Travelling through Vietnam by train is one of the most atmospheric and memorable ways to see the country.
The route from Hanoi to Hue and Da Nang runs along the coast, through green rice fields, fishing villages, and tropical mountains. It’s a journey where time slows down — ideal for travellers who love to watch the world drift by from a window seat.
🇻🇳 The Reunification Express
The train connecting Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City is often called the Reunification Express — a symbol of the country’s unity after the war.
Although the entire journey takes more than 30 hours, most travellers choose just one segment — for example, Hanoi → Hue → Da Nang, which offers the most scenic stretch of the route.
Tickets are easy to buy online or at the station. Trains in Vietnam are simple but comfortable: soft-sleeper cabins, clean bedding, air conditioning, and a small table by the window. There’s no need to rush — this is travel the slow, mindful way.
🏙 Hanoi — The Starting Point
Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, is a mix of colonial architecture, narrow streets, and endless motorbikes.
Before heading south, spend at least a day wandering around the Old Quarter, tasting pho and egg coffee, and visiting Hoan Kiem Lake — the heart of the city.
At Hanoi Railway Station, time seems to have stopped. The yellow-painted building, fans slowly turning under the ceiling, the sound of announcements in Vietnamese — it’s all part of the charm.
When your train departs in the evening, the city lights fade behind you, and soon the carriage is surrounded by the dark, warm air of the Vietnamese night.
🌅 Hue — Imperial Calm
In the morning, the train rolls into Hue, the former imperial capital of Vietnam. The city is quiet and elegant, with wide streets and the Perfume River flowing through its centre.
Spend the day exploring the Imperial Citadel, once home to emperors of the Nguyen dynasty, and visit the Thien Mu Pagoda, standing on a hill above the river.
Hue is known for its refined cuisine — try bun bo Hue, a rich, spicy noodle soup that’s famous all over the country.
The atmosphere here is serene and timeless. Locals move slowly, the river glimmers in the heat, and time feels unhurried — just like your train journey.
Hue — Da Nang: The Legendary Hai Van Pass
The most beautiful part of the train journey lies between Hue and Da Nang.
The train winds its way through the legendary Hai Van Pass, whose name means “Ocean Clouds.”
On one side are green mountains, on the other — the sea, with mist curling around the cliffs.
At times, it feels as if the train is gliding right through the clouds.
💡 Tip: For the best photos, sit by the left-hand window if you’re traveling from Hue to Da Nang.
Fun Fact about the Hai Van Pass
The pass marks the natural border between northern and southern Vietnam.
The weather often changes dramatically here — sunshine on one side, fog and cool air on the other.
🌊 Da Nang — Sea and Modern Life
The next morning, the train continues south toward Da Nang.
This part of the route is considered one of the most beautiful rail journeys in Asia. The tracks wind along cliffs above the turquoise sea, through tunnels and forests, offering views you’ll never forget.
When the train finally arrives in Da Nang, you step into a completely different Vietnam — modern, lively, and open to the ocean.
Relax on My Khe Beach, explore Marble Mountains, or take a short ride to the charming town of Hoi An, just 30 km away.
Da Nang combines everything travellers love: sea breeze, city life, and easy access to Vietnam’s central coast. It’s the perfect place to end your journey — or continue south toward Nha Trang or Ho Chi Minh City.
🗺️ Travel Itinerary
Route:
Hanoi (5 days) → Reunification Express Train (SE3) → Hue (2 days) → Train → Da Nang (7 days)
📍 Main Stops:
- Hanoi — Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem Lake, Temple of Literature, motorbike trip to the nearby mountains
- Hue — Imperial Citadel, Thien Mu Pagoda, Perfume River
- Da Nang — My Khe Beach, Marble Mountains, Lady Buddha, Dragon Bridge, Ba Na Hills
💡 Practical Tips
- Tickets: Buy online via official railway websites or trusted platforms like 12Go.Asia.
- Seat types: Choose a soft sleeper for long distances — more privacy and comfort.
- Timing: Hanoi → Hue takes around 13–14 hours; Hue → Da Nang about 2.5 hours.
- Food: Bring snacks, though simple meals and drinks are sold on board.
- Windows: Sit on the left side (heading south) for the best sea views.
✨ Why Travel by Train in Vietnam
Travelling by train through Vietnam is more than just a way to get from one place to another — it’s part of the experience.
You watch the countryside unfold: farmers working in the fields, children waving near the tracks, the scent of rain and wood drifting through open windows.
It’s the rhythm of the journey that makes it special — slow, steady, and beautifully human.
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Useful Links
Vietnam Railways (dsvn.vn) — official website for purchasing train tickets in Vietnam
https://visithue.vn — official tourism website of Hue City
