Foreign tourists rave about Vietnam’s scenic train rides, call them worth every minute
From breathtaking coastal views to luxurious cross-country adventures, Vietnam’s train journeys are charming foreign tourists who find that slowing down makes the travel experience all the more rewarding.
Vietnam’s North-South railway is included in Lonely Planet’s list of the world’s most scenic train journeys. Photo: Lonely Planet
For many international visitors, traveling by train in Vietnam is no longer just a way to get from one destination to another, but an opportunity to discover the country from a different perspective.
Despite longer travel times compared to flying, tourists are embracing railway journeys for their stunning scenery, glimpses of everyday Vietnamese life, and opportunities to connect with local people.
On social media and travel platforms, tourists have shared enthusiastic reviews of railway journeys across the country, with many describing them as highlights of their trips.
Unforgettable experiences
Foreign tourists have praised Vietnam’s train journeys on Tripadvisor, highlighting their scenic views, comfortable sleeper cabins, and unique travel experiences.
In an October 2026 review, Tripadvisor user Adenryan gave the overnight Lotus Train from Da Nang to Hanoi five stars, calling the 17-hour journey the highlight of a family trip to Vietnam.
Despite initially finding the four-person cabin cramped, the family quickly settled into what became their "cozy family nest," enjoying comfortable beds, complimentary refreshments, and attentive service.
"It was such a unique way to travel in this day and age and we all loved the experience," Adenryan wrote.
Another traveler praised the train's punctuality and comfort after a trip in June 2026. “Being woken by the rising sun and seeing communities welcome the day was very special,” the reviewer wrote.
Other international visitors have also highlighted the appeal of discovering Vietnam at a slower pace.
An Australian tourist lauded the three-hour Hue-Da Nang route, particularly its spectacular views through Hai Van Pass, while French traveler Sofia enjoyed watching mountain landscapes give way to coastal scenery.
Another American, Thomas, who traveled from Ho Chi Minh City to Ninh Binh, said the Da Nang-Hue section lived up to its reputation as one of Vietnam's most beautiful railway routes, despite occasional jolts disrupting his sleep.
Tourist says 17-hour train ride was worth every minute
Travel content creator Marisa Vogiatzi also shared her experience traveling across Vietnam by overnight train, describing the journey as one of her favorites.
In an Instagram post, Vogiatzi said she traveled from Da Nang to Hanoi on a 17-hour train ride, departing at 6:00 pm and arriving at 11:30 am the following day. The ticket cost VND1.91 million (US$73).
She then took another eight-hour train journey to Lao Cai, near the Chinese border, for VND543,000 ($21).
Vogiatzi noted that passengers could order food and drinks on board and even enjoy foot spa services. Tickets could be booked through Vietnam Railways' official website.
Although overnight buses were around £10 ($13) cheaper and two to three hours faster, she found train travel considerably more comfortable, particularly because passengers could move around freely and use onboard bathrooms.
What made the journey especially memorable, however, was the cozy atmosphere inside the cabin as rain fell outside and city lights passed by.
"The lamp on the table along with the rain and passing through the city lights, made it so cosy and a perfect reading spot," she wrote, calling it one of her favorite train rides.
Travel content creator Marisa Vogiatzi shares her experience aboard an overnight train from Da Nang to Hanoi, praising its comfort and cozy atmosphere. Photo: Screenshot from Instagram
Luxury trains offer another way to explore Vietnam
Beyond conventional passenger services, luxury railway tours are also attracting international travelers seeking a more exclusive experience.
Canadian travel bloggers Michael Downie and Sebastian recently completed an eight-day, seven-night journey from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City aboard SJourney, a luxury train offering an all-inclusive travel experience for approximately $9,800.
Featuring Indochine-inspired interiors, private cabins, ensuite bathrooms, and fine dining, the train combines premium onboard services with excursions to destinations across Vietnam.
The itinerary included visits to Ninh Binh, Quang Binh, Hue, Hoi An, Nha Trang, and Phan Thiet, with activities ranging from boat tours through Trang An to cultural sightseeing and local culinary experiences.
Having experienced luxury trains elsewhere in the world, Michael praised SJourney for its combination of hospitality, cultural immersion, and changing landscapes.
Sebastian also highlighted the opportunity to discover Vietnamese culture while enjoying the comfort of a high-end railway journey.
Vietnam turns railway travel into tourism experience
Vietnam has increasingly sought to transform its railway network into a tourism attraction rather than simply a means of transportation.
The country's national railway system comprises seven main routes spanning more than 3,200 kilometers, connecting 23 provinces and cities and over 300 stations.
Its North-South Reunification Line has been recognized by Lonely Planet as one of the world's most rewarding rail journeys for two consecutive years.
In central Vietnam, the Hue-Da Nang Heritage Connection train continues to attract travelers with views of Hai Van Pass and Lang Co Bay, alongside carriages inspired by Hue's imperial culture.
For foreign tourists willing to trade speed for scenery and discovery, Vietnam's trains offer something that air travel cannot: the chance to experience the country one kilometer at a time.
Ngoc Nguyen / Tuoi Tre News
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