Vietnam, with its varied landscapes ranging from dramatic mountains to idyllic beaches, offers some of the most breathtaking train journeys in Southeast Asia. Traveling by train is not only a comfortable and scenic way to explore the country but also allows travelers to experience its diverse terrain, from lush rice paddies to towering peaks. Whether you’re an avid photographer or a traveler seeking tranquility and adventure, these 10 scenic train routes will take you through Vietnam’s most beautiful landscapes.
1. Reunification Express (Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City)
Why It’s Scenic: The Reunification Express, also known as the North-South Railway, is perhaps the most famous and longest train journey in Vietnam. It stretches from Hanoi in the north to Ho Chi Minh City in the south, covering more than 1,700 kilometers. The journey offers an ever-changing landscape, from the lush rice paddies of the Red River Delta to the coastal plains and mountains of central Vietnam.
What to Expect: Along the way, travelers pass through small towns, scenic coastlines, and verdant hills, offering a panoramic view of rural Vietnam. You’ll also get a glimpse of local life, including busy markets, small villages, and farmers working the fields.
Best For: Travelers who want to experience the diversity of Vietnam’s landscapes and culture on a single journey.
2. Hanoi to Sapa (Lao Cai)
Why It’s Scenic: This train journey takes you from Hanoi to Lao Cai, the nearest station to the mountainous town of Sapa in northern Vietnam. As you travel through the countryside, the train meanders through fertile valleys, verdant terraced rice fields, and towering mountain peaks. The misty, fog-covered hills and remote villages of the region make it a mesmerizing ride.
What to Expect: The route is famous for its steep inclines, providing dramatic views of lush valleys, rivers, and remote ethnic minority villages. While the train itself is relatively simple, the landscape at your destination—Sapa—offers breathtaking views of terraced rice fields and rugged mountains.
Best For: Those who want to experience northern Vietnam’s stunning natural beauty and cultural diversity.
3. Da Nang to Hue
Why It’s Scenic: This coastal route between Da Nang and Hue is considered one of the most beautiful train journeys in Vietnam. The route takes you along the coastline, offering panoramic views of the South China Sea, sandy beaches, and lush green mountains. The scenery is nothing short of spectacular, with dramatic cliffs and winding roads.
What to Expect: As you depart Da Nang, the train travels along the edge of the ocean before winding through the stunning Hai Van Pass (Cloudy Pass), a mountain pass famous for its breathtaking vistas. You’ll pass through lush forests, peaceful beaches, and small fishing villages.
Best For: Travelers looking for coastal beauty, striking mountain landscapes, and a bit of history in the ancient city of Hue.
4. Hue to Da Nang (via Hai Van Tunnel)
Why It’s Scenic: While this route is short, it offers one of the most picturesque segments of Vietnam’s rail network. The journey from Hue to Da Nang takes travelers through lush hills, charming coastal towns, and past one of the most famous spots in Vietnam—the Hai Van Tunnel, the longest tunnel in Southeast Asia.
What to Expect: The route offers captivating views of the mountains and the sea, with winding train tracks offering glimpses of the stunning scenery as you pass through tunnels and cross valleys. The highlight of this trip is crossing the Hai Van Pass, with its sweeping views of the coastline.
Best For: Short journeys with jaw-dropping coastal and mountain views.
5. Nha Trang to Phan Thiết
Why It’s Scenic: This journey runs along Vietnam’s central coast, providing scenic views of beaches, turquoise waters, and rustic coastal towns. The route offers a combination of beautiful ocean views, rural countryside, and rugged coastlines.
What to Expect: As the train travels south from Nha Trang towards Phan Thiết, passengers are treated to dramatic views of the coastline, often with the ocean visible through the windows. The beaches here are some of the most pristine in Vietnam, and the landscape is dotted with fishing villages and small towns.
Best For: Beach lovers and travelers who want a relaxing, coastal train journey.
6. Hanoi to Quang Binh (Phong Nha-Kẻ Bàng National Park)
Why It’s Scenic: This route offers a scenic journey through Vietnam’s central region, taking you to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Phong Nha-Kẻ Bàng National Park, home to some of the world’s largest and most spectacular caves. The train ride provides views of rolling hills, lush forests, and winding rivers.
What to Expect: As you travel southward, you will pass by rural villages, paddy fields, and forests, gradually approaching the stunning Karst mountain range that surrounds Phong Nha-Kẻ Bàng. The train ride offers a relaxing and scenic introduction to this otherworldly landscape.
Best For: Nature lovers and adventurers heading to one of Vietnam’s top natural attractions.
7. Ho Chi Minh City to Mui Ne
Why It’s Scenic: Traveling from Ho Chi Minh City to the coastal town of Mui Ne, this train journey passes through agricultural regions, offering views of the countryside and the coastal landscape of southern Vietnam. The ride is often a quieter, more peaceful alternative to the bustling streets of HCMC.
What to Expect: The train follows the coastline, giving you views of the ocean and palm-fringed beaches, passing by tranquil fishing villages, salt farms, and small towns. You’ll also witness scenic landscapes of farmland, rivers, and dunes as you approach Mui Ne, famous for its sand dunes and fishing villages.
Best For: Those seeking a peaceful coastal journey to one of Vietnam’s top beach destinations.
8. Da Nang to Quy Nhon
Why It’s Scenic: The train ride from Da Nang to Quy Nhon is a hidden gem, taking passengers through lush countryside, coastal roads, and winding rivers. The journey features dramatic ocean views, passing remote beaches, fishing villages, and lush jungles.
What to Expect: Expect views of rolling hills, small valleys, and the endless blue of the South China Sea. This train route is not as frequently traveled by tourists, making it a serene, less-crowded option for those seeking natural beauty.
Best For: Travelers looking for a peaceful, off-the-beaten-path journey along Vietnam’s lesser-known coastline.
9. Nha Trang to Buon Ma Thuot (Central Highlands)
Why It’s Scenic: The train journey from Nha Trang to Buon Ma Thuot takes travelers into the heart of Vietnam’s Central Highlands, a region filled with waterfalls, rolling hills, and coffee plantations. It’s a perfect route for those who want to explore the more rural, mountainous areas of the country.
What to Expect: This journey takes you through lush jungles, winding mountain roads, and coffee-growing areas. You’ll pass traditional ethnic minority villages, vast forests, and tranquil lakes, offering a rich glimpse of Vietnam’s Central Highlands.
Best For: Nature lovers and those seeking an adventure into Vietnam’s highland culture.
10. Saigon to Can Tho (Mekong Delta)
Why It’s Scenic: The train from Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) to Can Tho takes you through the Mekong Delta, a region of rivers, lush plantations, and small floating villages. This journey offers a slower, more relaxing pace as it weaves through Vietnam’s iconic delta region.
What to Expect: You’ll pass picturesque landscapes of meandering rivers, rice paddies, and traditional wooden houses, offering a glimpse of the life of local communities in the Mekong Delta. As you get closer to Can Tho, the scenery becomes even more tranquil and lush, with waterways and small boats.
Best For: Travelers who want to experience the rural charm of southern Vietnam and the Mekong Delta.
Conclusion
Vietnam’s scenic train routes offer a window into the country’s diverse landscapes and cultures. Whether you’re traversing the mountainous northern terrain, cruising along the central coast, or exploring the rural beauty of the Mekong Delta, these 10 train journeys promise unforgettable experiences. For those who value comfort, scenery, and an authentic connection to the land, traveling by train in Vietnam is the perfect way to slow down and take in the beauty of the country.
