Train Ticket

Vietnam Railways came into being with the construction of the first railway route between Saigon and Mytho in 1881. Four years later, the first train ran from Saigon to Mytho on 20 July,1885.

In 1882 - 1936 period, one meter-gauge French-based technology was constructed and main railway network was formed. During the two wars against French and American, Vietnam railway network was seriously damaged. After the final liberation of the South, since 1976, with great support of China and Soviet Union and other country in Eastern Block, Vietnam railway network has been much rehabilitated, especially on North - South railway route. Since the implementation of total reform in 1989, Vietnam Railways sector has upgraded and modernized railway network so that railway sector becomes a leading transport sector in Vietnam, positively contributes to the economic growth of the country and integrates into Asian railway.

With more than 2600 km along the coastline, Vietnam railway network is like a soft silky band stretching all through the length of the nation, crossing immense rice fields, boundless primitive forests, unique ethnic villages which are still marked with wild features, very white sand stripes seeming endless of the Central coast line with all year round wind blowing and excessive golden sunshine together with ancient Cham towers lying quietly with the time.

Most tourists traveling to Vietnam utilize train as the main means of transportation. A pleasant train trip offers travelers not only a chance to enjoy the beautiful landscape with an overview of Vietnam but also the chance to interact with local Vietnamese, "the friendliest people you have never met in your life". (Lonely Planet Guide to Vietnam)

  • Vietnamese trains have seven types of accommodation:
  • Soft class 4-berth sleepers - air-conditioned
  • Soft class 4-berth sleepers - without air-conditioning
  • Hard class 6-berth sleepers - air-conditioned
  • Hard class 6-berth sleepers - without air-conditioning
  • Air-conditioned soft class reclining seats
  • Ordinary soft class seats
  • Hard class seats

The best and fastest train in Vietnam is train E1 (Southbound) / E2 (Northbound) introduced in 2002 (pictured above - photo courtesy of Willy Kaemena). This train uses the most modern rolling stock, with large picture windows unobstructed by the wire mesh that protects most other trains' windows from stones. Choose this train if you can, but it's proving very popular, and it's often difficult to get berths on unless you book well in advance.

The second best train in Vietnam is train S1 (Southbound) / S2 (Northbound), pictured below left. The S1/S2 coaches are all refurbished and painted red whereas most other Vietnamese trains are green. The next best train is the S3 / S4. Each of these trains has a full range of classes of accommodation. Other trains generally use rolling stock that is much older.

  • Hanoi - Hue - Hanoi
  • Hanoi - Da Nang - Hanoi ***
  • Da nang - Nha Trang - Da Nang
  • Da Nang - Ho Chi Minh - Da Nang ***
  • Nha Trang - Ho Chi Minh - Nha Trang ***
  • Hanoi - Ho Chi Minh - Ha Noi ***
  • Hanoi - Sapa - Hanoi
Train NameType of birthOne wayReturn
Livitrans expressVip class120220
First class with wooden cabin- 4 berths AC soft sleeper3570
Second class cabin - 6 berths AC soft sleeper2550
Fansipan ExpressVIP class - 4 berths AC soft sleeper4080
Tulico TrainVIP class - 2 berths (only 1 VIP available) AC soft sleeper60120
First class with wooden cabin- 4 berths AC soft sleeper50100
Second class cabin - 4 berths AC soft sleeper3060
King ExpressDeluxe class - 2 berths AC soft sleeper60120
Superior with wooden cabin- 4 berths AC soft sleeper50100
Economy class cabin - 4 berths AC soft sleeper3060
TSC TrainFirst class with wooden cabin- 4 berths AC soft sleeper3060
Second class cabin - 4 berths AC soft sleeper3060
RoyalRoyal AC soft sleeper - 4 berths 2550
FriendlyFriendly AC soft sleeper - 4 berths 2550
RattracoRattraco AC soft sleeper - 4 berths 2550