All Things You Need To Know About Train In Vietnam
All Things You Need To Know About Train In Vietnam
Even though it takes longer than flying, a train ride through Vietnam is an unforgettable experience that no tourist should miss.
Taking the train in Vietnam may leave you with more questions than answers. How can I purchase rail tickets in Vietnam? Is there a way to reserve a specific bed or seat?
Learn how to make the most of your time on the train in Vietnam with the help of this comprehensive guide.
Read more: Sapa Vietnam Travel Guide
The advantages of taking the train in Vietnam
Here are five strong reasons why taking a train trip is a great idea.
Amazing scenery in every direction
Seeing Vietnam from the comfort of a train is the best way to see the country. The scenery through Vietnam aboard the train is breathtaking and very personal. Mountains, agricultural terraces, and a breathtaking coastline all unfold before your eyes as you travel.
Taking the train from Da Nang to Hue across the stunning Hai Van Pass is a must since the route offers some of the best tourist attractions in Vietnam.
The feasibility of everything
Do you recall how frustrating it was to go through airport security? Checking in and leaving take longer, and that's before you factor in the cost and inconvenience of taking a cab to the airport (which is often located far from the center of most cities). Take the train and forget about these problems!
Because of their convenient locations, the city's train stations make commuting to and from the urban core a breeze.
For instance, Sapa is one of many locations that is only accessible by bus or train. Taking the night train and getting there early the next morning is a very convenient way to save time.
Feeling contentment
When compared to flying, driving, or taking a bus, where the seats and roads might be unpleasant, using a train is the more comfortable option.
There is plenty of space for everyone to stretch out and get comfortable on a train in Vietnam. Another solution is to get up and move around if you are feeling bored or if you have been sitting for too long.
Regional viewpoint
Taking the train in Vietnam is a great way to get a taste of local life. Activities like people-watching, sampling the cuisine at the numerous railway stations, and buying trinkets from the vendors at the windows will make your trip more memorable.
A manageable price tag
Although it may take longer, traveling by train to your location is often cheaper and more efficient than flying or even taking the bus.
How can I purchase rail tickets in Vietnam?
Exactly where in Vietnam can one get train tickets? You may buy them at the train station down the street, or you can do it online. Buying your tickets online is a convenient and efficient way to get where you're going.
Websites where you may find and purchase rail tickets in Vietnam include the ones listed below.
If you don't know Vietnamese and don't want to waste time waiting in line at the train station, booking your tickets in advance online is your best bet.
In addition, you can choose your seating placement in advance, receive an electronic ticket through email, and avoid ticket reselling and other fraud by purchasing tickets this way.
We have found that purchasing our train tickets online and presenting a printed PDF ticket at the station is the most convenient and cost-effective method.
Read more: Top 10 best things must-do activities in Nha Trang, Vietnam
Can you tell me about the Vietnamese train system?
The government may be in charge of train operations, but private rail businesses can offer passengers first-class amenities.
The routes such as from Hanoi to Sapa, or Da Nang to Hue, are just two examples of the routes frequented by private train firms.
Almost all of Vietnam's most popular tourist destinations, with the exception of Da Lat, are accessible by train. However, Da Lat's train station has closed.
Seat selection is available on Vietnamese trains.
Now, let's talk about the next issue on the agenda: choosing your own seat on Vietnamese trains. Seats might be hard or soft, and passengers can choose between hard beds and soft berths, among other options.
The hard seat is the most basic and inexpensive choice, and it works OK for shorter journeys. The seats are not particularly pleasant due to being made of hard plastic or wood, but they serve their purpose well enough to be tolerated.
The soft seat is an upgrade from the hard seat since it is more comfortable. These seats are great for long trips because they are padded and covered with vinyl.
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Overnight travel can be more comfortable with a firm bed. Each cabin has three levels of sleeping space, for a total of six berths.
Most people can afford the upper bed, but the lower bed is more expensive. The costlier a hotel, the fancier its extras will be.
The soft berth is the most convenient and cozy sleeping space for an overnight trip. Each cabin can accommodate four people thanks to its two sets of bunk beds.
Cabins with the soft bed option can range from high-grade (with wood paneling) to low-grade (with harsh plastic interiors).
We can help with rail ticket reservations.
When purchasing a ticket on a train throughout Vietnam, you have the option of choosing the precise seat or berth you choose. You need to make a good choice because you'll be thinking about it for several hours while you're on the train.
If you're trying to save money and don't mind forgoing some comfort, a hard seat or berth is a great option to think about. The soft seat or berth is the way to go if you want a more comfortable and uneventful trip.
The four-bed soft bed is our standard choice. We rarely share a cabin with anyone else when we fly throughout the week.
Particularly so while we're in the air. We only had one night in the same cabin together because the Lunar New Year was rapidly approaching.
Not only does the type of train affect the price of a ticket, but the class of the train also plays a role.
Soft-berth tickets on luxury trains like the Victoria Express or the Fanxipan Express, for example, are far more expensive than equivalent coach tickets on regular trains.
However, you'll be treated to a more luxurious stay thanks to inclusions like air conditioning, private bathrooms, and gourmet meals.
Read more: Transportation Guide from Hanoi to Ha Giang in Vietnam
Ticket Notification
If you book a reservation on the New Livitrans Express or the Violette Train, two private rail firms in Vietnam, you will receive an electronic ticket in your email inbox. You can just print the e-ticket and present it at the train station.
For reservations on the international Hanoi-Nanning-Beijing route or any of the private railway firms operating within China, including Victoria Express, Fanxipan Express, King Express, Orient Express, Sapaly Express, Chapa Express, and Saigon Golden Train, a coupon will be emailed to you. You'll need to pick up your paper ticket at the station before boarding.
When traveling with kids by train
If you're taking a journey with little ones, you'll be happy to know that kids under the age of six can ride for free as long as they sit on an adult's lap or in an adjacent berth.
Starting at age 6, children under the age of nine are eligible for a 25% discount on sleeping berths and seats.
Children over the age of 10 are charged the full adult fare and must be accompanied by an adult during check-in.
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Tips for taking the train in Vietnam
Please print out your electronic tickets as soon as possible, as this is the first piece of advice I can provide you. It may seem obvious, but it's easy to lose sight of it in the midst of all the excitement and novelty of travel.
Don't risk being delayed at the train station or otherwise embarrassed because you forgot to print out a duplicate of your ticket and bring it with you.
You'll need to show your identity using a document like a passport or a valid driver's license. Keep it with you at all times because you'll need it to check in at the station and to get on the train.
A digital copy of your identification documents, such as your passport or driver's license, should also be kept on your mobile device or in your inbox.
It is highly recommended that, if you are taking a train in Vietnam, you arrive at the station at least one hour before the train is due to depart.
This will give you plenty of time to find your platform, board your train, and settle in. If you're traveling to a different country, it's extremely important to be there early rather than waiting until the last minute.
When taking a train in Vietnam, it's important to keep in mind that there's a limit on how much luggage you can bring with you.
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Be mindful that you can only bring a total of 20 kg with you. A tiny backpack or daypack might be useful for transporting items like an additional change of clothes, toiletries, and electronic devices if you aren't sure what else to bring.
But the truth is, we've never seen a member of staff weigh our bags or anyone else's.
Keep an eye on your possessions as well. Have your passport, ID, and other travel documents with you at all times, and keep your phone charged.
Don't forget about them, and by all means, don't stick them in the overhead compartment. To further protect your belongings from being stolen, remember to bring along a baggage lock.
You can buy food and drinks onboard trains in Vietnam, but it's a good idea to bring some along anyhow, just in case. This could be especially helpful if you're taking a trip with kids or if you have unique dietary requirements.
How to pack for a train ride in Vietnam and why you should?
I'll be happy to elaborate on what you should pack for a rail journey through Vietnam.
Invest in a digital lock for your suitcase if you plan on using the train in Vietnam; this will ensure that your belongings remain secure throughout your journey.
It is best to be cautious rather than a victim of theft, which is uncommon in Vietnam but nevertheless feasible in crowded places. Additionally, if you are going to be traveling between May and October, the rainy season, you should choose a watertight bag to keep your clothing and electronic equipment dry.
Read more: Travel Guide For Living In Phu Quoc Vietnam
Wearing clothes that aren't conducive to comfort on a long train ride is a recipe for misery. If you want your trip to go successfully, it's crucial that you wear clothes and shoes that are comfortable. Wearing tight clothing or heels that are excessively high might also be unpleasant.
The facilities on trains are renowned for being dirty and overcrowded, so it's a good idea to bring a little towel with you to clean your hands and face whenever you need to.
You may buy snacks and drinks on most trains in Vietnam, but it's still a good idea to pack your own food and water.
This is especially crucial to remember if you have special dietary needs or restrictions. Stations often have vendors selling food and drink; however, the costs are typically higher than those at grocery stores and convenience stores.
Bringing toilet paper with you on a trip across Vietnam is a must, especially for the duration of any prolonged train travel. It's wise to bring your own toilet paper on the train because the facilities frequently run out.
Your passport and other forms of identification will be required both at the time of check-in at the terminal and at any random security checkpoints you may encounter. Keep them in a secure and easily accessible container, like a satchel or a bag.
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Where to find the best Vietnam train ticket websites?
When searching for a website to buy train tickets in Vietnam, many people turn to either 12Go or Baolau.
Using the comprehensive search engine supplied on both sites, you can easily compare prices and schedules from multiple railway providers.
Using this strategy, you may locate not just the most affordable flight options but also the one that best suits your travel needs.
They also provide helpful details about each train, such as the journey's duration, seat availability, and onboard services. This might be especially helpful if you are going on a long journey and want to make sure that you are comfy the whole time.
12Go is a well-known online booking platform that offers reliable, safe, and efficient transportation services to customers in Southeast Asia and Vietnam.
Tickets and any associated costs are displayed in full when you conduct a search for them on 12Go. The use of 12Go has numerous advantages, and this is one of them.
This way, you'll know exactly how much your ticket will cost before completing the purchase, eliminating any potential for unpleasant shocks or added fees.
The fact that it can be used in other languages, including English, Vietnamese, Thai, Chinese, and Indonesian, is another perk of 12Go. As a result, vacationers from all over the world can reserve their flights in a shorter amount of time.
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Baolau is a route-planning and comparison tool that connects cities via a variety of transportation options. The company can help users buy tickets for any form of public transportation, such as aircraft, trains, buses, and ferries.
Having all the necessary data on hand is crucial when purchasing rail tickets from either of these websites. This comprises the dates of your trip, the locations of your departure and arrival, and the total number of passengers.
If you want to ensure that you get the seats you want and that your trip goes off without a hitch, you should buy your tickets in advance, especially during peak travel times.
FAQs
How frequent are railway delays in Vietnam?
The train from Ho Chi Minh City to Nha Trang, for example, has a good chance of arriving on time if you board at the first station. If this does not happen, there will likely be a delay of a few minutes to many hours.
This means you shouldn't plan your trip so that you have a little window of time between the arrival of one train and the departure of the next.
How secure are Vietnam's rail rides for tourists?
You shouldn't worry about the safety of the trains in Vietnam. Train travel in Vietnam has been trouble-free for us, although we still keep a tight eye on our possessions at all times.
You should be very careful with your valuables in the Vietnam Railway sleeper cars because there are no curtains. Using common sense and the same precautions you would use on public transportation, you and your belongings should be fine. You shouldn't need any more than that to feel secure.
Can I take my motorcycle on the trains in Vietnam?
Sure, go ahead. Going to the terminal the day before your flight to make plans with the luggage office is highly recommended.
How far in advance may I purchase a ticket?
The best time to book most routes is between 60 and 30 days before departure. Tickets for longer routes, such as Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City, may not go on sale until 60 days before departure, while tickets for shorter routes, such as Da Nang to Quy Nhon, may begin selling tickets closer to 30 days before departure.
