Top 7 Most Stunning Train Journeys in Vietnam | Luxury & Scenic Rail Travel Guide

Vietnam is a country best experienced slowly. Beyond flights and highways, train travel in Vietnam offers one of the most immersive ways to explore the country’s landscapes, culture, and history. From luxury overnight cabins to scenic coastal routes hugging dramatic cliffs, Vietnam’s railways are quietly becoming a highlight for travelers seeking comfort, romance, and authenticity.

In this guide, we’ll explore the most beautiful and iconic tourist train journeys in Vietnam, categorized by travel style — from luxury cross-country trains to short scenic rides and heritage railways — along with practical tips and suggested tours to help you plan a seamless rail-based journey.

1. Luxury Cross-Vietnam Trains (Premium Experience)

S Journey Train

Top 1- 🚆 S Journey by Vietravel (Hanoi ↔ Ho Chi Minh City)

Best for: Luxury travelers, honeymooners, slow-travel enthusiasts
Route: Hanoi – Ninh Binh – Hue – Da Nang – Hoi An – Nha Trang – Ho Chi Minh City

S Journey is Vietnam’s most luxurious long-distance train experience, designed to rival iconic rail journeys like the Orient Express.

Highlights:

• Private ensuite sleeper cabins with 5-star hotel standards
• Elegant Indochine-inspired interiors
• Fine dining featuring Vietnamese and Western cuisine
• Professional onboard service and guided excursions at each stop
• Carefully selected off-train experiences in heritage destinations

S Journey cabin

Instead of simply passing through, S Journey allows travelers to step off and explore Vietnam’s cultural heartlands — from the limestone landscapes of Ninh Binh to the ancient streets of Hoi An.

👉 We offer fully curated Vietnam rail tours that integrate S Journey with luxury hotels, local guides, and private transfers — ideal for travelers seeking a seamless, premium experience.

2. Comfortable Trains for Short & Medium Routes

Top 2- 🚆 Hoa Phuong Do (Red Flamboyant Train) – Hanoi ↔ Hai Phong

Best for: Short getaways, coastal add-ons, weekend trips
Travel time: ~2 hours

Launched as a modern tourism train, the Hoa Phuong Do Train connects Hanoi with the port city of Hai Phong — gateway to Cat Ba Island and Lan Ha Bay.

Key features:

• VIP carriages in Indochine style
• 180-degree rotating seats
• Complimentary drinks and onboard service
• Clean, modern, air-conditioned interiors

This route is perfect for travelers wanting a comfortable and scenic alternative to road transfers.

👉 Many of our Hanoi – Cat Ba – Lan Ha Bay tours include this train as a relaxed and stylish start to the journey.

Top 3- 🚆 Hanoi ↔ Lao Cai (Sapa Train)

Best for: Mountain lovers, trekking, ethnic culture
Travel time: Overnight (8–9 hours)

The train to Lao Cai, followed by a short road transfer to Sapa, remains one of Vietnam’s most popular rail journeys.

Options available:

• Standard sleeper cabins (Vietnam Railways)
• Upgraded tourist carriages with better bedding and décor
• Premium private operators offering boutique-style cabins

Waking up to misty mountains and terraced rice fields makes this journey a favorite among first-time visitors.

👉 Our Sapa rail tours combine overnight trains with boutique lodges, guided trekking, and cultural village visits.

3. Scenic Railway Routes (Unforgettable Views)

Top 4- 🌊 Hue ↔ Da Nang – Hai Van Pass (Vietnam Railways)

Best for: Photography, coastal scenery, slow travel
Travel time: ~3 hours

Often described as the most scenic train ride in Southeast Asia, this route runs along cliffs overlooking the East Sea, crossing the legendary Hai Van Pass.

What makes it special:

• Panoramic ocean views
• Lush mountains and secluded beaches
• Historic tunnels and dramatic curves

Tip: Sit on the left side when traveling from Hue to Da Nang for the best views.

👉 This train is a highlight in our Central Vietnam heritage tours, connecting Hue, Da Nang, and Hoi An.

Top 5- 🚆 Da Nang ↔ Quy Nhon – The Vietage by Anantara

Best for: Ultra-luxury travelers, special occasions
Travel time: ~6 hours

The Vietage is not just a train — it’s a five-star rail experience.

Features include:

• Private booths with personal attendants
• Fine dining and premium wines
• Lounge-style seating with panoramic windows
• Spa-inspired ambiance

Running along Vietnam’s untouched coastline, this journey pairs perfectly with stays at Anantara resorts in Quy Nhon.

👉 We offer exclusive coastal luxury itineraries combining The Vietage with beach resorts and cultural experiences.

4. Heritage & Sightseeing Trains

Top 6- 🚂 Dalat Vintage Train (Dalat Station ↔ Trai Mat)

Best for: Leisure travelers, families, photographers
Travel time: ~30 minutes

Dalat’s historic railway station is one of the most beautiful colonial-era stations in Vietnam. The restored vintage train offers a short but charming ride through pine forests and countryside.

Highlights:

• Wooden carriages with retro charm
• Scenic countryside views
• Visit to Linh Phuoc Pagoda at Trai Mat

This experience is more about nostalgia and atmosphere than transportation.

👉 Often included as a gentle add-on in our Dalat highland tours.

Top 7- 🚆 “Five Inner Gates” Sightseeing Train (Hanoi)

Best for: City explorers, culture lovers

This short sightseeing train loops through central Hanoi, offering a unique perspective on the Old Quarter, passing historic districts linked to the city’s ancient gates.

It’s a relaxed way to see Hanoi beyond walking tours, especially for travelers short on time.

Practical Tips for Train Travel in Vietnam

• 🎟️ Book early, especially for luxury and scenic routes
• 🧳 Pack light — cabins are compact
• 🕰️ Trains may run slightly behind schedule (part of the charm!)
• 🪟 Choose window seats where possible
• 📸 Keep your camera ready — scenery changes quickly

Why Choose Train Travel in Vietnam?

For international travelers, especially from English-speaking countries, trains offer several advantages:

• 🌿 Slow travel & sustainability – lower carbon footprint than flying
• 🪟 Unmatched scenery – mountains, rice fields, coastline, and villages
• 🛏️ Comfort & safety – modern cabins, sleeper options, onboard service
• 📍 City-center to city-center routes – no airport transfers needed
• 💼 Ideal for curated tours combining rail, hotels, and local experiences

Vietnam’s railway system may not be the fastest, but it is increasingly one of the most memorable ways to travel. 

Combining Train Journeys with Lotus Charm Travel Tours

Train travel works best when combined with professionally designed itineraries, especially for international travelers unfamiliar with logistics.

Our curated Vietnam tours:

• 15-Day across Vietnam 👈 Try the Cross Vietnam Train
• 6- Day Discover Northern Vietnam 👈 Try the Sapa Train
• 7- Day In Central Vietnam 👈 Try the Hue- Da Nang route

Whether you dream of crossing Vietnam in style or enjoying a scenic coastal ride, train travel adds depth, romance, and authenticity to your journey.

Vietnam’s railways are more than transportation — they are a travel experience in themselves. From luxury sleepers to breathtaking coastal routes and heritage trains, these journeys reveal Vietnam at a slower, more meaningful pace.

If you’re planning a trip to Vietnam and want to experience the country beyond the usual paths, consider letting the train lead the way.

✨ Feel free to reach out if you’d like us to design a Vietnam itinerary that includes these unforgettable train journeys.