Embarking on a Vietnam Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh train journey is an extraordinary way to experience the diverse landscapes and rich cultural heritage of this S-shaped nation. This comprehensive guide will take you through everything you need to know about this iconic rail route, from its historical significance to the luxurious modern offerings available in 2025.

Taking on a train journey across Vietnam – through Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City is an extraordinary experience for any customer visiting this S-shaped nation. From the capital in the North to the most developed city in the South, you can truly see the diverse landscapes along the way, as well as the rich and beautiful cultural heritage that each city during the trip has to offer.

Tag along with us on the guide to traverse across Vietnam – Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City by train, and discover the beauty and tranquility of our nation through every step of the journey. From the emergence of the route to the advantages of this cross-country journey, along with the steps on how to choose and book the best train line, this guideline will assist you on your unforgettable trip.

I. Emergence of the Vietnam Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh Train

The Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City train journey has a long history, dating way back to the early 20th century – during the French colonization of Vietnam. The original North-South railway line was completed as one of the ambitious targets of the French to connect and dominate the whole nation.

After all the hardships and challenges, the railway routes connecting Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City have now been booming in customers. Though airplanes are not too difficult to approach and much faster to travel, the sophisticated demands of modern passengers on a slow, enjoyable journey with picturesque sceneries and immersive cultural experiences outweigh completely when it comes to self-indulgence.

As a result, cross-country trains in the past few years have been equipped with multiple utilities that meet the hotel standards, with technical appliances and beddings are staples. Some of them even have clinics, spas, and bars, combining the beauty of the past and the present like the SJourney train lines. For more information, please visit SJourney – The First Luxury Cross-Nation Train in Vietnam.

II. Advantages of traveling from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City by train

1. Immersive Vietnamese cultures and sceneries

Train travel from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City allows passengers to have the opportunity to admire the country from a truly unique perspective of Vietnam – in culture. Some train trips nowadays are currently offering the experience of locals. You can join in a meet-and-greet session with the natives, try out all the local food, or purchase exclusive gifts that represent Vietnamese culture.

Moreover, scenery is one of the most important criteria that customers demand when taking trains from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City. And these railway trips won’t let any customer feel disappointed. A slow travel with the best train trip will feature a lot of scenic views, including mountains, seas, fields, villages, and coastlines.

2. Quality interiors and foods

When it comes to interior design inside Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City train lines in Vietnam, diversity and inclusion are the keys. The designs and interiors heavily embody the immersive culture, however, this may vary from each line of train. From modern infrastructure that resembles the development of Vietnam to traditional artwork and furniture, you will be captivated by all the harmony inside these trains.

The culinary experience also stands out as one of the highlights inside the cross-nation trains. With the onboard kitchen, passengers can enjoy immersive dining experiences like the locals or savor top-quality Western meals. Whether a lavish feast or a delightful snack, these trains offer a variety of selections to satisfy every taste.

3. Hospitable and thorough services

Filled with hospitality and professionalism, Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City trains offer services that can be compared with brick-and-mortar hotels in Vietnam. As a passenger, you will receive the utmost attention from the local staff, with high-quality options for assistance. Moreover, the onboard utilities will accommodate the likings of customers.

You can spoil yourself with relaxing sessions exclusively from each train journey and enjoy delicious meals inside the train’s restaurants. As you gaze out the window with a book or a glass of wine in hand, the scenery will reveal captivating mountains, coastlines and even modern skyscrapers to make your cross-nation train trip fulfilled.

III. Choosing the best Vietnam Train Lines from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City

1. Professional’s guide on the most immersive Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City train route in Vietnam: SJourney

a. Introduction

SJourney offers customers a diverse and immersive railway experience. This luxury train line can provide everything for passengers – from traditional Indochinese artwork to modern Western-style bars – as well as high-class interiors and captivating outdoor landscapes to indulge in.

Being one of the most scenic and captivating train rides in Vietnam and the first luxury Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City train line – and vice versa, travelers will be thrilled by the stunning surroundings, warm hospitality from local hosts, and a variety of 5-star services as well as dining options throughout the journey.

b. Onboard experiences

Stepping inside the carriage of SJourney is like entering a whole different world. Each corner inside the carriages tributes to the tranquility of the heritage, offering an exotic, yet graceful journey that transcends through time. Following the concept of the bygone Indochine, you can have everything in a single trip: fine-dining restaurants, lounge cars, spa sessions, and a medical clinic – all serving the purpose of safe, slow, and luxury travel.

SJourney offers 2 types of room cabins for passengers to choose from based on preferences: The twin and the double. Each cabin will be fully equipped with a bedding set, a table and chair set, a room-size bar counter, a wardrobe with shoe corners, storage space, and private bathrooms – with toiletries included.

c. Offboard experiences

You will have a full-on experience with an 8-day, 7-night travel course – this will help you understand everything about Vietnam. The train tour will begin in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City – depending on which city you are currently residing in. Each city will be a journey of history and society, harmonizing with modern experiences from local and cultural events.

Take a look at the example of the Ho Chi Minh City – Hanoi train trip:

1st Day: SJourney’s trains depart on Wednesday in Ho Chi Minh City, with a warm welcome party and exclusive dinner to serve as a starter for the trip.
2nd Day: The first cultural main course is when you arrive in Phan Thiet City. Here, you will have the opportunity to ride through dunes, blend into culture and tranquility, and indulge yourself in classical events at Poshanu Tower and Fish Sauce Museum.
3rd Day: Sea life is the main theme after reaching the second cultural course: Nha Trang. Onboarding the Emperor Cruise across Nha Trang Bay, with all the different sceneries, you will find yourself sinking in the perfect harmony of beaches, cultures, and people.
4th Day: A new adventure unfolds in Hoi An – where the calm scenery of Cam Kim Island, the uniqueness of the Japanese Covered Bridge, and the hustle-and-bustle atmosphere will pull you on an exciting yet peaceful rollercoaster.
5th Day: Arrived in Hue, you will have the chance to taste the feeling of royalty. The Imperial Citadel of Hue and Ben Xuan Garden House will act as the highlights, and other experiences on the outskirts will be the spice for the whole cultural dish.
6th Day: The next cultural course appears when you reach Quang Binh Province. Here, the Phong Nha Cave and Nuoc Mooc Spring will enchant everybody with their beauty and tranquility.
7th Day: The last cultural course arrives in Ninh Binh – with UNESCO-recognized Trang An’s Scenic Complex, Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, and Tam Coc – Bich Dong as the main dishes.
8th Day: The finest dessert lies in the last destination: Hanoi. You will have a light yet blissful breakfast before bidding farewell to the journey.

d. How to book

You can send us a message on the online form here: Vietnam Luxury Express – Booking Form; or you can contact us directly via these channels:

Head office: No.5 Lot 1C Trung Yen 11, Yen Hoa Street, Cau Giay District, Hanoi Capital, Vietnam
Email: [email protected]
Hotline 24/7: +84 975 119 466

Reserve a seat in our 2025 train tours with a 1000 USD deposit, along with a free 2-days, 1-night pre or post-trip stay now! This limited-time offer ends on 30th June, so don’t miss this opportunity to experience the most fulfilling journey of your life.

2. Other tips on how to choose the best train line

Choosing the best Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City train lines can be hectic sometimes, due to a variety of train lines operating in Vietnam, all having special services and treatments. Therefore, here are some criteria for you to narrow down the selection of cross-nation train carriages, which in turn can help you choose the best train line across Vietnam:

You should book a ticket in advance, preferably 2-3 months earlier. Therefore you can have time to choose the train car that suits your preferences.
Looking for the departure/arrival times can help you in your overall travel plans across Vietnam.
Discount programs are highly preferred, so if you are on a tight budget, this is your priority.
Check the train status online before the trip in order to avoid cancellations and delays.
Make sure the train carriage has enough amenities you need.
Reviews and ratings are essential, as this will more or less affect your Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City train journey.

Whether you are seeking an experience of a slow journey in Vietnam or just traveling for the destination only, train trips from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City will always cater to your interest. Moreover, by booking a train trip across the nation, the opportunity to interact with locals, savor the greatness of cuisine, and indulge yourself in culture should be endless.