Trains in Vietnam: railroads, transport safety, about buying tickets

Long and narrow, Vietnam precisely ribbons the east coast of the Indochina Peninsula. The country has an enviable coastline on the South China Sea, which stretches for 3,444 kilometers (2,140 miles). Filled with spectacular beaches, lush jungles, and bustling cities, Vietnam has many attractions, making it an ideal tourist destination.

Traveling from one city to another is usually quickest by plane, but air travel has its drawbacks. It's expensive, and you can't really enjoy the full beauty of this amazing country. Plus, if you add all the time it takes to get to and from the airport to the flight time, a plane is far from significantly faster. For these reasons it makes sense to choose to travel by train.

Is it safe to travel by train in Vietnam?

The trains, their lines and train stations are operated by the national carrier, Vietnam Railways, and although the whole system is aging, it is considered a safe and reliable way to travel in Vietnam. It is also comfortable and relaxing, given that the cars are air-conditioned. Much of the rail line runs along the coast, giving passengers a great view of the coast itself, as well as rural and urban life throughout the country...something you certainly can't experience when traveling by airplane! There is a cultural immersion here as well, as you will have the opportunity to see the local people and socialize.

The interesting thing is that although the system is government-owned and operated, private companies are allowed to run luxury cars that are attached to government trains. So while it is still a government-run train, it may have one or more luxury cars, which is great if you want a higher level of comfort.

And if you're wondering if your belongings will be safe, the answer is yes, they will be in as much danger of theft as anywhere else in the country. To be safe, some passengers lock their luggage with a bicycle lock, for example, and attach it to a seat or counter.

Where to buy train tickets in Vietnam

There are several options available to you when purchasing tickets. You can go directly to Vietnam Railways, whether you buy them at the station or online, but there are some problems.

First, we don't recommend buying directly from the station if you anticipate traveling for several days. Of course, not all trains will be fully booked, so there's a good chance you can find a seat, but it may not turn out to be exactly what you wanted. And during the holidays - especially Tet, which falls around the end of January and beginning of February - you should definitely book your seat in advance, as the trains do fill up weeks in advance. During this period, tickets may go on sale as early as November, whereas the norm for advance ticket sales is 30 to 60 days.

Vietnam Railways also has an online booking website, but there are problems with using foreign (i.e., not Vietnamese) credit cards, so you may not be able to book using their website. If you do want to take a look at their website, know that there are several similar sites that are actually run by travel agencies, so make sure you are in the right place. Here's the correct address: www.vr.com.

Our recommendation is to use 12Go . They charge a minimal service fee to cover their operating costs, but for that little extra cost you get great service. 12Go shows availability and tickets can be booked as soon as Vietnam Railways opens reservations for each trip. And, in addition to selling standard Vietnam rail tickets, they also have many private cars available for sale. This is a great service if you want to compare all the options and different costs before booking, as you can clearly see what is available and at what price.

Train cars in Vietnam

As mentioned above, all trains are operated by Vietnam Railways, but some will have private cars for a more luxurious journey, and although they offer about the same as the others, there will be some slight differences. If you want to book a seat on one of these private cars, you can look at all the options available to you on 12Go, where the level of service and comfort will be clearly described, and you will have the opportunity to see reviews from other passengers.

In addition to private coaches, the coaches operated by Vietnamese railroads generally offer four basic classes of tickets. These are: hard seat, soft seat, hard sleeper, and soft sleeper. There may also be the option of paying for air conditioning or going without it. As you might expect, hard seats are always cheaper, but if you're going on a long trip, soft seats are highly recommended.

One disadvantage of hard seats is that, because it is the cheapest option, such cars are usually crowded with people and can be very smoky.

Air conditioning will probably not be available on the slower trains - those classified as TN, while SE trains are the nicest and fastest and will have air conditioning.

First class car

Of course, if you choose to travel in a private car, you will have a very different experience. There are several major companies operating long train routes in Vietnam, including Orient Express, Livitrans, and Violette trains, and you can book their seats just like any other ticket on the 12Go . Livitrans and Violette are known for being more affordable than the Orient Express, so check the price difference when booking. Also, the more comfortable private cars have extra amenities on board, including a steward and food.

Sleeping car in Vietnam

Sleeper trains are quite common in Vietnam because of the long distances between cities. Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City, for example, is a particularly popular route, which even on express trains takes somewhere between 32 and 35 hours. You only have the option of buying a hard seat for this trip, but we really don't recommend it. Choose a sleeping seat, whether in one of the private cars or in a standard first or second class Vietnam Railroad car, and you will have much more space and comfort, and a much better chance of getting some sleep along the way!

You should also be aware of the difference between first and second class sleeping arrangements. In first class you will get a "soft" bed, usually in a compartment with 4 seats. If you are traveling alone, this probably means you will be sharing a compartment with strangers, but if you are traveling as a family or group, you can request one compartment for all four of you.

The second class berths have "hard" beds, and there will be six per compartment. The compartments have air conditioning, just like first class, but they are really more cramped. If you prefer a little more space, or your height is above average, you are better off taking 1st class or a private car. Bedding and pillows are provided in both classes, but you can bring your own bedding for extra comfort.

Sleeper compartment trains are a very popular way to travel in Vietnam, and prices can vary quite a bit, even when comparing tickets for the same train. For example, sometimes there is only a few dollars difference between first and second class, so paying a little more for first class might be a good idea, and sometimes there are great prices on private sleeper trains. So be sure to check everything carefully before booking.

Travelling by train in Vietnam is a great way to get to know the country, and also at a reasonable price, especially if you calculate the cost of a night in a hotel. With trains that go from the city center to the center of another city, you can also argue that traveling by train is more convenient than flying, because it avoids the need to transfer from the airport to the city. Don't forget the immersion to the culture that you just don't get on a plane! And the amazing scenery you'll see up close and personal. Book your Vietnam train trip today and get ready to embark on an exciting adventure!