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Hanoi Train Street

Hundred years old train tracks running through the heart of Hanoi’s old town have recently become an interesting attractions – Hanoi train street, for travelers to Hanoi, especially foreigners. Sitting at a cafe in line with the railway, watching the lives of local people, though potentially dangerous, still makes many curious visitors want to experience.

Unfortunately when you read this, the Train Street and all cafe next to the railway were closed by the local administrator for the visitors’ safety! But if you come there on your own for some nice pictures, it’s NO problem at all!

The special thing that attracts tourists is the residential area along the two sides of Hanoi Train Street, right next to the railway on the doorstep. The streets are so narrow that all residents have to ensure their pets, vehicles and things safety every time the train passes while keeping their daily lives normal on both sides of the road. While discovering this unique train street Hanoi, you will be surprised by the peace, normal attitude of locals here living next to the railways; deeply immersed yourself in the local side of busy and exciting Hanoi. The most active activity here is definitely taking photos of people and the living space by the train street of Hanoi people.

Where is Hanoi train street?

The railway running through the heart of Hanoi through many streets such as Phung Hung, Dien Bien Phu, Le Duan… visitors can start visiting the train street from the alley 224 on Le Duan street , or at 5 on Tran Phu street however the section through Phung Hung street is the most crowded and attractive.

The train street certainly came into tourists’ curiosity via many social network channels, that is the reason urging tourists on their Hanoi tours to hunt for it. The street is similar to the majority of the streets in Hanoi’s old quarter which are mixed from the slim, tall buildings with the bustling and narrow streets. If you are staying in the old quarter Hanoi, it’s easy to get to the railway street in walking distance, make your way to Phung Hung street intersecting with Tran Phu Street. Or take a cab/bike to a narrow street between Kham Thien and Le Duan street, exactly the lane passing along called Ngo 224 Le Duan.

You can visit the train street at these addresses:

Ngõ 224 Lê Duẩn, Khâm Thiên, Đống Đa, Hà Nội and
5 Trần Phú, Hàng Bông, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội
Along Phung Hung street

If you wish to go the right time to see the train passing by, here’s the time schedules which the train passes through this tiny train street.

Mon – Friday: 7 pm; 7.45 pm; 8.30 pm; 10 pm
Weekend: 6 am; 9 am ; 11.20 am; 3.20 pm; 5.30 pm; 6 pm; 7 pm; 7.45 pm; 8.30 pm; 9 pm; 11 pm

The time might not be fixed and a 15-minute delay is usually expected. So you better arrive at least 30 minutes before the expected schedule to get a good viewing spot. You might book our train street coffee tour for ease and complete experience.

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How to visit Hanoi Train Street in 2024

Last updated on March 28th, 2024

Want to experience Hanoi Train Street? In this guide we’re sharing exactly how to visit in 2024, including the best cafe to watch the train from, plus how to avoid any closures. One of the most iconic sights in Hanoi is Train Street. For years, we had seen photos and videos of a train passing through a narrow street, with buildings just feet from the tracks. So when we finally made it to Hanoi, we knew we HAD to visit it! However, it’s not as easy as you may think. Due to closures and restrictions, visiting Hanoi Train Street is a bit more difficult in 2024. But thankfully, it’s not impossible!

Watch our experiences in Hanoi , including exploring the Old Quarter, visiting Train Street, and going on an epic food tour !

In this guide we’re sharing everything you need to know to visit Hanoi Train Street. Including the different areas you can see the train from, current closures, how to avoid any closures, cafe options, the train schedule, and what to expect while there. While visiting Hanoi Train Street may not be as easy as it was in the past, trust us, it is WORTH IT! Having the train whip past you, just inches away, is an exhilarating experience that we will never forget!

Is Hanoi train street open?

The two different areas of hanoi train street, cafes along hanoi train street, hanoi train street schedule, when is the best time to visit hanoi train street, what to expect at hanoi train street.

If you look up Hanoi Train Street in 2024, you’ll see some conflicting information about if it’s open or not. During our visit in 2023, the main area of Hanoi Train Street (which we will share below!) was closed to tourists. There were barricades on the tracks, to prevent people from entering, plus officials in uniform standing guard. This was due to safety concerns, after tourists would stand on the tracks as the train was coming, forcing the train to slam on its brakes. One tourist was even hit and miraculously survived. But because it is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Hanoi, tourists will not stay away. And since the cafes that line the tracks rely on tourism, they have tried to find ways to stay open, by escorting visitors into their cafes. However, there is a way around this, which we will cover in this guide. And we think it’s the best way to visit, as it’s still allowed (so you’re not breaking any rules) and doesn’t require dealing with any aggressive guards or cafe owners. We do want to make it clear though: Hanoi Train Street CAN be dangerous. So please take ALL safety precautions seriously. We are not joking when we say the train is just inches from you. Do NOT stand on the tracks as it approaches, do NOT try to touch it, and do NOT sit closer than allowed. Visiting Hanoi Train Street is an incredible experience. And if everyone can follow the rules and visit responsibly, hopefully Hanoi Train Street will be fully open for everyone to enjoy.

There are two main areas of Hanoi Train Street that are open for visitors, which are both marked on the map above. Here’s a rundown of each area, which one is technically open, and the process to visit each.

Hanoi Train Street- Old Quarter

This is the popular, most well known section of Hanoi Train Street. Located right in the Old Quarter, this section is lined with tons of different cafes. It’s definitely the most iconic area to visit. However, this is the section that has been barricaded and guarded for well over a year. We do hear that sometimes the barricades are open, but it’s not a guarantee. The best way to visit this section is to be escorted by a cafe owner. To do this, you will need to message a cafe owner on WhatsApp to have them come find you and let you in. We have heard some stories of people being harassed by cafe owners to get you to come to their cafe. Or that they’ll escort you to a different cafe than you want. For this reason, we’d only visit this area if you WhatsApp a cafe owner.

Hanoi Train Street- Le Duan

As rule followers, we felt a bit weird about going to the Old Quarter section of Hanoi Train Street. After walking by it and also reading reviews, it just didn’t seem like it was going to be a super positive experience. So during our visit to Hanoi, we visited this section of Train Street instead! This section is located just behind Le Duan street. You can access the tracks right here . Not only are there zero barricades or security here, but the experience is MUCH more chill and enjoyable. You do not need to get escorted and cafe owners are not harassing you to visit their cafes. There are also way less tourists here, at least for now!

Hanoi Train Street is technically free to visit, but you will need to support a cafe by purchasing something. All cafes will offer some sort of drinks, including coffee, smoothies, or beer. Some, like the one we visited, even have food! Make sure to bring cash, as some cafes may not take credit cards. Below is a list of some cafe options along both sections of Hanoi Train Street, including the one we visited, which we think is the best choice. We’re also including the WhatsApp number for each, so you can reach out in advance about the train schedule, reserve a table, or get escorted, if needed.

Looking for more cafes outside of Train Street to visit while in Hanoi? Check out our guide with the 13 BEST coffee shops in Hanoi !

Old Quarter Section

This section of Hanoi Train Street definitely has more iffy reviews when it comes to the cafes. But here are a few that are highly rated and visitors tend to have a positive experience at! Coffee Chill 96 WhatsApp: +84 904 557 373 Railway Cafe WhatsApp: +84 917 301 111 Coffee 74 WhatsApp: +84 81 212 4488

Le Duan Section

While this section of Hanoi Train Street has less cafes to choose from, they all seem to be higher quality, in terms of the customer experience. Hanoi 1990s WhatsApp: +84 934 050 191 This is where we went and we think it’s the BEST cafe on Hanoi Train Street! We loved Hanoi 1990s because they have a prime location, the owner was super kind and friendly (she even took photos of us!), and you can tell they take safety VERY seriously. She was not afraid to tell tourists to move back if they were in a dangerous spot. We highly recommend coming here! They also have some food items, if you need a snack while waiting. Nam Vy Coffee WhatsApp: +84 856 699 791 Beo Coffee WhatsApp: +84 985 864 786

How often does the train run? It depends! The schedule changes often and does vary during the week versus the weekend. Another important thing to know is that the different sections of Hanoi Train Street have different train schedules. The Hanoi Train Station is located between the two sections. So most trains, if not all, will stop at the train station, either for a long time or just a quick stop. Some trains may not even go by one of the Train Street sections, depending on where they are coming from and going to. The photo above is a recent schedule (February 2024) for the Le Duan section of Hanoi Train Street. But the best way to find out the most accurate train schedule is to contact a cafe owner via WhatsApp. They will know the most up to date schedule. When you contact them, you may even have the option to reserve a table in advance!

As for the best time of day to visit Hanoi Train Street, it depends! We personally wanted to experience Hanoi Train Street during the day, which is easier for photos and videos. But we hear that the evening is a very cool experience as well. We would’ve loved to have done both! For the day of the week, we suggest going during the week if you can, as it will likely be less busy. However, we went on a Sunday morning in March and it wasn’t bad at all! Regardless of the day or time you visit, arrive early! We got there about an hour early, which was perfect! It gave us our choice of seats, time to take photos on the tracks, and the chance to order food and drinks before the train arrived. As it got closer to the train arriving, more and more people definitely showed up!

Now that you know a bit more about how to visit Hanoi Train Street, what should you expect while there? Here’s a rundown of the experience, based on our time at the Le Duan section of Train Street. Once arriving on Train Street, we suggest heading straight to a cafe to snag a seat. Once your seat is secured, place your order for drinks and/or food with the cafe staff. As you wait for your drinks and food to arrive, snap some photos on the tracks! Before the train comes, the tracks are accessible and you can walk on them, sit on them, and take as many photos or videos as you’d like. The cafe owners may even help you get the perfect shot!

If you order a beer, put your beer cap on the tracks. When the train rushes over it, it smashes it into a fun little souvenir that you can take home with you! Once the train is coming, the owner will make everyone move back. At Hanoi 1990s, we had to turn our tables and chairs so they didn’t stick out so far. That was a good indication to us of how close the train will be getting! PLEASE listen to the cafe owners as they get everyone ready. We had some people that were not listening well and she very firmly told them to stand back.

And then the anticipation builds! Just minutes after getting ready, you’ll hear the train. Seconds later, you’ll get your first glimpse! And then before you know it, it’s moving right past you! While the train isn’t moving at high speeds, it still feels very fast when it’s rushing just inches from your body. It was a WILD experience! I was screaming with joy (and maybe some fear?) the entire time. Feeling the ground rumble beneath your feet and the wind on your face as a hulking train whips by is SO thrilling. While the experience is super quick, it’s one that we will remember forever! And we hope that this guide helped you figure out how to visit Hanoi Train Street so you can experience it for yourself someday.

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Hanoi Train Street Location + Tips and Tricks for Visiting

Hanoi Train Street is a narrow street in Hanoi, Vietnam where a train passes by you mere inches away! It has been on my bucket list forever and if you’ve stumbled upon this post, it means it’s been on your mind too! If you’re visiting Hanoi , it’s literally the number one thing to do and a must-stop during your Vietnam itinerary .

I traveled across the world just to experience this and let me tell you it was totally worth it in my opinion.

In this post, I’ll explain everything you need to know to plan for your visit to the famous Hanoi Train Street. I’ll also give you the low down on how to enter the street with all the restrictions in place, the Hanoi Street Train schedule, and how to be safe when visiting.

I even found a second train street that not all tourists no about! So read on, to learn all my tips on visiting the Hanoi Train Street.

Note: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to purchase something through the links, at no additional cost to you. Read our Affiliate Disclosure here .

Best Tours in Hanoi: Train Street + Street Food Tour Train Street + City Sightseeing Tour Halong Bay Cruise Hanoi Cooking Class with a Local Hanoi Water Puppet Show

Hanoi Train Street Location

Did you know there are actually 2 train streets in Hanoi?

Train Street #1

The first one is the one you likely will easily find on Google Maps as it’s labeled “ Hanoi Train Street .” This spot is right smack in the middle of the Old Quarter.

📍 Train Street #1 Location

Train Street #2

The second location is a bit further out of the town and it’s my favorite place to watch the train go by. The streets here are much more picturesque in my opinion. Also, the train seems to get way closer than in the first location. When I visited, the people were more relaxed here and there were no police patrolling or guarding the entrance like in the first location. People were walking freely on the train tracks up until moments before the train passed by.

📍 Train Street #2 Location

History of Hanoi Train Street

The Train Street in Hanoi, Vietnam, has a fascinating history dating back to the colonial era when the French constructed the railway system in 1902. It was originally built to deliver essential supplies and materials across the region.

During the war, the area faced frequent bombings so makeshift shelters were constructed along the railway tracks to provide protection from these attacks.

Over time, businesses emerged along the railway, and homes were built in close proximity to the tracks.

Today, the Hanoi Train Street has transformed into a unique tourist attraction, where tourists flock here to experience watching trains pass through the narrow alleyways, mere inches from homes and cafes.

Is the Hanoi Train Street Safe to Visit?

There have been occasional closures of the train street due to safety concerns. Authorities have even threatened closing the train street to tourists for good.

When I watched the train on Train Street Location #2 , I did feel a bit nervously close to the train. You’ll find that the train comes over part of the walkway and you wouldn’t really think that so when planning your position make sure you sit on the second half of the walkway and no closer. As long as you sit to the side of the wall and obey the cafe owner, it is safe to visit. Just use common sense and don’t get too close or get distracted with your phone trying to get the shot because that is how many people have gotten hurt.

The cafe owner at Hanoi 1990s told me how some tourists were too focused on trying to get that selfie and fell to the ground. The train passed above them brushing upon them which is so scary. They did survive but it prompted more regulations in 2019.

When the train is about to come, it will be honking and you’ll hear it getting ready to pass. Sometimes the cafe owners will warn you but in one of the times I visited, I got no warning. I was waiting for the scheduled train to come and it came 7 minutes early! The cafe owner did not warn me it was about to pass. I did see him push a table to the side to prepare but I didn’t think it was coming moments after. I was not ready to snap my photo and felt a bit startled so just be aware that the train can come early or late than the scheduled time. And sometimes an unscheduled train will pass too!

Is Hanoi Train Street Open Now?

Yes, Hanoi Train Street is currently open. It was closed due to safety concerns after the train had to make emergency stops due to tourists taking selfies dangerously close to the train.

Today, however, it is fully open but you’ll find barricades with police patrolling. After there were several incidents, authorities made stricter rules to enter the train street. Many say that the only way to enter is if a cafe invites you in. This is sometimes true but not always. While, on train street 1, cafe owners do come up and invite you in but I was able to go on my own without invitation and select where I wanted to watch the train pass. While visiting these cafes, you are only expected to purchase a drink or food in return.

How to get on the Hanoi Train Street?

To get on the train street, if you go to Train Street #1 then you will see barricades and police out front. Shop owners will be near and invite you on but as mentioned, sometimes you can just walk up and pick a spot yourself. While the shop owners inviting you on may feel dodgy, it’s not. It is for safety that they have to invite you on. The shop owner is responsible for you’re safety and they must look after you when you visit their cafe. If you get hurt, it’s the shop that will be in trouble as they didn’t properly watch after you.

However, when I went to Train Street #2 , no one was guarding the entrance and I just wandered on and found a nice cafe to sit at. This was the case during my visit, and I can’t guarantee that will be the case for you too.

You can also reserve ahead with cafe owners who will permit you to enter the train street and sit at their cafe. One contact I have for Train Street 2 can be reached via WhatsApp at +84 85 669 9791 . He can also confirm the current train schedule.

If all that feels overwhelming to you, you can just take a tour where a guide will accompany you to the train street. The tours combine a visit to the train street with a food tour or a city walk!

Hanoi Train Street Schedule

Train Street 1 & 2 have different timetables FYI. The train schedule is really unreliable online and it’s best to confirm at one of the cafes what the schedule is prior to your visit. Many of them have the schedule on a board in their coffee shop.

With that being said, here’s a rough timeline I have from when I visited. The earlier you go, the less people that will be around.

Hanoi Train Street 1 Train Timetable

Weekday: 9 am, 12 pm, 3 pm, 6 pm, 8.30 pm, 9.10 pm, 9.30 pm Weekend: generally every hour from 9 am *Subject to change!

Hanoi Train Street 2 Train Timetable

11:20, 19:05, 19:20, 19:50 *Subject to change!

You get 3 night trains in an hour so going to dinner or having drinks at one of the cafes will be nice!

Best Cafes to Watch the Hanoi Train Pass

The coffee scene in Hanoi and in Vietnam in general, is like no other. So when you visit one of the best cafes in Hanoi , be prepared for all the amazing types of coffee you can try. I definitely tried coconut coffee, egg coffee, and my absolute favorite, salted coffee. So while you visit one of the best cafes to watch the Hanoi train pass by, grab a delicious coffee too.

1. Hanoi 1990s

hanoi 1990s best cafes to watch hanoi train pass by

This is a great spot to watch the train go by, the staff is super friendly too. You should make sure you’re there 30-45 minutes early or even an hour to be ultra-safe and to get a good seat. They also have an upstairs balcony where you can watch the train from. This is a good option for those who are nervous to get too close to the train!

Train Street #2 📍 Hanoi 1990s ( Google Maps )

2. Nam Vy Coffee

Nam vy cafe viral place from tiktok to watch the train

Just a bit further down from Hanoi 1990s, you’ll find this cafe. In fact, you can reserve ahead as I have the owner’s contact info on WhatsApp at +84 85 669 9791 . He can also confirm the current train schedule.

A great thing to do is have dinner here and you can watch 3 trains during your visit as the most trains go by in the evening on a weekend.

This location has been made viral on Tiktok too.

Train Street #2 📍 Nam Vy Coffee ( Google Maps ) You can watch my Tiktok video to see my reaction to the train passing in this exact location!

3. Coffee 40

train street passing a cafe with female sitting with coffe

If you’re nervous to watch the train go by and want a safe place to watch the train in Hanoi, then head to Coffee 40 . The owner will make sure you’re in a good place and in good hands. In fact, she was constantly stressing at me to sit down away from the tracks. I wanted to make sure my video was on well before the train was there.

I was a bit stressed trying to shoot this solo. The first time I was in this location, it sadly didn’t film. I had my phone on my tripod and asked the owner if she could make sure it was on and I think she turned off the video actually.

Thankfully, another train came 30 minutes later. This time, I was ultra prepared, I set up my DSLR to shoot from the back view of me and my phone to shoot from the side view so if one went wrong, I had something!

I visited for the 11 am trains and was the only one there until the second 11am train when one other couple joined.

Train Street #1 📍 Coffee 40 ( Google Maps ) You can watch my Instagram video to see my reaction to the train passing in this exact location!

Where to Stay in Hanoi near the Train Street

I personally stayed at Soleil Boutique Hotel and it was 3 minutes from the main train street! It was also a cute boutique hotel with rooftop pool and views of the city.

Hopefully, this post helps better prepare you for this bucketlist experience in Vietnam!

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Meet Jackie Rezk, the London-based explorer behind Jou Jou Travels. With a knack for uncovering hidden gems, Jackie's travel blog captures the charm of undiscovered places through pretty architecture and bursts of color. Featured in Yahoo News, Tripadvisor, Niche Pursuits, and GetYourGuide, Jackie has been blogging for four years and solo-traveled to over 20 countries. In 2023, she made the leap to full-time blogging, sharing her passion for travel and unique finds with readers worldwide.

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One Comment

Thank you very much for this especially on Nam Vy Coffee! Quite excited to be there later.

Hanoi's Train Street - A Complete Guide

Visit Hanoi's Train Street nestled in the Old Quarter of Hanoi for a rush of adrenaline as the train rushes by just inches away from you!

Hanoi's Train Street, in the Kham Thien, Le Duan, Phung Hung neighborhood of Hanoi, is an ancient street with a railroad track running through. This is a unique and famous destination that both domestic and international tourists eagerly talk about and visit for a unique experience.

Hanoi's Train Street once appeared on the DailyMail UK in April 2014. Since then, this location has become a "hot" check-point for visitors of Hanoi.

On TripAdvisor, Hanoi's Train Street is ranked second among 107 interesting attractions in Hanoi. Tourists, whether visiting during the day or night, have incredibly interesting experiences awaiting the moment when the train rushes by just inches away from them. If you have ever read famous writer Thach Lam's work "Hai dua tre" (The two children), you will likely experience the suspense and excitement waiting for the train like the children did in the story.

A bit of history

The story of the surprising Train Street in Hanoi begins in the 1930s. At that time, Vietnam was part of Indochina, a French colony. The French colonists were completing the construction of a railway line connecting the north and south of present-day Vietnam, which was then the trans-Indochina railway.

Today, the railway line still exists and trains still traverse the country. The Hanoi's Train Street is only one section of the long railway. It is a very narrow path with a railway track where trains pass by just inches away from houses and shop fronts.

In some streets of the Old Quarter, house doorsteps dangerously border the railway that goes through this neighborhood on its way to the Long Bien Bridge.

The “Heritage Journey” from Hanoi train station to Gia Lam train station

From 11/07/2023 to 11/26/2023, Vietnam Railways organized two train journeys named "Heritage Journey" from Hanoi station to Gia Lam train station, with a ticket price of 20,000 per trip.

The "Heritage Journey" is an activity within the framework of the Hanoi Creative Design Festival 2023. The program includes art exhibitions and a 10-minute train journey from Long Bien station to the Gia Lam station, an industrial heritage of the capital. From Gia Lam station, tourists can walk to the Gia Lam Locomotive Factory, where the Hanoi Creative Design Festival 2023 is held. Here, they can explore various architectural structures and the steam locomotive engine named "Tu Luc," an iconic symbol of the railway industry.

The Gia Lam Locomotive Factory was established in 1905 and has nearly 120 years of history. Many young people, after experiencing the train journey from Hanoi to Gia Lam, described it as a "journey back in time".

If you’re interested, read more about the opening of Hang Dau Water Tower within the frameworks of Hanoi Creative Festival 2023: Hanoi Water Tower Opens To Visitors For The First Time

Where To Find Hanoi's Train Street?

Hanoi's Train Street starts at Hanoi Train Station, but you need to go to Nguyen Khuyen Street to see it. You can stop at No.10 Nguyen Khuyen Street and follow the railway northeast. If you want to get close to the bustling Train Street, begin your journey from No.10 Dien Bien Phu Street. Then follow the railway until you see houses on one side; that's when you'll reach Phung Hung Street. From there, I recommend you go down the main street and continue until you see beautiful murals, which is an Instagram-worthy spot.

From Dien Bien Phu Street, you can see cafes on both sides of the railway, and I highly recommend ordering a cup of egg coffee or a beer can to enjoy while waiting for the train. Some coffee shops display not just their menu but also the train schedule.

Visit Hanoi’s Train Street

Hanoi's train street - a nostalgic beauty.

Returning to the history of Hanoi's Train Street , the single-track railway that runs through the streets of the Old Quarter has existed since the 20th century. For many years, the railway has traversed the capital, quietly blending with the rhythm of the city.

What attracts travelers is that this railway is situated in the middle of and cuts through residential neighborhoods. Even more surprising is that the space between the tracks and the houses is remarkably narrow, just a few steps wide. It is so close that it seems to be able to swallow up the surrounding houses. However, it’s what makes this street so special, I would say. This part of Hanoi has a fascinating architecture made up of new and old houses. If it helps, imagine a beautifully vibrant vintage picture with modern elements here and there.

The life on the sides of Hanoi's Train Street

More than 10 trains pass by every day, with the trains being only about 1-2 meters away from houses and people. As a result, getting around is rather challenging because the streets in this "railway neighborhood" are only wide enough for pedestrians or motorcycles; cars cannot access them.

Residents have spent their entire lives on Hanoi's Train Street and have become familiar with the confined space and the noise and vibrations of passing trains. When there aren't any trains, residents carry out tasks such as drying clothes, washing dishes, cooking, or chatting with neighbors—mainly outdoors and on the railway tracks.

However, they know the train schedules by heart. When the train whistle goes off, life instantly retreats from the tracks to make way for the convoy that brushes past everyone and their houses. That's why, even though it may seem very dangerous, the number of accidents on Hanoi's Train Street is quite low.

For those who have the chance to stroll along Hanoi's Train Street , you may witness local elderly people playing chess, women preparing vegetables for their meals, and children running around or chatting with their neighbors to hear their life stories.

Must-try cafes on Hanoi Train Street

The coffee tables found on Hanoi's Train Street are often arranged in a way to create a stunning view of the street, allowing visitors to savor their drink while observing daily life unfold around them, each sip of coffee is accompanied by the distant rumble of the approaching train. The cheerful discussions among customers create a special harmony with the mounting excitement. Anticipating the event, coffee shop owners invite their customers to gently move their cups and prepare for the train's arrival.

Each customer, cup in hand, eagerly awaits the unique moment of the train passing by, a multisensory experience offered by Hanoi's Train Street and nowhere else in the world.

Here are some recommended cafes in Hanoi's Train Street :

1. Spot 09 - No. 09 Duong Tau Street, Cua Dong, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi

2. Coffee 74 - No. 74 Duong Tau Street, Cua Dong, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi

3. 30 Train Coffee - No. 159 Duong Tau Street, Cua Dong, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi

4. MER café - No. 48 Duong Tau Street, Cua Dong, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi

5. Laika Cafe - 18 Hang Cot Street, Hang Ma, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi

6. Hảo Hảo Coffee - No. 80 Duong Tau Street, Cua Dong, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi

Hanoi's Train Street Schedule

It's best to be well-informed about the train schedule passing through Hanoi's Train Street to capture the best photos and experiences.

Monday to Friday: 6:00 AM, 7:00 PM, and 7:20 PM

Saturday and Sunday: 9:15 AM, 11:35 AM, 3:20 PM, 5:45 PM, 6:40 PM, 7:10 PM

Note : Please listen to the people giving directions when the train arrives. Stand close to the wall, behind the red line on the ground, and do not hold your phone or camera too far from your body for your safety. You can stand on the ground or go to the second floor of Tram Coffee. They have built an upper floor for visitors to watch the train from above.

In reality, the schedule is not fixed, and a delay of 15 minutes is usually expected. Therefore, it's better to arrive at least 30 minutes before the scheduled time to secure a good viewpoint. You should arrive 30 minutes earlier to choose a café to enjoy while waiting. You can take photos of the railway and houses before the train arrives. Be sure to follow the guard's instructions to ensure railway safety.

In summary, Hanoi's Train Street is a must-visit site when exploring the capital of Hanoi, thanks to its rustic yet modern beauty. Above all, the Vietnamese government is making every effort to build an interesting and safe place for those seeking beautiful experiences here. When undertaking this visit, travelers must adhere to safety guidelines for a serene journey. So, if you plan to make the most of your visit to Hanoi, make sure to include this attractive destination on your list.

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Hanoi's Train Street: A Heart-Stopping Adventure Through Local Life

Hanoi's Train Street wasn't like any other place. It was a sliver of land squeezed between two apartment blocks, so close that the passing trains brushed the walls, shaking the ground and rattling the windows.

Hanoi, a city where history whispers through vibrant streets and charming colonial architecture, holds a secret that draws intrepid travelers from around the globe. It's not hidden in a grand temple or a forgotten alley; it rumbles to life several times a day, a steel serpent slithering between houses so close you could almost reach and touch it. No one actually knows how it has come to attention so fast; maybe it was just one attempt by a cafe that tried to bring customers to their spot. This is Hanoi's Train Street , a truly unique experience that captures the essence of this vibrant city.

Two Sides to the Track: North vs. South

The heart-stopping arrival: hanoi train times and safety, beyond the spectacle: what makes train street special, a train journey for the soul.

While often referred to as a single entity, Hanoi boasts two distinct sections of Train Street: the popular North Train Street and the lesser-known but equally fascinating South Train Street.

North Train Street : Nestled in the heart of the Old Quarter, just north of the main train station, this section is a feast for the senses. Normally, if you want to take the train to destinations like Sapa, Hai Phong or many destinations close to the border with China from Hanoi, you will definitely pass by this train street.

The special aspects of the North train track are how cafes spill out onto the narrow track, their walls adorned with colorful murals and fairy lights. The air thrums with chatter, laughter, and the aroma of strong Vietnamese coffee. Here, you witness the incredible juxtaposition of everyday life against the backdrop of a functioning railway.

South Train Street : This section, starting around Le Duan and Kham Thien streets, offers a different perspective. Wider and less crowded, it provides a glimpse into the daily routines of local residents. You'll see children playing, women hanging laundry, and men sipping tea, seemingly unfazed by the approaching train.

There are two sections of Train Street in Hanoi, but due to safety concerns, the most famous section near the Old Quarter was unfortunately forced to close to tourists in September 2022. Even though you may see cafes and restaurants here, they are unofficially open.

If you're still interested in visiting the remaining section, which is more authentic, here's how to access it:

Location: Train Street (South) is located south of the main railway station and runs parallel to Le Duan Street. It also cuts Kham Thien street so you can search for 1 Kham Thien street.

Access Points: You can freely walk onto the train tracks from either end of the street. Look for a small street leading off Le Duan Street that opens onto the railway tracks.

Responsible tourism is key to preserving the charm of Hanoi and ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.

The train weaves through both sections several times a day, usually in the late afternoon and evening. It can vary based on different seasons, especially local big holiday seasons such as Lunar New Year (End of January - Beginning of February), National Liberation Day (April 30 - May 1),...

North Train Street:

Afternoon: around 3:00 pm and 3:45 pm

Evening: around 7:00 pm and 9:00 pm

Weekend specials (Friday - Sunday): 08:50am, 09:20am, 11:52am, 03:15pm, 04:00pm, 05:30pm, 06:15pm, 07:40pm, 08:20pm, 09:15pm, 09:40pm, 10:00pm

South Train Street:

Morning: 06:10 am, 08:00 am, 11:40 am

Afternoon: 12:10 pm, 03:30 pm

Evening: 07:10 pm, 07:30 pm, 07:50 pm, 09:10 pm

A Word of Caution : As awe-inspiring as it is, Hanoi’s Train Street is not without its dangers. The train runs extremely close to the buildings, and there is limited space to move when it passes. Safety should be your utmost priority.

Be aware of the train schedule and plan your visit accordingly.

Stay off the tracks at all times, especially when a train is approaching.

Listen to the locals. They know the area best and will warn you of the train's arrival.

Be respectful. This is a residential area, so keep noise levels down and avoid obstructing walkways.

Take photos responsibly. Don't trespass on private property or put yourself in dangerous situations for the perfect shot.

While the spectacle of a train thundering through a residential street is undeniably impressive, the true magic of Hanoi’s Train Street lies in the stories it tells.

A Window into Local Life: It offers a unique glimpse into the daily lives of Hanoi's residents. You'll see how people have adapted to life alongside the railway, creating a harmonious, if somewhat precarious, balance.

A Sense of Community: Despite the proximity of the train, there's a strong sense of community spirit here. Neighbors chat across balconies, children play together, and everyone looks out for each other, especially when the train approaches.

A Photogenic Paradise: The narrow streets, colorful buildings, and the sheer novelty of the railway line create countless opportunities for stunning photography. Whether you're a seasoned photographer or simply enjoy capturing memories on your phone, Train Street won't disappoint.

While the train itself is a major draw, there's plenty more to discover in the surrounding areas. You can indulge in delicious Vietnamese cuisine and soak up the vibrant atmosphere at one of the many cafes and restaurants lining the tracks. Immerse yourself in the hustle and bustle of local life at a nearby market, where you can find everything from fresh produce to souvenirs. If you have more time in Hanoi, explore the city's rich history by visiting nearby landmarks like the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the Temple of Literature, and the Hoa Lo Prison.

Once a hidden gem, the Train Street rocketed to Instagram fame in 2019, with over 20,000 photos tagged #hanoitrainstreet or #trainstreethanoi. This surge in popularity fueled skyrocketing property values and rapid commercialization, mirroring trends in Vietnam's developing cities. While it diversified Hanoi's tourism landscape, it also raised safety concerns for tourists and locals alike.

Despite these risks, a visit to Hanoi Train Street goes beyond a typical tourist activity. It's a sensory experience that stays with you, reminding you that life persists even in the heart of a buzzing city. The extraordinary can be found in the unexpected.

If you choose to visit Train Street, prioritize safety. Tread lightly, be mindful of the locals' lives, and appreciate the unique charm of this place. Remember, responsible tourism ensures this unforgettable destination remains so.

See more: The Iconic Long Bien Bridge of Hanoi Artistic and Spiritual Tay Phuong Pagoda The Temple of Literature - A Symbol of Learning and Culture The Most Beautiful Catholic Symbol In The Capital of Vietnam Quang Phu Cau Incense Village | A Colorful Place in Hanoi

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Nicolas Lowry United States

Got to Hanoi Train Street in the evening and nobody stopped me. People were shouting when the train came, but there were no policemen around. I think it's different during the day though.

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Hanoi Train Street: A Complete Guide To Visiting

Table of Contents

This post may contain affiliate links to things like tours, hotels, Amazon associates and products. These help me earn a small commission at no additional charge to you.

Hanoi Train Street is a unique attraction in Hanoi that wasn’t built for tourists at all. Please note – as of 2022, most parts of Train Street Hanoi and many cafes have closed. I will be updating this post accordingly but for now, please check local sources. The Hanoi railway snakes through the city. When I say the city I really mean it – open front doors are at risk of coming off the hinges! People live and work on the tracks, simply removing their goods (and pets and children!) when a train thunders past. What was once an underrated attraction, known by locals only, has now become popular with tourists. It’s not surprising – how often can you say you’ve ducked in a doorway to avoid certain death by speeding train? It’s an experience for your Southeast Asia bucket list , that’s for sure.

Where is Train Street Hanoi?

There are two sections of Hanoi Train Street where you can watch the train pass. You’ll get the same experience in both but one has more cafes to enjoy it from.

Lê Duẩn – this section is further out of town with just one cafe to view the passing train from. It’s between Lê Duẩn and Khâm Thin street. Put Ngo 224 Le Duan into Google Maps.
The Old Quarter section – this has cafes, homestay and shops along the tracks. Enter Hanoi Street Train into Google Maps and you’ll find two sections to explore either side of Tran Phu main road.

You’d expect the second location to be busier with tourists but actually, they’re pretty similar. There’s lots of posing going on before train times – I don’t think you’ll ever get it to yourself to be honest!

Related reads: How to spend 3 days in Hanoi and your ultimate Vietnam itinerary

Local women walking down Train Street Hanoi

When to visit Train Street Hanoi

Thinking of visiting Train Street Hanoi? You might want to think about…

Whether or not you want to see the train thundering down the street
Whether you want to see the local life or join the tourists sightseeing.

Check the Train Street Hanoi train times to see the area in action (listed below). To beat the crowds and observe local life along the railway, visit any other time. The early morning is always a good time to see the locals going about their day!

Train Street Hanoi train times

Through the Lê Duẩn section:

It will be dark during the second passing so try for 3.30pm.

Through the Old Quarter section:

Weekdays: 7pm, 7.45pm, 8.30pm, 10pm
Weekends: 9.15am, 11.20am, 3.20pm, 5.30pm, 6pm, 7pm, 7.45pm, 8.30pm, 9pm, 11pm

I notice the sign says be there 30 minutes before the train time – I’m not sure this is necessary! The road closes about two minutes before the train comes so you can arrive up to five minutes before.

Cafes to visit along Train Street Hanoi

Watching the world go by is always better with coffee, right? There are so many cafes and shops for those visiting Train Street Hanoi. These are the best:

Along the Ngõ 224 Lê Duẩn section, there’s just one rest stop, Train Track Cafe (an adventurous name, right?) at 224 Lê Duẩn. They sell basic hot and cold drinks including smoothies and beers.

Preparing coffee in a cafe on Train Street

The Old Quarter section cafes

As mentioned above, there’s a bit more going on in this section. Check out:

Ca Dong Duong (Indochina Station Cafe)

Just across the tracks from this yellow mural lies this very cool cafe. The interior is the real reason to visit: the chairs are old train seats and there’s even a train door attached to the wall (I’m not sure if it leads anywhere – you’ll have to find out for yourself). Currently, all the coffees are 20K VND (80p) but this may be for an opening promotion. Either way, I don’t think they’ll be much more expensive in the future. There’s also a resident fluffy white cat called popcorn or ice cream (I remember it being something ridiculous!).

Address: Not on Google at the time of writing, you can find Ca Dong Duong at 5a Trần Phú .

The Railway Hanoi

While many new cafes are popping up along the tracks, The Railway Hanoi is one of the originals. They have a wide range of drinks including cocktails and even sell banh mis , making them one of the few railway cafes to serve food. Address: 26/05A Trần Phú .

I’ve yet to venture inside Tram Cafe but I love these cute blue shutters and the rice hats hanging on the outside wall. I believe they serve similar hot and cold drinks as the other cafes. Address: 30 Trần Phú .

Banana Coffee (with a balcony view)

If you’re not lucky enough to have a bedroom looking over Train Street Hanoi like I was, get yourself to Banana Coffee and pull up a stool on the upstairs balcony. Address: Not sure, it’s opposite Tram Cafe.

Shops along Train Street Hanoi

As well as coffee shops, there is a vibrant array of local businesses who call Train Street home. If you want to do some shopping while visiting the Hanoi railway, check out:

Transs (Traditional Dress)

A chilled-out clothes shop which looks like it’s aimed more at Westerners than Vietnamese people (if the sizes are anything to go by!). Address: 35/5 Trần Phú (best to Google the name or click this link – there are loads of streets with the same name).

All the goods at Zó Project are so pretty and made from handmade paper. These include notebooks, jewellery and other craft goods. Using paper and natural products in a sustainable way, the team aim to create job opportunities and stable incomes for ethnic minority villagers in Northern Vietnam who make them. Address: 10 Điện Biên Phủ .

Authentic Craft Products

A craft shop that sells trinkets and accessories and runs a few workshops. Address: 37 Tran Phu beside Transs.

Want to see the local life?

The once-underrated attraction of Train Street Hanoi is getting busier by the week. Every time I look out of my bedroom window I see people posing on the tracks and even sitting down on them! I get the appeal and the desire to pose but I also like to chase authenticity when I can. You only need to walk a few minutes to arrive at a more local part of the track. The spot I’m pinning here is a short walk from Railway Homestay & Cafe (journey away from the main road). Alternatively, enter ‘Holly’s Cozy Loft’ into Google then walk up onto the tracks. Here you’ll see the locals going about their business away from the cafe scene. Enjoy… and be mindful about snapping locals who may not want to be photographed.

Finally… be safe when visiting Train Street Hanoi!

Visitors pose along Train Street Hanoi’s tracks which is fine. However, don’t even think of trying to get in a photo with a train. It’s just impossible to judge the speed with which they’re moving. Honestly, there are no barriers and nothing to protect you… So you really could be dead in seconds. (I’ve never ended a blog on such a morbid note before haha!).

Thanks for reading my guide to Train Street Hanoi!

Check out some of my other Hanoi and Vietnam posts:

A guide for solo female travellers in Vietnam
Complete Vietnam travel guide
The ultimate Southeast Asia bucket list
3 month Southeast Asia backpacking route
Complete Hanoi travel guide
Guide to Hanoi cafes
Ngoc Ha Hanoi guide
Hanoi hidden gems
Finding the best egg coffee in Hanoi
Neighbourhood guide: Truc Bach, Hanoi
Finding the best banh mi in Vietnam

So, see you next time for more adventures!

Ps. Visiting Train Street Hanoi? Pin this for later!

Rose is a solo traveller from the UK who has been on the road since 2015. She wants to show other women that solo travel isn't scary and doesn't have to be expensive! Rose has lived in Mexico, Canada and all over Asia, seeking out food, bubble tea and street art wherever she goes!

2 thoughts on “ Hanoi Train Street: A Complete Guide To Visiting ”

What a bizarre sight, but I would definitely like to experience it one day!

Wow thats so quirky! Would have loved to have seen that! That sign is great also 🙂

Explore Hanoi Train Street: Guided Tours

Train Street Tour in Hanoi & Street Food Tour

Hanoi train street tour: 20$

Explore the charming streets of Hanoi’s Old Quarter, immersing yourself in the vibrant Hanoian atmosphere, and nice coffee, photos at train street.

Hanoi food & train tour: 30$

This special tour that combines the enjoyment of traditional local foods with the unique experience of watching a train pass by.

Hanoi train half day tour: 45$

Join us for an immersive journey that intertwines history, exploration, and the captivating allure of Hanoi’s outskirts.

Train street & craft villages: 45$

Immerse yourself in a captivating journey that combines the charm of a train street visit with the artistic wonders of handicraft lacquerware and embroidery villages.

Train street by scooter rider: 45$

Join our team of expert local riders as we take you on a nice tour to explore the highlights of Hanoi and savor the legendary flavors of its culinary scene.

Hanoi train day tour: 60$

Embark on an unforgettable trip, experiencing Hanoi’s train ride as locals, discovering traditional temples and pagodas, and immersing yourself in the breathtaking countryside.

Hanoi Train Street Tour

“Tour from 5.30- 8.00 or 8.30- 10.30 , or 14.30- 16.30 or 17.30- 19.30 or 20.00- 22.00″

8:30, your tour guide will pick you up from your hotel located in the Old Quarter. From there, you will embark on a leisurely 30-45 minute walk through the hidden alleyways of the Old Quarter, passing by traditional shops and markets along the way.

Next, we will take you to Dong Xuan Market, one of the largest and busiest markets in Hanoi. Here, you will immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere and observe the locals as they go about their daily business. As you leave the market, get ready to witness an extraordinary sight – trains passing just inches away from the many tiny houses that line Hanoi’s Train Street, offering a unique experience found only in this city.

Following that, we will guide you to a cozy café located on the Train Street. Here, you can relax and sip on a cup of the iconic egg coffee or other beverages while marveling at the passing trains. This presents a perfect opportunity to capture some amazing photos and soak up the laid-back ambiance of Hanoi.

10:30, the tour will conclude, and your guide will bid you farewell. They will assist you in arranging a taxi or provide directions for your return to the hotel. Don’t miss out on this chance to experience the charm of Hanoi city in just two hours!

Please send request to WhatsApp : +849 85873537

+ Included: English tour guide, walking tour, drink ( egg coffee or other drink….)

+ Excluded Food, tips (not compulsory)

+ Note: we only provide a pick up hotels in old quarter

– We will support the senior persons or children by taxi if your requirement

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Hanoi trains – the complete information and tips.

Traveling by train in Vietnam can be an excellent way to enjoy the fantastic scenery of the Vietnamese countryside and spice up your time here. If you ever find yourself in the capital city of Hanoi, don’t hesitate to buy a train ticket for a change. Here’s everything you need to know about Hanoi Trains.

A Brief Introduction to Hanoi Trains

Trains were first introduced as a means of transportation in Vietnam in 1881 by constructing the first railway from Saigon to My Tho (now a city in the Mekong Delta). Hanoi witnessed the establishment of its first train station, Hang Co Station, in 1902. Since then, various routes have been set to connect Hanoi with other towns and cities in the country. Traveling by train was once the best way to get around from the capital city. People now shy away from it since the introduction of faster and more convenient transportation methods. Currently, Hanoi has 3 train stations for commercial purposes: Long Bien Station, Gia Lam Station, and Hanoi Station.

Taking the Trains in Vietnam

Train Routes from Hanoi

Reunification Express Train Routes: Danang, Dieu Tri, Ho Chi Minh City, Dong Hoi, Hai Phong, Hue, Muong Man, Nanning (China), Nha Trang, Ninh Binh, Sapa, Tuy Hoa, Thanh Hoa, Thap Cham, and Vinh.

Your train will start from Hanoi Station, get to Hanoi Train Street , then Long Bien Station, Gia Lam Station before departing the city.

Tourist Train Routes: These long-distance trains connect Hanoi with four prominent tourist provinces of Vietnam: Da Nang, Dong Hoi, Hue, and Sa Pa.

How to Travel to Nanning City (China) from Hanoi by Train

You can buy train tickets to Nanning City offline at train stations or book tickets online at least three days in advance. The train will depart from Gia Lam Station at 9:20 PM daily and reach Nanning Station at 9:12 AM the next day. All the berths are equipped with soft beds to ensure a comfortable journey. The train ticket costs VND 1,000,000/turn.

Friendly Reminders:

Passengers are required to present passports, China VISA when buying tickets, or getting on the train to Nanning City.
You can make a reservation to travel back to Hanoi at Gia Lam Station and buy the return tickets at the destination station 3 days in advance.

Vietnam Land Border Crossings

Type of Seats and Price of Hanoi Trains

The price of train tickets in Hanoi varies depending on the destination and the type of seat. You’ll pay more for longer travel and better seats.

Types of seats

Hard Seat (Standard): This is the basic option for traveling by train in Vietnam. It’s a hardwood bench that often seats two people side by side.
Soft Seat (Deluxe): You can pay a little extra to upgrade your seat to soft. It’s a comfortable sofa that would help if you have a bad back or want to take a good nap during your travel.
Berth (Long Distance only): For routes over 150km long, you can opt for berths on the train. These provide beds instead of seats and can also be upgraded to a more comfortable and private deluxe.

How to Get Tickets for Hanoi Trains

Buy tickets at the hanoi station.

There are 3 stations where you can buy train tickets in Hanoi: Gia Lam Station, Long Bien Station, and Hanoi Station. Here’s our guide to purchasing tickets at Hanoi Station, the most popular one.

Go to Hanoi Station on Le Duan Street, enter through the main door, and turn right through the passageway to reach the ticket office. Here, find the window marked “Tourist” and queue up. Tell the operator your destination, time, train number, and type of seat, then pay for the ticket. You should reserve a seat at least two days before to get soft seats and have time to change the tickets should there be a problem.

Tips:

Not all the operators speak English, so it’s a good idea to write the ticket information in Vietnamese beforehand.
If you arrive at the last minute, don’t panic. Find the booth where they sell immediate tickets at the corner of the ticket office, near the boarding pass. They’re more expensive but will guarantee you a seat.
Parking usually costs VND 5,000/bike/turn, and overnight parking will cost VND 20,000. However, the security guard may try to take advantage of you and overcharge, so be careful.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Sending a Motorbike on the Train in Vietnam

Buy Train Tickets Online

Buying a train ticket from the comfort of your home is the best option for international travelers in Vietnam. All information is in English, and you will receive an email coupon for your tickets. The only thing left is to present the coupon at the train station before boarding the train.

Look for a train ticket in the search below:

Conclusion on the Hanoi Trains Guide

After getting through the language barrier and getting your tickets, traveling in Vietnam by train can be a fun way to spice up your stay. We strongly advise you to take a train from Hanoi to nearby provinces such as Ninh Binh or Hai Phong for a day trip . Comment below what you think about our Hanoi Trains Guide, and stay tuned for more in-depth local knowledge about Vietnam Travel.

More Vietnam Travel Guides

Vietnam travel information: vietnamese currency, vietnamese souvenirs to buy in saigon, 5 reasons why you should study in vietnam, major cities in vietnam, where to go drinking in hanoi, traditional handicraft villages in mekong delta.

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Hanoi Hoi An Train: Revel in an Amazing Travel Experience

Taking the Hanoi Hoi An train is a fantastic way to explore Vietnam! This scenic journey allows you to enjoy beautiful landscapes, charming towns, and the vibrant culture of the countryside. It’s a comfortable option that connects you to the delightful city of Hoi An, known for its ancient architecture and rich history. Get ready for an unforgettable adventure!

Advantages & Disadvantages of Hanoi Hoi An Train

Taking Hanoi Hoi An train has its ups and downs. Let’s explore the advantages and disadvantages to help you decide if it’s the right choice for you!

Scenic Journey : Traveling by Hanoi Hoi An train offers stunning views of Vietnam’s countryside. You’ll pass through picturesque landscapes and rural areas, making the trip itself a memorable experience.
Affordable Option: The tickets of Hanoi Hoi An train are generally budget-friendly, making them a great choice for travelers looking to save money. The cost is often much lower compared to flying, providing good value.
Comfortable Travel : Hanoi Hoi An train offers spacious seating and the chance to stretch out, providing a more relaxed journey compared to buses. You can also move around and enjoy the scenery comfortably.
Unique Experience: Taking the Hanoi Hoi An train allows you to experience local life and landscapes in a way that other forms of transportation may not. It’s a unique and immersive way to travel through Vietnam.

Disadvantages

Extended travel time: The Hanoi Hoi An train spans 15-17 hours, making it a lengthy option compared to the faster alternative of flying.
Crowded conditions: Hanoi Hoi An train may become overcrowded, particularly during peak travel times, potentially reducing comfort and space for passengers who prefer a more relaxed experience.
Less flexibility: Train schedules might not align with your travel plans as conveniently as flights, which can be restrictive if you need to adhere to a tight itinerary.
Potential delays: Train services can experience delays due to various factors, including weather or track issues, which could extend the overall travel time and disrupt your plans.

A Complete Guide From Hanoi Hoi An by Train

If you’re planning a trip from Hanoi Hoi An train, this complete guide will walk you through everything you need to know for a smooth journey.

Step 1: Take A Train From Hanoi Train Station to Da Nang or Tam Ki Train Station

Hanoi Train Station : 120 Le Duan Street, Hoan Kiem District
Da Nang Train Station: 791 Hai Phong Street, Thanh Khe District, Da Nang
Tam Ky Train Station : 2 Nguyen Hoang Street, Tam Ky City, Quang Nam Province

If you’re planning to travel from Hanoi to Hoi An by train, the journey is both exciting and scenic! You’ll start your adventure at Hanoi Train Station . The train takes you through beautiful landscapes and takes about 12 to 14 hours. When you arrive, the nearest train station to Hoi An is Da Nang Train Station , just 30 km away. This is the best option for your trip.

Alternatively, you could also consider Tam Ky Train Station , which is about 50 km from Hoi An, but Da Nang is much more convenient. Once you arrive in Da Nang, it’s an easy bus or taxi ride to the charming streets of Hoi An, where you can soak in the culture and delicious food!

Step 2: Go Around to Hoi An after traveling from Hanoi to Da Nang or Tam Ky

Once you arrive in Da Nang or Tam Ky, taking a taxi to Hoi An is a convenient option. The ride lasts about 30 to 50 minutes and offers beautiful views along the way. You’ll soon find yourself in Hoi An, ready to explore its charming streets, vibrant markets, and delicious local cuisine.

Hanoi Hoi An train with beautiful scenery

After your bus ride from Hanoi to either Da Nang or Tam Ky, getting to Hoi An is easy! From Da Nang, you can take a short taxi or shuttle ride, just 30 km away. If you arrive at Tam Ky, it’s about 50 km, but don’t worry – transport options are available. Once you’re in Hoi An, you’re ready to enjoy its stunning architecture, lovely streets, and delicious food!

By motorbike

Hanoi Hoi An train passing picturesque views

Traveling from Hanoi to Hoi An by motorbike is an adventure you won’t forget! After arriving in either Da Nang or Tam Ky, hop on your bike for a scenic ride to Hoi An. From Da Nang, it’s just a 30 km journey, while from Tam Ky, it’s about 50 km. The roads are beautiful, and you’ll get to enjoy the countryside along the way. Get ready for the charming streets and delicious food waiting for you in Hoi An!

By tourist car

Charming sights from the Hanoi Hoi An train

After arriving in Da Nang or Tam Ky, renting a tourist car is a great way to reach Hoi An comfortably! With door-to-door service, your journey takes about 1 to 1.5 hours, allowing you to relax and enjoy the scenery.

Prices for renting a car generally range from 60,000 VND to 360,000 VND, depending on the vehicle type and trip length. To arrange your transfer, you can book directly through tour operators, transport services, or online. It’s best to book in advance, especially during busy tourist seasons!

Schedule and fares

Every day, several trains leave from Hanoi, each offering various cabins and seat types. This variety means you can find a ticket that suits your comfort and budget. For the most up-to-date information on seat options, ticket prices, and train schedules, be sure to check the official Vietnam Railways website.

*Note: Please note that prices are updated as of September 2024 , prices may vary depending on the day or weekends.

In conclusion, Hanoi Hoi An train offers a unique and enjoyable way to experience Vietnam’s stunning scenery and rich culture. This relaxing trip not only connects you to the beautiful ancient town of Hoi An but also creates lasting memories along the way. So, hop on the train and embrace the adventure that awaits!

How long is the train from Hanoi to Hoi An?

You’ll need to first take a train from Hanoi to Da Nang, which takes about 16 hours. After arriving in Da Nang, you’ll need to travel for around 45 minutes to reach Hoi An by another mode of transport.

Are sleeper trains safe in Vietnam?

Yes, sleeper Hanoi Hoi An train in Vietnam are generally safe. They offer a secure and comfortable way to travel long distances. To stay safe, choose reputable operators, keep an eye on your belongings, and follow any safety guidelines provided by the train staff.

Hello everyone! I'm Tram Anh, and I'm absolutely in love with exploring the stunning corners of Vietnam. From the misty mountains of Sapa to the picturesque beaches of Da Nang, there's something truly magical about our country that keeps me coming back for more. But you know what's even better? Sharing these incredible experiences with you! My goal is to make sure everyone can have the most unforgettable trips possible. Let's embark on this journey together and create unforgettable memories in our lives!

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International travel to/from Vietnam

Why trains are the way to go.

Vietnam's air-conditioned trains are the best way for independent travellers to get around Vietnam. You might even meet some Vietnamese people! Inexperienced travellers think they'll save time using internal flights, but an overnight train from Hanoi to Hué or Danang actually saves time, because the train leaves Hanoi in the evening and arrives in Hué next morning, city centre to city centre. It saves a hotel bill too. But more than this, the train is a genuine Vietnamese experience, an integral part of your trip.

Air-conditioned trains link Hanoi, Hué, Danang, Nha Trang & Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City). The historic UNESCO-listed town of Hoi An is just 30 km by bus or taxi from Danang. There are also trains from Hanoi to Haiphong (for Halong Bay) and Hanoi to Lao Cai (for the hill resort at Sapa). See interactive route map of trains in Southeast Asia .

The view from the train

Rice fields, palm trees, water buffalo, Vietnamese towns and villages. You get a real insight into Vietnam when you travel by train which you don't get from 35,000 feet. If you people watch you'll get insights on board the train, too - the real Vietnam is as much inside as outside the train. The most magical part of a Hanoi to Saigon train journey is between Hué & Danang where the train runs along the South China Sea, snaking from cliff to jungle-covered cliff past beaches and islands, then heads through the lush green mountains via the Hai Van Pass to reach Danang. World class scenic! In Vietnamese it's Đèo Hải Vân meaning Ocean Cloud Pass , and I can't think of a better name. In the bright Vietnamese sun, the vivid blue skies, green waters and yellow beaches will take your breath away. See the video, Hanoi-Saigon by train .

Ho Chi Minh or Saigon?

Since the end of the Vietnamese war, the official name for the conurbation as a whole has been Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC). However, the city centre is still officially called Saigon , which is the city's traditional historic name. In fact, the city appears as Sai Gon in all Vietnamese railway timetables, it will say Sai Gon on your train ticket and as you can see from the photo, it actually says Sai Gon in big letters on the station itself. The ruling elite may toe the line and call it Ho Chi Minh, but everyone else calls it Saigon. So do what the locals do, call it Saigon!

Useful country information

The reunification line.

Trains between Hanoi & Saigon are often referred to as the Reunification Express , although there are a range of trains on this route and no single train officially carries this title. The line was completed by the French in 1936 and trains linked Hanoi with Saigon until 1954, when Vietnam was divided into north and south. Trains resumed on 31 December 1976, unifying the country. You too can travel the length of Vietnam on the reunification railway, an experience in itself. Over the last decade the Hanoi-Saigon train service has steadily improved with more trains & newer more comfortable rolling stock. Here are the principal trains, there are additional trains at peak times such as the Tet holiday period .

Schematic map of Vietnamese Railways routes .

Interactive map of Hanoi-Saigon Reunification Railway

Interactive map of train, bus & ferry routes in SE Asia .

Quick links : Fares Ticket advice Buy tickets online What are the trains like? Recommended hotels

Timetable southbound 2024

Timetable northbound 2024, notes by train number.

These trains run every day, additional trains may run at busy periods. You can check these times using dsvn.vn .

Hanoi to Saigon is 1,726km or 1,070 miles. Map showing Saigon station . Map showing Hanoi station .

If a 5am arrival in Saigon or Hanoi seems early, remember that in Southeast Asia it's usual to rise early and you'll find plenty of taxis available at this time.

SE1, SE2, SE3, SE4: The best trains, with air-conditioned soft sleepers (4-berth), air-conditioned hard sleepers (6-berth), air-conditioned soft seats .

Trains SE3 & SE4 were equipped with smart refurbished cars in 2015, trains SE1 & SE2 got similar refurbished cars in 2016. Trains SE1 & SE2 also have a handful of VIP 2-berth compartments (only about 4 per train). SE1 & SE2 also convey privately-run Livitrans tourist sleepers between Hanoi, Hue & Danang. Trains SE3 & SE4 also convey privately-run Violette Trains tourist sleepers between Hanoi, Hue & Danang, see the Livitrans & Violette section below .

SE5, SE6, SE9, SE10: Air-conditioned soft sleepers (4-berth), air-conditioned hard sleepers (6-berth), air-conditioned soft seats , air-conditioned hard seats , ordinary hard seats . Trains SE5 & SE6 were re-equipped with some of the latest modern seats cars & sleeping-cars in 2018.

SE7, SE8: Only runs at busy times, check online if it's running a month or two ahead . Air -con soft sleepers , air-con hard sleepers , air-con soft seats .

SE19, SE20: Air-conditioned soft sleepers , air-conditioned hard sleepers , air-conditioned soft seats , air-conditioned hard seats , ordinary hard seats .

SE21, SE22: Air-conditioned soft sleepers , air-conditioned hard sleepers , air-conditioned soft seats , air-conditioned hard seats .

SE11, SE12, SE25, SE26: On certain dates you'll find additional seasonal trains. I have not shown them here.

SNT1, SNT2: Air-con soft sleepers (both older & newer types), air-con hard sleepers (both older & newer types), air-con soft seats. Ask for a 'chat luong cao' (newer higher quality) sleeper. Also has privately-run Golden Trains sleepers attached. If you use this train and get photos, please get in touch !

SPT1/2, PT3/4: Air-con soft seats, also has various sleepers.

Livitrans, Violette, Lotus Train tourist sleepers, Hanoi-Hué-Danang: Private company Violette Trains sells its own 4-berth soft sleepers on train SE1/SE2/SE3/SE4, private company Livitrans does the same on train SE3/SE4, private company Lotus Train doers so on SE19/SE20. These cost around twice the price of normal Vietnamese Railways soft sleepers, although they are identical to the regular sleepers with some free snacks and different colour blankets, see the photos, information & advice below .

Livitrans and Golden Trains tourist sleepers, Saigon-Nha Trang on trains SNT1 & SNT2, see the photo below . Private companies Livitrans and Golden Trains offer their own soft sleepers between Saigon & Nha Trang on trains SNT1 & SNT2. Fare $38 for a bed in a 4-berth sleeper, bookable at www.baolau.com or 12Go.Asia - look for the Golden Trains or Livitrans logo rather than VR logo in the search results.

How to get to Hoi An : See the Hoi An section

How much does it cost ?

Train fares in Vietnam are cheap, and sleeper trains save hotel bills and the cost of taxis to/from airports way outside the cities. The fares shown below are typical fares for the best carriages on the best trains, SE1, SE2, SE3 & SE4.

Fares vary by season, by train number (the less prestigious SE 5/6/7/8/21/22 are slightly cheaper) and by carriage type (fares for seats or berths in older car types are a bit cheaper). The old system of charging foreigners higher fares than Vietnamese citizens was abolished way back in 2002.

For Livitrans & Violette Trains tourist sleeper fares, see the Livitrans & Violette section .

Children aged 0 to 4 travel free, children 5 to 9 travel at 25% off. Children 10 and over pay full fare.

Fares are shown in 1000s of Vietnamese Dong. £1 = approx 30,000 Dong. $1 = 24,000 Dong.

Tickets & reservations

Do i need a reservation can i stop off.

Yes and yes. But you cannot buy an open ticket and hop on & off trains at random, as all trains require a reservation.

All tickets come printed with a specific date, train number, car number and reserved seat or berth number. So you need a separate ticket for each individual train journey you make. If you want to travel from Saigon to Hanoi (or vice versa) stopping off on the way, no problem, you simply need to book separate tickets for each stage of the journey, either bought in advance or bought at the station as you go.

Do I need to book in advance?

Booking opens 60 days before departure, and sometimes over 90 days before departure, at least for the end-to-end journey, for example Hanoi to Saigon on trains SE1 or SE3. Shorter segments - for example Hanoi to Hue or Nha Trang to Saigon on the SE1 or SE3 - open later, with the really short hops only opening a week or two ahead.

At peak holiday periods such as Tet (Vietnamese new year, in late January or February) you should pre-book as soon as booking opens, but at other times it's not usually difficult to buy tickets at the station a few days in advance if you're not fussy about the exact date, train or class. If you're booking for the same day or the following day, you might find the best quality SE trains full, but slower trains may have berths available, or perhaps you'll find the soft sleepers full, but hard sleepers available, so be prepared to be flexible. However, you're unlikely to get stuck as there's usually something available to your destination even at fairly short notice.

If it's mission-critical to be on a specific train on a certain date in a certain class, I recommend pre-booking tickets online through 12Go.Asia or www.baolau.com , as shown below .

Can I buy all 4 berths to have a compartment to ourselves?

Privacy-loving westerners often ask this - even though they'll happily sleep with 300 strangers on a long haul flight. Yes, you can pay for 4 tickets for sole occupancy of a 4-berth soft sleeper if you really want to, but you may need to politely but firmly repulse any attempt by other passengers to join you, or by staff to allocate passengers to your spare beds. My advice is don't bother, you'll be safe and comfortable sharing a 4-berth soft sleeper and might meet some Vietnamese people this way, rather than sitting in isolation.

Vietnamese Railways offer 2-berth 'VIP' compartments on train SE1 & SE2, but only two such compartments per train, and only on SE1 & SE2, so best forget it unless you're very lucky. The Livitrans & Violette Trains tourist sleepers offer 2-berth compartments, you could use those.

How to buy tickets online

Option 1, buy from 12go.asia.

12Go.Asia provides an excellent service for booking train tickets in Vietnam and other countries in Southeast Asia. They show real-time availability of seats & berths, booking confirmation is instant and international credit cards are accepted.

You can now click an option to choose exact seats or berths from a seating plan, to make sure you're all together in one compartment.

12go sells tickets for both regular Vietnamese Railways trains and many privately-run cars such as Livitrans, Violette, Fansipan, Orient Express and Golden Trains.

Bookings can only be made when Vietnamese Railways open reservations, usually 60 days ahead for longer distances such as Hanoi-Saigon, perhaps only a week or two for shorter hops such as Hue-Danang. So if the train you want is labelled unavailable come back later. Livitrans & Golden Trains reservations may open further ahead.

12Go.Asia charge the official Vietnamese Railways price plus around 60,000 dong ($2.70) service fee per ticket plus around 4% of the price (perhaps $3 per ticket for Hanoi-Hue, for example) for online credit card payment.

You will be emailed an e-ticket which you can either print out or keep on your phone to show when boarding the train. It's now really easy, as for regular Vietnamese Railways trains there is no need to collect tickets or have them sent anywhere, just show your e-ticket!

Children under 6 go free with no ticket required, unless you want to give them their own berth. Children under 10 get 25% off berth prices or 50% off seat prices. Children 10 & over pay full price.

If your bank card is rejected , don't assume it's 12go that's the problem. They accept all cards from all countries, but your own bank may be blocking a Vietnamese transaction, so call them.

By default, they'll put all your party together in the same compartment, except where that's not possible if for example there are only a handful of berths left on the train.

Option 2, buy from www.baolau.com

Train & bus booking agency www.baolau.com offers easy online booking in plain English with international credit cards accepted. The availability shown by Baolau is 'live' and seats are instantly confirmed. In most cases you simply print your own tickets. Feedback has been very positive, further feedback is always welcome .

Baolau's system now allows you to choose your exact seats or berths from a seating plan graphic. This works for all regular Vietnam Railways seats & sleepers although not for the privately-run sleepers.

Tip: To travel in a VIP 2-berth sleeper on train SE1 or SE2, first select 4-berth soft sleeper , then select berths in a 2-berth compartment on the berth plan graphic. There are only two such compartments on the train. The price will change to the 2-berth price after you proceed.

Baolau charge the official Vietnamese Railways price + 40,000 dong ($1.80) service fee per ticket + 2.7% of the price (perhaps $1.40 per ticket for Hanoi-Hue, for example) for online credit card payment.

Children under 6 free, aged 6 to 9 get 25% off berth prices, 50% off seat prices, 10 and over full price.

If your credit card is rejected , don't assume it's Baolau that's the problem. They accept all cards from all countries, but your own bank may be blocking a Vietnamese transaction so call them.

Private sleepers on key routes: As well as the regular Vietnamese Railways cars, Baolau also sells tickets for Violette & Livitrans on the Hanoi-Hue-Danang route, for Livitrans & Golden Trains on the Saigon-Nha Trang route, and for Fansipan, Orient Express, Sapaly, King Express & Chapa Express on the Hanoi-Lao Cai route.

Option 3, order from these agencies

You can also order tickets through one of these reliable Vietnamese train booking agencies, obviously with a small fee or mark-up for their service:

VietnamImpressive: www.vietnamimpressive.com are a reliable Hanoi-based agency which specialises in train bookings and has the Vietnamese Railways ticketing system installed in their offices. They get regular glowing reports from seat61 correspondents. Indeed, I have used them myself and seen their offices in Hanoi, and met their MD. They answer emails promptly and are very helpful.

International Rail Australia: If you live in Australia, New Zealand, Asia or Africa, you can order Vietnamese train tickets using the contact & booking form at www.internationalrail.com.au . This is a reliable Melbourne-based train specialist who can arrange tickets for you through their contacts in Vietnam. Book at least 7-10 days before travel to allow them to turn around your booking.

Option 4, buy from Vietnamese Railways

Vietnamese Railways launched online booking in 2014 at dsvn.vn (DSVN = Duong Sat Viet Nam = Vietnamese Railways). For English, click the UK flag top right. Until 2022 it only accepted Vietnamese-issued credit cards, but it should now accept overseas cards.

Tip: At the time I write this, DSVN are geo-blocking, it's crazy how many websites around the world now do this to reduce cyber attack risk. If it says access denied simply set your VPN to a Vietnamese IP address. Haven't got a VPN? What is a VPN and why you need one .

How to use dsvn.vn

Go to dsvn.vn , click the UK flag for English and use the journey planner in the usual way. In the search results, select a train, select a carriage with the class you want, and select an exact seat or berth and click to buy. Soft sleepers are shown as a side view with 4 beds (two upper, two lower) in each compartment, hard sleepers are also shown as a side view with 6 berths per compartment, upper middle & lower. Seats are shown as a top-down view with two-abreast seats either side of a centre aisle - it's obvious if you think about it. You may need to fake a Vietnamese mobile phone number with a +84 country code if it rejects your real one. If it doesn't accept your non-Vietnamese credit card, use 12go or Baolau instead, as explained above. .

Remember that the official Vietnamese Railways website is dsvn.vn : vietnamrailways.net, vietnam-railway.com, vietnamrailway.com are not Vietnamese Railways themselves but travel agencies pretending to be.

Option 5, let Railbookers arrange a tour

The easiest option, though not the cheapest, is to let a professional tour company such as Railbookers organise your hotels, trains, transfers and stopovers as a package. Railbookers offer several suggested tours of Vietnam including a journey from Hanoi to Saigon on the Reunification Railway with a stopover in Hoi An. These can be customised to your own requirements, I recommend asking them to add a stopover in Hue. As it's a package, they'll take care of you if for example anything disrupts one part of the trip. They have offices in the UK, USA & Australia.

How to buy tickets at the station

It's easy to buy train tickets at the station when you get to Vietnam. Trains are busy, but except at peak holiday times such as Tet , if you book a day or two ahead you'll usually find tickets available, even if your first choice of class or train is sold out. Reservations were computerised in 2002 and you can buy tickets for most train journeys in Vietnam at Saigon and Hanoi booking offices. So you can buy both a Saigon-Hue ticket and a Hue-Hanoi ticket in Saigon, for example. However, at other stations such as Hue, Danang or Nha Trang, you may only be able to book journeys starting at that station. At ticket offices, you pay in Vietnamese Dong, US dollars are not generally accepted, nor are non-Vietnamese credit cards.

Tip: If you have internet access such as hotel WiFi, see for yourself what trains & classes are available on the Vietnamese Railways website dsvn.vn . Then book online, selecting the option to collect tickets & pay at the station within 24 hours. This avoids long conversations at the ticket counter about what trains & classes remain available and hurried decisions about which to choose.

Buying tickets in Hanoi

At Hanoi main station on Le Duan Street, enter by the main central doors and turn right through a narrow passageway to the ticket office, see the photo bottom right. Go to the window marked Tourist .

Buying tickets in Saigon

At Saigon station, the smaller downstairs ticket office (shown below, centre picture) used to be for travel today, but now seems to handle advance bookings too. There is a larger ticket office is upstairs, but recent reports suggest this is now only handling booking changes and you may even find it closed. A numbered queuing system may be in operation, so look out for it. Press the button and take a ticket from the small box at the entrance to the ticket office, take a seat and watch the screens which will show you which counter to go to when your number comes up. Feedback on ticket purchase in Saigon is always appreciated!

Tip: If you don't mind a 50,000 dong ($2.50) fee per ticket, buying at the city centre ticket agency at 275C Pham Ngu Lao saves you going to the station. It's open 08:00-17:00 every day. It can be tricky to spot, see the photo below on the far right.

Luggage, bikes & motorbikes

You take your bags - of whatever size - onto the train with you and store them near your seat or berth, so you have access to them throughout the journey.

Bikes and even motorbikes can be transported on Vietnamese trains for a fee, although they don't necessarily on the same train as you. You take your bike or motorbike to the luggage office, pay the fee and hand it in. If it's a motorbike, the fuel tank must be drained and empty. They'll put a label on your bike and give you a receipt. You travel on the train as normal. At the other end you collect your bike from the station luggage office when it arrives, it usually travels on a separate train and it may take a day or two before it can be collected. Feedback appreciated .

What are Vietnamese trains like ?

Air-conditioned soft sleepers.

Most visitors to Vietnam choose soft sleeper if their journey involves overnight travel. Soft sleeper is a safe, pleasant and enjoyable way to go, especially on the best trains, SE1, SE2, SE3, SE4, SE5 & SE6 - although you should expect even newer cars to be a little tatty by western standards as they are intensively used.

Each soft sleeping-car has a corridor running down one side with seven 4-berth compartments opening off it, each of which can be securely locked from the inside. Each compartment has 4 berths, two upper and two lower. Each berth has an individual reading light and is supplied with pillow, sheet and duvet. By day you simply sit on the lower berths. You keep all your bags with you, there is luggage space beneath the bottom bunks and in the large recess above the compartment door.

The most modern cars used on trains SE1 to SE8 have a 2-pin power socket for recharging your mobile or camera, and you'll find a western-style toilet usually kept supplied with soap and toilet paper at one or both ends of the corridor. Several windows on the corridor side open which is useful for photography, but the compartment windows don't open. At night, there's a lock and usually an additional security catch on the door - flip out the security catch and the door can't be opened more than an inch or two even with a staff key.

There's a free water dispenser at the end of the corridor for both boiling and cold water, handy if you bring some powdered soup, instant coffee or hot chocolate with you, or buy some dried noodles from one of the stalls at the station. A trolley service comes down the train serving snacks, coffee, soft drinks and beer, and at meal times a member of the train staff will sell you a meal ticket for around 35,000 dong (£1 or $1.60). A set meal with mineral water will then be delivered to your compartment around half an hour later from the kitchen car.

See the section below about the Livitrans & Viollete tourist sleeping-cars attached to SE1 & SE2 between Hanoi, Hué & Danang.

Which trains have the best cars? Trains SE3 & SE4 received smartly-refurbished air-conditioned carriages branded '5-star' in January 2015, in red & blue with a broad white stripe. Trains SE1, SE2, SE5, SE6, SE7 & SE8 received similar refurbished cars in 2016. Though there is no sign of any WiFi as originally reported in the press. Newly-built '5-star' cars were delivered in 2017, in white with a thin red stripe & blue around the windows, these are now making their appearance on trains SE1 to SE6, see the photos below. Vietnam Railways charge a fraction more to travel in the nicer, newer cars.

2-berth VIP soft sleepers on trains SE1 & SE2: Soft sleepers usually have 4-berths per compartment, but since 2018 one of the most modern soft sleeper cars on trains SE1 & SE2 has two 2-berth VIP sleeper compartments, with two lower berths. The fare includes non-alcoholic drinks and meals, served in your compartment. The fare is round twice the price of normal 4-berth soft sleeper. However, with only 2 such compartments on the whole train (just 4 beds) you need to book early -and be very lucky - to get one.

Air-conditioned hard sleepers

If the soft sleepers are full, or if you're in a group of 5 or 6 people, there's no reason why you shouldn't travel hard sleeper, especially if it's an overnight journey such as Hanoi to Hue with relatively little daytime element so you'll spend most of the time in your berth. Hard sleeper compartments have 6 berths, lower, middle and top on each side, but apart from the extra two berths, the facilities are exactly the same as for soft sleepers in terms of power sockets, water dispenser, toilets, luggage space and meals.

Air-conditioned soft seats

These can be recommended for daytime journeys such as Hue to Danang or Hanoi to Vinh, but for overnight trips always book a soft or hard sleeper so you can sleep properly. In the most modern cars used on the SE-numbered trains, you'll find power sockets in the wall for charging mobiles or cameras.

Air-conditioned hard seats

These have wooden seats in modern air-conditioned cars. A bit hard on the rear for a long journey, but perfectly acceptable for a few hours.

Ordinary hard seats

Wooden seats in much older cars without air-con. However, these cars have windows that open, which can be an advantage for photography. The photos below show an ordinary hard seats car on train LC3 from Hanoi to Lao Cai, similar cars operate on trains LC4, TN1 & TN2.

Livitrans , Violette, Lotus Train

Several private companies sell their own 4-berth soft sleeper compartments on trains SE1/SE2/SE3/SE4/SE19 between Hanoi, Hue & Danang, aimed at foreign tourists. Livitrans offer soft sleepers on SE1/SE2 , Violette offer soft sleepers on SE1/SE2/SE3/SE4, Lotus Train on SE19/SE20.

You can book 4 places to have sole or dual occupancy on a whole 4-berth compartment if you like. All these companies are fine with very little to choose between them, as their prices, sleeper compartments and service are very similar.

How much does it cost?

These privately-run soft sleepers cost roughly double the price of normal Vietnamese Railways soft sleepers. Livitrans, Violette & Lotus Train charge similar prices.

Hanoi to Hue costs around US$75 one-way per person in a 4-berth air-conditioned soft sleeper.

Hanoi to Danang costs around US$85 one way per person in a 4-berth air-conditioned soft sleeper.

Is it worth paying double the price?

Not really. Originally, these private companies used special carriages painted in their their own colour scheme, fitted with an interior superior to the regular sleeping-cars which DSVN (Vietnamese Railways) used at the time. A few years ago, DSVN upgraded trains SE1/2/3/4 trains with comfortable modern sleeping-cars and it stopped these private companies using their own (older) cars. Livitrans, Violette & Lotus now rent out one or more 4-berth compartments in one of DSVN's regular sleeping-cars and resell these berths with some free snacks and different bedding at much higher prices. In high-season these companies might lease a whole car, on low-season departures the Violette accommodation can be as little as one 4-berth compartment within a standard DSVN sleeping-car full of Vietnamese travellers who are amused that a westerner has paid double to travel in an identical compartment in the same car, simply with purple blankets rather than brown ones and a few packets of free crisps. If all the regular DSVN sleepers have sold out, these more expensive tourist cars can be useful, but don't expect them to be vastly superior to the regular Vietnamese Railways soft sleepers, as they are the same.

How to buy tickets

You can book Livitrans, Violette & Lotus Train tickets online at www.baolau.com & 12Go.Asia , look for the Livitrans, Violette or Lotus logos in the search results.

The Man in Seat 61 says , :Livitrans, Violette & Lotus Train now use exactly the same '5-star' air-conditioned soft sleepers that Vietnamese Railways (DSVN) themselves use on the SE1/2/3/4 trains, just compare the photos below with the photo of a refurbished regular DSVN soft sleeper above . On some departures, it's not even a separate sleeping-car, just one or more 4-berth compartments in a standard DSVN sleeping-car occupied by normal Vietnamese travellers, with literally the only difference to justify the extra cost being the colour of the blankets and a few free snacks."

Golden Trains, Saigon to Nha Trang

The privately-run Golden Trains sleeping-car is a cut above the regular Vietnamese railways sleepers between Saigon (HCMC) and the beach resorts of Nha Trang. It runs attached to the regular SNT1/SNT2 overnight train, see the timetable above . It is similar to the Livitrans & Violette 4-berth sleepers shown above.

How to buy tickets: You can buy Golden Trains tickets at www.baolau.com or 12Go.Asia - look for the Golden Trains logo rather than the VR logo in the search results.

Video : Hanoi to Saigon by train

This 9-minute video shows the 1,079 mile journey from Hanoi to Hue, Danang & Saigon on trains SE1 and SE3, showing the scenery, the food, the Livitrans sleeper from Hanoi to Danang and the regular DSVN soft sleeper from Danang to Saigon. The video was made before the SE1 & SE3 were re-equipped with the smartly-refurbished cars in 2015-2016.

Getting to Hoi An

Hoi An is a historic UNESCO-listed town featuring on most visitor's itineraries, see en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hội_An .

Hoi An is 30 km south of Danang, but has no station of its own. See location map . To reach it, first take a train to Danang, see the Reunification Line section above ,

Then take a taxi or minivan from Danang to Hoi An taking 30-45 minutes. There are several options:

Option 1, pre-book a minivan or taxi from Danang city centre to Hoi An at 12Go.Asia . Shared minivans from USD 3 upwards, taxis from USD 15 upwards.

Option 2, take a taxi from Danang station to Hoi An, this costs around 350,000 dong (USD 15) depending on your negotiation skills. There are always taxis waiting.

Option 3, local bus 01 used to link Danang and Hoi An before the pandemic, but it was then diverted away from the city centre and has not so far resumed. But for the record in case it resumes, here is the original pre-pandemic information: Bus 01 runs (or rather, ran) every 20 minutes between 05:00 & 17:30 every day, fare 20,000 dong + 10,000 dong for bags over 10Kg. To take the bus, leave Danang station, cross the square and go into Hoang Hoa Tham road. At the next intersection, turn left into Le Duan street. The bus stop will be on your right, ignore the old bus stop next to house number 299, it is currently (temporarily?) moved to outside the shop at number 151 Le Duan street, indicated by a blue bus sign ( See location map ). Bus number 1 is coloured yellow & runs to Hoi An every 20-30 minutes. Board through the back door and take a seat. The conductor will come through to collect your fare. Have a 20,000 dong note handy (or 30,000 if you've luggage) as he won’t give change - the official price in May 2017 is 20,000 dong. Smile and ignore any further requests for money as there is no difference in ticket price for locals and tourists - it's just 20,000 dong + 10,000 dong for a bag over 10Kg! The bus reaches Hoi An bus station in about 1 hour, you can walk the remaining 2 km to Hoi An town centre. Further feedback always appreciated .

Hanoi to Lao Cai & Sapa

Sapa is a hill station established by the French in 1922, and its beautiful scenery and colourful local tribal people make it popular with overseas visitors. The best way to get there is by overnight train from Hanoi to Lao Cai, then transfer by bus, car or taxi the final 38 km (24 miles) to Sapa. There are 2 or 3 overnight sleeper trains between Hanoi & Lao Cai, you can book a regular Vietnamese Railways soft or hard sleeper or choose from a wide range of privately-run tourist sleeping-cars of a higher standard. The line from Hanoi to Lao Cai was built by the French and opened in 1910 as part of the metre-gauge Vietnam to Kunming railway. The Lao Cai to Kunming section was destroyed landslides in 2002, but onward train travel from Lao Cai to Kunming is possible again on a new standard-gauge railway opened in 2014, see the Hanoi to Kunming section below . Hanoi to Lao Cai is 296 km (185 miles). The timetables below are compiled from the timetables on Vietnamese Railways websites dsvn.vn & www.gahanoi.com.vn (in Vietnamese only). Click here for a Vietnamese Railways route map .

Train timetable

Here are the fares are for the regular Vietnam Railways carriages. For the privately-run tourist sleeping-cars, see the next section .

£1 = approx 30,000 Dong. $1 = 24,000 Dong

Children aged 0 to 4 travel free, children 5 to 9 get 25% off. Children 10 & over pay full fare.

Upper berths cost slightly less than lower berths, but for simplicity only one price per class is shown above.

Which station in Hanoi?

Buy tickets online at 12Go.Asia or www.baolau.com .

These are two reliable train & bus booking agencies, see the section above . You usually print your own ticket.

12Go.Asia or www.baolau.com sell tickets for the regular Vietnamese Railways sleepers and also for the privately-run sleeping-cars operated by Fansipan, Orient Express, Sapaly (three of the best companies, see below ), King Express, Chapa Express.

www.baolau.com lets you select your exact seats or berths from a plan showing which seats & berths are available, so you can make sure you're all in the same compartment together. This feature works for Vietnamese Railways seats & sleepers (but not the privately-run sleepers) as long as you book more than 72 hours ahead.

Buying at the station

You can buy tickets at the station when you get to Vietnam, assuming you want tickets for the regular Vietnamese Railways seats or sleepers, not tickets for the high-quality tourist sleepers . Tickets to Lao Cai can be bought either at Hanoi's main station ticket office (easiest to reach), or at the 'B' station on the far side of the tracks which has its own ticket office.

Apart from peak holiday periods such as Tet (Vietnamese new year, in late January or early February), it's not difficult to book a soft sleeper a few days in advance or even on the day, especially if you can be flexible on your choice of departure date. On weekdays you may find berths available even the day before, at weekends berths can be harder to get as that's when the locals travel.

At ticket offices, you pay in Vietnamese Dong. If you're sure of your itinerary and it's important to be on a specific train on a specific date, then pre-book with 12Go.Asia or www.baolau.com .

Traveller Rob Damen travelled from Hanoi to Lao Cai and back: "We just went to Hanoi station 2½ hours before departure and had no problem buying tickets. We bought them at the small ticket window in the waiting area, for the price stated on the boards at the station. Our train arrived about 45 minutes before departure so we had plenty of time to get comfy in our beds. Back from Lao Cai to Hanoi we took the daytime train [this no longer operates] and we were able to arrange soft seats. In order to get the correct tickets I used your shortlist of Vietnamese words and made a note that I gave to the lady at the ticket window. She looked a bit surprised but she got the message so we got two soft seats for 168,000 dong each. The ride took 11 hours which was quite long and we had a lot of young children in the coach so it was rather noisy. The views from the train are not spectacular but that was ok, as we passed time playing games like yahtzee and some card games. We arrived right on time at Hanoi Station.

Traveller Jens Kupsch travelled on the daytime LC4 train: "We crossed the border from China around 07:30, and bought tickets to Hanoi at Lao Cai station about an hour ahead of departure. It didn't seem to be a problem."

Arranging a transfer from Lao Cai to Sapa

The train to lao cai & sapa in pictures, hanoi to sapa by tourist sleeping-car.

In addition to the regular Vietnamese Railways (Duong Sat Viet Nam = DSVN) sleepers & seats, overnight trains SP1/2/3/4 between Hanoi & Lao Cai convey a bewildering range of privately-run sleeping-cars aimed at tourists. Before forking out $33 for a bed in a privately-run sleeper rather than $16 for a bed in a regular Vietnamese Railways air-con soft sleeper, read the advice below.

All these private operators offer berths in shared 4-berth air-con soft sleeper compartments, some also offer berths in 2-berth air-con soft sleeper compartments, basically a 4-berth with the two upper berths unused, for more or less double the price. If the allocation of 2-berth compartments has sold out you can pay for all 4 berths in a 4-berth, the price is pretty much the same.

The privately-run sleepers all have air-conditioning, fresh clean bedding, complimentary mineral water and (in some cases) snacks, and clean western-style toilets. These private sleepers are all very comfortable, just remember that this is still Vietnam with Vietnamese standards, you'll enjoy the trip more if you don't turn up with unrealistic expectations of 5-star western-style luxury for $33!

Is paying for a privately-run sleeper worth it?

Until about 2015, the various private sleeping-cars had remodelled interiors a cut above the regular Vietnamese Railways (DSVN) soft sleepers, and some were nicer than others. For example, many had smartly wood-panelled interiors instead of the dated formica in DSVN's own sleepers. And the private cars were all painted in the operator's own colours and branding, which made for a colourful train.

But in 2015 DSVN replaced its own cars with more modern air-conditioned sleeping-cars and revoked the operating licences for the private operators' older cars. The private operators had to lease the new type of DSVN sleeping-car, with interiors exactly the same as those now used by DSVN themselves, see the photos below. And the private car exteriors are now the same red white & blue as DSVN's own cars. No more private branding, other than a sticker in the window stating who operates the car.

So has that sunk in? If you pay $33 for a bed in a privately-run sleeper, you get exactly the same type of compartment with exactly the same décor as if you had paid $16 to travel in a regular Vietnamese Railways soft sleeper.

So what's the difference? The private cars are staffed by the operator's own staff. There's usually a vase of flowers on the table, and some small complimentary bottles of water. Bedding is provided by the operator, so may be branded and maybe a bit better than the regular bedding in the DSVN cars. Of course, you'll end up travelling with other western tourists rather than actual Vietnamese people, which you may consider an advantage or disadvantage depending on your point of view. And the private cars may be kept slightly cleaner than the regular cars.

To quote one recent traveller , "I had a good look at both the SP3 & SP1. The tourist cars were easily identified because of the vase of plastic flowers and the complimentary bottles of water. But for all of them, everything else was identical to the VR [=DSVN] soft sleeper cars – cabin, bunks, sheets, pillows, etc."

Can I buy all 4 berths in a compartment to have a room to ourselves? Yes, if you insist, if the very few compartments allocated for 2-berth occupancy are sold out as they often are. But meeting fellow tourists and talking over a beer into the night is great fun. Would I recommend paying double to miss all the fun and sit in glorious isolation? No!

Video : Hanoi to Lao Cai by Orient Express

Note that this shows the earlier wood-panelled incarnation of the Orient Express, before the introduction of the new standard sleeping-cars across all private operators as well as Vietnamese Railways themselves. But it gives you a good idea of the trip.

Phan Thiet & Miu Ne

The seaside resort of Phan Thiet is at the end of a 15 km branch line from Binh Thuan, a junction station on the main Saigon-Danang-Hue-Hanoi Reunification line, formerly known as Muong Man. One or two direct trains run from Saigon to Phan Thiet, shown in the timetable below. When you arrive at Phan Thiet station you'll find plenty of buses & taxis waiting to take you to the popular resort of Mui Né, 24 km northeast of Phan Thiet, a 25-30 minute drive. Alternatively, you can take any mainline train from Saigon to Binh Thuan station and then a taxi to Pan Thiet (15.7 km) or Mui Né (38 km). See Phan Thiet & Mui Ne map . See Vietnam train route map .

* Train SPT3/SPT4 only runs on key holiday dates, check if it's running on a given date using www.baolau.com .

Train SPT1/SPT2 runs every day, with these classes:

- air-con soft seats in a regular car with 64 seats, shown as NML or A64LV at www.dsvn.vn or when booking on www.baolau.com .

- air-con soft seats in a VIP car with only 48 seats, shown as NML48 or A48LV at www.dsvn.vn or when booking on www.baolau.com .

- air-con soft sleeper used in day mode.

Bus or taxi connection Phan Thiet station to Mui Né: Bus number 9 (the red bus) runs from the road outside Phan Thiet station to Mui Né every 20 minutes from 05:30 until 20:00, bus fare 6,000 dong ($0.30) The bus runs the length of Mui Né stopping at various points all across the resort. Alternatively, there are plenty of taxis, it's a 25-35 minute drive and will cost in the region of 230,000 dong ($12)

How to buy tickets: Buy tickets at the station or at Saigon's city centre ticket office as shown here or book online at www.baolau.com . If Baolau won't show the direct train, try booking online at the Vietnamese Railways site www.dsvn.vn , it may work or may reject your credit card, give it a go.

Alternative: If the times of these direct trains don't suit you, simply take any mainline train between Saigon & Bin Thuan shown in the main Reunification line timetable above for around 170,000 dong (£6 or $8), then catch a taxi between Bin Thuan & Phan Thiet (15.7 km) or Mui Ne (38 km), cost to Mui Ne around 500,000 dong (£15 or $24), taxi journey around 1 hour. You can book a Saigon to Phan Thiet train+taxi journey at www.baolau.com .

Traveller Andrew Stewart took the train from Phan Thiet back to Saigon and comments : "It was a nice trip. Much better than the bus that I took to get there. So many roadworks on that road. It took 8hrs and 30mins from Saigon on the bus."

Hanoi, Hue or Danang to/from Phan Thiet or Mui Né

Simply take a train from Hanoi, Hue or Danang to Binh Thuan station as shown in the timetable above . Then use a local taxi between Bin Thuan station and Phan Thiet (15.7km) or Mui Ne (38km). A taxi between Bin Thuan and Mui Ne costs around 500,000 dong (£15 or $24) and takes around an hour.

Hanoi to Haiphong & Cat Ba

Trains link Hanoi with Haiphong, for ferries to Cat Ba island. See route map .

All t hese Hanoi-Haiphong trains have air-conditioned soft seats. Hanoi to Haiphong is 102 km (63 miles).

Hanoi Long Bien station is 3 km northeast of Hanoi main station, immediately south of the huge steel Long Bien bridge over the Red River (which was a target for American bombers on several occasions during the Vietnamese war). The small road outside the station is only accessible to pedestrians, bicycles and motorbikes, not cars, so if your taxi drops you on the main road by the river, don't worry, it's just a 100m walk up the side road and round the bend to the station. Map of Hanoi showing main & Long Bien stations .

Hanoi's 'Train Street' : These trains pass through Hanoi's famous train street between Hanoi main station & Long Bien.

How to buy tickets: You can book online at www.baolau.com or 12Go.Asia . Or buy at the station.

Ferries to Cat Ba Island: There are various ferries from Haiphong to Cat Ba island. You can book one of up to 6 departures per day at www.baolau.com . This starts with a bus transfer from 41 Ben Bính, Minh Khai, Hong Bang in Haiphong which is 1.5 km 18-minute walk from Haiphong station, see walking route .

Hanoi's train street

Northern train street : You may hear of a narrow street in Hanoi where trains squeeze through and street life magically makes way, while intrepid tourists sit in trackside cafes and take photos. There have been occasional accidents and at times the street has been closed off with warning signs - you'll have to check whether it's currently open or not. But of course you can always see it safely by train! The street is between Hanoi main station and Hanoi's Long Bien station on the railway from Hanoi to Haiphong. So you'll pass through this street if you take any train to or from Haiphong that starts/terminates at Hanoi main station, or you could simply take a train one stop between Hanoi main station and Long Bien station, see the timetable above . Map of Hanoi showing location of both 'train streets' .

Southern train street : There is also a less touristy, less well-know 'train street' to the south of Hanoi station, on the reunification line from Hanoi to Saigon. All trains between Hanoi and all points south pass through this train street 1 minute after leaving or 1 minute before arriving at Hanoi main station. You'll also find a selection of trackside cafes here. Map of Hanoi showing stations & location of both 'train streets' .

Hanoi to Halong Bay by train

The beautiful Halong Bay is on many visitors' lists of Vietnam highlights to visit. There are two ways to travel there from Hanoi:

Option 1, take a train from Hanoi to Haiphong as shown above , then use local buses between Haiphong and Halong.

Option 2, a direct train runs between Hanoi and Halong as shown below. This is a regular Vietnamese Railways train, not a tourist train, although there have been abortive attempts to run a tourist train between Hanoi & Halong in the last few years. This loss-making regular train was reported in the Vietnamese media as slated for withdrawal in December 2013, but it's still in operation, a rustic 4-carriage train used by the locals and an experience! Feedback would be appreciated.

* UPDATE 2024: This train has not resumed post-pandemic.

Yen Vien station is in the suburbs of Hanoi, you'll need a taxi given the early start from Hanoi, although buses 10 or 54 run there from Long Bien bus station during the day. Map showing location of Yen Vien station .

Fare: 70,000 dong (£2.50, $3), hard class seats only.

How to buy tickets: You can easily check these times & buy tickets online in English at reliable ticketing agency www.baolau.com .

Feedback would be appreciated!

Traveller Matthias Meuller report (December 2016): "The train runs! It was one of my best trips ever. It's a train for women who buy fruits, vegetables, tomatoes, herbs, chicken and so on cheap in the mountains and sell it on at a little market in Halong. They take the goods by train from Mao Khe to Halong. No tourists there! You sit for two hours in the market and they want that you eat, drink, hold their babies. It's wonderful, yet none of the travel agencies in Hanoi want to believe that this train exists. I rode back to Hanoi with the train. It takes 6 hours but it's wonderful, slung in a hammock, talking with the girls from the market, who count their money and play cards. Buses link central Hanoi with Yen Vien station every 10 minutes."

Traveller Graham Phelan reports (October 2016): "I took this train in October as I love train travel and didn’t want to take the tourist bus to Halong City - I would do anything to avoid tourists! I took a taxi in the morning to Yen Vien station from my place in Hanoi, it wasn’t expensive just 166,000 VND (about €7) and cheaper if you’re leaving from Hanoi Old Town. I was absolutely wrecked getting the morning train so I missed a lot of the landscapes on the way to Halong City but I enjoyed them on the way back! People have to be aware that this train is not a comfortable train, you have to sit on a wooden seat! So make sure you bring some entertainment, a small cushion if you can find one, some toilet roll and most importantly food! This trip showed me the real Vietnam and it was a massive culture shock but I don’t regret it at all. Also make sure to get your hotel or wherever you’re staying to book a taxi for you at the station as there are absolutely none there. On arrival back into Hanoi buses do run to go to the main city bus station, the cost is 7,000 VND, about €0.25. Or you can just do as I did and find a taxi on the street since they’re so cheap."

Traveller Ferry Quast reports (September 2016): "Yes, the Hanoi-Halong train is running. It consists of 4 standard-gauge cars. These cars are some of the oldest I've ever taken. One had bench seats, the other 3 were empty and aimed at passengers with loads of vegetables and fruit [see the photo below]. For the first 2-3 hours the train was quite busy, but for the rest of the trip we were almost alone on the train. It was very slow and we think that we never had more than 25 or 30 km/h. Great experience if you want to get in touch with locals. In contrast to the train, Ha Long's train station was the newest I've seen in Vietnam. Reaching downtown Hanoi after arrival in Hanoi Vien Yen station shouldn't be a problem, there are still buses - until 10pm or so as locals told us."

Beijing & Nanning to Hanoi by train

There is a safe, comfortable & affordable overnight sleeper train between Beijing & Nanning every day, connecting with an equally safe & comfortable daily sleeper train between Nanning, Guilin & Beijing. Twice a week, these two trains convey a direct soft sleeping-car between Hanoi & Beijing. You can also use the Hanoi-Nanning sleeper train in conjunction with Nanning-Shanghai or Nanning-Guangzhou (for Hong Kong) trains. After a brief spell in early 2015 reduced to twice a week, the Hanoi-Nanning train went back to running every day, and Beijing-Hanoi through cars have been restored, twice a week.

U pdate 2024: The Hanoi-Nanning/Beijing train was suspended during the pandemic and remains suspended in 2024.

Beijing - Nanning train Z5/Z6 runs every day in each direction, taking 1 night.

Nanning - Hanoi train T8701/T8702 runs every day in each direction, taking 1 night.

A through sleeping-car with 36 soft sleeper berths runs direct between Beijing & Hanoi leaving Beijing West on Thursdays & Sundays and leaving Hanoi on Tuesdays & Fridays, taking 2 nights. It's attached to the Z5 then T8701 southbound, the T8702 & Z6 northbound.

So you can travel between Beijing and Hanoi any day of the week with a change of train at Nanning using two separate tickets OR you can travel between Beijing and Hanoi in a direct soft sleeper twice a week with just one ticket.

At the time I write this, e-visas aren't valid for entering or leaving Vietnam by train via Dong Dang (only for arriving or leaving at Dong Dang by road), so you either need a regular visa or use the 15-day visa exemption if available for your nationality.

Beijing to Hanoi is 2,996 km or 1,861 miles. Nanning to Hanoi is 396km. How to buy tickets .

Gia Lam station is 6km from Hanoi's main station, across the river. Map of Hanoi showing Gia Lam station .

Southbound fares

(1) Beijing to Nanning costs RMB 752 ($124 or £80) in a soft sleeper or RMB 473 ($78 or £50) in a hard sleeper, bought at the station or online with small extra fee from www.chinahighlights.com/china-trains .

(2) Nanning to Hanoi costs RMB 248 (£28 or $38) in a soft sleeper bought at the station or $35 + booking fee if you pre-book from outside China through agency www.chinahighlights.com/china-trains .

(3) Beijing to Hanoi using the direct twice-a-week sleeping-car costs $336 bought from www.chinahighlights.com/china-trains .

Northbound fares

(1) Hanoi to Nanning costs around CHF 31.53 = 750,000 dong (£22 or $36) in a soft sleeper.

(2) Nanning to Beijing costs RMB 752 ($124 or £80) in a soft sleeper or RMB 473 ($78 or £50) in a hard sleeper using a domestic Chinese ticket.

(3) An international through ticket from Hanoi to Beijing costs CHF 293 (about $294) converted into dong, in a soft sleeper.

To buy southbound tickets from China to Hanoi

To buy tickets from Beijing, Guilin or Nanning to Hanoi in advance from outside China, you can book online from reliable ticketing agencies www.baolau.com or www.chinahighlights.com/china-trains . On Chinahighlights you'll find Hanoi listed under 'G' as Gia Lam, Hanoi .

On days when the direct through car runs Beijing to Hanoi you can book Beijing to Gia Lam, Hanoi as one ticket. If you want to travel on the other 5 days of the week, simply book Beijing to Nanning on train Z5 then buy another separate ticket from Nanning to Gia Lam, Hanoi on train T8701.

What's the journey like?

The daily Z-category sleeper train between Beijing & Nanning has air-conditioned 4-berth soft sleepers, air-conditioned hard sleepers and a restaurant car serving freshly-cooked Chinese dishes. It passes through some excellent scenery in southern China. Exterior photo courtesy of Nandakumar Narasimhan, interior & scenery photos courtesy of Chris "Mzungu" Holden.

The sleeper train between Nanning & Hanoi

Hanoi gia lam station.

Gia Lam station ( see location map ) is a tiny suburban station across the river in northern Hanoi, a 20 minute taxi ride from the main station. Why does the train to Nanning start here? Its Chinese carriages are standard gauge 4' 8½", as used in Europe, China & North America. Vietnam's railways are metre gauge, just over 3'. A third rail has been laid as far as Gia Lam station, making the tracks dual gauge, allowing the Chinese train to run that far but no further. You can see the three rails in the photo above.

Buying your ticket to Nanning, Guilin or Beijing : At Hanoi main ('A') station on Le Duan street, go to the ticket counter for foreigners & international trains, open 07:00-17:30 daily. You will need to show your passport and a valid visa for China. You can pay in Vietnamese dong or (reportedly) US dollars. Credit cards are not accepted, even though there's a MasterCard sign.

Alternatively, tickets are also sold by Vietnam Hanoi Railways Tourist Company (Travel Agency - 152 Le Duan Street, Hanoi, email [email protected] or call (84-4) 3518-6782. Again, you'll need to show your passport and Chinese visa to buy a ticket.

If you're going to Nanning, it can help to know that Nanning is 'Nam Ninh' in Vietnamese.

Incidentally, Vietnamese Railways cannot book domestic trains within China, so don't bother asking for onward tickets from Nanning to Shanghai or Guangzhou or wherever.

Getting a Chinese visa in Hanoi

You'll need a visa to enter China, and indeed you will need to show your Chinese visa at Hanoi station when buying a train ticket to Beijing. In 2010 it was reported that the Chinese embassy in Hanoi wouldn't issue visas for anyone who wasn't a Vietnamese citizen or resident but in 2012 a later report says they now will. If they won't, either get your visa in your home country before you leave, or arrange your Chinese visa in Hanoi through a suitable travel agency such as www.hanoibackpackershostel.com .

Traveller Peter Day reports : Tickets (soft class only) are available from Window 7 at Hanoi main railway station. There is a system in place where you get a number which indicates your place in the line - locals ignore it, you should too. Tickets are available to purchase in cash only, Vietnamese dong only as far as one could tell. You go to the window first and the lady tells you how much, then you go get the cash and return to buy the tickets. The cost of two tickets to Guilin was over 6 million dong, clearly Beijing would be more - getting that amount of dong out of ATMs is problematic because of limits on each transaction and number of daily withdrawals allowed. We had to use 2 cards. They check you have visas for China.

Traveller Alex Hartland reports : "I booked my Hanoi-Beijing train ticket yesterday at Hanoi station. I was sent from window 10 to window 1 to window 6 and finally window 8. The woman at window 8 spoke pretty good English, but I don't think it's the standard window for Hanoi to Beijing bookings. The paperwork took a while to process (about 45 minutes) and the final cost was 4,635,000 dong. She told me I could pay in dollars if I wanted to, but again not sure if this is standard procedure. She checked my passport & Chinese visa, too."

Buying tickets in Beijing

You can't buy an international ticket to Hanoi at any Beijing station, or at normal ticket outlets either. But here's how you can buy in person in Beijing. If you have any further feedback, please email me !

Traveller Laurent Fintoni reports : "I was told to go to Bei Feng Wo Lu (a street near Beijing West station) and look for a shop opposite the Tian You hotel. So I would say for anyone else, the easiest might be to get a cab or directions to Tian You hotel on Bei Feng Wo Lu. Opposite the hotel is what looks like a travel agent, though when I went it had the shutters pulled down - however it was open, not quite sure why that was. The shop sign is blue, and you can tell you found it as there is a small window on the side of the shop's main doors which says they sell train tickets. However, you want the main shop not the window. Once in there if you tell them you want to buy Beijing to Hanoi tickets, I had a sentence written in Chinese for me, she pulls out what seems to be the same form that Que Clothier mentions. The woman speaks no English, just point at the answers on the form and she does it all for you. I was charged only 1086 RMB without a 50 RMB charge, but not quite sure why as she answered in Chinese when I asked her if she wanted the charge. Her form mentions the charge, making the price 1166, the same as Chris Emmerson reported. She'll also point at a calendar and ask for dates as well as how many tickets. There are about 3 banks within 100 to 200 metres of the shop on Bei Feng Wo Lu, all do currency exchange and have ATMs however none seem to change Travellers Cheques so be careful. Once you pay her it's all done, it was really easy, the trickiest part is finding the shop, but with the Tian You Hotel being quite big (and having its name written in English on the front in big letters) it shouldn't be too difficult."

Traveller Chris "Mzungu" Holden reports (2011): "I got my tickets from the same place as Laurent Fintoni [ see above ] got his. It was easy to find, took me about 30mins to get the tickets from a helpful and friendly chap who spoke no English but pointed to the booking forms and a calendar when needed. It cost me RMB 2,200 (2150+50 commission) from memory."

Buying tickets in Nanning

Tickets are sold at the station reservations office at Nanning main station, counter 16, but according to one recent report now counter 1. It's not difficult to get places even on the day.

Travellers reports

Traveller Richard Brown travelled Nanning to Hanoi: "We have just arrived in Ha Noi this morning, 30 December 2014. Several agents online offer booking services but most sources we could speak to told us the Nanning-Hanoi tickets must be booked in Nanning. I am not sure that is the case but you definitely have to go to the train station to pick them up as they are not the typical Chinese train tickets. They issued one ticket for the two of us. Tickets are printed on multi-carbon paper using an antique pin-printer.

We can confirm that at Nanning main station, counter 1 is currently the one where you get the Ha Noi tickets. It is also labelled "English Speaking Counter" but the clerk could not speak English; she did get another clerk with reasonable English skills and, despite our Mandarin deficit, things went smoothly. At least at this time of the year, I believe you could get tickets on the day of travel. We booked our tickets on Saturday around 6:00pm for the Monday train. They offered us tickets for the next day and there were probably berths available on Saturday but they close sales for same day tickets at around 4:00pm.

On Monday the train included several carriages with seats numbered 1-15 and then a separate string at the end numbered confusingly 4-1. The end string were the sleeper cars. Only one of these carriages had passengers so I suspect there were plenty of empty berths. The sleeper carriages were the only ones that made the trip to Ha Noi from Pingxiang at the border. The attendant in our carriage was selling water and the ubiquitous cups of dried noodles. Boiling water was of course free.

We arrived at Pingxiang at 10:00pm and the English announcement said we would be there for an hour and 40 minutes. Immigration and customs was routine. We all re-entered the carriage after about 20 minutes and waited. One or two passengers joined us from Pingxiang. After about two hours we were off to Dong Dang. After 20 minutes we arrived in Vietnam. Clearing immigration and customs took about 45 minutes. Even though it was literally the middle of the night a woman was changing US$ or RMB to VND and selling sim cards and snacks. The exchange seemed fair.

The train left Dong Dang and made no further stops until reaching Ha Noi. I believe that the station we arrived was different than your site currently reports . I almost certain that we arrived at Ga Yen Vien Nam; our taxi ride took about 20 minutes and we paid 300,000 VND. We knew were getting ripped off as we were told the "meter not working" story but we had few options at 6:00am local time. The roughly US$15 fare should have been about US$7 but we arrived unscathed.

One thing we learned in China is to expect the unexpected. None of what happened to us may happen tomorrow so anyone reading this should not take it as the gospel truth. But we found reading what others had experienced better prepared us for what came our way."

Traveller Steve Mercer reports from a northbound trip in 2013: "This train was by far the best of them all. There was carpet in the corridor & compartments. Plus there were free plastic shoes, although 5 sizes too small. Very handy. The taxi dropped us off at the station but I have to admit it’s not immediately apparent where you go to check in or wait. We went into the first waiting room, but a guard frantically shouted 'Nanning' at us and pointed at the correct waiting room. Boarding the train was very organised. We showed our passports before getting on and we also gave the Guard our tickets which he swapped for a credit card size card. We would give this back at the end of the journey. He then showed us to our berths. It was a good trip with no interruptions apart from the borders. Just before the Vietnam border we were woken and told we must take all our bags with us. This border point was a bit disorganised. When you put your bag on the scanner belt it was set up so you had to turn around and fight your way through the crowd behind you to get to the other side of the scanner. Then you hand your passport in. It’s not a quick process as I was waiting for it to be handed back when he looked up and gestured us to go and sit down. I’m always a bit reluctant to let my passport out of my sight, but it was all good. They did them in batches and then called your name out to come and get them. However as we were the only Western foreigners there, he came and handed them to us. It was then back on the train and off to the Chinese border. This time someone came round and handed out the immigration cards for us to fill in than came round again to collect them and our passports. We got off with all our bags and went into the immigration hall. A bit more organised this one. I can’t remember but I’m not sure if they were scanned. An immigration officer did some random checking of the bags though. It was back on the train and wait for our passports to be returned before heading off to Nanning. There were no more interruptions."

Traveller Melissa Jacka reports from a southbound trip in 2013: "Tickets for the Nanning-Hanoi train were only available from Nanning train station, we got them about 20 hours in advance and following the advice on Seat 61 we went straight to counter 16 - the queue took about 20 minutes, and we had to show our passports and Vietnamese visa. We had no problem getting soft sleeper tickets for a Sunday night train. Adults were 190 RMB and the kids were 90 RMB. As mentioned in earlier advice the beds were reallocated by the conductors. Dinner in the dining car was simple, but fresh, tasty, clean and cheep - rice, chicken dish & beer for one was 30 RMB. The train now leaves at 18:20 and arrives at around 05:30 the next day (but this includes winding the clock back 1 hour at the border), and includes two stops where you and your luggage get off the train, the first at about 21:30 and the second at about 00:30."

Nanning - Hanoi by bus

If the train is full or you prefer daytime travel, there are several daily buses between Nanning & Hanoi, using modern coaches and travelling by day. Buses reportedly leave Nanning bus station at 08:30. 09:00 & 09:30, journey time 7-8 hours, fare around RMB 150 (£15 or $25). The scenery is reported as well worth the trip!

Hong Kong to Hanoi by train

It's easy to travel between Hanoi & Hong Kong by train with a change of train in Nanning & Guangzhou. You can choose to make the journey in 2 nights & 1 day using the Hanoi-Nanning sleeper train and a Nanning-Guangzhou sleeper train, with a day exploring Nanning in between. Or you can make the whole trip in under 24 hours using the Hanoi-Nanning sleeper train then a 300km/h high-speed train to Guangzhou and another high-speed train to Hong Kong. It costs as little as $86 or so in total one-way, and it's a genuine overland travel experience. Remember that you'll need a visa for China, so you'll need to satisfy any return/onward ticket requirements, which is usually more of a logistical headache than the actual travelling. If you have any more information including fares for travelling via this route, please e-mail me .

Hanoi ► Hong Kong classic option

The fare is around VND 568,000 ($30) with a comfy soft sleeper berth.

There are several possible trains all running every day: Train K1234 leaving Nanning at 17:50 and arriving Guangzhou main station at 07:25 next morning, train K398 leaving Nanning at 19:15 and arriving Guangzhou main station at 07:48, and train K1206 leaving Nanning at 22:50 and arriving at Guangzhou East station at 11:46 next day. All these trains have soft & hard class sleepers.

The fare is about 285 RMB ($47) in a soft sleeper, or 184 RMB ($30) in a hard sleeper.

If you arrive at Guangzhou East by sleeper at 11:46, you can leave Guangzhou East by high-speed train at 14:47 and arriving Hong Kong West Kowloon Terminus at 16:33. Or there are lots of earlier trains from Guangzhou South to Hong Kong.

Hanoi ► Hong Kong high-speed option

Fare around VND 568,000 ($30) with a comfy soft sleeper berth.

Hong Kong ► Hanoi classic option

The fare is about 285 RMB ($47) in a soft sleeper, or 185 RMB ($30) in a hard sleeper.

Hong Kong ► Hanoi high-speed option

To buy tickets starting in Hanoi, in advance over the internet

Step 1, arrange your Hanoi to Nanning ticket through either www.baolau.com or www.chinahighlights.com/china-trains , both are reputable agencies . You can collect tickets from their offices in Hanoi, or have them delivered to your hotel in Vietnam.

Step 2, book the Nanning to Guangzhou train online using either www.baolau.com , www.china-diy-travel.com or www.chinahighlights.com/china-trains . You collect tickets from the ticket office at Nanning station. Booking opens 60 days before departure.

Step 3, book from Guangzhou to Hong Kong West Kowloon as a second transaction at www.baolau.com or www.china-diy-travel.com with ticket collection at either Nanning or Guangzhou South stations, obviously it makes sense to pick up your Nanning-Guangzhou and Guangzhou-HK tickets together in Nanning.

Arranging tickets this way means you have the necessary proof of entry & exit to apply for a Chinese visa.

To buy tickets starting in Hanoi, in person

You can easily buy a Hanoi to Nanning ticket at the international booking counter at Hanoi main station on Le Duan street, reported as open 07:00-17:30 daily. You'll almost always find places available, even on the day of departure. It can help to know that for Nanning is 'Nam Ninh' in Vietnamese. Alternatively, tickets are also sold in Hanoi by Vietnam Hanoi Railways Tourist Company (Travel Agency - 152 Le Duan Street, Hanoi, email [email protected] or call (84-4) 3518-6782.

You'll need to show your passport and Chinese visa when buying tickets , so arrange your Chinese visa first. It's easiest to get a visa in your home country before you leave, but you can also get a visa in Hanoi. It was reported back in 2010 that the Chinese embassy in Hanoi wouldn't issue visas for anyone who wasn't a Vietnamese citizen or resident, but since 2012 they apparently now will. If they won't, you can still arrange a Chinese visa in Hanoi through a suitable travel agency such as www.hanoibackpackershostel.com . Remember you will need to comply with any entry/onward ticket requirements when applying for a Chinese visa.

You can buy an onward ticket from Nanning to Guangzhou and Guangzhou to Hong Kong when you get to Nanning station, or you can arrange the Nanning to Guangzhou ticket online with reliable Chinese train ticket agency www.china-diy-travel.com and collect the ticket at the station in Nanning.

To buy tickets starting in Hong Kong, in advance over the internet

Step 1, arrange your Nanning to Hanoi train ticket, through agencies www.baolau.com or www.chinahighlights.com/china-trains . Pre-booking overcomes the annoying requirement for an onward ticket when applying for your Chinese visa.

Step 2, now book your train from Guangzhou to Nanning online at www.baolau.com or www.chinahighlights.com/china-trains or www.china-diy-travel.com . Booking opens 60 days before departure and you can collect tickets at Guangzhou South station.

Step 3, now book your train from Hong Kong West Kowloon to Guangzhou at www.baolau.com or www.chinahighlights.com/china-trains or www.china-diy-travel.com and collect tickets at the station. Or if using the slower intercity through trains from Hung Hom (Hong Kong) to Guangzhou East, book online at www.it3.mtr.com.hk .

To buy tickets starting in Hong Kong, in person

You can buy Hong Kong to Guangzhou and Guangzhou to Nanning tickets at the China railway office at Hung Hom railway station. They may be able to do the Nanning to Hanoi ticket, but if not, buy it when you get to Nanning.

Alternatively, you can buy tickets from Hong Kong to Guangzhou, Guangzhou to Nanning and (if they can do it) the Nanning to Hanoi at the CTS (China Travel Service) Central branch or CTS Mongkok branch in Hong Kong, as these two branches are equipped with the Chinese Railways ticketing system. Again, if they cannot do the Nanning to Hanoi train, buy this when you get to Nanning at the station.

The Nanning to Hanoi train can easily be booked at Nanning station reservations office counter 16, though a more recent report says counter 1. You'll usually find places available even on the day of travel.

Chinese visas

You'll need a Chinese visa to cross China between Hong Kong and Hanoi, either a transit visa or tourist visa. The requirements vary depending on your nationality and where you apply for the visa, but you'll often have to prove you have a ticket into and out of China. This can be a pain when you can only buy train tickets close to departure, or you plan to buy as you go, at the station on the day. It can also lead to a 'Catch 22' if you plan to buy train tickets in Hanoi and need to show the visa to get the train tickets. One way round this is to use a local Hong Kong or Vietnamese travel agency to sort all your tickets, using the agency's booking confirmation to get the visa, even though the agency can't get the tickets themselves until close to departure time. The ultimate fall-back is that old favourite, buy the cheapest refundable airline ticket into & out of China, make a free-cancellation hotel booking for all of the nights you plan to be in China using a hotel site such as booking.com, use these to get your visa (which won't specify entry points or itinerary) then cancel everything.

What are the trains like?

Travellers' reports.

Traveller Hendryk went from Hong Kong to Hanoi: "At the Hung Hom station in Hong Kong there's now a china-railway-office where you can book the tickets to Guangzhou East (190 HKD) and onwards to Nanning for between 268 HKD and 298 HKD, soft sleeper for the next day or later (same day was fully booked). They charge a service fee of 200 HKD for that. We took the 11:28 train to Guangzhou East and the 15:43 sleeper train to Nanning, it also departs from Guangzhou East, so no changing station necessary. We arrived in Nanning at 7:07am. We almost overslept, but a good sign to get off is when the stewards change your placeholder cards back to your ticket. In Nanning as said above, it was very crowded in the train station, maybe because of that weekend. At the counter number 16 (you should ask that before at the train info - no English signing anywhere) we had to wait for more than an hour but we got the soft sleeper tickets to Hanoi Gia Lam for 1.10.2012, departing 18:20, for 215 RMB each. [2012]

Kunming to Hanoi by train

Until 2002 a twice-weekly metre-gauge sleeper train linked Kunming in China with Hanoi, but floods and landslides damaged the Chinese part of the line and it was discontinued. However, a brand new standard-gauge Kunming-Hekou railway line was completed and in December 2014 trains ran once more between Kunming and the border town of Hekou. It's possible once again to travel between Kunming and Hanoi by train, safely, comfortably and affordably, using a Chinese train from Kunming to the Chinese border town of Hekou, then a taxi a few km to the border post, walking across the border and on to Lao Cai station in Vietnam for a Vietnamese sleeper train to Hanoi. Here's how.

Kunming ► Hanoi

Step 1, travel from Kunming to Hekou North (= Hekoubei) by train. There are several trains a day, for example the K9832 leaving Kunming at 09:29 arriving Hekou North at 15:53, and the K9822 leaving Kunming at 16:00 and arriving Hekou North at 21:44. The fare is 70.5 RMB ($11) for a regular hard seat (comfortable enough) or RMB 182 ($30) with a seat in a soft sleeper. There's even an overnight train with hard sleepers, departing 22:48 arriving 06:07. You can check times & fares (and if you don't mind a few dollars booking fee, buy tickets) at www.chinahighlights.com/china-trains .

Step 2, transfer from Hekou North station in China to Lai Cai station in Vietnam: Either take a bus the several kilometres from Hekou North station to the Hekou border point for RMB 2, journey time 10-15 minutes, or take a taxi for around RMB 10-15, there will be plenty of taxis waiting at the station. Walk across the border to the Vietnamese side (border controls can take up to an hour) then walk another 25 minutes or take a 5-minute taxi ride into Lao Cai, just 2.5km (1.5 miles) from the border post. There are hotels in both Hekou and Lao Cai if you need them.

You may want to visit the pleasant hill station at Sapa for a day or two before going on to Hanoi, Sapa is just 40km from Lao Cai by taxi, bus or minibus, see details here .

Step 3, travel from Lao Cai to Hanoi by overnight sleeper train, see the train times & fares above . There are several sleeper trains every night, some with cheap DSVN (Vietnamese Railways) soft & hard sleepers and others with a variety of comfortable privately-run soft sleeping-cars with 2 & 4-berth compartments aimed at tourists.

If you use this route using the new trains, feedback & any photos would be much appreciated .

Hanoi ► Kunming

Step 1, travel from Hanoi to Lao Cai by overnight sleeper train, see the train times & fares above . There are cheap DSVN (Vietnamese Railways) soft & hard sleepers and a variety of comfortable privately-run soft sleeping-cars with 2 & 4-berth compartments aimed at tourists. You may want visit the pleasant hill station of Sapa for a day or two before going on into China, Sapa is 40km from Lai Cai by taxi, bus or minibus.

Step 2, transfer from Lao Cai station to Hekou. Lao Cai is just 2.5 km (1.5 miles) from the Chinese border. You can walk (25 minutes) or take a taxi (5 minutes) from Lai Cai station to the border post and walk across into Hekou on the Chinese side. Passing through both sets of customs takes about an hour. In Hekou, the Hekou North (=Hekoubei) station is a few kilometres away. You take a taxi for around RMB 10-15.

Step 3, travel from Hekou to Kunming by train. There are several trains a day, for example you should easily make the K9694 leaving Hekou North station (= Hekoubei) at 16:16 arriving Kunming at 22:29. The fare is 70.5 RMB ($11) for a regular hard seat (comfortable enough) or RMB 182 ($30) with a seat in a soft sleeper. There's even a sleeper train to Kunming with hard sleepers, leaving Hekoubei at 23:20. You can check times & fares (and if you don't mind a few dollars booking fee, buy tickets) at www.chinahighlights.com/china-trains .

For photos of the Hanoi to Lao Cai trains, see the section above . Photos below courtesy of Jan Bockaert .

Traveller's reports

Traveller Jan Bockaert travelled from Hanoi to Kunming by train in December 2014: "Two days ago, I took the train from Hanoi to Kunming in China over the new line from Hekoubei to Kunming. The trip went exactly as described on your site.

Lonely Planet has some warnings about the border crossing from Lao Cai to Hekou. But it went butter smooth, very friendly and professional at both sides of the border. It took me about half an hour, an hour and a half if you factor in the time difference between China and Vietnam.

Hekou North [Hekoubei] station is quite far from the city centre, in the middle of nowhere. You can get a taxi from the border post to the station for 20 yuan, but the first driver I took asked 40. (about 5 euro) None of the drivers wanted to use the meter.

The station building isn’t finished yet. You can’t leave your luggage yet, and there is no shop in the station, although there was a small stand in front of the station. Part of the station crew was also still in training. The ticket office was open from 5:30 till 6:20 from 9:00 till 11:00 and from 14:30 till 16:30. The woman selling me the ticket spoke decent English.

I booked a hard seat at around 10 in the morning, and by the time we left, the compartment was fully booked. Most of the wagons seemed to be sleepers however.

The first part of the line goes (literally) trough some very spectacular mountains, i guess the first hour or so, about 80 percent of the trip went trough tunnels. The view on the other 20 percent of the line is very nice. Once you are out of the mountains, it gets dark quickly.

Europe to Vietnam by Trans-Siberian Railway

If you have the time (we're talking around two weeks), you can travel from London to Vietnam by train.

Step 1, London to Moscow by train . There are daily departures via Brussels, Berlin & Warsaw. The journey takes 2 nights, from around £250 one-way with sleeper.

Update 2024: Trains to Russia are suspended due to Covid-19 and now sanctions .

Spend at least 1 night in Moscow.

Step 2, Moscow to Beijing by Trans-Siberian Railway . Two direct trains every week all year round, 6 nights. Fares from around £500 one-way with a bed in a 4-bed sleeper.

Update 2024: Moscow-Beijing trains remain suspended post-pandemic.

Spend at least 1 night in Beijing.

Step 3, Beijing to Hanoi by train . There are two direct trains a week, 2 nights, about $320 or £220 one-way in soft sleeper. Alternatively, there are daily trains with a change in Nanning. Spend at least 1 night in Hanoi.

Update 2024: Trains between China & Vietnam remain suspended post-pandemic.

How to plan & book this trip

There aren't any travel agencies who can arrange the whole trip, so you will need to plan it out and arrange each stage of the journey yourself. It's an exercise in project management! Unless time is no object, you should book the key sections in advance through various travel agencies.

Book London-Moscow as shown on the London to Russia page .

Book Moscow-Beijing through a local Russian agency such as Real Russia, as shown on the Trans-Siberian page .

Book Beijing to Hanoi as shown above .

You'll need to pre-arrange visas for Belarus, Russia, possibly Mongolia, China & Vietnam, and in many ways complying with the various visa requirements (which sometimes require confirmed onward tickets to be held) is actually the biggest challenge, not buying the tickets, so check this out carefully using the relevant embassy websites.

Where do you start? First, read through the seat61 pages linked above. Then sketch out your itinerary using a simple spreadsheet like this , deciding where and for how long you want to stop off. Next, check out the visa situation for each country. Finally, follow the advice on each seat61 page to buy tickets for each train journey that you want to pre-book.

Buy at Amazon.co.uk or Amazon.com

Alternatively, you can download just the chapters or areas you need in .PDF format from the Lonely Planet Website , from around £2.99 or US$4.95 a chapter.

Hotels in Vietnam

In saigon: continental hotel.

The famous and historic Continental Hotel is one of my favourite hotels worldwide, not merely a place to stay but a Saigon landmark since 1880. Indeed, the Continental is the backdrop for much of the action in Graham Greene's novel 'The Quiet American', set in Saigon during the Franco-Vietnamese war. If it's in your price range or if you can stretch your budget, the Continental is superbly located, right next to the Opera House in the centre of Saigon and a stone's throw from Saigon's distinctive town hall, post office and cathedral. It's quiet, understated, clean and comfortable with high ceilings, marble floors and wood panelling, and not a corporate clone like so many chain hotels. The breakfast buffet is good, and it has a pleasant central courtyard and bar if you prefer to eat or enjoy a beer al fresco. There's free WiFi, too. A double room costs around $140 (£88) per night. Tripadvisor reviews . Nearby, the famous Rex Hotel was where many American officers stayed during the Vietnam war. If you prefer something more glitzy and glamorous, try the impressive Majestic Hotel , a mere parvenu dating from 1925 with many art nouveau features, located across the road from the Mekong river.

In Hanoi: Budget: Hanoi Trendy Hotel . Top end: Sofitel Metropole

A little budget gem, the Hanoi Trendy Hotel & Spa (formerly the Hanoi Art Hotel) may not be historic or grand, but it's an excellent low-cost choice from $45 a night for a room with toilet & shower, tea & coffee making facilities, free WiFi, safe, free mineral water, a great breakfast, and great staff at reception who really put themselves out to help you. It's well located in central Hanoi, a short walk from the War Remnants Museum, a 10-15 minute taxi ride from Hanoi's main station. Of course, at the luxury end of the scale we have Hanoi's most venerable and upmarket hotel, the luxurious and expensive Sofitel Metropole , which comes complete with outdoor swimming pool and lido bar.

In Hué: Budget Than Thien Hotel , top end La Residence Hotel & Spa .

At the top end, look no further than La Residence Hotel & Spa , located in the former French governor's residence on the banks of the Perfume River. For the budget-conscious, try the equally central Than Thien Hotel . Both get great reviews.

In Sapa: Victoria Hotel

The best hotel in Sapa, now renamed BB Resort & Spa, which even runs its own train from Hanoi, see the section here . You'll find a real log fire burning in the lobby and restaurant, and they do an excellent breakfast buffet. The hotel features an indoor swimming pool and adjacent spa, too. If your budget can stretch, this is the place to stay!

You might also want to check Tripadvisor's recommendations: Tripadvisor Vietnam hotels .

Flights to Vietnam

Overland travel by train & bus around Vietnam is an essential part of the experience, so once there, don't cheat and fly, stay on the ground! But if a long-haul flight is unavoidable to reach Vietnam in the first place, check Opodo and also try the Skyscanner search tool to compare flight prices & routes worldwide across 600 airlines.

1) Check flight prices at Opodo, www.opodo.com

2) use skyscanner to compare flight prices & routes worldwide across 600 airlines.

3) Lounge passes

Make the airport experience a little more bearable with a VIP lounge pass, it's not as expensive as you think! See www.loungepass.com

Travel insurance & other tips

Always take out travel insurance.

Never travel overseas without travel insurance from a reliable insurer, with at least £1m or preferably £5m medical cover. It should also cover cancellation and loss of cash and belongings, up to a sensible limit. An annual multi-trip policy is usually cheaper than several single-trip policies even for just 2 or 3 trips a year, I have an annual policy with Staysure.co.uk myself. Here are some suggested insurers. Seat61 gets a small commission if you buy through these links.

Get an eSIM with mobile data package

Don't rely on WiFi, download an eSIM with a mobile data package for the country you're visiting and stay connected. Most newer mobile phones can download a virtual SIM card so you don't need to buy a physical SIM, including iPhone 11 & later, see device compatibility list . Maya.net is a reliable eSIM data retailer with a 4.5 out of 5 Trustpilot rating and a range of packages including unlimited data .

Get a Curve card for foreign travel

Most banks give you a poor exchange rate, then add a foreign transaction fee on top. A Curve MasterCard means no foreign transaction fees and gives you the mid-market exchange rate, at least up to a certain limit, £500 per month at time of writing. The money you spend on your Curve card goes straight onto one of your existing debit or credit cards.

How it works: 1. Download the Curve app for iPhone or Android . 2. Enter your details & they'll send you a Curve MasterCard - they send to the UK and most European addresses. 3. Link your existing credit & debit cards to the app, you can link up to two cards with the free version of Curve, I link my normal debit card and my normal credit card. 4. Now use the Curve MasterCard to buy things online or in person or take cash from ATMs, exactly like a normal MasterCard. Curve does the currency conversion and puts the balance in your own currency onto whichever debit or credit card is currently selected in the Curve app. You can even change your mind about which card it goes onto, within 14 days of the transaction.

I have a Curve Blue card myself, it means I can buy a coffee on a foreign station on a card without being stung by fees and lousy exchange rates, just by tapping the Curve card on their card reader. The money goes through Curve to my normal debit card and is taken directly from my account (in fact I have the Curve card set up as payment card on Apple Pay on my iPhone, so can double-click my phone, let it do Face ID then tap the reader with the phone - even easier than digging a card out). I get a little commission if you sign up to Curve, but I recommend it here because I think it's great. See details, download the app and get a Curve card , they'll give you £5 cashback through that link.

Get a VPN for safe browsing. W hy you need a VPN

When you're travelling you often use free WiFi in public places which may not be secure. A VPN encrypts your connection so it's always secure, even on unsecured WiFi. It also means you can select the geographic location of the IP address you browse with, to get around geoblocking which a surprising number of websites apply. See VPNs & why you need one explained . ExpressVPN is a best buy with a 4.7 out of 5 Trustpilot ranking which I use myself - I've signed up as an ExpressVPN affiliate, and if you go with expressvpn.com using the links on this page, you should see a special deal, 3 months free with an annual subscription. I get a small commission to help support this site.

Carry an Anker powerbank

Tickets, reservations, vaccination records and Interrail or Eurail passes are often held digitally on your mobile phone, so it's vital to keep it charged. I always carry an Anker powerbank which can recharge my phone several times over if I can't get to a power outlet. Buy from Amazon.co.uk or from buy from Amazon.com .

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Train Street Hanoi

Train Street Tour

Hanoi train street cafe 20$

Nice eiffel bridge photos

Hanoi street food+ train street visit: 30$

Street Food is combined with Train Track is best choice

Hanoi train+ outskirt tour: 45$

Unforgetable trip with half day surrounding center Hanoi city!

Walking tour+ train street: 20$

Great to walking in old quarter for early morning time, quiet and morning excerse

Hanoi train day trip: 60$

Nice experience with local riders

Hanoi biking tour: 50$

Easy bike in suburban Hanoi with our local rider

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Travel Blog

Discover Vietnam: A Memorable Journey from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi

Updated: September 18, 2024 Mi NGUYEN in Beautiful Vietnam 0 comment.

With over 1,700 km stretching across breathtaking landscapes and historic cities, this journey not only allows you to explore the most famous destinations but also offers an experience of the finest cultural nuances from all three regions of Vietnam.

Take a look at our tips below to ensure that your Ho chi Minh City to Hanoi journey (or vice versa) will be the most memorable.

1. Overview

Impression of Vietnam – Hanoi to Saigon Highlights Tour in 14 Days
A Glimpse of Vietnam – Travel from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City in 8 Days
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The journey from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi is a journey connecting the economic center with the capital of Vietnam. This is not just a travel route but an opportunity to explore the rich culture, history, and landscapes that stretch along the country. You won’t just experience one, but almost all the unique aspects of each region’s culture and scenery. For family travelers or couples who value comfort and safety, this is an ideal choice to both relax and explore.

2. Modes of Transportation from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi

There are many ways to travel between these two major cities, each offering a unique experience.

2.1. Traveling by Air

For those with limited time or wanting to save on travel duration, flying is the most popular option. The flight from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi takes about 2 hours, with several reputable airlines like Vietnam Airlines, Bamboo Airways, and VietJet Air offering services.

Flying is not only the fastest option but also ensures comfort for families with small children or elderly travelers. For those who prefer convenience and luxury, choosing a premium class like Business Class is ideal for experiencing top-notch service.

2.2. Traveling by Train

If you’re looking for a journey that combines cultural and historical experiences, traveling by train is an option not to be missed. The South – North train line, is a symbol tied to the history and development of the country. The train spans over 1,700 km, connecting Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, passing through famous destinations like Ninh Binh, Hue, and Da Nang , offering you stunning views of Vietnam.

Train Ho Chi Minh city to Hanoi

What makes this train trip special is the Vietnam Heritage Train – a journey that not only provides the chance to explore natural beauty but also offers a deeper understanding of the country’s culture and history. This train takes you through some of Vietnam’s most beautiful areas, connecting cities that house world heritage sites. Additionally, the train offers cultural and culinary experiences onboard, immersing you in Vietnam’s rich traditions.

Traveling by train gives you time to relax, enjoy the peaceful countryside scenery, and experience comfortable and convenient sleeper cabins, perfect for families and couples. It’s an excellent choice for those who want the journey itself to be part of their exploration.

2.3. Traveling by Bus or Car

For those who enjoy exploring each stop along the way, traveling by bus or private car is a worthwhile option. High-quality bus companies (Mai Linh, Phuong Trang) offer extended routes, with stops in major cities and notable areas along the way.

Traveling by bus allows you to stop at interesting locations such as Ninh Binh, Phong Nha, Hoi An, and Nha Trang to explore these destinations further. For families or groups of friends, renting a car with a private driver can provide more flexibility and comfort, allowing stops whenever desired for sightseeing.

3. Notable Stops on the Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi Journey

If you decide to undertake the journey by train or car, there are many interesting stops along the route from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City, each offering a unique experience.

3.1. Nha Trang

Diving: favorite activity on the island of Hon Mun.

For beach lovers, Nha Trang is the ideal choice for relaxation and water activities. With its long beaches, luxurious resorts, and rich marine ecosystem, Nha Trang promises wonderful moments of relaxation for families and couples.

3.2. Hoi An

Hoi An , another UNESCO World Heritage site, is one of Vietnam’s most charming destinations. The ancient town of Hoi An is famous for its well-preserved architecture, lanterns, and unique street food. Visitors can also take cooking classes or experience traditional culture such as Bai Choi.

Hue, the ancient capital of Vietnam, is home to many historical and cultural sites from the Nguyen Dynasty. Visitors can tour the Imperial Citadel, the royal tombs, and savor unique royal cuisine. This is the perfect stop for those interested in exploring history.

3.4. Ninh Binh

Located about 100 km from Hanoi, Ninh Binh is the first stop with its majestic natural landscapes and unique culture. Visitors can explore Trang An, a UNESCO World Heritage site, or take a boat ride to discover Tam Coc and its stunning limestone caves.

A boat trip to Mua Cave, Ninh Binh

4. Suggested Itineraries for the Journey from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi

4.1. 7-day itinerary.

For those with limited time but still wanting to explore Vietnam’s highlights, a 7-day itinerary might include:

Day 1: Ho Chi Minh City – Nha Trang: Relax on the beach and engage in water activities.
Day 2: Nha Trang – Hoi An: Stroll through the ancient town of Hoi An and release lanterns on the Hoai River.
Day 3-4: Hoi An – Hue: Explore the royal tombs and Imperial Citadel in Hue.
Day 5: Hue – Ninh Binh: Visit Trang An and Bai Dinh Pagoda.
Day 6: Ninh Binh – Hanoi: Discover Hanoi’s rich culture with visits to Hoan Kiem Lake, One Pillar Pagoda, and Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum.
Day 7: Hanoi: Enjoy a final day exploring the vibrant streets and historic sites of Vietnam’s capital.

4.2. 14-Day Itinerary

Hoi An Ancient Town, one of the notable stops on the journey from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi

For travelers who want to savor and explore destinations in more detail:

Day 1-2: Ho Chi Minh City: Explore the Reunification Palace, Notre Dame Cathedral, and bustling markets.
Day 3-4: Ho Chi Minh City – Nha Trang: Enjoy the beach and stay at a high-end resort.
Day 5-7: Nha Trang – Hoi An: Discover Hoi An’s ancient town, indulge in local cuisine, and experience the Lantern Festival.
Day 8-10: Hoi An – Hue: Dive into Hue’s history with visits to the Imperial Citadel and royal tombs, and relax at Lang Co Beach.
Day 11-12: Hue – Ninh Binh: Explore Trang An and Bai Dinh Pagoda.
Day 13-14: Ninh Binh – Hanoi: Conclude your journey with a thorough exploration of Hanoi, including Hoan Kiem Lake, One Pillar Pagoda, and Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum.

5. Must-Try Local Dishes

During your journey from North to South, don’t miss out on the local specialties of each region:

Hanoi: Bun Cha, Hanoi Pho , Egg Coffee.
Hue: Bun Bo Hue, Banh Beo, Hue Sweet Soup.
Hoi An: Cao Lau, Mi Quang, Hoi An Bread.
Ho Chi Minh City: Com Tam, Banh Mi, Hu Tieu.

Enjoy Pho specialty on the journey from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi

The journey from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi is a long one with countless beautiful sights and exciting experiences. To fully enjoy every moment without missing out on any highlights, it’s important to understand the destinations along the way.

Let the team at Paradise Travel, with nearly 20 years of experience, accompany you. We will provide personalized advice and create itineraries tailored to your preferences, ensuring a journey that is not only convenient but also unforgettable.

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Ho Chi Minh City

Hello everyone, I'm Mi NGUYEN - passionate about traveling and experiencing culture and history by visiting attractions. So I like to share my information with everyone about the places I visited. If you have any questions, leave a comment below so I can answer them for you!

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China & Vietnam: Chengdu to Hanoi

13 days, chengdu to hanoi.

Full itinerary
Tour details

Calling all adventure enthusiasts — this off-the-beaten-path, nearly two-week journey through China is the perfect way to dive into the heart of local life. Kick things off at the breathtaking Black Dragon Pool in Lijiang, then step back in time as you wander the thousand-year-old streets of Xizhou. Explore the hidden gems of Yunnan province, from Qing dynasty marvels near Jianshui to the jaw-dropping rice terraces of Yuanyang. Cross into Vietnam for a cultural deep dive with two immersive days in Sapa, before wrapping up your adventure in the buzzing streets of Hanoi. Two weeks, two countries, and endless unforgettable memories.

Chengdu to Hanoi

Is this tour for me, travel style: classic.

All of the highlights, culture, access, and I-can’t-believe-we-did-that moments, all at a great price.

Service Level: Standard

Comfortable tourist-class accommodations with character; mix of public and private transport.

Physical Rating: 3 - Average

Some tours may include light hiking, biking, rafting, or kayaking in addition to walking.

Trip Type: Small Group

Small group experience; Max 16, avg 14

Age requirement: 12+

All travellers under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

Check Your Visa Requirements

Before booking, use our handy entry requirements tool so you know which documents you need to enter and travel through the countries on your trip.

See how your trip uplifts communities

In a number of impactful ways, your adventure directly benefits the local people and places we visit.

Help us spread love around the world with Trees for Days. Together with Planeterra, we'll plant one tree in your name for every travel day.

Trees planted for this trip: 13

Map of the route for China & Vietnam: Chengdu to Hanoi

Places visited

Day 1 chengdu.

Welcome to China! Arrive at anytime and join your group and CEO for a Welcome Meeting. Then head out to visit the People's Park & Tianfu Square then opt to join your group for an optional dinner together.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Day 2 chengdu/lijiang.

Spend the morning free in Chengdu. Opt to visit the Giant Panda Breeding Center, visit the Wenshu Monastery or Kuanzhai Alley. Take an afternoon flight from Chengdu to Lijiang.

Day 3 Lijiang

After a morning orientation walk of Lijiang, visit the the Black dragon Pool and the spectacular views of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain above the marble bridge. Upon finishing the tour, head to Lijiang Old town to and explore the must see spots like The Giant Water Wheel, Wangu Tower and Lion Hill. Then enjoy a free evening. Opt to visit the Mufu Museum or grab dinner with your group.

Day 4 Lijiang/Shaxi

Drive to Shaxi Old Town first thing this morning and head out for a walking tour of this ancient, medieval town full of Buddhist culture. Visit the iconic spots of the town like the Old Market Square, the Old Theater, and Yujin Bridge. This afternoon, enjoy free time in this beautiful town. Opt to visit the Xingjiao Temple or the Ouyang Courtyard.

Day 5 Shaxi/Dali

We head to the next town this morning, the thousand year old village of Xizhou Old Town. Explore the well preserved architecture with a tour led by your CEO. Then after a bit of free time in Xizhou, drive to Dali. Head out for an orientation walk and to Dali Old Town. Join your group and CEO for dinner together at a local restaurant. On the way back to the hotel, admire the lanterns that light up this beautiful town at night.

Meals included:

This beautiful lakeside town is yours to do as you wish today! Opt to explore the Old Town, cycle around Dali town or Lake Erhai. Maybe visit the National Geological park of Cangshan Mountain on a hike or on the cable car. A local favorite is the Three Pagodas at Chongsheng Temple or you could learn the art of traditional Tie-Dying by the local Bai people. With so many options, the choice is yours!

Day 7 Dali/Kunming

Together we'll catch a morning train to Kunming, known as one of China's best natural phenomenons with all its waterfalls, lakes and karst formations. After an orientation walk of the town, opt to head to lunch to try the famous local rice noodle dish. This afternoon, visit the jaw dropping Kunming Flower Market, the largest flower market in all of Asia. Then head to the Green Lake (Cuihu) Park where not only will you see your first glimpse of this karst mountain, lake filled town, but you'll also witness locals dancing, singing and playing instruments during their leisure time.

Day 8 Kunming/Jianshui

China explorations await and its off to Jianshui. After an orientation walk, take an tour of the city. Visit the Xianghui Bridge, the Xianghui old train station, the Double Dragon Bridge, the Chaoyan Tower and the Zhu's Family Garden. Then enjoy a free evening.

Day 9 Jianshui/Yuanyang

Start the day with a tofu workshop and watch how the locals make this popular dish. Afterwards, drive toward Yuanyang to visit the impressive Yuanyang Rice Terraces, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and see the sunshine reflect off the carved out mountainside. We'll spend the day exploring this huge rice terrace from different viewpoints and do some gentle hiking through the greenery. This place is special to visit. In a country often associated with bustling, crowded and noisy cities, this picturesque and peaceful landscape will transport you to a whole new side of China.

Day 10 Yuanyang

Opt to rise early, and we recommend you do, to see the sun rise over the beautiful and peaceful Duoyishu Scenic Area. Take a short hike to the Pugao Old Village and see the local way of living. In the afternoon, we'll head to the main scenic area of the rice terrace with a chance to catch an epic sunset scene and meet some locals living in the field. Walk through Quan Fuzhuang to Bada platform and admire the incredible view.

Day 11 Yuanyang/Sa Pá

Say goodbye to China this morning and drive to Hekou Border to cross into Vietnam. Your Chinese CEO will help you get to immigration but will stay in China. You'll meet your new Vietnamese CEO once you cross through customs. After arrival into Vietnam drive to the beautiful mountain region of Sapa. The first stop is at the Muong Hoa Batik House for a painting experience with the local indigenous group, the Hmong people. Then we'll sit down together for an authentic and rustic hotpot dinner, a specialty of the Sapa regional cuisine.

Day 12 Sa Pá

With mountainside covered in lush green rice terraces, picturesque villages tucked away in the hills and a rich culture unique to this region, Sapa is a must visit, off the beaten path part of Vietnam. Today, spend the whole day trekking some of the best trails of the country. Hike through local villages, rice terraces and tea plantation. We'll stop part way on the trek to eat lunch at a local restaurant. After finishing the trek, head back to your hotel for the evening.

Day 13 Sa Pá/Hanoi

After breakfast at the hotel, we'll depart from Sapa this morning and drive to the bustling city of Hanoi. After a long drive, we'll leave our bags at the hotel. Then it's time to explore Hanoi and what better way than on the front of a cyclo. Have a seat as you zoom through Hanoi's lively Old Quarter. Your tour ends upon return to the hotel where your bags are being stored.

What's Included

Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
Your Hands-On Moment: Hmong Batik Workshop, Mương Hòa Ho
People's Park & Tianfu Square Visit in Chengdu
Lijiang Old Town Visit
Black Dragon Pool Park
Shaxi Walking Tour
Dali Old Town
, Dali Xizhou Old Town walking tour
Jianshui City Tour
Tofu Workshop
Gentle Hiking in Yuanyang Rice Terraces
Sapa 1-day Trekking Tour
Hanoi Cyclo Tour
Transport to and from included activities

Accommodations

Hotel (12 nts)

2 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 2 dinners Allow USD345-450 for meals not included.

Transportation

Private Vehicle, local train, walking.

Staff & experts

CEO (Chief Experience Officer) and local guides throughout

Make it a private tour

Book this tour as a private departure, with your own CEO and all the benefits of a G Adventures group tour.

IMAGES

Hanoi Train Street
Hanoi Train Street
Hanoi Train Street
2023 Hanoi Train Tour Half Day provided by Hanoi Tour Top
Hanoi Railway Tour
2023 Hanoi Train Tour Half Day provided by Hanoi Tour Top

VIDEO

Visiting the train cafe in Hanoi #vlog
Hanoi Train Street
HANOI
Hanoi Train Street #walkingtour #hanoi #hanoitrainstreet
Hello from Vietnam’s Hanoi Train Street 🇻🇳
Hanoi train street #hanoi #train #trainspotting #trainstreet #hanoitrainstreet #vietnam #travel

COMMENTS

The Ultimate Guide to Hanoi Train Street (Schedule, Cafes)
Hanoi Train Street (rough) schedule: Morning - 9:15, 11:20, 11:45 am. Afternoon - 3:20, 5:30, 6:00 pm. Evening - 7:00, 7:45, 8:30, 9:15, 10:00, 11:00 pm. Note that there might be change variations between weekdays and weekends. Also, please monitor local restrictions and obey police and local authorities. The first time we planned to see ...
THE 10 BEST Hanoi Rail Tours (with Prices)
4. Sapa Trekking Tour by Night Train from Hanoi 3 Nights - 2 days. 7. Rail Tours. 3 days. Discover the beautiful Sapa in Northwest Vietnam on a 2-day trekking tour (3-night: 1 night at Hotel in Sapa and 2 nights…. Free cancellation.
Hanoi Train Street
The train street certainly came into tourists' curiosity via many social network channels, that is the reason urging tourists on their Hanoi tours to hunt for it. The street is similar to the majority of the streets in Hanoi's old quarter which are mixed from the slim, tall buildings with the bustling and narrow streets.
How to visit Hanoi Train Street in 2024
Watch our experiences in Hanoi, including exploring the Old Quarter, visiting Train Street, and going on an epic food tour!. In this guide we're sharing everything you need to know to visit Hanoi Train Street. Including the different areas you can see the train from, current closures, how to avoid any closures, cafe options, the train schedule, and what to expect while there.
How to visit Hanoi Train Street: schedule, tips and how to get there
This Hanoi Train Street food tour covers the Old Quarter and Train Street Hanoi. This Hanoi hidden gems tour covers Train Street and some of the lesser known spots in Hanoi. A great walking tour option with Viator. This is a similar Hanoi train street and food tour combined, like the option above, but with Viator instead of GetYourGuide.
Hanoi Train Street Location + Tips and Tricks for Visiting
The tours combine a visit to the train street with a food tour or a city walk! Hanoi Train Street Schedule. Train Street 1 & 2 have different timetables FYI. The train schedule is really unreliable online and it's best to confirm at one of the cafes what the schedule is prior to your visit. Many of them have the schedule on a board in their ...
Hanoi's Train Street
Hanoi's Train Street Schedule. It's best to be well-informed about the train schedule passing through Hanoi's Train Street to capture the best photos and experiences. Monday to Friday: 6:00 AM, 7:00 PM, and 7:20 PM. Saturday and Sunday: 9:15 AM, 11:35 AM, 3:20 PM, 5:45 PM, 6:40 PM, 7:10 PM.
Hanoi City Half-Day Private Tour: Train Street And All Highlights
141. About. Unlock Vietnam's rich history in its capital and cultural center. Discover a few of Hanoi's most popular sights during this half-day highlights tour. Explore Hanoi's rich architecture and culture on a tour that fits all of the highlights into a half-day excursion perfect for busy travelers who have limited time in the city.
Hanoi Train Street Tour 2024
Hanoi strain street tour stands out for its focus on authenticity, cultural immersion, variety of locations, expert guides, interactive experiences, and the opportunity to explore hidden gems. It offers a unique way to delve into the rich coffee culture and vibrant street life of Hanoi.
Hanoi's Train Street: Tips on Visiting the Hanoi Train Street
Hanoi Walking Street Food Tour with Train-Street Visit; Hanoi Train Street Train Schedules. The train schedules can usually be found in the cafes along the train street. It is best to check for updates in train schedules before visiting - you can check with the cafe you are making a reservation for the latest timetables. ...
Hanoi's Train Street: A Heart-Stopping Adventure Through Local Life
South Train Street: Morning: 06:10 am, 08:00 am, 11:40 am. Afternoon: 12:10 pm, 03:30 pm. Evening: 07:10 pm, 07:30 pm, 07:50 pm, 09:10 pm. A Word of Caution: As awe-inspiring as it is, Hanoi's Train Street is not without its dangers. The train runs extremely close to the buildings, and there is limited space to move when it passes.
Hanoi City Half-Day Private Tour: Train Street And All Highlights
Hanoi, Northern Vietnam. 823. Free Cancellation. English. 12 hours 10 minutes. from $50.00. Half-day Tours in Hanoi: Check out 220 reviews and photos of Viator's Hanoi City Half-Day Private Tour: Train Street And All Highlights.
Hanoi: City Highlights Tour with Train Street & Hidden Gems
Explore Hanoi and see its highlights on a morning or afternoon city tour by van. Discover the famous destinations such as Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, and also the hidden corners around Hanoi like Ma May Ancient House, Hang Buom Culture and Arts Center, and most especially the Train Street. Begin your tour at the Ancient House and wonder at the old ...
Hanoi Train Street: A Complete Guide To Visiting
The Railway Hanoi. While many new cafes are popping up along the tracks, The Railway Hanoi is one of the originals. They have a wide range of drinks including cocktails and even sell banh mis, making them one of the few railway cafes to serve food. Address: 26/05A Trần Phú.
Unique Train Street Tour in Hanoi. Best Train Street Tour Hanoi 2024- 2025
Hanoi train day tour: 60$. Embark on an unforgettable trip, experiencing Hanoi's train ride as locals, discovering traditional temples and pagodas, and immersing yourself in the breathtaking countryside. It is a great experience to visit Hanoi train street and enjoy the street food adventure on foot or by motorbike. This is a must-do in Hanoi.
Top 10 Hanoi Tours 2024
Discover and book amazing Tours in Hanoi on Klook. Find great deals and discounts on packages with instant confirmation! Top Hanoi Tours. Klook's choice ... Instagram Incense Quang Phu Cau Village Tour & Train Street Ha Noi. Easy refund. Instant confirmation. Book now for tomorrow. 4.8 (213) 2K+ booked US$ 38.90 Sale. 9 off.
Hanoi City Half Day Private Tour: Hidden Corners & Train Street
Hanoi, Northern Vietnam. from $28.58. Special Offer. Private Hanoi Street Food Walking Tour With Real Foodie. from $33.23. $36.93 $3.70 savings. Full-Day Ninh Binh Highlights Tour from Hanoi. from $86.00. Half-day Tours in Hanoi: Check out 288 reviews and photos of Viator's Hanoi City Half Day Private Tour: Hidden Corners & Train Street.
Hanoi Train Street Tour
Hanoi Train Street Tour. "Tour from 5.30- 8.00 or 8.30- 10.30, or 14.30- 16.30 or 17.30- 19.30 or 20.00- 22.00″. 8:30, your tour guide will pick you up from your hotel located in the Old Quarter. From there, you will embark on a leisurely 30-45 minute walk through the hidden alleyways of the Old Quarter, passing by traditional shops and ...
Hanoi Trains
Your train will start from Hanoi Station, get to Hanoi Train Street, then Long Bien Station, Gia Lam Station before departing the city. Tourist Train Routes: These long-distance trains connect Hanoi with four prominent tourist provinces of Vietnam: Da Nang, Dong Hoi, Hue, and Sa Pa. Nature view from the train.
Hanoi Hoi An Train: Revel in an Amazing Travel Experience
Extended travel time: The Hanoi Hoi An train spans 15-17 hours, making it a lengthy option compared to the faster alternative of flying. Crowded conditions: Hanoi Hoi An train may become overcrowded, particularly during peak travel times, potentially reducing comfort and space for passengers who prefer a more relaxed experience.
Train travel in Vietnam
A guide to train travel in Vietnam with train times, fares & how to buy tickets online for trains between Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City or HCMC), Nha Trang, Danang, Hué, Hanoi, also Hanoi-Lao Cai (for Sapa & Kunming) and trains Hanoi to Hong Kong, Hanoi to Beijing, Hanoi to Kunming. Saigon to Hanoi by Reunification Express!
Hanoi Food Tour with Train Street Visit
Hanoi Food Tour with Train Street Visit. 4.9 / 5 1401 reviews. Certified by GetYourGuide. Activity provider: Crossing Vietnam Tour. Add to wishlist. +23. Taste some of the favorite daily food of the locals on a Hanoi walking tour. Grab a coffee along a railway track as you watch a train pass by, stroll through the streets, and spot hidden ...
Train Street Hanoi, Hanoi Train Street Tour, HanoiTrainStreet, TrainTour
Must visit Hanoi Train Street, unique experience is organized by TrainStreetTour.com or HanoiStreetStreetTour.com and HanoiTrainStreet. Skip to content. ... Hanoi biking tour: 50$ Easy bike in suburban Hanoi with our local rider. Tel/WhatsApp: +84 904 123 217. Email: [email protected].
Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi: Complete Journey to Explore Vietnam
The South - North train line, is a symbol tied to the history and development of the country. The train spans over 1,700 km, connecting Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, passing through famous destinations like Ninh Binh, Hue, and Da Nang, offering you stunning views of Vietnam.
China & Vietnam: Chengdu to Hanoi in China, Asia
Calling all adventure enthusiasts — this off-the-beaten-path, nearly two-week journey through China is the perfect way to dive into the heart of local life. Kick things off at the breathtaking Black Dragon Pool in Lijiang, then step back in time as you wander the thousand-year-old streets of Xizhou. Explore the hidden gems of Yunnan province, from Qing dynasty marvels near Jianshui to the ...