While travelling around Vietnam you will likely face a dilemma when deciding how to get to your next destination. Or if you are the organised type you might be experiencing this right now. With plenty of options to choose from, this can often seem like a daunting task.
Generally, most people will travel by bus or flight when moving around the country, which I agree is arguably more time and cost-efficient. However, personally travelling by train was an extremely unique and memorable experience. I would encourage others to try it out during their trip.
Why I chose to travel by sleeper train
One of the biggest appeals for me to travel by train is the feeling of being transported back in time. The train having a strong resemblance to an old Soviet-style train. Additionally, the promise of food and drink on board the train was a tempting offer. Something that isn’t available on a sleeper bus.
Types of train tickets
Hard seat
This is the cheapest option available and is simply two wooden benches facing one another. Similar to a church pew. These seats fit three people and can become very cramped on busy journeys.
Soft seat
These are the second cheapest seats available and are similar to what you would expect on a bus or plane, with two seats in each section along with an armrest and tray table.
Soft berth (6)
This is a sleeper cabin, which fits up to 6 people parallel facing bunk beds. The cabin is very clean, with a fresh blanket and pillow provided. There is a large table in the middle of the cabin with charging sockets on either side.
Soft berth (4)
This was the ticket I opted for, similar to the soft berth in terms of the cabins facilities. However, with only 4 people sharing the cabin it felt much less crowded and in my experience quieter than the 6 person cabin. I was also able fully outstretch my legs on the bed at 180cm, however it might be a bit small for anyone over that height. Just to note, each bed includes a USB and a standard Type C port. Additionally, along with a main light there are separate bedside lights.
Soft berth cabin review
Food and drink
Once you are on board the train, there will be plenty of opportunities to buy food and drink. Train staff will regularly make their way through the carriage to offer food and drink throughout the journey. The prices are unsurprisingly more expensive. However in my case I couldn’t resist the temptation of a sandwich (bánh mì) and a black coffee with ice (cà phê đen đá).
Later in the journey, a full meal was sold, which consisted of an omelette (trứng tráng), grilled pork (thịt heo nướng), vegetables (rau) and rice (cơm) with a side of soy sauce (nước tương).
This meal can either be eaten in your cabin or you can make your way to the front of the train and have a sit-down meal in the dining carriage. In my case, I went to eat just as the staff were sitting down to have their meal. Fortunately, they were more than happy to fix me a plate with a couple of beers to wash it down.
Smoking
Smoking is permitted on board the train, with that the dinning car and the corridors of each carriage being used as impromptu smoking areas.
Ticket cost for a sleeper train
The cost for my journey from Da Nang to Nha Trang was 1.2 million VND.
Ticket information and ticket costs can be found on the official website.
Journey time
These are slow trains, so be prepared for a long journey. In my case, my train took 11 hrs, however journeys can take anywhere between 10 – 12 hours.
Hitting the hay on a sleeper train
After spending the majority of my day on the train and after having a couple of beers I was well and truly spent and managed to sleep a solid 3 hours. Fortunately, I was awoken by one of the train attendants informing me that we would be arriving to Nha Trang shortly.
I am unsure if this is a common occurrence, but for me it was a lifesaver as I have no doubt I would have slept until the train arrived in Ho Chi Minh City.
Just to note, the train can be pretty loud, so if you are a light sleeper, it might be worth investing in a pair of earplugs before your journey. I would say that the noise is much more manageable than that of a sleeper bus, and of course much less bumpy.
Final thoughts
As I mentioned at the beginning of this blog, I would again highly recommend travellers experience a sleeper train ride in Vietnam. I am hoping to travel from Hanoi down to Ho Chi Minh City in the future and I’ll be sure to update you on how I get on.