The Reunification Express
The Reunification Railway (Đường sắt Thống Nhất) connects Hanoi with Ho Chi Minh City over 1,726 km. The journey takes 33–36 hours — no one travels the entire route in one go, but sections are an unforgettable experience.
The Best Sections
| Route | Duration | Price (Soft Sleeper) | Highlight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Huế → Đà Nẵng | 2.5–3h | ~10€ | Hải-Vân Pass, coastal panorama |
| Hanoi → Huế | 13–14h (night train) | ~25€ | Sleep at night, arrive in Huế in the morning |
| Đà Nẵng → Ninh Bình | 15–16h | ~28€ | Through the entire country |
| HCMC → Nha Trang | 7–8h | ~18€ | Coastal landscape |
| Hanoi → Lào Cai (Sapa) | 8–9h (night train) | ~20€ | Wake up in the mountains |
Classes
- Hard Seat: Wooden seats, cheap, uncomfortable, authentic. Only for short distances.
- Soft Seat: Padded seats with air conditioning. Suitable for daytime journeys up to 6h.
- Hard Sleeper: 6-bed compartments stacked. The upper berth is the cheapest (and tightest). Good for night trains.
- Soft Sleeper: 4-bed compartments with a lockable door. The best option for night trains. Bedding, blanket, and pillow included.
Booking
Online via 12go.asia or baolau.com (extra charge, but English-speaking and reliable) or directly at the station (cheaper, but only in Vietnamese). Popular routes are fully booked days in advance during high season!
💡 Tipp
The route Huế → Đà Nẵng is the most beautiful train journey in Vietnam — the train winds over the Hải-Vân Pass directly along the sea. Sit on the right side (southbound) for the best view. A soft seat is perfectly sufficient here.
