Endless Discovery Travel in Vietnam: An 8-Day Luxury Rail Journey with SJourney

Vietnam is a land of contrasts, ancient yet modern, tranquil yet vibrant, deeply traditional yet constantly evolving. To truly understand this country, rushing from one destination to another is never enough. Endless discovery travel is about slowing down, allowing stories to unfold naturally, and experiencing Vietnam not as a checklist, but as a living narrative.

SJourney’s 8-day, 7-night Vietnam endless discovery travel itinerary offers exactly that. Traveling by luxury train from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City (or vice versa), this curated journey connects Vietnam’s most iconic regions while preserving comfort, authenticity, and a sense of timeless elegance.

Overview: An Endless Discovery Travel Experience Across Vietnam

SJourney’s 8-day expedition is designed for travelers who seek depth over speed and meaning over mass tourism. More than a simple rail journey, it is a carefully woven narrative that moves through Vietnam’s geography, history, and culture.

Each destination reveals a new chapter:

• Hanoi, where tradition and modernity coexist
• Ninh Binh, shaped by ancient dynasties and dramatic karsts
• Quang Binh, home to subterranean wonders
• Hue, the last imperial capital of Vietnam
• Hoi An, a crossroads of Southeast Asian trade
• Phu Yen, a quiet and untouched coastal region of Vietnam
• Phan Thiet, where Cham heritage still lingers
• Ho Chi Minh City, the vibrant heart of modern Vietnam

Through this endless discovery travel experience, Vietnam unfolds slowly, seen from train windows, felt through local encounters, and tasted in thoughtfully curated cuisine.

Vietnam Endless Discovery Travel Itinerary by Luxury Train

Day 01: Hanoi – Twilight Embarkation | The Journey Begins

Your endless discovery travel in Vietnam begins in Hanoi, the nation’s historic capital. In the late afternoon, enjoy VIP lounge access at Gia Lam Station, where SJourney’s refined hospitality sets the tone for the days ahead.

As evening falls, board the opulent SJourney train and settle into your private cabin. A welcome celebration dinner is served as the train crosses the legendary Long Bien Bridge, an enduring symbol of Hanoi’s past. 

>> Discover more: The BEST Hanoi Private Tour by Train: A Luxury Journey Through Northern Vietnam

Day 02: Ninh Binh – Echoes of Dynasties and Limestone Dreams

Awaken to your first morning aboard the train, where breakfast is served as rural Vietnam glides past your window.

Arriving in Ninh Binh, often called “Ha Long Bay on land,” you embark on a sampan journey through several destinations:

• Trang An Landscape Complex: a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Limestone karsts rise dramatically from emerald waters, creating a dreamlike setting of caves and valleys.
• Hoa Lu: Vietnam’s first capital. Here, ancient temples dedicated to the Dinh and Le dynasties stand quietly, preserving the legacy of early Vietnamese statehood.
• After lunch and afternoon tea onboard, the train continues its southward course toward Vinh, carrying with it echoes of Vietnam’s earliest dynasties.

Day 03: Quang Binh – Subterranean Wonders and Culinary Alchemy

Quang Binh is where Vietnam’s endless discovery travel turns inward, beneath the earth itself.

• Explore Phong Nha–Ke Bang National Park, a UNESCO-listed natural wonder known for its ancient karst formations. 
• A peaceful boat ride along the Son River leads you into Phong Nha Cave, where a subterranean river winds through chambers sculpted over millions of years. 
• In the afternoon, return to the train for relaxation.
• In the evening, enjoy a home-style dinner in the countryside, surrounded by rice paddies. Guests may also join an optional Vietnamese cooking demonstration, transforming simple local ingredients into meaningful culinary memories.

Day 04: Hue – Imperial Whispers of Vietnam’s Last Empire

Once the seat of power for the Nguyen Dynasty, Hue is the spiritual and historical heart of central Vietnam.

• Imperial Citadel: where towering ramparts, royal palaces, and sacred temples recall the grandeur of Vietnam’s last empire.
• Tu Duc Mausoleum: a poetic retreat surrounded by pine trees and reflective lakes, a place designed for contemplation rather than display. 
• Hue’s Incense Village: where artisans preserve centuries-old craft traditions.
• After a refined lunch inspired by royal Hue cuisine, return to the train. 
• The rail way passes the shimmering beauty of Lang Co Lagoon, offering one of the most scenic moments of the entire journey.

>> Discover more: The BEST Hue Private Tour by Train: Discover the Last Imperial Capital of Vietnam with SJourney

Day 05: Hoi An – Ancient Merchant Hub of Southeast Asia

Your endless discovery travel in Vietnam reaches Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage town once at the center of international maritime trade.

• The iconic Hai Van Pass: the landscape opens to emerald rice fields and gentle rivers. 
• Au Lac Wood Art: where traditional woodblock painting is preserved.
• Thanh Ha Pottery Village: known for centuries-old ceramic techniques.
• Enjoy a warm home-hosted lunch before exploring Hoi An Ancient Town. 
• Highlights include the local market, Phuc Kien Chinese Assembly Hall, ancient merchant houses, and the famous Japanese Covered Bridge.

Day 06: Phu Yen – A Voyage into Coastal Serenity

Often overlooked by mainstream tourism, Phu Yen embodies the quiet beauty of Vietnam’s coastline.

• Mang Lang Church: a striking example of Gothic architecture standing gracefully for over a century. 
• Phu Tan Mat Weaving Village: where artisans transform natural rush grass into colorful mats using techniques passed down through generations.
• A coastal lunch showcases fresh seafood prepared with local simplicity. In the afternoon, return to the train for rest and reflection as the journey continues toward Binh Thuan, offering uninterrupted views of Vietnam’s countryside.

Day 07: Phan Thiet – Explore the Ancient Chams Culture

Phan Thiet reveals a lesser-known chapter of Vietnam’s cultural tapestry, the legacy of the Cham civilization.

• Ta Cu Mountain: discover Linh Son Truong Tho Pagoda, offering panoramic views over the region. 
• Fish Sauce Museum: where Vietnam’s most essential ingredient comes to life through centuries-old traditions.
• After an oceanfront lunch and relaxation onboard, the day concludes at the ancient Poshanu Tower. Under the evening sky, enjoy a farewell dinner surrounded by Cham architecture, a powerful reminder of Vietnam’s cultural diversity.

Day 08: Ho Chi Minh City – Return to Modern Life

Arriving in Ho Chi Minh City at 5:00 AM, enjoy a final breakfast onboard until 8:30 AM. Check-out at 9:00 AM, followed by private transfer to your hotel or Tan Son Nhat International Airport.

Your endless discovery travel through Vietnam comes to a close, not as an ending, but as a collection of memories that linger long after the journey ends.

>> Discover more: Ho Chi Minh City Private Tour | An Authentic & Effortless Way to Discover Saigon

What’s Included in the Endless Discovery Travel Package

Inclusions

• Accommodation: 7 nights onboard in private double or twin cabins with en-suite bathrooms
• Dining: All meals onboard plus authentic local dining during excursions
• Beverages: Complimentary soft drinks, beer, and house wine; tea and coffee onboard
• Service: Dedicated cabin attendants, tour management team, private transfers
• Excursions: Guided tours with English-speaking local guides and entrance fees
• VAT and service charges included

Exclusions

• Flights and visa fees
• Travel insurance
• Personal expenses
• Additional transfers outside the program
• Pre- and post-tour arrangements (if required)
  

2026 Departure Dates and Prices

Public Rate (Per Person)

• • Travel period: January 01 – December 31, 2025
  • Travel period: January 01 – December 31, 2026

• Price: USD 9,890 / person

Applicable for both Hanoi – Ho Chi Minh City and Ho Chi Minh City – Hanoi routes.

Hanoi → Ho Chi Minh City (17 departures)

Ho Chi Minh City → Hanoi (7 departures)

>> Create unforgettable moments with SJourney on board our luxury train. Reserve your seat early for exclusive benefits. Book directly with SJourney HERE.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who books international flights?
We recommend booking flights through your tour operator or travel agent. Flights should ideally be refundable and booked no more than three months before departure.

How does check-in work?
Guests are picked up between 4:30–5:30 PM and escorted to the VIP lounge before boarding. Luggage is delivered directly to cabins.

Are there other itineraries?
Yes. SJourney offers shorter journeys and reverse routes from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi.

What about weather in Vietnam?
Vietnam spans three climate zones. Checking regional forecasts before departure ensures optimal packing and comfort.

What should I wear?
Smart casual during the day; formal attire for dinner onboard. Comfortable clothing and sun protection are recommended for excursions.

Conclusion

Vietnam is not meant to be rushed. Its stories unfold slowly, revealed through landscapes, flavors, and human connection. Endless discovery travel in Vietnam with SJourney transforms a rail journey into a deeply personal experience, where luxury enhances authenticity, and every destination adds depth rather than distance.

This 8-day journey is an invitation to travel differently: to pause, to reflect, and to discover Vietnam not just as a destination, but as a living, breathing story. Contact us today.

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SJourney

Hotline (Phone/whatsapp): +84-975-119-466

Email: inquiry@vietnamluxuryexpress.com

Head office: No. 15/52 Giang Van Minh, Ba Dinh, Hanoi

Travel Story Team

The Travel Story Team is the editorial group behind Vietnam Luxury Express — passionate storytellers and travel enthusiasts dedicated to sharing the art of luxury train journeys across Vietnam.