold tickets and pay at the station only holds them for 24 hours. More people can afford train travel, so they do sell out. I’d book at least a week in advance if your travel dates are not flexible. Definitely buy the extra seat so your family doesn’t share. It’s crowded.
Written 24 November 2018
Sia
Batu Caves, Malaysia
Anybody know Vietnam reunification train have different rate for different coach? We paid around 35USD for the return ticket from Hanoi to Sapa according to some trip advisor, and it turned up only we and two of the train staff in a very vintage coach, and all others passengers were in the very good condition cabin. Some traveller wrote it’s nothing different with this rate compare to the tourist train that’s why I decided to take this train, but it’s totally the wrong information
Written 17 November 2018
I didn't see any modern trains. We booked 1st Class VIP but it certainly wasn't. We then booked soft birth and again very old and dirty train and very little difference in standard.
Having said all that it was amazing experience and I would do it again.
Written 23 November 2018
We are travelling to Hue from Danang what is the best seating option
Written 23 April 2018
Get a private berth. So you would pay for 4 seats. I did it at the station and it’s much cheaper than online. Also much more comfortable. We were 2 travelers and got four seats/beds.
Written 20 May 2018
vorrei sapere orari treno notturno con letto da Hanoi a Hoi An
e da Hoi An a Ho Chi Minh
Written 9 April 2018
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