North-South Railway: Longest Train Journeys for Travel Lovers in Vietnam

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A Worthwhile Journey

Many international tourists in Vietnam, particularly young ones, have expressed interest in traveling by train in recent years. Among the different rail trips, there is one known as "the longest train in Vietnam", lasting up to 36 hours, or 1.5 days one way. Tourists have described the journey as: "Despite the long journey, it was extremely worthwhile." The train mentioned is the trans-Vietnam train, which runs from the north to the south of Vietnam.

The Reunification Express is also known as Vietnam's North-South railway and the country's longest train journey.

The North-South railway is more than just Vietnam's longest train, it is also seen as evidence of a magnificent historical period. On December 31, 1976, two Thong Nhat trains carrying the mission of reopening the North-South important railway officially left two stations at either end of the country Hanoi and Saigon.

Nowadays, the train leaves Hanoi and arrives in Ho Chi Minh City. This railway is approximately 1,730 kilometers long and passes through several cities and large cities, including Vinh, Hue, Da Nang, Quang Binh, and Quy Nhon. This railway runs alongside National Highway 1A and has 23 stations.

The magnificent landscapes are what make the journey spectacular. Many train lines pass through mountains, forests, and valleys, offering breathtaking views. Especially, the train can even operate on routes that other modes of transportation cannot.

The magnificent landscapes are what make the journey spectacular. (Photo: Lonely Planet)

As a result, tourists can get an up-close and personal look at Vietnam's hidden gems that are only accessible when they take the train. Furthermore, its relatively slow speed allows passengers to appreciate the stunning scenery outside while capturing photos or videos to recall the memorable moments they had throughout their Vietnam train journey.

"Taking the train is the fastest way to cross Vietnam without worrying about missing the mountains and sea of Vietnam. I can travel across passes, mountains, forests, tunnels, rivers, and seas. Only when I board the train do I realize how wonderful Vietnam is," shared Hanoi tourist Viet Tien.

Vietnam's distinctive terrain, with the coastal plains to the east and the Truong Son Mountains to the west, makes the scenery on the South-North main line particularly beautiful. There are times when the track mirrors the coast and the train passes within meters of the ocean; other times, the railway goes inland past colorful rice paddies with purple mountains in the background.

The coastal plains to the east make the scenery on the South-North main line particularly beautiful.

Long train travels in Vietnam provide a true sense of the country's size, scale, and geography. The train runs at a speed of 50-80kmph, allowing passengers to observe the surroundings in depth. Passengers can enjoy the journey by gazing out the window at an ocean vista, sitting at a wooden table in the dining car with a coffee as a monsoon shower passes over the train, or reclining in their seat, staring at a waterway winding into the mountains.

A Guide to Riding the Railways

Visitors can capture magnificent moments while the train moves at any time and from any location, provided that they do not disrupt other passengers or the staff on the train.

There are at least six trains every day in both directions on the North-South railway between Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi. The journey between the two cities takes more than 32 hours.

In addition, visitors can easily check schedules, times, and ticket prices by visiting the website vnr.com.vn of the Viet Nam Railway General Company or at any major train station.

Passengers can pick soft seats or sleeping beds with four or six beds. (Photo: Traveloka)

Passengers can pick soft seats or sleeping beds with four or six beds, depending on the conditions and their preferences. One-way ticket rates range from VND900,000 (US$35,40) to more than VND1,600,000 (US$62,94). Soft seat class tickets are the most affordable, while four-berth sleeper class tickets are the most expensive. As the train travel is long, every train car is fitted with cooling systems to ensure the comfort of passengers.

Other services, such as serving food and drinks or providing instruction from on-board officials, are also enjoyed by tourists. "Even though the train is old and noisy due to the overcrowding, the staff members are all friendly and pleasant. Food on the train is also reasonably priced, and the restrooms are clean. The room was cool, air-conditioned, and had plenty of blankets and pillows, as well as an electric plug,” added Tien.

The train usually departs early in the morning. (Photo: Tran Nhu Y/Facebook)

Currently, the official and easiest option to book tickets for Vietnam's longest train is to go straight to the Vietnam Railways portal. It is essential to book at least 2-3 weeks in advance to ensure you get the ticket class and seat you choose. The train usually departs early in the morning and arrives at the destination after dusk from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City, and vice versa for the return trip.

Lonely Planet names Vietnam’s north-south rail journey among world’s best Vietnam’s north-south railway is listed by the British travel guide, Lonely Planet, as one of 10 world’s ‘most amazing’ train journeys for 2019.

350-kg wartime bomb found near North-South rail line in Quang Binh The huge M117 bomb found near the rail line was removed on June 5