travel tickets for vietnam

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Plane tickets to Vietnam

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Popular cities in Vietnam

Explore airlines and airports, airlines based in vietnam, popular airlines flying to vietnam, airports in vietnam, airports near vietnam, airports flying to vietnam, buses & trains, bus providers in vietnam.

Vietnam Transports

Van Luc Tung

Tra Lan Vien

Thien Thanh Limousine

Thanh Chung

Tan Kim Chi

Tan Dung Tien

Tam Hanh Travel

The Sinh Tourist

Sapa Shuttle Bus

Sapa Express

Sapa Dragon Express

Sao Nghe Limousine

Rosa Eco Bus

Queen Cafe Bus

Quang Tuyen

Quang Giang

Phuong Heng

Phuc Loc Tho Limousine

Phuc An Express

Philip Travel

Ninh Binh Limousine

NB Open Bus

Mai Chau Nature Lodge

Long Van Limousine

The Long Travel

Kumho Samco

Kumho Viet Thanh

Kim Chi 265

Khanh Sinh Tour

Interbuslines

Hue Tourist

Hongai Son Duc

Hoang Kim Dak Nong

Ha Son Hai Van

Ha Long Fancy Travel

Hai Hoang Gia

Green Sapa Bus

Good Morning Sapa

Good Morning Cat Ba

Full Moon Party

Fansipan Express

Express Ha Giang

Dat Moi Bus

Daiichi Travel

Co To Limousine

Cat Ba Express

Camel Travel

Binh Phuong

Barri Ann Travel

Bao Khang Limousine

Auto Kingdom

An Phu Travel

AB Vietnam Travel

15 SH Co. Ltd.

Train companies in Vietnam

Violette Trains

Vietnam Railways

Victoria Express Train

Sapaly Express Train

Saigon Golden Train

Orient Express

New Livitrans

Lotus Train

Laman Express

King Express

Chapa Express Train

Cheapest month to fly to Vietnam

Explore price trends for trips to Vietnam

Showing prices in GBP

Explore Vietnam

Vietnam is a lovely country in Asia, with a lot of places to visit.

The country is full of charming places and natural areas to go to. The most visited city is Hanoi with all its historical parts.

Other cities which are good to go to are Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, Haiphong, Bien Hoa, Hue.

During your journey around Vietnam, you can try Goi Cuon (spring rolls), Banh mi (Vietnamese/Saigon sandwich), Banh xeo (sizzling pancakes), Bun Cha (grilled meatballs), Pho (noodle soup) and much other local food.

Major airports in Vietnam

Vietnam has more than two airports where you can land from anywhere in the world. And the largest ones you can arrive at are Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN), Noi Bai International Airport (HAN), Da Nang International Airport (DAD), Buon Ma Thuot Airport (BMV), Cat Bi International Airport (HPH), Cam Ranh Airport (CXR), Phu Quoc International Airport (PQC), Vinh Airport (VII), Lien Khuong Airport (DLI), Phu Bai Airport (HUI), Phu Cat Airport (UIH), Chu Lai International Airport (VCL), Cà Mau Airport (CAH), Co Ong Airport (VCS), Can Tho International Airport (VCA), Dien Bien Phu Airport (DIN), Pleiku Airport (PXU), Rach Gia Airport (VKG), Dong Tac Airport (TBB), Dong Hoi Airport (VDH).

Vietnam general information

Vietnam uses đồng (VND). Therefore, we advise you to exchange money for the best rates before your trip.

With a population of roughly 96.21 million, Vietnam is one of the world's top 100 most populated countries.

The only official language in Vietnam is Vietnamese. However, travelers will also usually hear English as these are the languages of the largest international communities within Vietnam.

China, Laos, and Cambodia have borders with Vietnam.

Vietnam has a humid subtropical climate. If you are going from Europe where the climate is more temperate, it would be a great idea to to take light clothes made out of breathable materials.

Popular flights

Explore alternative flights to vietnam, find popular flights from vietnam, cheap flights, popular flights from north america to vietnam.

• Toronto to Ho Chi Minh City from £437
• Vancouver to Hanoi from £418
• Calgary to Ho Chi Minh City from £466
• Boston to Ho Chi Minh City from £440
• Atlanta to Ho Chi Minh City from £337
• Honolulu to Ho Chi Minh City from £329
• Oaxaca to Ho Chi Minh City from £544
• Saipan to Hanoi from £175
• Cancún to Hanoi from £531
• San Francisco to Ho Chi Minh City from £350
• Vancouver to Ho Chi Minh City from £384
• Houston to Ho Chi Minh City from £422
• New York to Ho Chi Minh City from £383
• Hagåtña to Hanoi from £187
• Columbia to Ho Chi Minh City from £518
• Erie to Ho Chi Minh City from £763
• Chicago to Hanoi from £442
• Kahului to Hanoi from £411
• Dallas to Ho Chi Minh City from £405
• Hagåtña to Da Nang from £215
• Vancouver to Qui Nhơn from £459
• Seattle to Ho Chi Minh City from £425
• Guatemala City to Ho Chi Minh City from £492
• Fort Lauderdale to Ho Chi Minh City from £379
• Cancún to Ho Chi Minh City from £474
• Calgary to Nha Trang from £442
• Syracuse to Hanoi from £472
• Toronto to Da Nang from £545
• Charleston to Nha Trang from £504
• Austin to Ho Chi Minh City from £334
• Honolulu to Hanoi from £356
• New York to Hanoi from £398
• Mexico City to Ho Chi Minh City from £514
• Miami to Ho Chi Minh City from £356
• Los Angeles to Da Nang from £417
• Portland to Hanoi from £392
• Raleigh to Hanoi from £434
• Boise to Ho Chi Minh City from £323
• Boston to Da Nang from £464
• Indianapolis to Can Tho from £564

Popular flights from Asia to Vietnam

• Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City from £54
• Singapore to Hanoi from £94
• Singapore to Ho Chi Minh City from £60
• Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi from £50
• Da Nang to Ho Chi Minh City from £48
• Hanoi to Da Nang from £48
• Ho Chi Minh City to Da Nang from £48
• Da Nang to Hanoi from £44
• Singapore to Da Nang from £85
• Hong Kong to Ho Chi Minh City from £94
• Ho Chi Minh City to Phú Quốc from £40
• Bangkok to Ho Chi Minh City from £53
• Ho Chi Minh City to Nha Trang from £34
• Taipei to Ho Chi Minh City from £79
• Bangkok to Hanoi from £47
• Taipei to Da Nang from £103
• Nha Trang to Ho Chi Minh City from £35
• Hong Kong to Da Nang from £58
• Taipei to Hanoi from £73
• Ho Chi Minh City to Da Lat from £37
• Phú Quốc to Ho Chi Minh City from £43
• Hong Kong to Hanoi from £67
• Kuala Lumpur to Ho Chi Minh City from £39
• Manila to Ho Chi Minh City from £57
• Da Nang to Phú Quốc from £99
• Da Nang to Da Lat from £93
• Hanoi to Nha Trang from £53
• Da Lat to Ho Chi Minh City from £36
• Kuala Lumpur to Hanoi from £48
• Hanoi to Phú Quốc from £53
• Singapore to Nha Trang from £85
• Manila to Hanoi from £89
• Hanoi to Hue from £38
• Bangkok to Da Nang from £40
• Taipei to Nha Trang from £85
• Hong Kong to Phú Quốc from £92
• Phuket City to Hanoi from £79
• Hong Kong to Nha Trang from £104
• Da Lat to Da Nang from £87
• Manila to Da Nang from £87

Popular flights from Africa to Vietnam

• Accra to Ho Chi Minh City from £471
• Accra to Hanoi from £492
• Cairo to Da Nang from £278
• Lagos to Hanoi from £533
• Johannesburg to Ho Chi Minh City from £324
• Cairo to Ho Chi Minh City from £244
• Dar es Salaam to Ho Chi Minh City from £343
• George to Ho Chi Minh City from £379
• Johannesburg to Chu Lai from £372
• Port Elizabeth to Hanoi from £377
• Cape Town to Ho Chi Minh City from £374
• Addis Ababa to Ho Chi Minh City from £290
• Marrakesh to Hanoi from £325
• Cotonou to Ho Chi Minh City from £567
• Cairo to Hanoi from £245
• Lusaka to Hanoi from £428
• Cairo to Phú Quốc from £290
• Cape Town to Da Nang from £375
• Dar es Salaam to Hanoi from £350
• Juba to Hanoi from £530
• Kaduna to Ho Chi Minh City from £573
• Kano to Vinh from £635
• Kano to Da Lat from £639
• Nairobi to Ho Chi Minh City from £257
• Lagos to Ho Chi Minh City from £495
• Casablanca to Ho Chi Minh City from £367
• Abuja to Ho Chi Minh City from £556
• Mombasa to Ho Chi Minh City from £311
• Nairobi to Hanoi from £263
• Entebbe to Ho Chi Minh City from £313
• Casablanca to Hanoi from £380
• Marrakesh to Ho Chi Minh City from £336
• Tunis to Ho Chi Minh City from £297
• Johannesburg to Hanoi from £322
• Hurghada to Ho Chi Minh City from £294
• Algiers to Ho Chi Minh City from £262
• Durban to Ho Chi Minh City from £368
• Sharm El Sheikh to Ho Chi Minh City from £288
• Abuja to Hanoi from £519
• Mombasa to Hanoi from £301

Popular flights from Europe to Vietnam

• London to Hanoi from £248
• London to Ho Chi Minh City from £245
• Manchester to Ho Chi Minh City from £257
• London to Da Nang from £282
• Dublin to Hanoi from £259
• Manchester to Hanoi from £281
• Edinburgh to Hanoi from £305
• London to Phú Quốc from £293
• Dublin to Ho Chi Minh City from £248
• Manchester to Da Nang from £314
• Edinburgh to Da Nang from £327
• Glasgow to Ho Chi Minh City from £265
• Dublin to Da Nang from £297
• Paris to Ho Chi Minh City from £244
• Birmingham to Hanoi from £323
• Amsterdam to Ho Chi Minh City from £296
• Birmingham to Ho Chi Minh City from £286
• Cardiff to Hanoi from £402
• Exeter to Hanoi from £422
• Helsinki to Ho Chi Minh City from £300
• Edinburgh to Ho Chi Minh City from £269
• London to Nha Trang from £286
• London to Hue from £293
• Amsterdam to Hanoi from £287
• Paris to Hanoi from £287
• Reykjavik to Hanoi from £323
• Zürich to Ho Chi Minh City from £273
• Düsseldorf to Ho Chi Minh City from £286
• Hamburg to Hanoi from £276
• Helsinki to Hanoi from £343
• Berlin to Ho Chi Minh City from £277
• Larnaca to Hanoi from £251
• Riga to Ho Chi Minh City from £279
• Santorini to Ho Chi Minh City from £262
• Riga to Nha Trang from £388
• Berlin to Hanoi from £313
• Belgrade to Ho Chi Minh City from £274
• Copenhagen to Phú Quốc from £309
• Venice to Ho Chi Minh City from £268
• Tallinn to Nha Trang from £411

Popular flights from Oceania to Vietnam

• Melbourne to Ho Chi Minh City from £132
• Sydney to Ho Chi Minh City from £116
• Melbourne to Hanoi from £177
• Perth to Ho Chi Minh City from £110
• Adelaide to Ho Chi Minh City from £134
• Sydney to Hanoi from £171
• Brisbane to Ho Chi Minh City from £139
• Perth to Da Nang from £134
• Melbourne to Da Nang from £171
• Sydney to Da Nang from £169
• Adelaide to Hanoi from £190
• Perth to Hanoi from £141
• Gold Coast to Ho Chi Minh City from £143
• Auckland to Ho Chi Minh City from £218
• Cairns to Hanoi from £246
• Brisbane to Hanoi from £188
• Cairns to Ho Chi Minh City from £202
• Christchurch to Ho Chi Minh City from £255
• Perth to Nha Trang from £134
• Perth to Phú Quốc from £154
• Darwin to Hanoi from £171
• Gold Coast to Da Nang from £204
• Gold Coast to Hanoi from £204
• Brisbane to Da Nang from £190
• Darwin to Ho Chi Minh City from £162
• Melbourne to Nha Trang from £169
• Auckland to Hanoi from £271
• Wellington to Ho Chi Minh City from £249
• Brisbane to Nha Trang from £177
• Wellington to Hanoi from £301
• Adelaide to Da Nang from £199
• Auckland to Da Nang from £269
• Queenstown to Ho Chi Minh City from £245
• Hobart to Ho Chi Minh City from £177
• Christchurch to Hanoi from £308
• Melbourne to Phú Quốc from £175
• Cairns to Da Nang from £246
• Hobart to Hanoi from £229
• Sydney to Phú Quốc from £163
• Brisbane to Hue from £181

Popular flights from South America to Vietnam

• Bogotá to Ho Chi Minh City from £566
• Quito to Hanoi from £588
• Guayaquil to Ho Chi Minh City from £652
• Rio de Janeiro to Ho Chi Minh City from £716
• Bogotá to Hanoi from £520
• Buenos Aires to Ho Chi Minh City from £788
• Cartagena to Ho Chi Minh City from £545
• Tacna to Da Lat from £863
• Medellín to Ho Chi Minh City from £519
• Lima to Ho Chi Minh City from £648
• São Paulo to Ho Chi Minh City from £636
• Cali to Ho Chi Minh City from £594
• Santa Marta to Ho Chi Minh City from £699
• Santiago de Chile to Ho Chi Minh City from £661
• San Andrés to Ho Chi Minh City from £732
• Quito to Ho Chi Minh City from £633
• Barranquilla to Ho Chi Minh City from £598
• Cúcuta to Ho Chi Minh City from £672
• Caracas to Ho Chi Minh City from £634
• Pereira to Ho Chi Minh City from £655
• Recife to Ho Chi Minh City from £763
• Asunción to Ho Chi Minh City from £803
• Medellín to Hanoi from £593
• Bucaramanga to Ho Chi Minh City from £654
• Cartagena to Hanoi from £637
• Lima to Hanoi from £668
• São Paulo to Hanoi from £654
• Cali to Hanoi from £594
• Cusco to Ho Chi Minh City from £782
• Santa Cruz de la Sierra to Ho Chi Minh City from £851
• Salvador to Ho Chi Minh City from £845
• Santa Marta to Hanoi from £731
• Santiago de Chile to Hanoi from £747
• Fortaleza to Ho Chi Minh City from £719
• Montevideo to Ho Chi Minh City from £864
• San Andrés to Hanoi from £706
• Florianópolis to Ho Chi Minh City from £808
• Rio de Janeiro to Hanoi from £723
• Foz do Iguaçu to Ho Chi Minh City from £937
• Brasília to Ho Chi Minh City from £741

Frequently asked questions

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$442 cheap flights to ho chi minh city.

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How much is the cheapest flight to Ho Chi Minh City?

Prices were available within the past 7 days and start at $442 for one-way flights and $776 for round trip, for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms apply.

Find Your Flights to Ho Chi Minh City SGN

Cheap flights to Ho Chi Minh City ( SGN)

Get started finding a cheap flight to Ho Chi Minh City on Expedia by either choosing a deal on this page or entering into the search bar your travel dates, origin airport, and whether you want roundtrip or one-way airfare. You can filter for flexibility, number of stops, airline, and departure/arrival times to find the best flight for you.

We recommend using the ‘Flexible Dates’ calendar at the top of the page to see the price of plane tickets on the surrounding dates. This allows you to pick the cheapest days to fly if your trip allows flexibility and score cheap flight deals to Ho Chi Minh City.

Roundtrip prices range from $776 - $831, and one-ways to Ho Chi Minh City start as low as $442.

Be aware that choosing a non-stop flight can sometimes be more expensive while saving you time. And routes with connections may be available at a cheaper rate.

Airlines that fly to Ho Chi Minh City ( SGN)

You have several options for which airline you choose to travel with to Ho Chi Minh City. There are 10 airlines flying into SGN: STARLUX Airlines, Asiana Airlines, Air India. 

Cheap plane tickets may be available from different airlines at different times and with unique terms. It’s best to understand the details of each airline’s offer before judging its value.

For example, if you plan to check a bag or bring a carry-on, check whether the cheap airfare deal includes a baggage allowance. If not, verify whether the baggage fee is higher than the difference of other airline plane ticket deals offering free checked/carry-on baggage in exchange for a slightly higher airfare. 

Additionally, your preferred frequent flyer membership programs may influence your choice of cheap airline. Expedia allows you to enter your membership numbers during checkout to earn points from your airline and Expedia Rewards—all while getting a great deal and planning all your travel in one online platform.

Find the best deals

At Expedia, we source many flight deals from multiple providers, so you can easily find the best deals that are right for you. A great strategy for getting the best deals can be to make sure you book and travel at the optimal times. Airfare to Ho Chi Minh City (SGN) varies throughout the year based on seasonal demand. You’ll see the lowest rates for roundtrips to SGN in September and in May for one-ways.

Cancellation & flexibility

To change or cancel eligible flights, go to ‘My Trips’ and navigate to your itinerary. If you booked within the last 24-hours, you might be able to cancel your flight for free. Learn more about flight changes or cancellations from our customer service portal . Some plane tickets are available with no change fees, which you can filter for during your search.

Frequently asked questions

• First, pack your passport, important documents, credit cards and daily medications. Next, you’ll want some extra in-flight entertainment to while away the hours. A juicy novel and a laptop filled with your favorite movies are good options. If you intend to take a short snooze, a neck pillow and a pair of noise-canceling headphones will also come in handy. Finally, make room for a toothbrush and some cleansing wipes so you’ll arrive at your destination feeling fresh and raring to go.
• While the list of restricted items differs between airlines, the general guide to follow is avoid carrying anything sharp, flammable or explosive. This includes things like screwdrivers, blades, fuels and bleaching agents. Sports equipment like hockey sticks, and items that could harm other people, such as pepper spray and guns, are also banned from the cabin.
• Comfort really should be your priority when choosing what to wear during your flight. Consider your footwear carefully too, as swelling of the feet and ankles are a common occurrence. Roomy, closed-toed shoes are your best bet.
• Unfortunately, one risk of long-distance travel is developing DVT (deep vein thrombosis), a blood clotting condition caused by prolonged periods of inactivity. To prevent this from happening, make the most of every opportunity to stretch your legs and walk around the cabin. Compression socks and tights are another simple way to help lower your risk.
• Security personnel first need to know that you have a valid ID and travel documents before anything else. Have them ready for inspection.
• The X-ray machine comes next. Empty your pockets and remove anything that is likely to set off the alarm. This includes things like headphones or earphones, as well as bulky coats or jackets. They’ll all need to go on the X-ray conveyor belt.
• All your electronic gadgets, including your phone and tablet, must also be separately scanned.
• Any gels or liquids, such as shampoo or hairspray, that you want to take on board need to be in containers no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). Also, they all must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• Lightweight sneakers are a great footwear choice as you’re less likely to have to remove them when going through security. Boots and other heavy shoes are usually subjected to additional screening.
• Sharp items can’t be taken on board. They’ll be confiscated at security, so pack them in your checked luggage.

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• Chicago to Ho Chi Minh City (ORD - SGN)
• Newark to Ho Chi Minh City (EWR - SGN)
• San Diego to Ho Chi Minh City (SAN - SGN)
• Phoenix to Ho Chi Minh City (PHX - SGN)
• Los Angeles to Ho Chi Minh City (LAX - SGN)
• Washington to Ho Chi Minh City (DCA - SGN)
• Portland to Ho Chi Minh City (PDX - SGN)
• Boston to Ho Chi Minh City (BOS - SGN)
• Charlotte to Ho Chi Minh City (CLT - SGN)
• Minneapolis to Ho Chi Minh City (MSP - SGN)
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• Deutsche Bahn

Cheap flights from the United States to Vietnam from $425

This is the cheapest one-way flight price found by a cheapflights user in the last 72 hours by searching for a flight departing on 10/1. fares are subject to change and may not be available on all flights or dates of travel. click the price to replicate the search for this deal., what is the cheapest month to fly from usa to vietnam.

The best pricing can be found in the month of October. Prices to Vietnam from USA average $1,216. You can even find prices in October for less than $1,216, as users have found deals to Vietnam from as low as $765. The month of December appears to be one of the more expensive times to travel to Vietnam from USA. Flying in the targeted month can save you up to 33%.

When is the cheapest time to fly from USA to Vietnam (US - VN)?

Regardless of the time of day you decide to fly, the ticket price will remain around the same. Book flights from USA to Vietnam as you normally would.

Cheap Air India flights from USA to Vietnam

Explore cheap flight options specifically provided by air india for the route between usa and vietnam. find affordable fares and compare prices with other airlines to secure the best deal for your journey. over the last 7 days, cheapflights users made 3,073,952 searches. data last updated april 24, 2024., peruse some of the lowest-priced air india flights we've found from usa to vietnam. deals update often to give you more flight options matching your criteria, cheap starlux airlines flights from usa to vietnam, explore cheap flight options specifically provided by starlux airlines for the route between usa and vietnam. find affordable fares and compare prices with other airlines to secure the best deal for your journey. over the last 7 days, cheapflights users made 3,073,952 searches. data last updated april 24, 2024., some of the best deals we've found on starlux airlines flights traveling from usa to vietnam. ensure the flight price, dates, time, and airline match your criteria before you book., cheap usa to vietnam flights in april & may 2024, find cheap flight options from usa to vietnam specifically for the months of april and may 2024. explore affordable fares based on user searches. over the last 7 days, cheapflights users made 3,073,952 searches. prices were last updated on april 24, 2024., these are some of the most attractive deals on flights from usa to vietnam in 2024. check back soon for alternative fares., usa to vietnam 2024 flight deals, discover exclusive flight deals for travel between usa and vietnam in 2024. find excellent offers based on user searches. over the last 7 days, cheapflights users made 3,073,952 searches. data last updated april 24, 2024., non-stop flights to vietnam from usa, discover non-stop flight options from usa to vietnam. find direct flights with no layovers, providing a convenient travel experience. explore non-stop flight options based on user searches, and compare prices and availability for your desired travel dates. over the last 7 days, cheapflights users made 3,073,952 searches. data last updated april 24, 2024., consider booking one of these non-stop flights heading from usa to vietnam. those looking to potentially save on 1 or 2-stop flights from usa to vietnam should utilize the search form at the the top of the page., usa to vietnam flights leaving soon, find last-minute flight options from usa to vietnam for spontaneous travel. discover available flights and compare prices based on user searches. secure great deals and offers for spontaneous trips with quick booking options. over the last 7 days, cheapflights users made 3,073,952 searches. data last updated april 24, 2024., have a look at some of the last-minute flights available departing from usa to vietnam. tip: verify your flight details before completing your reservation., one-way flights to vietnam from usa, search for one-way flight options from usa to vietnam. find affordable one-way fares based on user searches. compare prices and availability to plan your one-way journey according to your preferred dates and budget. over the last 7 days, cheapflights users made 3,073,952 searches. data last updated april 24, 2024., users in need of a one-way flight from usa to vietnam can choose from these deals. users can also find round-trip usa to vietnam flights by using the search form above., find flights from usa to vietnam within your budget, customize your flight search to find flights from usa to vietnam that fit within your specific budget. explore options based on user searches and filter the results based on your desired price range. find flights that match your budget for a cost-effective journey. over the last 7 days, cheapflights users made 3,073,952 searches. data last updated april 24, 2024..

$683 - $822

New York John F Kennedy Intl Ho Chi Minh City

New York John F Kennedy Intl

1 stop 20h 25m

Ho Chi Minh City

1 stop 21h 40m

Los Angeles Ho Chi Minh City

Los Angeles

1 stop 33h 40m

1 stop 29h 50m

San Francisco Ho Chi Minh City

San Francisco

1 stop 26h 15m

1 stop 22h 35m

Seattle/Tacoma Intl Ho Chi Minh City

Seattle/Tacoma Intl

1 stop 25h 10m

1 stop 22h 05m

1 stop 27h 25m

1 stop 23h 25m

1 stop 18h 40m

1 stop 25h 20m

1 stop 29h 05m

1 stop 35h 25m

1 stop 38h 10m

1 stop 34h 00m

1 stop 24h 55m

Flights are sorted by cheapest first

Deals found on 4/23

No data available for this route at this time. Please check back soon.

Reviews of airlines servicing Vietnam

Get insights into the airlines that provide service to vietnam. read reviews, discover amenities, and learn about the overall travel experience offered by airlines. use this information to make informed decisions when choosing an airline for your flight to vietnam. reviews last updated april 24, 2024., get a feel of what it's like to fly with air india, starlux airlines and vietnam airlines from usa to vietnam by reading reviews from past customers. you can also see how each airline stacks up in terms of entertainment options, comfort, food, crew/service, and boarding process..

Entertainment

First time on starlux. I was pleasantly surprised. Exceeded my expectations.

Related info for your journey

Find useful and relevant information for your journey from usa to vietnam. access travel guides, tips, and recommendations to enhance your travel experience. get information about local attractions, weather, transportation options, and more., can i find flights from usa to vietnam for under $700 on cheapflights.

Yes, there are multiple flights from USA to Vietnam for under $700. The cheapest flight booked recently is on Air India for just $683, but on average you can expect to pay $769.

Are there nonstop flights from USA to Vietnam for under $900 on Cheapflights?

Cheapflights has at least 20 direct flights from USA to Vietnam under $900. A good price for a nonstop flight from USA to Vietnam is less than $956.

Are there last-minute flights available from USA to Vietnam for under $800?

There are currently 20+ open flights from USA to Vietnam within the next 7 days for less than $800.

What are the cheapest airlines to fly from USA to Vietnam one-way?

The cheapest airlines for a one-way flight from USA to Vietnam are STARLUX Airlines ($427), Air India ($444), and Delta ($453).

What does LAX to SGN mean?

LAX stands for Los Angeles Airport, while SGN stands for Ho Chi Minh City Airport. These codes are often called IATA codes, a set of identifiers established by IATA (International Air Transport Association) that is widely used by airlines and the aviation industry. Ready for more IATA code knowledge? These are related airports for your current travel destination: Da Nang Airport (DAD), Hanoi Noibai Airport (HAN), Nha Trang Cam Ranh Airport (CXR), Phu Quoc Duong Dang Airport (PQC), Dalat Lien Khuong Intl Airport (DLI).

Can I find deals for flights from USA to Vietnam that include extra baggage allowance?

The amount of baggage you can bring on your USA to Vietnam flight depends on the airline and the type of fare you've chosen. After entering your flight details, you'll be able to view the specific baggage policies for each deal in the search results. Keep in mind that certain deals may offer additional baggage allowance.

Can I find deals on flights from USA to Vietnam with specific airlines?

Yes, Cheapflights allows you to browse and filter USA to Vietnam flight deals by airline. After entering your origin and destination, use the available filters to view flights offered by airlines.

Can I find deals for flights from USA to Vietnam that include hotel bookings?

Yes. In addition to deals on USA to Vietnam flights, Cheapflights offers vacation packages that include both flights and hotel.

How can I find direct flights from USA to Vietnam?

After entering your origin and destination, apply the non-stop filter on the search result page to find direct flights from USA to Vietnam.

Can I find deals for business class flights from USA to Vietnam?

Yes. Cheapflights offers flight deals from USA to Vietnam by cabin class. In addition to browsing deals, you can also filter by cabin class on the search results page after making a search.

Can I find deals for flights from USA to Vietnam that allow pets onboard?

Many airlines flying from USA to Vietnam offer the option to travel with pets. After selecting a flight deal, you can find more information about the airline's pet policy on their official website or by contacting the airline directly. Please note that additional fees and restrictions may apply.

Can I find deals on last-minute flights from USA to Vietnam?

Yes, you can often find last-minute deals on USA to Vietnam flights on Cheapflights. However, these deals can vary and may not always be available. We recommend checking back frequently or signing up for price alerts for the most up-to-date deals.

How recently were the USA to Vietnam flight deals updated?

The USA to Vietnam flight deals you see on this page were last updated on 4/23.

Browse thousands of different options on Cheapflights for your next trip

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Cheapflights goes through 900+ travel sites to look for the best flight deals for flights from USA to Vietnam. Too many options? Cheapflights also provides filters for things like airlines, price ranges, and number of stops to help you make a decision easily.

Why should you use Cheapflights to find cheap flight tickets from USA to Vietnam?

Cheapflights simply makes it quick and affordable to book flights from USA to Vietnam by bringing together all flight options from hundreds of airlines and agencies online — and put it in one place for you to choose from. Plus, Cheapflights is 100% free to use for all.

Can Cheapflights find flights from USA to Vietnam with no change fees?

Yes! Cheapflights helps users easily find flights from USA to Vietnam with no change fees.

Can Cheapflights notify me if prices for flights from USA to Vietnam become cheaper?

Yes, Cheapflights offers price alerts on USA to Vietnam flights so you can book your travel at the perfect time. Price Alerts can be enabled by clicking the bell icon next to the flight deals above and providing your email address where you want to receive the alerts.

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American Airlines flights from United States to Vietnam

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TRAVEL to VIETNAM – Tips and Information Guide (2024 Edition)

Everything you need to know about travel to Vietnam in our comprehensive 2024 Vietnam travel guide.

We get it. You’re wondering what the absolute best destination to travel in Southeast Asia is.

You’ve spent hours researching.

Talked to friends.

Scoured the internet for blogs.

Watched YouTube videos.

And you’ve finally realised something.

Without a doubt, Vietnam is the place for you.

And trust us, as a couple that have travelled the world for over a decade, we think you’ve made the right decision.

There’s a reason Vietnam is our all-time favourite country…

From the tropical coral reefs of Nha Trang to the northern mountains of Sa Pa, travel to Vietnam is one of the most adventurous yet culturally empowering experiences you can have.

One moment you will find yourself haggling for  banh mi  deep within Saigon and later that day you could be watching a breathtaking sunset from the Mekong Delta.

Vietnam is more than a country. It’s an experience.

You’ll find yourself immersed among street food vendors cooking up exotic cuisines such as  pho  along streets with stores selling suits and ties.

Or you’ll be cruising the waters of Halong Bay while monkeys jump from island to island.

Or you might find yourself trekking to the highest peak in Vietnam, Fansipan soaring to over 3,100 metres!

Not into adventure activities? Homestays are the perfect way to spend your day as the monsoon rains fall across the endless snaking rivers of the Mekong.

Vietnamese hospitality is unrivalled and is something that you should experience once in your life, so what are you waiting for? Say good morning Vietnam! And go get lost!

So we’ve convinced you to travel to Vietnam? Awesome!

Now check out the basic information about the country in our Vietnam travel guide.

25 BEST Things to Do in Hue, Vietnam (2024 Edition)

The perfect vietnam itinerary for 1, 2, or 3 weeks, canyoning in dalat – what it is really like, travelling in vietnam: at a glance.

Here are the basics about travel to Vietnam.

OTHER MAIN CITIES:

Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), Da Nang, Hue

Vietnamese Dong (see  current exchange rate ). 1USD approximately = 23,000 dong. 1 beer = 30,000 dong ($1.30USD)

ENTRY / VISA:

Travellers from most countries in the world are required to have visas. In most cases these can be obtained upon arrival for either 3 or 6 months. For information about your specific visa requirements click  here.

Vietnam is fairly safe for travellers. Petty theft tends to be the biggest concern and always be on the lookout for taxi scams. Also of concern are minor auto/motorbike accidents. This is one place it’s great to have travel insurance when visiting.

ELECTRICITY:

220 Volt at 50Hz. Power plugs – Type A: 2 vertical pins, Type C: 2 round pins, Type F (also known as Schuko plug): 2 round pins (Be sure to get your  universal travel adapter  before you leave)

TRANSPORTATION:

Intercity travel is possible by plane, train and bus. Within cities, towns and villages you can expect to get around on bicycle rickshaws, motorbike taxes, taxis and bus.

Don’t Forget to Pack the Most Important Thing: Travel Insurance !

TOP 5 TRAVEL EXPERIENCES IN VIETNAM

With so much to see and do in Vietnam, it really is hard to pick the top experiences.

However, we think that to truly appreciate Vietnam you need to plan to do these 5 activities during your visit.

Take the Overnight Train from Hanoi to Sapa

Said to be one of the most eye-opening train rides in the world, as you pass through lush forests, rice paddy fields on your way to the Vietnamese – Chinese border.

Book your  train ticket here .

Hike Through the Rice Terraces of Sapa

Explore the area with the local hill tribes. Stay with them during your trek. And enjoy the beautiful terraced countryside for which Sapa is known.

Here’s our full post about  trekking in Sapa .

Cruise the Mekong Delta

Probably one of the ‘must do’s of Vietnam.’ The Mekong Delta is full of hidden gems including floating markets, friendly locals and late afternoon storms.

Book a multiday  tour of the Mekong Delta

Go Caving in Phong Nha

Caves there can fit a 747 plane in it. They are massive and spectacular. This is an adventure you will never forget.

Book your  Phong Nha cave tour

Ride a Motorcycle

Yes, that’s right! Hiring a motorcycle or scooter is a must. But maybe do it out on the country roads. Opt for the famous ride to the mountain village of Dalat, or pretty much anywhere throughout the country.

Read about how to ride through the famous  Hai Van Pass

Other Things to do in Vietnam

Learn to cook Vietnamese food . Eating delicious Vietnamese food is one thing. Eating it after you’ve  learned to prepare it  is another!

Scuba dive  in Nha Trang. You may not think of Vietnam as a big scuba location, but there is  some great diving  to be had in Nha Trang.

Go canyoning  in Dalat. Rappel, slide, jump and  climb your way through canyons  in this gorgeous place!

Explore the Marble Mountains  in Da Nang.  These beautiful mountains  have been mined for marble for years and have incredible views and temples to visit along the way.

Sandboard down the sand dunes  in Mui Ne. It’s like snowboarding, but down massive sand dunes! Enjoy this rush!

Visit the Giants Causeway  in Ghan Da Dia. Half the world away from the Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland, be amazed at  this unique geologic structure .

Visit the Cu Chi Tunnels  outside of Ho Chi Minh City. No trip to HCMC is complete without  touring these historic tunnels  that were used during the war.

Conquer the Hoi An Pass on a motorbike . This is known as one of the most beautiful sections of highway in the world. Enjoy!

Explore the world’s biggest cave . We have a special connection with  Hang Son Doong  as it is where we were engaged. Make your own special moment too!

Climb the highest mountain in Indochina  in Sapa. Fansipan is over 3,000m above sea level and  offers incredible views  along the way to the top!

BE SURE TO CHECK OUT THESE  OTHER AMAZING THINGS TO DO IN   VIETNAM

READ MORE...

A First-Timer’s Guide to Trekking in Sapa

The 11 Best Things to Do in Da Nang, Vietnam (2024 Guide)

33 BEST Things to Do in Vietnam (Epic 2024 Guide)

10 BEST Things to Do in Ninh Binh, Vietnam (2024 Guide)

Scuba Diving In Nha Trang – Is It Worth It?

BEST PLACES TO VISIT IN VIETNAM

There are plenty of amazing places to visit in Vietnam. Depending on your interests, trip duration and time of year you will find plenty of things to do during any length of stay. 

When slurping a bowl of pho in a local market or exploring an ancient temple, it’s easy to feel like you’ve stepped into a time machine in Ho Chi Minh City.

A collection of over 3,000 limestone islands providing endless kayaking opportunities. Take the time to relax aboard a boat or venture to Cat Ba National Park for mystical waterfalls!

Book your  tour of Halong Bay

The capital of Vietnam is also one of the most ancient capitals in the world. The history of Hanoi is rich, devastating and full of legends. This mystical city is also known for its cuisine, silk, buzzing nightlife as well as cultural diversity.

Plan your 3-day  Hanoi itinerary

My Son Temple

Ancient temples dating back 1,000 years give a culture understanding into Vietnam’s past all while showing the scars of the war.

Book an early morning  tour of My Son

For more information on specific things to do in the top places to visit in Vietnam, reference our following city travel guides: 

Ho Chi Minh City:

*  Ho Chi Minh City Itinerary *  Day Trips from Ho Chi Minh City

*  Hanoi Itinerary * Day Trips From Hanoi

Dalat Hoi An

Da Nang Hue Ninh Binh

BE SURE TO CHECK OUT THESE OTHER AWESOME PLACES TO VISIT IN VIETNAM. 

BEST VIETNAM TRAVEL ITINERARY

We’ve put together a few Vietnam itineraries that are sure to leave you wanting for nothing at the end of your visit. 

There are so many amazing things to do in Vietnam that planning an itinerary for your travel can be a little overwhelming. 

Even though the country is one united nation, you can think of it geographically as being divided into a northern and southern region.

So depending on how much time you have, you may want to explore the northern region, southern region or the entire country.

Of course, no one-size-fits-all plan will suffice. But if we were to head back to Vietnam these are the top places and things that we would want to do! 

1-Week Vietnam Travel Itinerary Highlights

Most people spend at least a month went hey travel to Vietnam. But if you had just one week, or were willing to split a few weeks between the northern and southern regions, this is how we’d spend our time! 

Northern Vietnam

• Fly into Hanoi
• 2 nights – Hanoi
• 2 nights –  Halong Bay or Bai Tu Long Bay
• 2 nights  – Sapa
• Alternative to Sapa  –  2 night in Hue
• Fly out of Hanoi

Central Vietnam

• Fly into Hanoi or HCMC. Get a local flight down to Dong Hoi
• 3 nights  – Phong Nha
• 2 nights  – Hue
• 2-3  nights  – Hoi An
• Fly out of Da Nang to either Hanoi or HCMC to leave

South Vietnam

• Fly into Ho Chi Minh City
• 2 nights  – Ho Chi Minh City
• 2 nights –  Mekong Delta
• 2 nights –  Dalat
• 1 night –  Mui Ne
• Fly out of Ho Chi Minh City

READ MORE: Check out this post for more details on our  Vietnam travel itinerary . 

VIETNAM TRIP PLANNING

Best time to visit vietnam.

The best time to travel to Vietnam really depends on what you are looking for in terms of weather, scenery and budget.

Peak season occurs from mid-December through to February. But expect prices to double during this time. The low season is perfect for those on a budget.

• Low Season –  April to June, September to November
• Shoulder Season –  December to March
• High Season –  July & August

Northern Vietnam  –  The best months to travel Northern Vietnam are April to May or September to October. There are mostly sunny days and the rain has stopped.

The weather gets really cold from December to March and is not suited for hiking or sailing a junk boat in Halong Bay that time of year.

Central Vietnam –  The best months for travel to Central Vietnam are January to June. There are heavy rains in October and November and the really hot months are from May to August.

Southern Vietnam  –  The best months to explore Southern Vietnam are January to April where conditions are beautiful.

You really can travel the south at any time of the year. Just note that from May to November there are afternoon downpours.

VIETNAM TRAVEL BUDGET GUIDELINE

Vietnam is a cheap country to travel if you want it to be, this all depends on what your budget is like. Our advice is always over-budget when making plans, and if you come home with money, it can go towards your next trip. All prices below are in USD per day.

Budgeting Tips

To make your money go further here are a few tips: 

• Eat street food as often as possible. You can usually fill up for $1-2USD.
• Travel in groups when possible. Staying in hostels will lead to making friends. And with friends, you can split transportation costs and barter on other expenses.
• Negotiate taxi fares before taking the ride. Vietnamese taxi drivers are notorious for flexible fares that tend to fall int heir favor. Don’t be afraid of a little negotiation.
• Drink  bia hoi . Sure it’s not the more delightful beer. But it is shipped in fresh each day, it’s cheap and it’s what the local drink.
• Take in the sights for free. Do a little research and walk the streets on your own. You’ll also find there are a number of free tours and other opportunities if you ask around.
• Sleep on overnight busses for longer trips. Combine the transportation and accommodation line items of your budget and save a few dollars.

But there are a few things you should know about the different budgets at which you can choose to travel.

Note: Budgets shown as Single Traveller / Couples per day. 

Budget Traveller ($35 Single / $50 Couples)

If you are on a backpacker budget and planning on staying in dorm rooms, getting street food, drinking a few nights of the week, I would budget for about $35 a day.

A single hostel bed can be $5-$8 per person. A budget basic private room is $15-$20. A street food meal can be $1-$2. A bottle of beer is about $1- $1.50 and a  bia hoi  is $0.20 per cup. This is not the nicest beer. But it is passable and you get to make new friends when drinking it.

Walking or taking public transport will keep your budget down. There are many free things to do, you just need to think outside the box.

Mid-Range Traveller ($100 Single / $120 Couple)

If you have a little more cash in your budget your travels in Vietnam will become a lot more comfortable.

A nicer hotel is definitely affordable.

There are restaurants where you will pay more than the street food price. But the food is definitely of nicer quality (most of the time). The local beer can get a little too much sometimes so you will be able to enjoy an international beer or wine.

For the attractions you are most interested in, get a guide and learn more about the history of the country. You’ll be able to commit much more of your budget to do things rather than cutting corners just to stay alive.

Luxury Traveller ($90+ Single / $120+ Couple)

You don’t have to have that much more to enjoy a luxury trip to Vietnam. With a few more dollars in your budget, a nicer hotel is definitely affordable. Eat and drink anything you would like at virtually any restaurant.

You can hire transportation without having to haggle. And you can pretty much do any tour you would like to do when visiting any part of Vietnam.

GETTING TO AND AROUND VIETNAM

Entry requirements.

Most travellers are required to have visas when travelling to Vietnam, which can typically be arranged upon arrival. You are typically allowed to stay for 3 – 6 months, depending on nationality.

For information about your specific visa requirements click  here

Additionally, Vietnam has introduced an electronic visa (e-visa), which costs $25 USD and is granted for single entry visits for up to 30 days.

You no longer will have to apply through an agent to get an invitation letter or queue at the airport immigration for hours waiting to receive your visa upon arrival.

Apply in advance  here .

Once you are approved, all you need to do is print the visa out and present it on entry to Vietnam. Don’t lose this e- visa print out as you will need this during your travels in Vietnam.

Hotels will ask for it on check-in at the accommodation and travel agents may ask for it if you are booking flights.

Also, print out your  travel insurance  as well. Immigration will ask for this also as they want to know you are covered if you fall ill or get injured during your stay.

Getting to Vietnam

There are a number of different ways to travel to Vietnam, depending on where you are coming from and how you like to get around with transport.

There are a lot of different airlines that fly to Vietnam from all over the world. There are two major international airports in Vietnam: Tan Son Nhat Airport (SGN) in Ho Chi Minh City in the south and Noi Bai Airpot (HAN) in Hanoi in the north.

Direct flights to Vietnam from Australia, Europe and North America are still limited, but it is improving. You will most likely have to book a flight with a stopover in either Hong Kong, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Seoul or Singapore.

There are many domestic airports scattered among the country. Vietnam Airlines is Vietnam’s national carrier. We have flown with them several times and they are amazing.

You can cross into Vietnam by train from China, all the way from Beijing to Ping Xian. This is the Dong Dang Crossing which is 160km from Hanoi.

After you have crossed the border hop on a train to Hanoi. Don’t buy the direct ticket from Beijing to Hanoi. It works out cheaper to buy your ticket from Beijing to Ping Xian then cross the border and purchase another ticket from Dong Dang to Hanoi.

If you do the train trip from Beijing through to Hanoi, it will take 36 hours so it is best to book a sleeper. Make sure you have your visa organised before getting to the border.

You can bring your own food and drinks for the train or purchase them from the cafeteria on board. There are squat toilets on board and areas to store your luggage.

You can get to Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City through either the Cambodia, Laos or China borders. There is a route from Vientiane (Laos) to Hanoi, and one from Siem Reap or Phnom Penh to Ho Chi Minh City.

Most travel agents in Vientiane, Siem Reap or Phnom Penh will sell the tickets or at your accommodation. You can also get a minivan from Guangzhou through to Hanoi.

Make sure you have your visa ready. The border crossings by land may not be set up as well as others.

If you want to book any of your bus trips online rather than trying to deal with travel agencies in the country, you can do so on the popular website  Bookaway .

Getting Around Vietnam

Getting around Vietnam is surprisingly easy. Public transport goes everywhere, and there are plenty of moto-taxis that are happy to take you to the places that public transport won’t reach.

Travelling by Air

The fastest way to get around the country, of course, is by air. There are many domestic airports all over the country and you can fly in from major cities.

You can get cheap flights within the country through VietJet Air and Vietnam Airlines. For the best deals head directly on the airline’s website.

Travelling by Taxi, Tuk Tuk Or Mototaxi

When you are in the cities and town catching a taxi, tuk-tuk or moto-taxi can be the best way to get around. For taxi companies, look for the biggest and most reputable companies as you can be ripped off.

For the tuk-tuks, ask your accommodation the average price to your destination so you can agree on a price with the driver.

We recommend Uber and Grab (car or motorbike) which you can use an app and get the price.

Travelling by Bus

It is possible and advisable to travel by bus throughout Vietnam. Busses inside of cities can be complicated and should be a last resort.

However, when travelling long distances in Vietnam busses are a great option. This is especially true if you take night busses and sleep during the ride.

Travelling by Motorbike

We think travelling by motorbike is the best way to see Vietnam if you have the time. Buy your own motorbike and ride the length of the country. Or you can choose one area and explore Northern Vietnam or South Vietnam.

Here’s our post to help guide you on  how to buy a motorbike in Vietnam .

Travelling by Train

Taking the train is a great way to get around the country. They are great for overnight journeys as the trains have bed cabins.

In Vietnam, there are many places with roadwork that can last for years. So trains can be the best way to go.

APPS AND TECHNOLOGY

We know you’ll absolutely love travelling in Vietnam. But technology has made it easier, more affordable and safer to travel than ever.

Here are a few apps we think you should definitely acquaint yourself with prior to your travels:

Grab  – Use this app to catch a ride from any metro area in Vietnam.

XE Currency  – Transfer, monitor and calculate currency as the need arises. This app may not be totally necessary as you are typically tied into rates the banks charge for services. But it is handy to have around. 

Express VPN  – This will protect your sensitive information wherever you travel – not just in [Country]. Be sure to have this to keep your online information secure as you travel. 

iTranslate  – Even if you don’t know more than a handful of Vietnamese words, iTranslate will help you communicate as you travel in Vietnam. 

WiFi Finder  – With this app, you no longer have to guess whether the next place on your itinerary has WiFi or scramble across town looking for hot spots.

BEST THINGS TO EAT IN VIETNAM

When you travel to a foreign country one of the new and most exciting things you will experience is the food. There are so many amazing food choices in Vietnam, and Vietnamese food is delicious.

Here are a few of our favourites.

Goi Cuon:  This is a rice paper packed with greens, coriander and various combinations of minced or shredded pork, shrimp or crab. It will be served with a sweet and sour sauce or a delicious homemade peanut sauce.

Sometimes to make the experience even better, you get to hand roll them yourself. This was our favourite dish.

Banh Mi:  With this one, it will be different in every corner of Vietnam. This is a baguette sandwich that is filled with meat, greens, pata, pickled vegetables, soy sauce, cilantro and sometimes an omelet.

The meat filling will be roasted pork belly, grilled pork loin, barbecue pork, boiled chicken, or a fried egg.

Pho (pronounced ‘fur’):  This flat rice noodle soup is either light beef or chicken broth flavoured with coriander and ginger with spring onions and bits of meat (chicken, pork or beef).

It is a dish you can have any time of the day and is delicious, but it can be hit and miss in some places. If you have an average one, please do try it again. We ate pho a lot for breakfast and never got sick of it.

Bun Cha:  This is a Hanoi specialty and it is deliciously addictive. Bun Cha is served with grilled fatty pork over a plate of white rice noodles. It will be served with a sauce.

It will all be served separately and you combined everything together. You can ask for some little fried spring rolls on top too. It is so delicious!

Coa Lau:  Hoi An is the best (and only authentic) place to try this one. as the noodles are made using water from a special well in town.

It is chewy rice flour noodles with Chinese barbecue pork, bean sprouts, croutons and fresh herbs in a delicious pork-based gravy.

PLACES TO STAY IN VIETNAM

There are accommodation options for all budgets in Vietnam. You can stay in a shared dorm for $5 USD per night, or a luxury hotel for over $300 USD.

The accommodation standards can vary in each destination.

For example, we got a really nice hotel in the middle of nowhere when we were on our bike for $12 a night. But we would not find a place like this in Hanoi, Hoi An, HCMC or Hue for less than $25.

NOTE –  In Vietnam, the accommodation will keep your passport for the duration of your stay. This is to do with the government. Officials will randomly come around and check hotels and hostels.

If they do not have the ID or passport of every person staying there, the accommodation will be fined. The accommodation will keep your passport in a safe. If you are unsure just ask, “do you lock my passport up?”

Types of Accommodations

Vietnam is wildly popular among backpackers. Because the costs are generally incredibly low, budget travellers flock to the country.

This means that there are lots of great hostel options when looking for accommodations in Vietnam.

Whether you are busy spending all your time exploring and are just looking for a cheap place to crash for the night or want to make friends along the way, you will find most of what you are looking for in a variety of hostels throughout Vietnam.

Because costs are generally lower in Vietnam than in most parts of the world your quality of life can go up quite a bit when you travel to Vietnam.

One way you can upgrade your travel experience is by booking rooms in hotels instead of beds in hostels. For a few dollars more you’ll get vastly more space and privacy.

In some towns and villages, hotels are your only option.

But generally, these are very reasonably priced. You can expect to spend USD$20-30 for a decent hotel room in most cities, towns and villages across Vietnam.

Another good option in recent years is AirBnB, and there are more and more amazing places popping up to stay in Vietnam for very affordable prices every day.

As is typical in many destinations where Airbnb accommodations are available, you’ll likely find great value and a little more personal space with an Airbnb stay. 

If you’re looking for an awesome place to stay, we personally love using Airbnb. If you’ve never used the platform before,  sign up using this link to get USD$35 off your first booking .

Our Favorite Places to Stay in Vietnam

We travelled from the south to the north and stayed in many different places. Here are a few accommodation options we highly recommend.

VIETNAM TRAVEL TIPS

The Vietnamese people are friendly, welcoming and hospitable towards travellers. It is a great destination to travel to in Southeast Asia.

The people are very respectful and would like the same back from you. Here are a few things that you should know before going to Vietnam.

GENERAL VIETNAM TRAVEL TIPS 

While we have  many basic travel tips  we suggest you use when travelling to Vietnam, there are also plenty of Vietnam-specific tips that will make your visit the best it can be. 

Here are a few we recommend you consider as you plan your trip to visit Vietnam: 

Please show respect to their religious beliefs and their cultures . You are travelling to someone else’s country. They have different religious beliefs and cultures in your home. Please respect them.

Watch your belongings.  Vietnam is a safe country but unfortunately, there still is petty theft. Whether you are at a restaurant or on a bus always watch your belongings.

Beware of the counterfeit tour agencies . Unfortunately, there are plenty of these around, especially in the main tourist areas. Book through the main owner or operator or any of  these tours that we recommend .

Do not drink the tap water.  The locals don’t even drink the water. There is bottled water available everywhere. Popular tourist restaurants will usually have on their menu that they wash their salad and veggies in sterilised water and make tea, coffee and soup from that too.

Carry toilet paper everywhere . There are toilets available in restaurants or in public but there may not be toilet paper. Most of the time you have to pay for the public toilet and they may give you some toilet paper, but don’t count on it. Always have your stash.

Toilet paper goes in the bin . DO NOT put the toilet paper in the toilet. Please put it into the bin provided. Vietnam’s sewerage systems are not built for much more than human waste so toilet paper and other items will just clog up your toilet.

Embrace the “bum gun “. Next to every toilet in Vietnam, there is a water hose. This is not to wash down the floor. This is to clean yourself up after you do your business. Don’t be disgusted by this. Embrace it.

Vietnam is bigger than you think . This country is huge and many people underestimate it. Vietnam is about 1,650 kilometres long from north to south. The distance on buses and trains is long so be prepared.

Take note of the Vietnamese money . It will be a new currency for you so do take a look at it before you go out spending. There are more zeros in it than you might be used to (1USD = 23,000 Dong)

Always take photos when you rent a scooter . Renting a scooter in Vietnam is something everyone does. It is a great way to get around and see all the attractions. But where you rent it from can get you into trouble. Whenever you rent a scooter take photos of the bike or else might end up with a crazy expensive bill.

Always wear a helmet. Always . Please wear a helmet. The roads are crazier here than they are in your country. The rules are different and road conditions are not the best. A quality helmet could save your life in an accident.

Make sure you have travel insurance . We tell people who are going travelling, “if you can’t afford travel insurance, you can’t afford to travel.” You do not know what is going to happen while you are away and knowing you are covered will put your mind at ease.

Be confident when crossing the road . The roads in Vietnam are crazy. Crossing the road can be daunting but you need to be confident. Do not walk backward or hesitate. Walk slowly and watch the traffic coming towards you. They will all move around you.

Take your shoes off before entering a temple or a person’s home . It is a custom that stems back to ancient times and a big part comes back to cleanliness. The ground is used for chatting, dining and even sleeping.

Cover your shoulders and knees when entering a temple . This is common in most religious sites. There are always signs suggesting visitors dress ‘appropriately.’ Shoulders and knees should be covered. If it is a hot day and a t-shirt is too sticky, carry a scarf for when you visit to cover your shoulders.

Keep a low profile . Do not be loud, raise your voice in aggression or show off. Do not show dramatic affection publicly like kissing. Save it for the hotel room

Ask for permission before taking a photo of someone . This is polite and ensures you are not intruding on them. The people are not there for your entertainment. If they say no, smile and thank them anyway.

Do not take photos of anything to do with the government or military.  This is a big NO in any country and can end up with you in jail.

Do not touch someone on the head . The head is the most important part of the body. Touching someone’s head who you don’t know is like saying you are more important than they are.

Place your chopsticks across the top of the bowl when finished . Don’t have your chopsticks hanging out of the bowl, and don’t point them at anyone when they are resting on the plate.

VIETNAM PACKING LIST

We always travel with a  core packing list  wherever we go. And when it comes to Vietnam, many factors will affect what else you need to bring along with you. 

Check out our  travel essentials  and be sure to add any of the other additional items listed below. 

Important Note!  Before you book any international trip, we honestly recommend getting travel insurance. You never know when things will go wrong, and medical bills can add up quickly if you get sick or injure yourself overseas.

Our personal recommendation based on our own experience is  World Nomads .

TRAVEL INSURANCE. SIMPLE & FLEXIBLE.

Which countries or regions are you traveling to, what’s your country of residence, enter traveler’s age, staying safe in vietnam.

Vietnam is extremely safe, apart from the one major danger which is the roads. They are crazy, even more so if you try to ride 10’000km around the country on motorbikes as we did!

Aside from that, common sense will keep you safe.

Here are a few reminders of what common sense when travelling in Vietnam means:

As you saw above, Vietnam is extremely safe. We did not feel unsafe once in the 7 months we were there (excluding the roads).

This doesn’t mean you can completely let your guard down though, and petty theft does happen in this country, although it’s not common.

Some tips for protecting your things:

In other words, use common sense and you’ll be fine.

STAYING CONNECTED IN VIETNAM

Staying connected with friends and family (and work) when travelling in Vietnam is important. But if you don’t know how to connect you can find yourself greatly inconvenienced or spending too much money.

We feel like your money will go a lot further if you consider a few options. 

Purchase a SIM Card

Picking up a SIM card has become the quickest and typically most affordable way to stay connected in Vietnam or any country for that matter.

If you have an unlocked phone you can use a 4G SIM card to connect to the cellular networks in Vietnam. From there you can cast a hot spot if you need to crank out some work on your computer or want to connect a tablet.

This 3G/4G SIM card  is a great and affordable option for a SIM card if you are flying into Vietnam.

Rent a Portable WiFi Device

Alternatively to a SIM card, particularly if you don’t have an unlocked phone, you can rent a portable WiFi device during your travel to Vietnam.

This device  will be delivered to you when you arrive in Vietnam and will provide 4G service for less than USD$5 per day.

You’ll be able to connect anywhere you can find service across the country, which will be most of the places you are likely to travel in Vietnam.

Access Free WiFI

Free is always best, if it is convenient. And there are plenty of places throughout Vietnam that will provide free WiFi in public spaces or at restaurants, cafes and hostels and hotels.

We recommend using the  WiFi Finder  app, which will help you locate WiFi anywhere you travel in Vietnam.

BE A RESPONSIBLE TRAVELER IN VIETNAM

We absolutely love Vietnam. And we love the idea that it will remain a beautiful and friendly place for travellers for years to come.

Here are a few tips specific to travel to Vietnam that will promote sustainable tourism in the country:

Use your own energy to get around.  Walk or cycle through town as much as possible. Taking a cyclo-taxi is a close alternative if you don’t have the energy to propel yourself through the city. But this reduces the impact of taxis, busses and other forms of automotive transportation.

Mind your plastic . Plastic is everywhere in Vietnam. But using your own reusable bag for groceries and other shopping, carrying a reusable water bottle and having your own straw are just 3 of the many simple ways you can reduce the amount of plastic you use.

Shop local . Visiting the markets will be one of your top experiences when travelling to Vietnam. Support local vendors as often as possible, including in taking tours when available.

Be mindful of wildlife . Wildlife in the wild is great. But be mindful not to provoke, feed or otherwise molest wildlife. And never purchase any item made of or involving rare or endangered species.

Attempt to communicate in Vietnamese . You’re probably not going to be fluent as soon as you arrive in the country. But knowing a few phrases and doing your best to communicate with locals will show respect and earn trust and make your experience richer.

KEY VIETNAMESE TRAVEL PHRASES

You don’t have to be fluent in Vietnamese to have a great time when you travel to Vietnam. But it does help to know a few key phrases.

This will not only assist you in your travels but it will also show respect to the local Vietnamese people that you are doing your best to assimilate into their culture. 

BOOKS TO READ ABOUT VIETNAM

Maybe you already know everything about Vietnam. Chances are you don’t!

But even if you are well-read, here are a few suggestions that might be worth your time while you’re on the plane to Vietnam. 

The Quiet American  (Graham Greene) – Originally published in 1956 and adapted for film twice, this story by Greene became an instant classic. Greene fictionalizes life in 1950s Vietnam as told by a British correspondent trying to understand the roots of the rising conflict set to occur.

At Home In The World  (Thich Nhat Hanh) – World renown Vietnamese monk, Hanh reflects on lessons and stories in life from the Buddhist perspective.

Vietnam: Rising Dragon  (Bill Hayton) – A piece of nonfiction that looks back on the Vietnam of old and attempts to projects its place in the future of Southeast Asia.

The Sympathizer  (Viet Thanh Nguyen) – The Pulitzer Prize-winning book, allegedly influenced by  The Quiet American , is told through the eyes of a double-agent during the Vietnam War who struggles to understand the minds and hearts of men engaged in war.

DISCLAIMER:  Some of the links in this article are affiliate links, which means if you book accommodation, tours or buy a product, we will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. These commissions help us keep creating more free travel content to help people plan their holidays and adventures. We only recommend the best accommodations, tours and products that ourselves or our fantastic editorial team have personally experienced, and regularly review these. Thanks for your support, kind friend!

Table of Contents

Read our vietnam posts, 20 amazing things to do in hoi an, vietnam (2024 guide), 14 incredible things to do in dalat, vietnam (2024 guide), the perfect 3 days in hanoi itinerary [2024 guide], 25 amazing things to do in hanoi, vietnam (2024 guide), the perfect 3 days in ho chi minh city itinerary [2024], the 8 best day trips from ho chi minh city (2024 guide), caves, zip lines and deep mud in phong nha, ganh da dia – vietnam’s own ‘giant’s causeway’, ba be national park – the lake, trekking and happy water, motorbiking the road from dalat to nha trang in vietnam, riding sea to sky: hue to hoi an by motorbike, getting a chinese visa in hanoi, vietnam.

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Travel Advisory July 24, 2023

Vietnam - level 1: exercise normal precautions.

Reissued with obsolete COVID-19 page links removed.                    Exercise normal precautions in Vietnam.

Read the  country information page  for additional information on travel to Vietnam.

 If you decide to travel to Vietnam:

• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.   
• Follow the Department of State on  Facebook  and  Twitter .   
• Review the  Country Security Report  for Vietnam.
• Visit the CDC page for the latest  Travel Health Information  related to your travel.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the  Traveler’s Checklist .    

Embassy Messages

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Quick Facts

Must have six months’ validity remaining.

One visa page required for entry stamp.

Not required.

None. However, Vietnamese Dong in excess of VND 15,000,000 or foreign currency in excess of 5,000 U.S. dollars or equivalent must be declared.

Embassies and Consulates

U.S. Embassy Hanoi - Consular Annex 170 Ngoc Khanh Ba Dinh District Hanoi, Vietnam Telephone:   From outside Vietnam: +84-24-3850-5000 From the U.S.: 011-84-24-3850-5000 From landline within Hanoi: 3850-5000 From mobile or landline within Vietnam: 024-3850-5000

Emergency:   From outside Vietnam: +84-24-3850-5000 or +84-24-3850-5105 From the U.S.: 011-84-24-3850-5000 From landline within Hanoi: 3850-5000 or 3850-5105 From mobile or landline within Vietnam: 024-3850-5000 or 024-3850-5105 Fax: (+84-24) 3850-5010 Email:   [email protected] Facebook

U.S. Consulate General Ho Chi Minh City 4 Le Duan, District 1 Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam Telephone: From outside Vietnam: +84-28-3520-4200 From the U.S.: 011-84-28-3520-4200 From landline within Ho Chi Minh City: 3520-4200 From mobile or landline within Vietnam: 028-3520-4200

Emergency: From outside Vietnam: +84-28-3520-4200 From the U.S.: 011-84-28-3520-4200 From landline within Ho Chi Minh City: 3520-4200 From mobile or landline within Vietnam: 028-3520-4200 Fax: (+84-8) 3520-4244 Email: Contact Us Here

EMERGENCY TELEPHONE NUMBERS WITHIN VIETNAM

Police: 113 Fire brigade: 114 Ambulance: 115

Destination Description

Learn about the U.S. relationship to countries around the world.

Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements

Entry Requirements:  You must have a valid passport and a visa (or pre-approval for a visa on arrival) to enter Vietnam. Your passport must be valid for six months beyond your planned stay, and you must have at least one blank visa page (not including the endorsement page). Visit  Mission Vietnam’s website  for the most current information. If you arrive in Vietnam without an appropriate visa (which could be an e-visa) or pre-approval for a visa on arrival, you will be denied entry . The U.S. Mission to Vietnam cannot assist U.S. citizens who arrive in Vietnam without required visas. U.S.-Vietnam dual nationals should consult the Department of State’s information page for Travelers with Dual Nationality and the Embassy of Vietnam for travel requirements. You must enter and exit Vietnam on the same passport. If using a Vietnamese passport to enter and exit the country, your passport must have at least six months’ validity from your return date to the United States.

Visas:   The Government of Vietnam requires a “visa sponsor” for all visa categories, except for E-visa. A visa sponsor is a local business or travel agent to apply for a pre-approval letter with a Vietnamese Immigration Office in Vietnam on behalf of the traveler. Only on receipt of the pre-approval letter can a foreigner apply for an appropriate visa at a Vietnamese Embassy or Consulate abroad, or for a visa on arrival. For more information about this process, please visit the website of the Vietnamese Embassy here . When you apply for a visa to enter Vietnam, be sure to request the visa category that corresponds to your purpose of travel. Please refer to  Vietnam’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs website  for information detailing visa categories. If you plan to work in Vietnam, you must obtain a work permit  before  applying for your visa. If you change the purpose of your visit after you have received your visa, you must obtain a new visa outside of Vietnam appropriate for your new activities before beginning those activities. Under local immigration law, employment-based visas are based on a petition from a specific employer, and workers may be unable to switch jobs without securing a new visa. In addition, employers may prevent the departure of contracted employees from Vietnam if they violate contract terms. Before accepting employment in Vietnam, make sure you understand the conditions of contracts and employment-based visas.

Note that travelers with a U.S. APEC Business Travel Card will still need a valid visa to enter Vietnam.  The United States is a transitional member of APEC and does not reciprocate with other economies regarding full pre-clearance benefits to applicants.  As such, no countries are listed on the back of U.S. APEC Business Travel Cards and card holders are required to present any travel or identity documentation, such as a passport and visa (where applicable), required by Vietnam. If a  U.S. APEC Business Travel Card  holder does not conform to Vietnam’s entry requirements, the card holder may be refused entry.

Please consult  Mission Vietnam’s website  for more information.

Please note that Vietnam requires a valid visa, residence card, or approval from the Immigration Department to leave the country. Immigration officials will apply a fee to replace lost/stolen visas or will assess a fine for any visa overstays. The Government of Vietnam has recently increased the penalties for visa overstays, and fines can be substantial. In addition, the processing of exit visas for cases involving visa overstays can take one to two weeks, and longer for more complex cases.

If your U.S. passport is lost or stolen in Vietnam, you will need both a replacement passport and a replacement Vietnamese visa to legally remain in or depart Vietnam. The U.S. Embassy in Hanoi and the Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City can usually issue you a limited validity replacement passport in as little as one business day for emergency purposes; however, the Vietnamese government requires three to five working days to issue a replacement visa. For lost and stolen passports, immigration officials will also request a police report. You must file a report of a lost or stolen passport with the police in the location where the loss or theft of your passport occurred, or authorities may refuse to accept the report. The U.S. Embassy and the Consulate General cannot expedite the replacement of your Vietnamese visa.

If you plan to travel from Vietnam to Laos by land, you should request that an adhesive visa be affixed to your passport instead of a detachable one. Lao immigration officials require proof that travelers have departed Vietnam, something that can only be shown with an adhesive visa. Vietnamese officials remove detachable visas from passports when travelers depart Vietnam, leaving travelers with no proof of their Vietnam departure. This situation can result in Lao officials requiring travelers to return to Vietnam.  

Pre-approval for Visa on Arrival:   The Government of Vietnam has authorized some businesses and travel agencies to arrange for pre-approval for a “visa on arrival” at the airport. On a receipt of a pre-approval letter, travelers may then travel to Vietnam and apply for a visa upon landing to Vietnam. Please be advised that you should not travel to Vietnam without having been issued a pre-approval letter as it may result in a denial of entry by immigration authorities. To avoid having to rearrange your travel date, please do not make travel arrangement before you receive your pre-approval letter.

E-visa:  U.S. citizens can apply online for an E-visa on the  Vietnam Immigration website . The E-visa is valid for a maximum of 90 days, single or multiple entry, and does not allow for renewal or extension from within the country.   The E-visa is valid for a maximum of 90 days, single or multiple entry, and does not allow for renewal or extension from within the country. An E-visa is usually processed within three to five working days after the Vietnam Immigration Department receives the completed application and E-visa fee. E-visa holders must present the printed E-visa and valid passport at the port of entry. Prior to your travel with an E-visa to Vietnam, we recommend travelers to carefully check their E-visa to make sure all information is correct, and that you will enter/exit Vietnam through a port of entry that you had selected at the time of application. An error on E-visa, including minor differences between the information on the application and the biographical information on the passport, may result in a denial of entry by immigration authorities. The U.S. Embassy and Consulate General are unable to change the information on your E-visa or help expedite the process as Vietnamese E-visa is under the sole jurisdiction of the Vietnamese government. 

Certificate of Visa Exemption:  Vietnamese nationals residing abroad indefinitely, their spouses, and their children may apply for a Certificate of Visa Exemption. The certificate has a maximum validity of five years, during which time the holder can enter Vietnam and stay for up to six months without applying for a visa. More information can be found on the  Vietnam Embassy website .

The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to or foreign residents of Vietnam. 

Immunization information for travelers can be found on the  Centers for Disease and Control’s website .

Information about  dual nationality  or the  prevention of international child abduction  can be found on our website. For further information about customs regulations, please read our  Customs Information page . 

Safety and Security

The Department of State recommends that U.S. citizens overseas always maintain a high level of vigilance and take appropriate steps to increase their security awareness while traveling internationally. Please visit  www.travel.state.gov  for up-to-date information. 

Messages regarding weather-related events are posted  here  and on the Embassy/Consulate General  website . 

While in Vietnam you are subject to Vietnamese laws. U.S. citizenship will not help you avoid arrest or prosecution. If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be arrested, expelled, or imprisoned. Individuals establishing a business or practicing a profession that requires additional permits or licensing should seek information from the competent local authorities, prior to practicing or operating a business.

Vietnamese authorities routinely do not provide timely notification of the arrest of a U.S. citizen to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate General or approval for consular officials to visit U.S. citizens. The delays for both – particularly for access – can take several weeks. Note that if you enter Vietnam with a non-U.S. passport, the Government of Vietnam has different notification and access responsibilities for the U.S. Embassy or Consulate General. See our  webpage  for further information. 

Small-scale, peaceful protests occasionally occur in Vietnam’s major cities, but large-scale demonstrations are rare. As in any country, you should avoid large protests, as they can become violent with little or no warning. 

The Government of Vietnam may not allow or authorize travel to certain areas of the country that are deemed sensitive. Check with local authorities before visiting border areas to see if you need to obtain a travel permit issued by local authorities. U.S. citizens have been detained after traveling in areas close to the Vietnamese borders with the People’s Republic of China, Cambodia, and Laos. These areas are not always marked, and there are no warnings about prohibited travel.

Safety standards in Vietnam are not at the same level as those in the United States and vary greatly from company to company and province to province. This is especially true for fire safety codes. Travelers should be aware that many buildings, including hotels, shops, and restaurants, have limited or no fire safety equipment or emergency exits. Ground and water transportation also lack safety regulations. 

Travelers to Vietnam should have no expectation of privacy and should safeguard all personal documents and electronic devices. Exercise caution when discussing sensitive or proprietary information.

Crime:  Crime in Vietnam is rated high. Exercise vigilance and the same commonsense security precautions you would in any major metropolitan city in the United States.  

Violent crime against foreigners is rare; however, petty crimes, such as theft, bag grabs, and pickpocketing occur regularly, especially in crowded areas and tourist locations. Typically, there is a rise in petty crime during the Christmas and Tet (Lunar New Year) holiday seasons, including during the day and in well-lit areas. Motorcyclists are known to snatch bags, cameras, cell phones, and other valuables from individuals riding or walking on the street.   If you are targeted by thieves, do not resist, and report the incident immediately to local police and to the U.S. Embassy in Hanoi or the U.S. Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City. Keep a tight hold on bags as you enter and exit vehicles and as you walk around. Hold tightly to cell phones when using them outside and lock and stow phones until you actually need to use them.

Some U.S. citizens have reported threats of death or physical injury connected to business-related disputes. You should report such threats to local authorities and if you feel unsafe, you should depart the country. 

Keep your passport and other important valuables in your hotel in a safe or another secured location at all times and carry both photo and digital copies of your passport. You should immediately report the loss or theft of your U.S. passport to the local police and the U.S. Embassy or the U.S. Consulate General. See section on “Visas” for information on what to do if your passport/visa are lost or stolen.

Sexual Assault:  Women travelling alone may be subject to some forms of harassment and verbal abuse. Sexual assault, harassment and rape do occur. To minimize the risk avoid travelling alone, especially at night; remain particularly vigilant in less populous areas; and be careful when dealing with strangers or recent acquaintances. Local authorities may not always respond adequately to reports of sexual violence and harassment. If you are the victim of a sexual assault, you should report it immediately to local authorities and to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate General. Never leave food or drinks unattended or in the care of strangers. Be wary of accepting snacks, beverages, gum, or cigarettes from new acquaintances. These items may contain drugs that could put you at risk of sexual assault and robbery.

Male violence against women and sexual harassment is often ignored by the police. In areas foreigners frequent, women have reported harassment and assault such as men exposing themselves, asking for sexual favors, and groping.

Drugs:  Recreational drugs available in Vietnam can be extremely dangerous and can result in death. Drugs sold in Vietnam may be fake, synthetic, or laced with toxic ingredients undetectable to the buyer. This includes nitrous oxide balloons widely available in nightlife establishments. You should also avoid purchasing liquor or cigarettes from street vendors or strangers, as the authenticity of the contents cannot be assured. 

Victims of Crime:   U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault are encouraged to contact the U.S. Embassy or Consulate General for assistance. Vietnam’s local equivalent of an emergency line is 113. Local police will issue a report of a crime, but generally will only initiate investigations for crimes they determine serious, which do not always equate with U.S. standards. Investigations can take several months or even years to complete.

In the event you are a victim of a crime, local police will issue a crime report in Vietnamese, but generally will only initiate investigations for crimes they determine serious. While the overall situation is improving, some police have asked for bribes, ostensibly to support local police efforts or to facilitate investigation of a crime. If you are involved in a situation where a police officer is soliciting money, contact American Citizen Services at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate General.

See our webpage on  help for U.S. victims of crime overseas .

We can: 

• Help you find appropriate medical care. 
• Assist you in reporting a crime to the police. 
• Contact relatives or friends with your written consent. 
• Provide general information regarding the victim’s role during the local investigation and following its conclusion. 
• Provide a list of local attorneys.
• Provide information on victim’s compensation programs in the United States. 
• Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited support in cases of destitution.
• Help you find accommodation and arrange flights home.
• Replace a stolen or lost passport.

Domestic Violence:  U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence are encouraged to contact the Embassy or Consulate General for assistance .  Note that local authorities take a different attitude towards domestic violence cases and are hesitant to get involved in cases involving foreigners. Vietnam has very limited infrastructure to support victims of domestic violence.

Tourism:   The tourism industry is unevenly regulated, and safety inspections for equipment and facilities do not commonly occur. Hazardous areas/activities are not always identified with appropriate signage, and staff may not be trained or certified either by the host government or by recognized authorities in the field. In the event of an injury, appropriate medical treatment is typically available only in/near major cities. First responders are generally unable to access areas outside of major cities to provide urgent medical treatment. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance. See our webpage for more  information on insurance providers for overseas coverage .

Local Laws & Special Circumstances

Criminal Penalties:   You are subject to Vietnamese laws. If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned.  Individuals establishing a business or practicing a profession that requires additional permits or licensing should seek information from the competent local authorities, prior to practicing or operating a business. Penalties for possessing, using, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Vietnam are severe, and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines, or even the death penalty. Police periodically raid nightlife establishments suspected of engaging in the drug trade and during these raids will subject all patrons present to drug testing at the police station. A positive result, regardless of whether drugs were consumed in Vietnam or before entry, may result in criminal charges.

In Vietnam, you may be taken in for questioning if you do not have proper ID, such as a passport or a copy of your visa. Driving under the influence of alcohol resulting in a fatal accident could lead to immediate imprisonment. If you break local laws in Vietnam, your U.S. passport  will not  help you avoid arrest or prosecution. Note that the Vietnamese legal system allows for lengthy criminal investigation periods that can lead to prolonged pre-trial detention; some investigations can last years without any explanation.

Furthermore, some laws are also prosecutable in the United States, regardless of local law. You can be  prosecuted in the United States  for engaging in sexual conduct with children or for using or disseminating child pornography in a foreign country regardless of the legality of these activities under the host country’s laws.

Arrest Notification in Vietnam:    If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy or Consulate General immediately. There are often delays in notification by the Vietnamese authorities to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate General and officials have been known to delay consular access to prisoners for several weeks. 

Counterfeit and Pirated Goods: Although counterfeit and pirated goods are prevalent in many countries, they may still be illegal according to local laws. You may also pay fines or forfeit them upon return to the United States. See the  U.S. Department of Justice website  for more information.  

Gambling:  Gambling is highly regulated by the government and persons or businesses running games or gambling halls are required to be licensed. The Government of Vietnam pursues cases of running or playing in unlicensed games aggressively. There are currently U.S. citizens serving jail sentences of three to five years because of illegal gambling.

Dual Nationality:  Dual nationality is accepted by the Vietnamese government in some, but not all, circumstances. However, dual nationals should be aware that Vietnam recognizes their Vietnamese citizenship as primary before others. In such cases, the U.S. Embassy and Consulate General may be limited in the consular services we are able to provide. U.S. citizens who also hold Vietnamese citizenship and are currently residing in Vietnam may wish to contact local authorities and/or seek competent legal advice on how local laws may affect their status. For detailed information on Vietnamese nationality law and other legal issues visit the  Embassy of Vietnam website . 

Work Authorization:  The Government of Vietnam maintains strict laws with respect to foreign workers. U.S. citizens planning to work in Vietnam should make sure that they are in full compliance with Vietnamese regulations. Penalties can be severe and include deportation, fines, or detention. Vietnam immigration law allows for companies sponsoring foreign employees to exercise control over their employees’ visas, including prohibiting their exit from the country if they have any outstanding debts.

Teaching English:  We advise those considering accepting an English teaching job in Vietnam to carefully review the terms of the contract regarding working and living conditions and to ask for multiple references from persons familiar with the institution, especially former U.S. citizen employees, before committing to contracts. Some U.S. citizens have reported their employers have reneged on contract terms, including offering significantly lower salaries than agreed or seizing their passports, and employers have caused complications with the exit visa process for employees who quit, complicating the exit visas required to depart the country. 

Hotels:  Hotels in Vietnam require you to present your passport (and visas, if issued separately) upon check-in so that your stay can be registered with local police. Every guest in a hotel room or private residence must be registered, regardless of nationality. If you stay at a private residence (i.e., at the residence of family or friends), you must comply with registration requirements by visiting the local police station and registering your stay within 24 hours. Some provinces allow registration online.

Exports:  Vietnamese law prohibits the export of antiques. However, these laws are vague and unevenly enforced. Customs authorities may inspect and seize your antiques without compensating you, and the determination of what is an “antique” can be arbitrary. If you purchase non-antique items of value, you should retain receipts and confirmation from shop owners and/or the Ministry of Culture and the Customs Department to prevent seizure when you leave the country.  

Imports:  Vietnamese authorities have seized documents, audio and video tapes, compact discs, literature, and personal letters they deem to be pornographic or political in nature or intended for religious or political proselytizing. It is illegal to import weapons, ammunition, explosives, military equipment and tools (including uniforms), narcotics, drugs, toxic chemicals, pornographic and subversive materials, firecrackers, or children's toys that have "negative effects on personality development, social order, and security."    For up-to-date information on Vietnam Customs information, please visit the  Vietnam Customs website .

Freedom of Expression:   The Government of Vietnam maintains strict control over all forms of political speech, particularly dissent or speech it deems as critical of the government and/or party. U.S. citizens have been detained, tried, and convicted for political activities (including criticizing the government or its domestic/foreign policies or advocating alternatives to Communist Party rule), possession of political material, and non-sanctioned religious activities (including proselytizing). Authorities have also detained U.S. citizens for posting messages on blogs or online chatrooms that are perceived to be political or critical of the government. U.S. citizens of Vietnamese descent should be especially careful with their online postings. Review the latest version of the  Vietnam Human Rights Report  for the latest information on Freedom of Expression in Vietnam.

Association with Groups:   Persons whom the Government of Vietnam perceives to be associated with dissident or political groups may be denied entry to Vietnam, prevented from departing, detained, interrogated, placed under surveillance, or even tried and convicted. Note that if arrested, you could be subject to lengthy detention without access to an attorney or family members. U.S. citizens of Vietnamese descent should be especially careful about associating with dissident groups. U.S. citizen travelers have been summoned by immigration or local security officials for reasons that are unclear or not explicitly related to any suspected or alleged violation of law. We recommend that U.S. citizens finding themselves in this situation contact the U.S. Embassy or Consulate General immediately for further information and/or assistance.

Photography: Taking photographs of anything that could be perceived as being of military Taking photographs of anything that could be perceived as being of military or security interest may result in questioning by authorities, fines, or delayed travel. You should be cautious when traveling near military bases and avoid photography in these areas.     Disputes: The Vietnamese government has occasionally seized the passports and blocked the departure of foreigners involved in commercial disputes. U.S. citizens whose passports have been seized by Vietnamese authorities should contact the Embassy or Consulate General for assistance . 

Civil Procedures:  Civil procedures in Vietnam, such as marriage, divorce, documenting the birth of a child, and issuance of death certificates, are highly bureaucratic and can be slow. Local authorities may refuse a request to include a non-Vietnamese name on a birth certificate. In addition, for those wishing to get married in Vietnam, you will need a notarized affidavit of single status. Please contact the  Vietnamese Embassy in Washington, D.C. , or the  Vietnamese Consulate General in San Francisco  or  Houston  concerning documentary requirements for these services. Enforcement of civil orders is frequently difficult or non-existent. 

Women Travelers:   See our travel tips for  Women Travelers . 

LGBTQI+ Rights:  There are no legal restrictions on same-sex sexual relations or in attending LGBTIQ+ events in Vietnam. See   our  LGBTQI+ Travel Information  page and section 6 of our  Human Rights report   for further details.

Accessibility: Most public places and public transportation are  not  accessible to persons with disabilities. Sidewalks, curb ramps, restrooms, road crossings, and tourist areas are not equipped to assist such individuals. New, modern buildings and facilities in larger urban cities are regularly built with ramps and accessible entryways. 

Students: See our  Students Abroad  page and  FBI travel tips .

Medical facilities in Vietnam, including emergency response services, frequently do not meet international standards and may lack medicine and supplies. We strongly recommend travelers purchase medical evacuation insurance before visiting Vietnam.

• Medical personnel generally speak little or no English. Doctors and hospitals expect immediate cash payment for health services. You may obtain lists of local English-speaking physicians from the U.S. Embassy in Hanoi or the U.S. Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City from our  website . 
• International health clinics in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City can treat minor illnesses and injuries, but more serious problems often require medical evacuation to other cities in the region. 
• Although you can purchase many prescription and non-prescription medications at pharmacies, some common U.S. medications may not be available. You should bring adequate supplies of medications for the duration of your stay in Vietnam and ensure with the Ministry of Health that the medicine you need is allowed to enter Vietnam. You should carry a copy of your prescription if carrying medicine in a travel case or container.
• We strongly recommend travelers purchase medical evacuation insurance before visiting Vietnam. 
• Travelers to Vietnam are at risk of the following diseases: Tuberculosis, Dengue Fever, Zika, Avian Influenza (H5N1), and HIV. You can find detailed information on vaccinations and other health precautions on the  CDC website .  

We do not pay medical bills. The U.S. government cannot pay medical bills and does not provide medical assistance. Also, be aware that U.S. Medicare/Medicaid does not apply overseas.

Medical Insurance:  Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas. Most care providers overseas only accept upfront payments. See our webpage for more  information on insurance providers for overseas coverage . Visit the  U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  for more information on type of insurance you should consider before you travel overseas. If covered by TriCare, check the TriCare website ( https://www.tricare.mil/ ) for additional information about overseas coverage. 

We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation as it can cost many thousands of dollars. Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription. 

It is extremely important  that travelers have sufficient funds and/or insurance to cover any potential medical costs.  Frequently hospitals will hold onto a patient’s passport as collateral for payment, and patients may have difficulty getting their passport back without paying their medical bills in full.  Patients who do not pay their medical bills in full also run the risk of being barred from departing the country.  

Vaccinations: Be up-to-date on all  vaccinations  recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 

Air quality: Air pollution is a significant problem in Vietnam’s major cities, and you should consult your doctor prior to travel and consider the impact that seasonal smog and heavy particulate pollution may have on you. To obtain information on the air quality in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, please follow the link to the Environmental Protection Agency’s  AirNow website . Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City’s Air Quality Index (AQI) can be observed either by clicking on the Vietnam location on the map, or by selecting Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City in the “Select a City” option on the upper right part of the page. The page provides AQI over the last 24-hour period as well as pollutant concentration and a downloadable historical document. 

Travel and Transportation

Road Conditions and Safety: Traffic in Vietnam is dangerous, chaotic, and undisciplined. Road conditions are poor; traffic accidents are the leading cause of death, severe injury, and emergency evacuation of foreigners in Vietnam. Long-distance buses and trains do not meet U.S. safety standards. Buses and trucks are often overloaded and travel at high speeds with little regard to other modes of road transportation.  

Traffic Laws:  Driving in Vietnam is not comparable to driving in other countries. Vietnamese drivers routinely ignore traffic laws, causing traffic fatalities on a daily basis. We strongly discourage you from operating a motorcycle or scooter in Vietnam. Vietnamese drivers and pedestrians may not behave in a manner to which Americans are accustomed. If you do choose to operate a motorcycle or scooter in Vietnam, wear a helmet and  always  yield to larger vehicles. Motor bike fatalities are a leading cause of death or serious injury among foreign nationals visiting or living in Vietnam, with several fatalities having occurred on major roads and rural routes within the past year. If you are the victim of a serious motor bike accident in Vietnam, the prognosis for full recovery and survival is low due to Vietnam’s poor medical infrastructure. A motorbike license is required to operate a motorcycle or scooter in Vietnam. Motor scooter drivers without a license can be held criminally liable for injuries to or death of a victim in an accident, and you may be held in custody for an extended period of time without the ability to speak to family or a lawyer during the investigation. 

Pedestrians should always look carefully  in both directions  before crossing streets, even when using a marked crosswalk with a green “walk” light illuminated or when crossing what is believed to be a one-way street. When walking on sidewalks, be mindful of scooters that may be behind you. Vietnamese commonly drive their scooters against traffic and on sidewalks. 

Because the United States is not a party to the Convention on Road Traffic, international driving permits and U.S. drivers’ licenses are  not valid  in Vietnam. Foreigners renting vehicles risk fines, prosecution, and/or imprisonment for driving without a Vietnamese license endorsed for the appropriate vehicle. If you wish to drive in Vietnam, contact the Provincial Public Transportation Service of the Vietnamese Department of Communications and Transport to obtain a Vietnamese driver’s license. Note that you may be required to take a medical examination as part of the driver license application process. 

For more information, please refer to Vietnam’s national tourism office website.

Public Transportation:

Bus System:  While Vietnam does have an extensive bus system, buses can be overcrowded and are often driven with little or no regard for passenger safety. 

For-hire vehicles:   Major taxi companies tend to be reliable. Occasionally boutique taxi companies have rigged meters, particularly on routes to and from the international airports. Exercise caution in choosing ground transportation upon arrival at the airport in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City. Some travelers have reported being robbed by drivers who greeted them upon arrival with a placard showing the traveler's name. If you are expecting to be picked up, ask the company for the driver’s name, phone number, and license plate number before you travel. Areas outside of large cities typically have only rudimentary public transportation and often do not have metered taxis. Travelers are advised to use caution in these situations. 

We strongly discourage the use of motorcycle taxis (known as “xe om”). Motorcycle taxis are unregulated and unsafe, and the helmets provided to riders offer little to no protection against injury in the case of an accident. 

Smartphone-based for-hire vehicle services:  GrabTaxi and local taxi companies are readily available, accessible via Smartphone apps, and routinely utilized by foreigners and locals. 

Aviation Safety Oversight: The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the government of Vietnam’s Civil Aviation Authority as being in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of Vietnam’s air carrier operations. Further information may be found on the  FAA’s safety assessment page .

Maritime Travel: Mariners planning travel to Vietnam should also check for  U.S. maritime advisories and alerts . Information may also be posted to the  U.S. Coast Guard homeport website , and the  National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) broadcast warnings website  portal.

For additional travel information

• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
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• See the  State Department’s travel website  for the  Worldwide Caution  and  Travel Advisories .
• Follow us on  Twitter  and  Facebook .
• See  traveling safely abroad  for useful travel tips.

Review information about International Parental Child Abduction in Vietnam . For additional IPCA-related information, please see the International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act ( ICAPRA ) report.

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The Man in Seat 61

A beginner's guide to

Train travel in vietnam.

• Buy train tickets
• Buy ferry tickets
• Book a hotel
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Train travel UK & Ireland...

Train travel in europe..., train travel in asia..., train travel in africa..., train travel in america..., train travel in australasia, train travel within vietnam.

 - Southbound timetable, Hanoi to Saigon

 - Northbound timetable, Saigon to Hanoi

 - Fares

 - How to buy tickets

 - What are the trains like?

 - Luggage, bikes & motorbikes on trains

 - Video guide:  Hanoi to Saigon by train

International travel to/from Vietnam

Why trains are the way to go.

Vietnam's air-conditioned trains are the best way for independent travellers to get around Vietnam.  You might even meet some Vietnamese people!  Inexperienced travellers think they'll save time using internal flights, but an overnight train from Hanoi to Hué or Danang actually saves time, because the train leaves Hanoi in the evening and arrives in Hué next morning, city centre to city centre.  It saves a hotel bill too.  But more than this, the train is a genuine Vietnamese experience, an integral part of your trip.

Air-conditioned trains link Hanoi, Hué, Danang, Nha Trang & Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City).  The historic UNESCO-listed town of Hoi An is just 30 km by bus or taxi from Danang.  There are also trains from Hanoi to Haiphong (for Halong Bay) and Hanoi to Lao Cai (for the hill resort at Sapa).  See interactive route map of trains in Southeast Asia .

The view from the train

Rice fields, palm trees, water buffalo, Vietnamese towns and villages.  You get a real insight into Vietnam when you travel by train which you don't get from 35,000 feet.  If you people watch you'll get insights on board the train, too - the real Vietnam is as much inside as outside the train.  The most magical part of a Hanoi to Saigon train journey is between Hué & Danang where the train runs along the South China Sea, snaking from cliff to jungle-covered cliff past beaches and islands, then heads through the lush green mountains via the Hai Van Pass to reach Danang.  World class scenic!  In Vietnamese it's Đèo Hải Vân meaning Ocean Cloud Pass , and I can't think of a better name.  In the bright Vietnamese sun, the vivid blue skies, green waters and yellow beaches will take your breath away.  See the video, Hanoi-Saigon by train .

Ho Chi Minh or Saigon?

Since the end of the Vietnamese war, the official name for the conurbation as a whole has been Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC).  However, the city centre is still officially called Saigon , which is the city's traditional historic name.  In fact, the city appears as Sai Gon in all Vietnamese railway timetables, it will say Sai Gon on your train ticket and as you can see from the photo, it actually says Sai Gon in big letters on the station itself.  The ruling elite may toe the line and call it Ho Chi Minh, but everyone else calls it Saigon.  So do what the locals do, call it Saigon!

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Useful country information

The reunification line.

Trains between Hanoi & Saigon are often referred to as the Reunification Express , although there are a range of trains on this route and no single train officially carries this title.  The line was completed by the French in 1936 and trains linked Hanoi with Saigon until 1954, when Vietnam was divided into north and south.  Trains resumed on 31 December 1976, unifying the country.  You too can travel the length of Vietnam on the reunification railway, an experience in itself.  Over the last decade the Hanoi-Saigon train service has steadily improved with more trains & newer more comfortable rolling stock.  Here are the principal trains, there are additional trains at peak times such as the Tet holiday period .

Schematic map of Vietnamese Railways routes .

Interactive map of Hanoi-Saigon Reunification Railway

Interactive map of train, bus & ferry routes in SE Asia .

Quick links :  Fares      Ticket advice      Buy tickets online     What are the trains like?      Recommended hotels

Timetable southbound 2024

Timetable northbound 2024, notes by train number.

These trains run every day, additional trains may run at busy periods.  You can check these times using dsvn.vn .

Hanoi to Saigon is 1,726km or 1,070 miles.  Map showing Saigon station .  Map showing Hanoi station .

If a 5am arrival in Saigon or Hanoi seems early, remember that in Southeast Asia it's usual to rise early and you'll find plenty of taxis available at this time.

SE1, SE2, SE3, SE4:   The best trains, with air-conditioned soft sleepers (4-berth), air-conditioned hard sleepers (6-berth), air-conditioned soft seats .

Trains SE3 & SE4 were equipped with smart refurbished cars in 2015, trains SE1 & SE2 got similar refurbished cars in 2016.  Trains SE1 & SE2 also have a handful of VIP 2-berth compartments (only about 4 per train).  SE1 & SE2 also convey privately-run Livitrans tourist sleepers between Hanoi, Hue & Danang.  Trains SE3 & SE4 also convey privately-run Violette Trains tourist sleepers between Hanoi, Hue & Danang, see the Livitrans & Violette section below .

SE5, SE6, SE9, SE10:   Air-conditioned soft sleepers (4-berth), air-conditioned hard sleepers (6-berth), air-conditioned soft seats , air-conditioned hard seats , ordinary hard seats .  Trains SE5 & SE6 were re-equipped with some of the latest modern seats cars & sleeping-cars in 2018.

SE7, SE8:  Only runs at busy times, check online if it's running a month or two ahead .  Air -con soft sleepers , air-con hard sleepers , air-con soft seats .

SE19, SE20:   Air-conditioned soft sleepers , air-conditioned hard sleepers , air-conditioned soft seats , air-conditioned hard seats , ordinary hard seats .

SE21, SE22: Air-conditioned soft sleepers , air-conditioned hard sleepers , air-conditioned soft seats , air-conditioned hard seats .

SE11, SE12, SE25, SE26:   On certain dates you'll find additional seasonal trains.  I have not shown them here.

SNT1, SNT2:   Air-con soft sleepers (both older & newer types), air-con hard sleepers (both older & newer types), air-con soft seats.  Ask for a 'chat luong cao' (newer higher quality) sleeper.  Also has privately-run Golden Trains sleepers attached.  If you use this train and get photos, please get in touch !

SPT1/2, PT3/4:   Air-con soft seats, also has various sleepers.

Livitrans, Violette, Lotus Train tourist sleepers, Hanoi-Hué-Danang:   Private company Violette Trains sells its own 4-berth soft sleepers on train SE1/SE2/SE3/SE4, private company Livitrans does the same on train SE3/SE4, private company Lotus Train doers so on SE19/SE20.  These cost around twice the price of normal Vietnamese Railways soft sleepers, although they are identical to the regular sleepers with some free snacks and different colour blankets, see the photos, information & advice below .

Livitrans and Golden Trains tourist sleepers, Saigon-Nha Trang on trains SNT1 & SNT2, see the photo below .  Private companies Livitrans and Golden Trains offer their own soft sleepers between Saigon & Nha Trang on trains SNT1 & SNT2.  Fare $38 for a bed in a 4-berth sleeper, bookable at www.baolau.com or 12Go.Asia - look for the Golden Trains or Livitrans logo rather than VR logo in the search results.

How to get to Hoi An :  See the Hoi An section

How much does it cost ?

Train fares in Vietnam are cheap, and sleeper trains save hotel bills and the cost of taxis to/from airports way outside the cities.  The fares shown below are typical fares for the best carriages on the best trains, SE1, SE2, SE3 & SE4.

Fares vary by season, by train number (the less prestigious SE 5/6/7/8/21/22 are slightly cheaper) and by carriage type (fares for seats or berths in older car types are a bit cheaper).  The old system of charging foreigners higher fares than Vietnamese citizens was abolished way back in 2002.

For Livitrans & Violette Trains tourist sleeper fares, see the Livitrans & Violette section .

Children aged 0 to 4 travel free, children 5 to 9 travel at 25% off.  Children 10 and over pay full fare.

Fares are shown in 1000s of Vietnamese Dong.  £1 = approx 30,000 Dong.  $1 = 24,000 Dong.

Tickets & reservations

Do i need a reservation  can i stop off.

Yes and yes.  But you cannot buy an open ticket and hop on & off trains at random, as all trains require a reservation.

All tickets come printed with a specific date, train number, car number and reserved seat or berth number.  So you need a separate ticket for each individual train journey you make.  If you want to travel from Saigon to Hanoi (or vice versa) stopping off on the way, no problem, you simply need to book separate tickets for each stage of the journey, either bought in advance or bought at the station as you go.

Do I need to book in advance?

Booking opens 60 days before departure, and sometimes over 90 days before departure, at least for the end-to-end journey, for example Hanoi to Saigon on trains SE1 or SE3.  Shorter segments - for example Hanoi to Hue or Nha Trang to Saigon on the SE1 or SE3 - open later, with the really short hops only opening a week or two ahead.

At peak holiday periods such as Tet (Vietnamese new year, in late January or February) you should pre-book as soon as booking opens, but at other times it's not usually difficult to buy tickets at the station a few days in advance if you're not fussy about the exact date, train or class.  If you're booking for the same day or the following day, you might find the best quality SE trains full, but slower trains may have berths available, or perhaps you'll find the soft sleepers full, but hard sleepers available, so be prepared to be flexible.  However, you're unlikely to get stuck as there's usually something available to your destination even at fairly short notice.

If it's mission-critical to be on a specific train on a certain date in a certain class, I recommend pre-booking tickets online through 12Go.Asia or www.baolau.com , as shown below .

Can I buy all 4 berths to have a compartment to ourselves?

Privacy-loving westerners often ask this - even though they'll happily sleep with 300 strangers on a long haul flight.  Yes, you can pay for 4 tickets for sole occupancy of a 4-berth soft sleeper if you really want to, but you may need to politely but firmly repulse any attempt by other passengers to join you, or by staff to allocate passengers to your spare beds.  My advice is don't bother, you'll be safe and comfortable sharing a 4-berth soft sleeper and might meet some Vietnamese people this way, rather than sitting in isolation.

Vietnamese Railways offer 2-berth 'VIP' compartments on train SE1 & SE2, but only two such compartments per train, and only on SE1 & SE2, so best forget it unless you're very lucky.  The Livitrans & Violette Trains tourist sleepers offer 2-berth compartments, you could use those.

How to buy tickets online

Option 1, buy from 12go.asia.

12Go.Asia provides an excellent service for booking train tickets in Vietnam and other countries in Southeast Asia.  They show real-time availability of seats & berths, booking confirmation is instant and international credit cards are accepted.

You can now click an option to choose exact seats or berths from a seating plan, to make sure you're all together in one compartment.

12go sells tickets for both regular Vietnamese Railways trains and many privately-run cars such as Livitrans, Violette, Fansipan, Orient Express and Golden Trains.

Bookings can only be made when Vietnamese Railways open reservations, usually 60 days ahead for longer distances such as Hanoi-Saigon, perhaps only a week or two for shorter hops such as Hue-Danang.  So if the train you want is labelled unavailable come back later.  Livitrans & Golden Trains reservations may open further ahead.

12Go.Asia charge the official Vietnamese Railways price plus around 60,000 dong ($2.70) service fee per ticket plus around 4% of the price (perhaps $3 per ticket for Hanoi-Hue, for example) for online credit card payment.

You will be emailed an e-ticket which you can either print out or keep on your phone to show when boarding the train.  It's now really easy, as for regular Vietnamese Railways trains there is no need to collect tickets or have them sent anywhere, just show your e-ticket!

Children under 6 go free with no ticket required, unless you want to give them their own berth.  Children under 10 get 25% off berth prices or 50% off seat prices.  Children 10 & over pay full price.

If your bank card is rejected , don't assume it's 12go that's the problem.  They accept all cards from all countries, but your own bank may be blocking a Vietnamese transaction, so call them.

By default, they'll put all your party together in the same compartment, except where that's not possible if for example there are only a handful of berths left on the train.

Option 2, buy from www.baolau.com

Train & bus booking agency www.baolau.com offers easy online booking in plain English with international credit cards accepted.  The availability shown by Baolau is 'live' and seats are instantly confirmed.  In most cases you simply print your own tickets.  Feedback has been very positive, further feedback is always welcome .

Baolau's system now allows you to choose your exact seats or berths from a seating plan graphic.  This works for all regular Vietnam Railways seats & sleepers although not for the privately-run sleepers.

Tip:   To travel in a VIP 2-berth sleeper on train SE1 or SE2, first select 4-berth soft sleeper , then select berths in a 2-berth compartment on the berth plan graphic.  There are only two such compartments on the train.  The price will change to the 2-berth price after you proceed.

Baolau charge the official Vietnamese Railways price + 40,000 dong  ($1.80) service fee per ticket + 2.7% of the price (perhaps $1.40 per ticket for Hanoi-Hue, for example) for online credit card payment.

You will be emailed an e-ticket which you can either print out or keep on your phone to show when boarding the train.  It's now really easy, as for regular Vietnamese Railways trains there is no need to collect tickets or have them sent anywhere, just show your e-ticket.

Children under 6 free, aged 6 to 9 get 25% off berth prices, 50% off seat prices, 10 and over full price.

If your credit card is rejected , don't assume it's Baolau that's the problem.  They accept all cards from all countries, but your own bank may be blocking a Vietnamese transaction so call them.

Private sleepers on key routes:   As well as the regular Vietnamese Railways cars, Baolau also sells tickets for Violette & Livitrans on the Hanoi-Hue-Danang route, for Livitrans & Golden Trains on the Saigon-Nha Trang route, and for Fansipan, Orient Express, Sapaly, King Express & Chapa Express on the Hanoi-Lao Cai route.

Option 3, order from these agencies

You can also  order tickets through one of these reliable Vietnamese train booking agencies, obviously with a small fee or mark-up for their service:

VietnamImpressive: www.vietnamimpressive.com are a reliable Hanoi-based agency which specialises in train bookings and has the Vietnamese Railways ticketing system installed in their offices.  They get regular glowing reports from seat61 correspondents.  Indeed, I have used them myself and seen their offices in Hanoi, and met their MD.  They answer emails promptly and are very helpful.

International Rail Australia:   If you live in Australia, New Zealand, Asia or Africa, you can order Vietnamese train tickets using the contact & booking form at www.internationalrail.com.au .  This is a reliable Melbourne-based train specialist who can arrange tickets for you through their contacts in Vietnam.  Book at least 7-10 days before travel to allow them to turn around your booking.

Option 4, buy from Vietnamese Railways

Vietnamese Railways launched online booking in 2014 at dsvn.vn (DSVN = Duong Sat Viet Nam = Vietnamese Railways).  For English, click the UK flag top right.  Until 2022 it only accepted Vietnamese-issued credit cards, but it should now accept overseas cards.

Tip:   At the time I write this, DSVN are geo-blocking, it's crazy how many websites around the world now do this to reduce cyber attack risk.  If it says access denied simply set your VPN to a Vietnamese IP address.  Haven't got a VPN?  What is a VPN and why you need one .

How to use dsvn.vn

Go to dsvn.vn , click the UK flag for English and use the journey planner in the usual way.  In the search results, select a train, select a carriage with the class you want, and select an exact seat or berth and click to buy.  Soft sleepers are shown as a side view with 4 beds (two upper, two lower) in each compartment, hard sleepers are also shown as a side view with 6 berths per compartment, upper middle & lower.  Seats are shown as a top-down view with two-abreast seats either side of a centre aisle - it's obvious if you think about it.  You may need to fake a Vietnamese mobile phone number with a +84 country code if it rejects your real one.  If it doesn't accept your non-Vietnamese credit card, use 12go or Baolau instead, as explained above. .

Remember that the official Vietnamese Railways website is dsvn.vn :  vietnamrailways.net, vietnam-railway.com, vietnamrailway.com are not Vietnamese Railways themselves but travel agencies pretending to be.

Option 5, let Railbookers arrange a tour

The easiest option, though not the cheapest, is to let a professional tour company such as Railbookers organise your hotels, trains, transfers and stopovers as a package.  Railbookers offer several suggested tours of Vietnam including a journey from Hanoi to Saigon on the Reunification Railway with a stopover in Hoi An.  These can be customised to your own requirements, I recommend asking them to add a stopover in Hue.  As it's a package, they'll take care of you if for example anything disrupts one part of the trip.  They have offices in the UK, USA & Australia.

How to buy tickets at the station

It's easy to buy train tickets at the station when you get to Vietnam.  Trains are busy, but except at peak holiday times such as Tet , if you book a day or two ahead you'll usually find tickets available, even if your first choice of class or train is sold out.  Reservations were computerised in 2002 and you can buy tickets for most train journeys in Vietnam at Saigon and Hanoi booking offices.  So you can buy both a Saigon-Hue ticket and a Hue-Hanoi ticket in Saigon, for example.  However, at other stations such as Hue, Danang or Nha Trang, you may only be able to book journeys starting at that station.  At ticket offices, you pay in Vietnamese Dong, US dollars are not generally accepted, nor are non-Vietnamese credit cards.

Tip:   If you have internet access such as hotel WiFi, see for yourself what trains & classes are available on the Vietnamese Railways website dsvn.vn .  Then book online, selecting the option to collect tickets & pay at the station within 24 hours.  This avoids long conversations at the ticket counter about what trains & classes remain available and hurried decisions about which to choose.

Buying tickets in Hanoi

At Hanoi main station on Le Duan Street, enter by the main central doors and turn right through a narrow passageway to the ticket office, see the photo bottom right.  Go to the window marked Tourist .

Buying tickets in Saigon

At Saigon station, the smaller downstairs ticket office (shown below, centre picture) used to be for travel today, but now seems to handle advance bookings too.  There is a larger ticket office is upstairs, but recent reports suggest this is now only handling booking changes and you may even find it closed.  A numbered queuing system may be in operation, so look out for it.  Press the button and take a ticket from the small box at the entrance to the ticket office, take a seat and watch the screens which will show you which counter to go to when your number comes up.  Feedback on ticket purchase in Saigon is always appreciated!

Tip:   If you don't mind a 50,000 dong ($2.50) fee per ticket, buying at the city centre ticket agency at 275C Pham Ngu Lao saves you going to the station.  It's open 08:00-17:00 every day.  It can be tricky to spot, see the photo below on the far right.

Luggage, bikes & motorbikes

You take your bags - of whatever size - onto the train with you and store them near your seat or berth, so you have access to them throughout the journey.

Bikes and even motorbikes can be transported on Vietnamese trains for a fee, although they don't necessarily on the same train as you.  You take your bike or motorbike to the luggage office, pay the fee and hand it in.  If it's a motorbike, the fuel tank must be drained and empty.  They'll put a label on your bike and give you a receipt.  You travel on the train as normal.  At the other end you collect your bike from the station luggage office when it arrives, it usually travels on a separate train and it may take a day or two before it can be collected.  Feedback appreciated .

What are Vietnamese trains like ?

Air-conditioned soft sleepers.

Most visitors to Vietnam choose soft sleeper if their journey involves overnight travel.  Soft sleeper is a safe, pleasant and enjoyable way to go, especially on the best trains, SE1, SE2, SE3, SE4, SE5 & SE6 - although you should expect even newer cars to be a little tatty by western standards as they are intensively used.

Each soft sleeping-car has a corridor running down one side with seven 4-berth compartments opening off it, each of which can be securely locked from the inside. Each compartment has 4 berths, two upper and two lower.  Each berth has an individual reading light and is supplied with pillow, sheet and duvet.  By day you simply sit on the lower berths. You keep all your bags with you, there is luggage space beneath the bottom bunks and in the large recess above the compartment door.

The most modern cars used on trains SE1 to SE8 have a 2-pin power socket for recharging your mobile or camera, and you'll find a western-style toilet usually kept supplied with soap and toilet paper at one or both ends of the corridor.  Several windows on the corridor side open which is useful for photography, but the compartment windows don't open.  At night, there's a lock and usually an additional security catch on the door - flip out the security catch and the door can't be opened more than an inch or two even with a staff key.

There's a free water dispenser at the end of the corridor for both boiling and cold water, handy if you bring some powdered soup, instant coffee or hot chocolate with you, or buy some dried noodles from one of the stalls at the station.  A trolley service comes down the train serving snacks, coffee, soft drinks and beer, and at meal times a member of the train staff will sell you a meal ticket for around 35,000 dong (£1 or $1.60).  A set meal with mineral water will then be delivered to your compartment around half an hour later from the kitchen car.

See the section below about the Livitrans & Viollete tourist sleeping-cars attached to SE1 & SE2 between Hanoi, Hué & Danang.

Which trains have the best cars? Trains SE3 & SE4 received smartly-refurbished air-conditioned carriages branded '5-star' in January 2015, in red & blue with a broad white stripe.  Trains  SE1, SE2, SE5, SE6, SE7 & SE8 received similar refurbished cars in 2016.  Though there is no sign of any WiFi as originally reported in the press.  Newly-built '5-star' cars were delivered in 2017, in white with a thin red stripe & blue around the windows, these are now making their appearance on trains SE1 to SE6, see the photos below.  Vietnam Railways charge a fraction more to travel in the nicer, newer cars.

2-berth VIP soft sleepers on trains SE1 & SE2:   Soft sleepers usually have 4-berths per compartment, but since 2018 one of the most modern soft sleeper cars on trains SE1 & SE2 has two 2-berth VIP sleeper compartments, with two lower berths.  The fare includes non-alcoholic drinks and meals, served in your compartment.  The fare is round twice the price of normal 4-berth soft sleeper.  However, with only 2 such compartments on the whole train (just 4 beds) you need to book early -and be very lucky - to get one.

Air-conditioned hard sleepers

If the soft sleepers are full, or if you're in a group of 5 or 6 people, there's no reason why you shouldn't travel hard sleeper, especially if it's an overnight journey such as Hanoi to Hue with relatively little daytime element so you'll spend most of the time in your berth.  Hard sleeper compartments have 6 berths, lower, middle and top on each side, but apart from the extra two berths, the facilities are exactly the same as for soft sleepers in terms of power sockets, water dispenser, toilets, luggage space and meals.

Air-conditioned soft seats

These can be recommended for daytime journeys such as Hue to Danang or Hanoi to Vinh, but for overnight trips always book a soft or hard sleeper so you can sleep properly.  In the most modern cars used on the SE-numbered trains, you'll find power sockets in the wall for charging mobiles or cameras.

Air-conditioned hard seats

These have wooden seats in modern air-conditioned cars.  A bit hard on the rear for a long journey, but perfectly acceptable for a few hours.

Ordinary hard seats

Wooden seats in much older cars without air-con.  However, these cars have windows that open, which can be an advantage for photography. The photos below show an ordinary hard seats car on train LC3 from Hanoi to Lao Cai, similar cars operate on trains LC4, TN1 & TN2.

Livitrans , Violette, Lotus Train

Several private companies sell their own 4-berth soft sleeper compartments on trains SE1/SE2/SE3/SE4/SE19 between Hanoi, Hue & Danang, aimed at foreign tourists.  Livitrans offer soft sleepers on SE1/SE2 , Violette offer soft sleepers on SE1/SE2/SE3/SE4, Lotus Train on SE19/SE20.

You can book 4 places to have sole or dual occupancy on a whole 4-berth compartment if you like.  All these companies are fine with very little to choose between them, as their prices, sleeper compartments and service are very similar.

How much does it cost?

These privately-run soft sleepers cost roughly double the price of normal Vietnamese Railways soft sleepers.  Livitrans, Violette & Lotus Train charge similar prices.

Hanoi to Hue costs around US$75 one-way per person in a 4-berth air-conditioned soft sleeper.

Hanoi to Danang costs around US$85 one way per person in a 4-berth air-conditioned soft sleeper.

Is it worth paying double the price?

Not really.  Originally, these private companies used special carriages painted in their their own colour scheme, fitted with an interior superior to the regular sleeping-cars which DSVN (Vietnamese Railways) used at the time.  A few years ago, DSVN upgraded trains SE1/2/3/4 trains with comfortable modern sleeping-cars and it stopped these private companies using their own (older) cars.  Livitrans, Violette & Lotus now rent out one or more 4-berth compartments in one of DSVN's regular sleeping-cars and resell these berths with some free snacks and different bedding at much higher prices.  In high-season these companies might lease a whole car, on low-season departures the Violette accommodation can be as little as one 4-berth compartment within a standard DSVN sleeping-car full of Vietnamese travellers who are amused that a westerner has paid double to travel in an identical compartment in the same car, simply with purple blankets rather than brown ones and a few packets of free crisps.  If all the regular DSVN sleepers have sold out, these more expensive tourist cars can be useful, but don't expect them to be vastly superior to the regular Vietnamese Railways soft sleepers, as they are the same.

How to buy tickets

You can book Livitrans, Violette & Lotus Train tickets online at www.baolau.com & 12Go.Asia , look for the Livitrans, Violette or Lotus logos in the search results.

The Man in Seat 61 says , :Livitrans, Violette & Lotus Train now use exactly the same '5-star' air-conditioned soft sleepers that Vietnamese Railways (DSVN) themselves use on the SE1/2/3/4 trains, just compare the photos below with the photo of a refurbished regular DSVN soft sleeper above .  On some departures, it's not even a separate sleeping-car, just one or more 4-berth compartments in a standard DSVN sleeping-car occupied by normal Vietnamese travellers, with literally the only difference to justify the extra cost being the colour of the blankets and a few free snacks."

Golden Trains, Saigon to Nha Trang

The privately-run Golden Trains sleeping-car is a cut above the regular Vietnamese railways sleepers between Saigon (HCMC) and the beach resorts of Nha Trang.  It runs attached to the regular SNT1/SNT2 overnight train, see the timetable above .  It is similar to the Livitrans & Violette 4-berth sleepers shown above.

How to buy tickets:   You can buy Golden Trains tickets at www.baolau.com or 12Go.Asia - look for the Golden Trains logo rather than the VR logo in the search results.

Video : Hanoi to Saigon by train

This 9-minute video shows the 1,079 mile journey from Hanoi to Hue, Danang & Saigon on trains SE1 and SE3, showing the scenery, the food, the Livitrans sleeper from Hanoi to Danang and the regular DSVN soft sleeper from Danang to Saigon.  The video was made before the SE1 & SE3 were re-equipped with the smartly-refurbished cars in 2015-2016.

Getting to Hoi An

Hoi An is a historic UNESCO-listed town featuring on most visitor's itineraries, see en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hội_An .

Hoi An is 30 km south of Danang, but has no station of its own.  See location map .  To reach it, first take a train to Danang, see the Reunification Line section above ,

Then take a taxi or minivan from Danang to Hoi An taking 30-45 minutes.  There are several options:

Option 1, pre-book a minivan or taxi from Danang city centre to Hoi An at 12Go.Asia .  Shared minivans from USD 3 upwards, taxis from USD 15 upwards.

Option 2, take a taxi from Danang station to Hoi An, this costs around 350,000 dong (USD 15) depending on your negotiation skills.  There are always taxis waiting.

Option 3, local bus 01 used to link Danang and Hoi An before the pandemic, but it was then diverted away from the city centre and has not so far resumed.  But for the record in case it resumes, here is the original pre-pandemic information:  Bus 01 runs (or rather, ran) every 20 minutes between 05:00 & 17:30 every day, fare 20,000 dong + 10,000 dong for bags over 10Kg.  To take the bus, leave Danang station, cross the square and go into Hoang Hoa Tham road.  At the next intersection, turn left into Le Duan street.  The bus stop will be on your right, ignore the old bus stop next to house number 299, it is currently (temporarily?) moved to outside the shop at number 151 Le Duan street, indicated by a blue bus sign ( See location map ).  Bus number 1 is coloured yellow & runs to Hoi An every 20-30 minutes.  Board through the back door and take a seat.  The conductor will come through to collect your fare.  Have a 20,000 dong note handy (or 30,000 if you've luggage) as he won’t give change - the official price in May 2017 is 20,000 dong.  Smile and ignore any further requests for money as there is no difference in ticket price for locals and tourists - it's just 20,000 dong + 10,000 dong for a bag over 10Kg!  The bus reaches Hoi An bus station in about 1 hour, you can walk the remaining 2 km to Hoi An town centre.  Further feedback always appreciated .

Hanoi to Lao Cai & Sapa

Sapa is a hill station established by the French in 1922, and its beautiful scenery and colourful local tribal people make it popular with overseas visitors.  The best way to get there is by overnight train from Hanoi to Lao Cai, then transfer by bus, car or taxi the final 38 km (24 miles) to Sapa.  There are 2 or 3 overnight sleeper trains between Hanoi & Lao Cai, you can book a regular Vietnamese Railways soft or hard sleeper or choose from a wide range of privately-run tourist sleeping-cars of a higher standard.  The line from Hanoi to Lao Cai was built by the French and opened in 1910 as part of the metre-gauge Vietnam to Kunming railway.  The Lao Cai to Kunming section was destroyed landslides in 2002, but onward train travel from Lao Cai to Kunming is possible again on a new standard-gauge railway opened in 2014, see the Hanoi to Kunming section below .  Hanoi to Lao Cai is 296 km (185 miles).  The timetables below are compiled from the timetables on Vietnamese Railways websites dsvn.vn & www.gahanoi.com.vn (in Vietnamese only).  Click here for a Vietnamese Railways route map .

Train timetable

Here are the fares are for the regular Vietnam Railways carriages.  For the privately-run tourist sleeping-cars, see the next section . 

£1 = approx 30,000 Dong.  $1 = 24,000 Dong

Children aged 0 to 4 travel free, children 5 to 9 get 25% off.  Children 10 & over pay full fare.

Upper berths cost slightly less than lower berths, but for simplicity only one price per class is shown above.

Which station in Hanoi?  

Buy tickets online at 12Go.Asia or www.baolau.com .

These are two reliable train & bus booking agencies, see the section above .  You usually print your own ticket.

12Go.Asia or www.baolau.com sell tickets for the regular Vietnamese Railways sleepers and also for the privately-run sleeping-cars operated by Fansipan, Orient Express, Sapaly (three of the best companies, see below ), King Express, Chapa Express.

www.baolau.com lets you select your exact seats or berths from a plan showing which seats & berths are available, so you can make sure you're all in the same compartment together.  This feature works for Vietnamese Railways seats & sleepers (but not the privately-run sleepers) as long as you book more than 72 hours ahead.

Buying at the station

You can buy tickets at the station when you get to Vietnam, assuming you want tickets for the regular Vietnamese Railways seats or sleepers, not tickets for the high-quality tourist sleepers .  Tickets to Lao Cai can be bought either at Hanoi's main station ticket office (easiest to reach), or at the 'B' station on the far side of the tracks which has its own ticket office.

Apart from peak holiday periods such as Tet (Vietnamese new year, in late January or early February), it's not difficult to book a soft sleeper a few days in advance or even on the day, especially if you can be flexible on your choice of departure date.  On weekdays you may find berths available even the day before, at weekends berths can be harder to get as that's when the locals travel.

At ticket offices, you pay in Vietnamese Dong.  If you're sure of your itinerary and it's important to be on a specific train on a specific date, then pre-book with 12Go.Asia or www.baolau.com .

Traveller Rob Damen travelled from Hanoi to Lao Cai and back:   "We just went to Hanoi station 2½ hours before departure and had no problem buying tickets.  We bought them at the small ticket window in the waiting area, for the price stated on the boards at the station.  Our train arrived about 45 minutes before departure so we had plenty of time to get comfy in our beds. Back from Lao Cai to Hanoi we took the daytime train [this no longer operates] and we were able to arrange soft seats.  In order to get the correct tickets I used your shortlist of Vietnamese words and made a note that I gave to the lady at the ticket window. She looked a bit surprised but she got the message so we got two soft seats for 168,000 dong each.  The ride took 11 hours which was quite long and we had a lot of young children in the coach so it was rather noisy.  The views from the train are not spectacular but that was ok, as we passed time playing games like yahtzee and some card games.  We arrived right on time at Hanoi Station.

Traveller Jens Kupsch travelled on the daytime LC4 train:   "We crossed the border from China around 07:30, and bought tickets to Hanoi at Lao Cai station about an hour ahead of departure.  It didn't seem to be a problem."

Arranging a transfer from Lao Cai to Sapa

The train to lao cai & sapa in pictures, hanoi to sapa by tourist sleeping-car.

In addition to the regular Vietnamese Railways (Duong Sat Viet Nam = DSVN) sleepers & seats, overnight trains SP1/2/3/4 between Hanoi & Lao Cai convey a bewildering range of privately-run sleeping-cars aimed at tourists.  Before forking out $33 for a bed in a privately-run sleeper rather than $16 for a bed in a regular Vietnamese Railways air-con soft sleeper, read the advice below.

All these private operators offer berths in shared 4-berth air-con soft sleeper compartments, some also offer berths in 2-berth air-con soft sleeper compartments, basically a 4-berth with the two upper berths unused, for more or less double the price.  If the allocation of 2-berth compartments has sold out you can pay for all 4 berths in a 4-berth, the price is pretty much the same.

The privately-run sleepers all have air-conditioning, fresh clean bedding, complimentary mineral water and (in some cases) snacks, and clean western-style toilets.  These private sleepers are all very comfortable, just remember that this is still Vietnam with Vietnamese standards, you'll enjoy the trip more if you don't turn up with unrealistic expectations of 5-star western-style luxury for $33!

Is paying for a privately-run sleeper worth it? 

Until about 2015, the various private sleeping-cars had remodelled interiors a cut above the regular Vietnamese Railways (DSVN) soft sleepers, and some were nicer than others.  For example, many had smartly wood-panelled interiors instead of the dated formica in DSVN's own sleepers.  And the private cars were all painted in the operator's own colours and branding, which made for a colourful train.

But in 2015 DSVN replaced its own cars with more modern air-conditioned sleeping-cars and revoked the operating licences for the private operators' older cars.  The private operators had to lease the new type of DSVN sleeping-car, with interiors exactly the same as those now used by DSVN themselves, see the photos below.  And the private car exteriors are now the same red white & blue as DSVN's own cars.  No more private branding, other than a sticker in the window stating who operates the car.

So has that sunk in?  If you pay $33 for a bed in a privately-run sleeper, you get exactly the same type of compartment with exactly the same décor as if you had paid $16 to travel in a regular Vietnamese Railways soft sleeper.

So what's the difference?  The private cars are staffed by the operator's own staff.  There's usually a vase of flowers on the table, and some small complimentary bottles of water.  Bedding is provided by the operator, so may be branded and maybe a bit better than the regular bedding in the DSVN cars.  Of course, you'll end up travelling with other western tourists rather than actual Vietnamese people, which you may consider an advantage or disadvantage depending on your point of view.  And the private cars may be kept slightly cleaner than the regular cars.

To quote one recent traveller , "I had a good look at both the SP3 & SP1. The tourist cars were easily identified because of the vase of plastic flowers and the complimentary bottles of water. But for all of them, everything else was identical to the VR [=DSVN] soft sleeper cars – cabin, bunks, sheets, pillows, etc."

Can I buy all 4 berths in a compartment to have a room to ourselves?   Yes, if you insist, if the very few compartments allocated for 2-berth occupancy are sold out as they often are.  But meeting fellow tourists and talking over a beer into the night is great fun.  Would I recommend paying double to miss all the fun and sit in glorious isolation?  No!

Video : Hanoi to Lao Cai by Orient Express

Note that this shows the earlier wood-panelled incarnation of the Orient Express, before the introduction of the new standard sleeping-cars across all private operators as well as Vietnamese Railways themselves.  But it gives you a good idea of the trip.

Phan Thiet & Miu Ne

The seaside resort of Phan Thiet is at the end of a 15 km branch line from Binh Thuan, a junction station on the main Saigon-Danang-Hue-Hanoi Reunification line, formerly known as Muong Man.  One or two direct trains run from Saigon to Phan Thiet, shown in the timetable below.  When you arrive at Phan Thiet station you'll find plenty of buses & taxis waiting to take you to the popular resort of Mui Né, 24 km northeast of Phan Thiet, a 25-30 minute drive.  Alternatively, you can take any mainline train from Saigon to Binh Thuan station and then a taxi to Pan Thiet (15.7 km) or Mui Né (38 km).  See Phan Thiet & Mui Ne map .   See Vietnam train route map .

* Train SPT3/SPT4 only runs on key holiday dates, check if it's running on a given date using www.baolau.com .

Train SPT1/SPT2 runs every day, with these classes:

- air-con soft seats in a regular car with 64 seats, shown as NML or A64LV at www.dsvn.vn or when booking on www.baolau.com .

- air-con soft seats in a VIP car with only 48 seats, shown as NML48 or A48LV at www.dsvn.vn or when booking on www.baolau.com .

- air-con soft sleeper used in day mode.

Bus or taxi connection Phan Thiet station to Mui Né:   Bus number 9 (the red bus) runs from the road outside Phan Thiet station to Mui Né every 20 minutes from 05:30 until 20:00, bus fare 6,000 dong ($0.30)  The bus runs the length of Mui Né stopping at various points all across the resort.  Alternatively, there are plenty of taxis, it's a 25-35 minute drive and will cost in the region of 230,000 dong ($12)

How to buy tickets:   Buy tickets at the station or at Saigon's city centre ticket office as shown here or book online at www.baolau.com .  If Baolau won't show the direct train, try booking online at the Vietnamese Railways site www.dsvn.vn , it may work or may reject your credit card, give it a go.

Alternative:   If the times of these direct trains don't suit you, simply take any mainline train between Saigon & Bin Thuan shown in the main Reunification line timetable above for around 170,000 dong (£6 or $8), then catch a taxi between Bin Thuan & Phan Thiet (15.7 km) or Mui Ne (38 km), cost to Mui Ne around 500,000 dong (£15 or $24), taxi journey around 1 hour.  You can book a Saigon to Phan Thiet train+taxi journey at www.baolau.com .

Traveller Andrew Stewart took the train from Phan Thiet back to Saigon and comments :  "It was a nice trip. Much better than the bus that I took to get there. So many roadworks on that road. It took 8hrs and 30mins from Saigon on the bus."

Hanoi, Hue or Danang to/from Phan Thiet or Mui Né

Simply take a train from Hanoi, Hue or Danang to Binh Thuan station as shown in the timetable above .  Then use a local taxi between Bin Thuan station and Phan Thiet (15.7km) or Mui Ne (38km).   A taxi between Bin Thuan and Mui Ne costs around 500,000 dong (£15 or $24) and takes around an hour.

Hanoi to Haiphong & Cat Ba

Trains link Hanoi with Haiphong, for ferries to Cat Ba island.  See route map .

All t hese Hanoi-Haiphong trains have air-conditioned soft seats.  Hanoi to Haiphong is 102 km (63 miles).

Hanoi Long Bien station is 3 km northeast of Hanoi main station, immediately south of the huge steel Long Bien bridge over the Red River (which was a target for American bombers on several occasions during the Vietnamese war).  The small road outside the station is only accessible to pedestrians, bicycles and motorbikes, not cars, so if your taxi drops you on the main road by the river, don't worry, it's just a 100m walk up the side road and round the bend to the station.  Map of Hanoi showing main & Long Bien stations . 

Hanoi's 'Train Street' :  These trains pass through Hanoi's famous train street between Hanoi main station & Long Bien.

How to buy tickets:   You can book online at www.baolau.com or 12Go.Asia .  Or buy at the station.

Ferries to Cat Ba Island:   There are various ferries from Haiphong to Cat Ba island.  You can book one of up to 6 departures per day at www.baolau.com .  This starts with a bus transfer from 41 Ben Bính, Minh Khai, Hong Bang in Haiphong which is 1.5 km 18-minute walk from Haiphong station, see walking route .

Hanoi's train street

Northern train street :  You may hear of a narrow street in Hanoi where trains squeeze through and street life magically makes way, while intrepid tourists sit in trackside cafes and take photos.  There have been occasional accidents and at times the street has been closed off with warning signs - you'll have to check whether it's currently open or not.  But of course you can always see it safely by train!  The street is between Hanoi main station and Hanoi's Long Bien station on the railway from Hanoi to Haiphong.  So you'll pass through this street if you take any train to or from Haiphong that starts/terminates at Hanoi main station, or you could simply take a train one stop between Hanoi main station and Long Bien station, see the timetable above .  Map of Hanoi showing location of both 'train streets' .

Southern train street :  There is also a less touristy, less well-know 'train street' to the south of Hanoi station, on the reunification line from Hanoi to Saigon.  All trains between Hanoi and all points south pass through this train street 1 minute after leaving or 1 minute before arriving at Hanoi main station.  You'll also find a selection of trackside cafes here.  Map of Hanoi showing stations & location of both 'train streets' .

Hanoi to Halong Bay by train

The beautiful Halong Bay is on many visitors' lists of Vietnam highlights to visit.  There are two ways to travel there from Hanoi:

Option 1, take a train from Hanoi to Haiphong as shown above , then use local buses between Haiphong and Halong. 

Option 2, a direct train runs between Hanoi and Halong as shown below.  This is a regular Vietnamese Railways train, not a tourist train, although there have been abortive attempts to run a tourist train between Hanoi & Halong in the last few years.  This loss-making regular train was reported in the Vietnamese media as slated for withdrawal in December 2013, but it's still in operation, a rustic 4-carriage train used by the locals and an experience!  Feedback would be appreciated.

* UPDATE 2024:  This train has not resumed post-pandemic.

Yen Vien station is in the suburbs of Hanoi, you'll need a taxi given the early start from Hanoi, although buses 10 or 54 run there from Long Bien bus station during the day.  Map showing location of Yen Vien station .

Fare:   70,000 dong (£2.50, $3), hard class seats only.

How to buy tickets:   You can easily check these times & buy tickets online in English at reliable ticketing agency www.baolau.com .

Feedback would be appreciated!

Traveller Matthias Meuller report (December 2016):   "The train runs!  It was one of my best trips ever.  It's a train for women who buy fruits, vegetables, tomatoes, herbs, chicken and so on cheap in the mountains and sell it on at a little market in Halong.  They take the goods by train from Mao Khe to Halong.  No tourists there!  You sit for two hours in the market and they want that you eat, drink, hold their babies.  It's wonderful, yet none of the travel agencies in Hanoi want to believe that this train exists.  I rode back to Hanoi with the train.  It takes 6 hours but it's wonderful, slung in a hammock, talking with the girls from the market, who count their money and play cards.  Buses link central Hanoi with Yen Vien station every 10 minutes."

Traveller Graham Phelan reports (October 2016):   "I took this train in October as I love train travel and didn’t want to take the tourist bus to Halong City - I would do anything to avoid tourists!  I took a taxi in the morning to Yen Vien station from my place in Hanoi, it wasn’t expensive just 166,000 VND (about €7) and cheaper if you’re leaving from Hanoi Old Town.  I was absolutely wrecked getting the morning train so I missed a lot of the landscapes on the way to Halong City but I enjoyed them on the way back!  People have to be aware that this train is not a comfortable train, you have to sit on a wooden seat!  So make sure you bring some entertainment, a small cushion if you can find one, some toilet roll and most importantly food!  This trip showed me the real Vietnam and it was a massive culture shock but I don’t regret it at all.  Also make sure to get your hotel or wherever you’re staying to book a taxi for you at the station as there are absolutely none there. On arrival back into Hanoi buses do run to go to the main city bus station, the cost is 7,000 VND, about €0.25. Or you can just do as I did and find a taxi on the street since they’re so cheap."

Traveller Ferry Quast reports (September 2016):   "Yes, the Hanoi-Halong train is running. It consists of 4 standard-gauge cars.  These cars are some of the oldest I've ever taken.  One had bench seats, the other 3 were empty and aimed at passengers with loads of vegetables and fruit [see the photo below].  For the first 2-3 hours the train was quite busy, but for the rest of the trip we were almost alone on the train.  It was very slow and we think that we never had more than 25 or 30 km/h.  Great experience if you want to get in touch with locals.  In contrast to the train, Ha Long's train station was the newest I've seen in Vietnam.  Reaching downtown Hanoi after arrival in Hanoi Vien Yen station shouldn't be a problem, there are still buses - until 10pm or so as locals told us."

Beijing & Nanning to Hanoi by train

There is a safe, comfortable & affordable overnight sleeper train between Beijing & Nanning every day, connecting with an equally safe & comfortable daily sleeper train between Nanning, Guilin & Beijing.  Twice a week, these two trains convey a direct soft sleeping-car between Hanoi & Beijing.  You can also use the Hanoi-Nanning sleeper train in conjunction with Nanning-Shanghai or Nanning-Guangzhou (for Hong Kong) trains.  After a brief spell in early 2015 reduced to twice a week, the Hanoi-Nanning train went back to running every day, and Beijing-Hanoi through cars have been restored, twice a week.

U pdate 2024:  International trains between China & Vietnam remain suspended post-pandemic.

Beijing - Nanning train Z5/Z6 runs every day in each direction, taking 1 night.

Nanning - Hanoi train T8701/T8702 runs every day in each direction, taking 1 night.

A through sleeping-car with 36 soft sleeper berths runs direct between Beijing & Hanoi leaving Beijing West on Thursdays & Sundays and leaving Hanoi on Tuesdays & Fridays, taking 2 nights.  It's attached to the Z5 then T8701 southbound, the T8702 & Z6 northbound.

So you can travel between Beijing and Hanoi any day of the week with a change of train at Nanning using two separate tickets OR you can travel between Beijing and Hanoi in a direct soft sleeper twice a week with just one ticket.

At the time I write this, e-visas aren't valid for entering or leaving Vietnam by train via Dong Dang (only for arriving or leaving at Dong Dang by road), so you either need a regular visa or use the 15-day visa exemption if available for your nationality.

Beijing to Hanoi is 2,996 km or 1,861 miles.  Nanning to Hanoi is 396km.   How to buy tickets .

Gia Lam station is 6km from Hanoi's main station, across the river.  Map of Hanoi showing Gia Lam station .

Southbound fares

(1)  Beijing to Nanning costs RMB 752 ($124 or £80) in a soft sleeper or RMB 473 ($78 or £50) in a hard sleeper, bought at the station or online with small extra fee from www.chinahighlights.com/china-trains .

(2)  Nanning to Hanoi costs RMB 248 (£28 or $38) in a soft sleeper bought at the station or $35 + booking fee if you pre-book from outside China through agency www.chinahighlights.com/china-trains .

(3)  Beijing to Hanoi using the direct twice-a-week sleeping-car costs $336 bought from www.chinahighlights.com/china-trains .

Northbound fares

(1)  Hanoi to Nanning costs around CHF 31.53 = 750,000 dong (£22 or $36) in a soft sleeper. 

(2)  Nanning to Beijing costs RMB 752 ($124 or £80) in a soft sleeper or RMB 473 ($78 or £50) in a hard sleeper using a domestic Chinese ticket.

(3)  An international through ticket from Hanoi to Beijing costs CHF 293 (about $294) converted into dong, in a soft sleeper.

To buy southbound tickets from China to Hanoi

To buy tickets from Beijing, Guilin or Nanning to Hanoi in advance from outside China, you can book online from reliable ticketing agencies www.baolau.com or www.chinahighlights.com/china-trains .  On Chinahighlights you'll find Hanoi listed under 'G' as Gia Lam, Hanoi .

On days when the direct through car runs Beijing to Hanoi you can book Beijing to Gia Lam, Hanoi as one ticket.  If you want to travel on the other 5 days of the week, simply book Beijing to Nanning on train Z5 then buy another separate ticket from Nanning to Gia Lam, Hanoi on train T8701.

What's the journey like?

The daily Z-category sleeper train between Beijing & Nanning has air-conditioned 4-berth soft sleepers, air-conditioned hard sleepers and a restaurant car serving freshly-cooked Chinese dishes.  It passes through some excellent scenery in southern China.  Exterior photo courtesy of Nandakumar Narasimhan, interior & scenery photos courtesy of Chris "Mzungu" Holden.

The sleeper train between Nanning & Hanoi

Hanoi gia lam station.

Gia Lam station ( see location map ) is a tiny suburban station across the river in northern Hanoi, a 20 minute taxi ride from the main station.  Why does the train to Nanning start here?  Its Chinese carriages are standard gauge 4' 8½", as used in Europe, China & North America.  Vietnam's railways are metre gauge, just over 3'.  A third rail has been laid as far as Gia Lam station, making the tracks dual gauge, allowing the Chinese train to run that far but no further.  You can see the three rails in the photo above.

Buying your ticket to Nanning, Guilin or Beijing :  At Hanoi main ('A') station on Le Duan street, go to the ticket counter for foreigners & international trains, open 07:00-17:30 daily.  You will need to show your passport and a valid visa for China.  You can pay in Vietnamese dong or (reportedly) US dollars.  Credit cards are not accepted, even though there's a MasterCard sign. 

Alternatively, tickets are also sold by Vietnam Hanoi Railways Tourist Company (Travel Agency - 152 Le Duan Street, Hanoi, email [email protected] or call (84-4) 3518-6782.  Again, you'll need to show your passport and Chinese visa to buy a ticket. 

If you're going to Nanning, it can help to know that Nanning is 'Nam Ninh' in Vietnamese.

Incidentally, Vietnamese Railways cannot book domestic trains within China, so don't bother asking for onward tickets from Nanning to Shanghai or Guangzhou or wherever.

Getting a Chinese visa in Hanoi

You'll need a visa to enter China, and indeed you will need to show your Chinese visa at Hanoi station when buying a train ticket to Beijing. In 2010 it was reported that the Chinese embassy in Hanoi wouldn't issue visas for anyone who wasn't a Vietnamese citizen or resident but in 2012 a later report says they now will.  If they won't, either get your visa in your home country before you leave, or arrange your Chinese visa in Hanoi through a suitable travel agency such as www.hanoibackpackershostel.com .

Traveller Peter Day reports :  Tickets (soft class only) are available from Window 7 at Hanoi main railway station.  There is a system in place where you get a number which indicates your place in the line - locals ignore it, you should too. Tickets are available to purchase in cash only, Vietnamese dong only as far as one could tell.  You go to the window first and the lady tells you how much, then you go get the cash and return to buy the tickets.  The cost of two tickets to Guilin was over 6 million dong, clearly Beijing would be more - getting that amount of dong out of ATMs is problematic because of limits on each transaction and number of daily withdrawals allowed.  We had to use 2 cards.  They check you have visas for China.

Traveller Alex Hartland reports :  "I booked my Hanoi-Beijing train ticket yesterday at Hanoi station.  I was sent from window 10 to window 1 to window 6 and finally window 8.  The woman at window 8 spoke pretty good English, but I don't think it's the standard window for Hanoi to Beijing bookings.  The paperwork took a while to process (about 45 minutes) and the final cost was 4,635,000 dong. She told me I could pay in dollars if I wanted to, but again not sure if this is standard procedure.  She checked my passport & Chinese visa, too."

Buying tickets in Beijing

You can't buy an international ticket to Hanoi at any Beijing station, or at normal ticket outlets either.  But here's how you can buy in person in Beijing.  If you have any further feedback, please email me !

Traveller Laurent Fintoni reports :  "I was told to go to Bei Feng Wo Lu (a street near Beijing West station) and look for a shop opposite the Tian You hotel. So I would say for anyone else, the easiest might be to get a cab or directions to Tian You hotel on Bei Feng Wo Lu.  Opposite the hotel is what looks like a travel agent, though when I went it had the shutters pulled down - however it was open, not quite sure why that was. The shop sign is blue, and you can tell you found it as there is a small window on the side of the shop's main doors which says they sell train tickets. However, you want the main shop not the window.  Once in there if you tell them you want to buy Beijing to Hanoi tickets, I had a sentence written in Chinese for me, she pulls out what seems to be the same form that Que Clothier mentions. The woman speaks no English, just point at the answers on the form and she does it all for you. I was charged only 1086 RMB without a 50 RMB charge, but not quite sure why as she answered in Chinese when I asked her if she wanted the charge.  Her form mentions the charge, making the price 1166, the same as Chris Emmerson reported.  She'll also point at a calendar and ask for dates as well as how many tickets.  There are about 3 banks within 100 to 200 metres of the shop on Bei Feng Wo Lu, all do currency exchange and have ATMs however none seem to change Travellers Cheques so be careful.  Once you pay her it's all done, it was really easy, the trickiest part is finding the shop, but with the Tian You Hotel being quite big (and having its name written in English on the front in big letters) it shouldn't be too difficult."

Traveller Chris "Mzungu" Holden reports (2011):  "I got my tickets from the same place as Laurent Fintoni [ see above ] got his.  It was easy to find, took me about 30mins to get the tickets from a helpful and friendly chap who spoke no English but pointed to the booking forms and a calendar when needed.  It cost me RMB 2,200 (2150+50 commission) from memory."

Buying tickets in Nanning

Tickets are sold at the station reservations office at Nanning main station, counter 16, but according to one recent report now counter 1.  It's not difficult to get places even on the day.

Travellers reports

Traveller Richard Brown travelled Nanning to Hanoi:   "We have just arrived in Ha Noi this morning, 30 December 2014. Several agents online offer booking services but most sources we could speak to told us the Nanning-Hanoi tickets must be booked in Nanning.  I am not sure that is the case but you definitely have to go to the train station to pick them up as they are not the typical Chinese train tickets.  They issued one ticket for the two of us.  Tickets are printed on multi-carbon paper using an antique pin-printer.

We can confirm that at Nanning main station, counter 1 is currently the one where you get the Ha Noi tickets. It is also labelled "English Speaking Counter" but the clerk could not speak English; she did get another clerk with reasonable English skills and, despite our Mandarin deficit, things went smoothly.  At least at this time of the year, I believe you could get tickets on the day of travel.  We booked our tickets on Saturday around 6:00pm for the Monday train.  They offered us tickets for the next day and there were probably berths available on Saturday but they close sales for same day tickets at around 4:00pm.

On Monday the train included several carriages with seats numbered 1-15 and then a separate string at the end numbered confusingly 4-1.  The end string were the sleeper cars. Only one of these carriages had passengers so I suspect there were plenty of empty berths. The sleeper carriages were the only ones that made the trip to Ha Noi from Pingxiang at the border.  The attendant in our carriage was selling water and the ubiquitous cups of dried noodles. Boiling water was of course free.

We arrived at Pingxiang at 10:00pm and the English announcement said we would be there for an hour and 40 minutes. Immigration and customs was routine. We all re-entered the carriage after about 20 minutes and waited. One or two passengers joined us from Pingxiang.  After about two hours we were off to Dong Dang.  After 20 minutes we arrived in Vietnam.  Clearing immigration and customs took about 45 minutes.  Even though it was literally the middle of the night a woman was changing US$ or RMB to VND and selling sim cards and snacks. The exchange seemed fair.

The train left Dong Dang and made no further stops until reaching Ha Noi.  I believe that the station we arrived was different than your site currently reports . I almost certain that we arrived at Ga Yen Vien Nam; our taxi ride took about 20 minutes and we paid 300,000 VND.  We knew were getting ripped off as we were told the "meter not working" story but we had few options at 6:00am local time. The roughly US$15 fare should have been about US$7 but we arrived unscathed.

One thing we learned in China is to expect the unexpected. None of what happened to us may happen tomorrow so anyone reading this should not take it as the gospel truth. But we found reading what others had experienced better prepared us for what came our way."

Traveller Steve Mercer reports from a northbound trip in 2013:   "This train was by far the best of them all.  There was carpet in the corridor & compartments. Plus there were free plastic shoes, although 5 sizes too small. Very handy.  The taxi dropped us off at the station but I have to admit it’s not immediately apparent where you go to check in or wait.  We went into the first waiting room, but a guard frantically shouted 'Nanning' at us and pointed at the correct waiting room.  Boarding the train was very organised.  We showed our passports before getting on and we also gave the Guard our tickets which he swapped for a credit card size card.  We would give this back at the end of the journey.  He then showed us to our berths. It was a good trip with no interruptions apart from the borders.  Just before the Vietnam border we were woken and told we must take all our bags with us.  This border point was a bit disorganised.  When you put your bag on the scanner belt it was set up so you had to turn around and fight your way through the crowd behind you to get to the other side of the scanner. Then you hand your passport in. It’s not a quick process as I was waiting for it to be handed back when he looked up and gestured us to go and sit down.  I’m always a bit reluctant to let my passport out of my sight, but it was all good.  They did them in batches and then called your name out to come and get them. However as we were the only Western foreigners there, he came and handed them to us.  It was then back on the train and off to the Chinese border.  This time someone came round and handed out the immigration cards for us to fill in than came round again to collect them and our passports.  We got off with all our bags and went into the immigration hall.  A bit more organised this one. I can’t remember but I’m not sure if they were scanned.  An immigration officer did some random checking of the bags though.  It was back on the train and wait for our passports to be returned before heading off to Nanning.  There were no more interruptions."

Traveller Melissa Jacka reports from a southbound trip in 2013:   "Tickets for the Nanning-Hanoi train were only available from Nanning train station, we got them about 20 hours in advance and following the advice on Seat 61 we went straight to counter 16 - the queue took about 20 minutes, and we had to show our passports and Vietnamese visa.  We had no problem getting soft sleeper tickets for a Sunday night train.  Adults were 190 RMB and the kids were 90 RMB.  As mentioned in earlier advice the beds were reallocated by the conductors.  Dinner in the dining car was simple, but fresh, tasty, clean and cheep - rice, chicken dish & beer for one was 30 RMB.  The train now leaves at 18:20 and arrives at around 05:30 the next day (but this includes winding the clock back 1 hour at the border), and includes two stops where you and your luggage get off the train, the first at about 21:30 and the second at about 00:30."

Nanning - Hanoi by bus

If the train is full or you prefer daytime travel, there are several daily buses between Nanning & Hanoi, using modern coaches and travelling by day.  Buses reportedly leave Nanning bus station at 08:30. 09:00 & 09:30, journey time 7-8 hours, fare around RMB 150 (£15 or $25).  The scenery is reported as well worth the trip!

Hong Kong to Hanoi by train

It's easy to travel between Hanoi & Hong Kong by train with a change of train in Nanning & Guangzhou. You can choose to make the journey in 2 nights & 1 day using the Hanoi-Nanning sleeper train and a Nanning-Guangzhou sleeper train, with a day exploring Nanning in between.  Or you can make the whole trip in under 24 hours using the Hanoi-Nanning sleeper train then a 300km/h high-speed train to Guangzhou and another high-speed train to Hong Kong.  It costs as little as $86 or so in total one-way, and it's a genuine overland travel experience.  Remember that you'll need a visa for China, so you'll need to satisfy any return/onward ticket requirements, which is usually more of a logistical headache than the actual travelling.  If you have any more information including fares for travelling via this route, please e-mail me .

Covid-19 update :  Travel to China remains restricted, international trains are suspended.

Hanoi ► Hong Kong classic option

The fare is around VND 568,000 ($30) with a comfy soft sleeper berth. 

There are several possible trains all running every day:  Train K1234 leaving Nanning at 17:50 and arriving Guangzhou main station at 07:25 next morning, train K398 leaving Nanning at 19:15 and arriving Guangzhou main station at 07:48, and train K1206 leaving Nanning at 22:50 and arriving at Guangzhou East station at 11:46 next day.  All these trains have soft & hard class sleepers.

The fare is about 285 RMB ($47) in a soft sleeper, or 184 RMB ($30) in a hard sleeper.

Hanoi ► Hong Kong high-speed option

Fare around VND 568,000 ($30) with a comfy soft sleeper berth. 

Hong Kong ► Hanoi classic option

The fare is about 285 RMB ($47) in a soft sleeper, or 185 RMB ($30) in a hard sleeper.

Hong Kong ► Hanoi high-speed option

To buy tickets starting in Hanoi, in advance over the internet

Step 1, arrange your Hanoi to Nanning ticket through either www.baolau.com or www.chinahighlights.com/china-trains , both are reputable agencies .  You can collect tickets from their offices in Hanoi, or have them delivered to your hotel in Vietnam.

Step 2, book the Nanning to Guangzhou train online using either www.baolau.com , www.china-diy-travel.com or www.chinahighlights.com/china-trains .  You collect tickets from the ticket office at Nanning station.  Booking opens 60 days before departure.

Step 3, book from Guangzhou to Hong Kong West Kowloon as a second transaction at www.baolau.com or www.china-diy-travel.com with ticket collection at either Nanning or Guangzhou South stations, obviously it makes sense to pick up your Nanning-Guangzhou and Guangzhou-HK tickets together in Nanning.

Arranging tickets this way means you have the necessary proof of entry & exit to apply for a Chinese visa.

To buy tickets starting in Hanoi, in person

You can easily buy a Hanoi to Nanning ticket at the international booking counter at Hanoi main station on Le Duan street, reported as open 07:00-17:30 daily.  You'll almost always find places available, even on the day of departure.  It can help to know that for Nanning is 'Nam Ninh' in Vietnamese.  Alternatively, tickets are also sold in Hanoi by Vietnam Hanoi Railways Tourist Company (Travel Agency - 152 Le Duan Street, Hanoi, email [email protected] or call (84-4) 3518-6782.

You'll need to show your passport and Chinese visa when buying tickets , so arrange your Chinese visa first.  It's easiest to get a visa in your home country before you leave, but you can also get a visa in Hanoi.  It was reported back in 2010 that the Chinese embassy in Hanoi wouldn't issue visas for anyone who wasn't a Vietnamese citizen or resident, but since 2012 they apparently now will.  If they won't, you can still arrange a Chinese visa in Hanoi through a suitable travel agency such as www.hanoibackpackershostel.com .  Remember you will need to comply with any entry/onward ticket requirements when applying for a Chinese visa.

You can buy an onward ticket from Nanning to Guangzhou and Guangzhou to Hong Kong when you get to Nanning station, or you can arrange the Nanning to Guangzhou ticket online with reliable Chinese train ticket agency www.china-diy-travel.com and collect the ticket at the station in Nanning.

To buy tickets starting in Hong Kong, in advance over the internet

Step 1, arrange your Nanning to Hanoi train ticket, through agencies www.baolau.com or www.chinahighlights.com/china-trains .  Pre-booking overcomes the annoying requirement for an onward ticket when applying for your Chinese visa.

Step 2, now book your train from Guangzhou to Nanning online at www.baolau.com or www.chinahighlights.com/china-trains or www.china-diy-travel.com .  Booking opens 60 days before departure and you can collect tickets at Guangzhou South station.

Step 3, now book your train from Hong Kong West Kowloon to Guangzhou at www.baolau.com or www.chinahighlights.com/china-trains or www.china-diy-travel.com and collect tickets at the station.  Or if using the slower intercity through trains from Hung Hom (Hong Kong) to Guangzhou East, book online at www.it3.mtr.com.hk .

To buy tickets starting in Hong Kong, in person

You can buy Hong Kong to Guangzhou and Guangzhou to Nanning tickets at the China railway office at Hung Hom railway station.  They may be able to do the Nanning to Hanoi ticket, but if not, buy it when you get to Nanning. 

Alternatively, you can buy tickets from Hong Kong to Guangzhou, Guangzhou to Nanning and (if they can do it) the Nanning to Hanoi at the CTS (China Travel Service) Central branch or CTS Mongkok branch in Hong Kong, as these two branches are equipped with the Chinese Railways ticketing system.  Again, if they cannot do the Nanning to Hanoi train, buy this when you get to Nanning at the station.

The Nanning to Hanoi train can easily be booked at Nanning station reservations office counter 16, though a more recent report says counter 1.  You'll usually find places available even on the day of travel.

Chinese visas

You'll need a Chinese visa to cross China between Hong Kong and Hanoi, either a transit visa or tourist visa.  The requirements vary depending on your nationality and where you apply for the visa, but you'll often have to prove you have a ticket into and out of China.  This can be a pain when you can only buy train tickets close to departure, or you plan to buy as you go, at the station on the day.  It can also lead to a 'Catch 22' if you plan to buy train tickets in Hanoi and need to show the visa to get the train tickets.  One way round this is to use a local Hong Kong or Vietnamese travel agency to sort all your tickets, using the agency's booking confirmation to get the visa, even though the agency can't get the tickets themselves until close to departure time.  The ultimate fall-back is that old favourite, buy the cheapest refundable airline ticket into & out of China, make a free-cancellation hotel booking for all of the nights you plan to be in China using a hotel site such as booking.com, use these to get your visa (which won't specify entry points or itinerary) then cancel everything.

What are the trains like?

Travellers' reports.

Traveller Hendryk went from Hong Kong to Hanoi:   "At the Hung Hom station in Hong Kong there's now a china-railway-office where you can book the tickets to Guangzhou East (190 HKD) and onwards to Nanning for between 268 HKD and 298 HKD, soft sleeper for the next day or later (same day was fully booked).  They charge a service fee of 200 HKD for that.  We took the 11:28 train to Guangzhou East and the 15:43 sleeper train to Nanning, it also departs from Guangzhou East, so no changing station necessary.  We arrived in Nanning at 7:07am.  We almost overslept, but a good sign to get off is when the stewards change your placeholder cards back to your ticket.  In Nanning as said above, it was very crowded in the train station, maybe because of that weekend.  At the counter number 16 (you should ask that before at the train info - no English signing anywhere) we had to wait for more than an hour but we got the soft sleeper tickets to Hanoi Gia Lam for 1.10.2012, departing 18:20, for 215 RMB each.  [2012]

Kunming to Hanoi by train

Until 2002 a twice-weekly metre-gauge sleeper train linked Kunming in China with Hanoi, but floods and landslides damaged the Chinese part of the line and it was discontinued.  However, a brand new standard-gauge Kunming-Hekou railway line was completed and in December 2014 trains ran once more between Kunming and the border town of Hekou.  It's possible once again to travel between Kunming and Hanoi by train, safely, comfortably and affordably, using a Chinese train from Kunming to the Chinese border town of Hekou, then a taxi a few km to the border post, walking across the border and on to Lao Cai station in Vietnam for a Vietnamese sleeper train to Hanoi.  Here's how.

U pdate 2024 :  International trains between China & Vietnam remain suspended post-pandemic.

Kunming ► Hanoi

Step 1, travel from Kunming to Hekou North (= Hekoubei) by train.  There are several trains a day, for example the K9832 leaving Kunming at 09:29 arriving Hekou North at 15:53, and the K9822 leaving Kunming at 16:00 and arriving Hekou North at 21:44.   The fare is 70.5 RMB ($11) for a regular hard seat (comfortable enough) or RMB 182 ($30) with a seat in a soft sleeper.  There's even an overnight train with hard sleepers, departing 22:48 arriving 06:07.  You can check times & fares (and if you don't mind a few dollars booking fee, buy tickets) at www.chinahighlights.com/china-trains .

Step 2, transfer from Hekou North station in China to Lai Cai station in Vietnam:  Either take a bus the several kilometres from Hekou North station to the Hekou border point for RMB 2, journey time 10-15 minutes, or take a taxi for around RMB 10-15, there will be plenty of taxis waiting at the station.  Walk across the border to the Vietnamese side (border controls can take up to an hour) then walk another 25 minutes or take a 5-minute taxi ride into Lao Cai, just 2.5km (1.5 miles) from the border post.  There are hotels in both Hekou and Lao Cai if you need them.

You may want to visit the pleasant hill station at Sapa for a day or two before going on to Hanoi, Sapa is just 40km from Lao Cai by taxi, bus or minibus, see details here .

Step 3, travel from Lao Cai to Hanoi by overnight sleeper train, see the train times & fares above . There are several sleeper trains every night, some with cheap DSVN (Vietnamese Railways) soft & hard sleepers and others with a variety of comfortable privately-run soft sleeping-cars with 2 & 4-berth compartments aimed at tourists.

If you use this route using the new trains, feedback & any photos would be much appreciated .

Hanoi ► Kunming

Step 1, travel from Hanoi to Lao Cai by overnight sleeper train, see the train times & fares above .  There are cheap DSVN (Vietnamese Railways) soft & hard sleepers and a variety of comfortable privately-run soft sleeping-cars with 2 & 4-berth compartments aimed at tourists.  You may want visit the pleasant hill station of Sapa for a day or two before going on into China, Sapa is 40km from Lai Cai by taxi, bus or minibus.

Step 2, transfer from Lao Cai station to Hekou.  Lao Cai is just 2.5 km (1.5 miles) from the Chinese border.  You can walk (25 minutes) or take a taxi (5 minutes) from Lai Cai station to the border post and walk across into Hekou on the Chinese side.  Passing through both sets of customs takes about an hour.  In Hekou, the Hekou North (=Hekoubei) station is a few kilometres away.  You take a taxi for around RMB 10-15.

Step 3, travel from Hekou to Kunming by train.  There are several trains a day, for example you should easily make the K9694 leaving Hekou North station (= Hekoubei) at 16:16 arriving Kunming at 22:29.  The fare is 70.5 RMB ($11) for a regular hard seat (comfortable enough) or RMB 182 ($30) with a seat in a soft sleeper.  There's even a sleeper train to Kunming with hard sleepers, leaving Hekoubei at 23:20.  You can check times & fares (and if you don't mind a few dollars booking fee, buy tickets) at www.chinahighlights.com/china-trains .

For photos of the Hanoi to Lao Cai trains, see the section above .  Photos below courtesy of Jan Bockaert .

Traveller's reports

Traveller Jan Bockaert travelled from Hanoi to Kunming by train in December 2014:   "Two days ago, I took the train from Hanoi to Kunming in China over the new line from Hekoubei to Kunming. The trip went exactly as described on your site. 

Lonely Planet has some warnings about the border crossing from Lao Cai to Hekou. But it went butter smooth, very friendly and professional at both sides of the border. It took me about half an hour, an hour and a half if you factor in the time difference between China and Vietnam.

Hekou North [Hekoubei] station is quite far from the city centre, in the middle of nowhere. You can get a taxi from the border post to the station for 20 yuan, but the first driver I took asked 40. (about 5 euro) None of the drivers wanted to use the meter.

The station building isn’t finished yet. You can’t leave your luggage yet, and there is no shop in the station, although there was a small stand in front of the station. Part of the station crew was also still in training. The ticket office was open from 5:30 till 6:20 from 9:00 till 11:00 and from 14:30 till 16:30. The woman selling me the ticket spoke decent English.

I booked a hard seat at around 10 in the morning, and by the time we left, the compartment was fully booked. Most of the wagons seemed to be sleepers however.

The first part of the line goes (literally) trough some very spectacular mountains, i guess the first hour or so, about 80 percent of the trip went trough tunnels. The view on the other 20 percent of the line is very nice. Once you are out of the mountains, it gets dark quickly.

Europe to Vietnam by Trans-Siberian Railway

If you have the time (we're talking around two weeks), you can travel from London to Vietnam by train.

Step 1, London to Moscow by train .  There are daily departures via Brussels, Berlin & Warsaw.  The journey takes 2 nights, from around £250 one-way with sleeper.

Update 2024:  Trains to Russia are suspended due to Covid-19 and now sanctions .

Spend at least 1 night in Moscow.

Step 2, Moscow to Beijing by Trans-Siberian Railway .  Two direct trains every week all year round, 6 nights.  Fares from around £500 one-way with a bed in a 4-bed sleeper. 

Update 2024:  Moscow-Beijing trains remain suspended post-pandemic.

Spend at least 1 night in Beijing.

Step 3, Beijing to Hanoi by train .  There are two direct trains a week, 2 nights, about $320 or £220 one-way in soft sleeper.  Alternatively, there are daily trains with a change in Nanning.  Spend at least 1 night in Hanoi.

Update 2024:  Trains between China & Vietnam remain suspended post-pandemic.

How to plan & book this trip

There aren't any travel agencies who can arrange the whole trip, so you will need to plan it out and arrange each stage of the journey yourself.  It's an exercise in project management!  Unless time is no object, you should book the key sections in advance through various travel agencies.

Book London-Moscow as shown on the London to Russia page .

Book Moscow-Beijing through a local Russian agency such as Real Russia, as shown on the Trans-Siberian page . 

Book Beijing to Hanoi as shown above .

You'll need to pre-arrange visas for Belarus, Russia, possibly Mongolia, China & Vietnam, and in many ways complying with the various visa requirements (which sometimes require confirmed onward tickets to be held) is actually the biggest challenge, not buying the tickets, so check this out carefully using the relevant embassy websites.

Where do you start?  First, read through the seat61 pages linked above.  Then sketch out your itinerary using a simple spreadsheet like this , deciding where and for how long you want to stop off.  Next, check out the visa situation for each country.  Finally, follow the advice on each seat61 page to buy tickets for each train journey that you want to pre-book.

Buy at Amazon.co.uk or Amazon.com

Alternatively, you can download just the chapters or areas you need in .PDF format from the Lonely Planet Website , from around £2.99 or US$4.95 a chapter.

Hotels in Vietnam

In saigon:  continental hotel.

The famous and historic Continental Hotel is one of my favourite hotels worldwide, not merely a place to stay but a Saigon landmark since 1880.  Indeed, the Continental is the backdrop for much of the action in Graham Greene's novel 'The Quiet American', set in Saigon during the Franco-Vietnamese war.  If it's in your price range or if you can stretch your budget, the Continental is superbly located, right next to the Opera House in the centre of Saigon and a stone's throw from Saigon's distinctive town hall, post office and cathedral.  It's quiet, understated, clean and comfortable with high ceilings, marble floors and wood panelling, and not a corporate clone like so many chain hotels.  The breakfast buffet is good, and it has a pleasant central courtyard and bar if you prefer to eat or enjoy a beer al fresco.  There's free WiFi, too.  A double room costs around $140 (£88) per night.  Tripadvisor reviews .  Nearby, the famous Rex Hotel was where many American officers stayed during the Vietnam war.  If you prefer something more glitzy and glamorous, try the impressive Majestic Hotel , a mere parvenu dating from 1925 with many art nouveau features, located across the road from the Mekong river.

In Hanoi:  Budget:  Hanoi Trendy Hotel .  Top end:  Sofitel Metropole

A little budget gem, the Hanoi Trendy Hotel & Spa (formerly the Hanoi Art Hotel) may not be historic or grand, but it's an excellent low-cost choice from $45 a night for a room with toilet & shower, tea & coffee making facilities, free WiFi, safe, free mineral water, a great breakfast, and great staff at reception who really put themselves out to help you.  It's well located in central Hanoi, a short walk from the War Remnants Museum, a 10-15 minute taxi ride from Hanoi's main station.  Of course, at the luxury end of the scale we have Hanoi's most venerable and upmarket hotel, the luxurious and expensive Sofitel Metropole , which comes complete with outdoor swimming pool and lido bar.

In Hué:  Budget Than Thien Hotel , top end La Residence Hotel & Spa .

At the top end, look no further than La Residence Hotel & Spa , located in the former French governor's residence on the banks of the Perfume River.  For the budget-conscious, try the equally central Than Thien Hotel .  Both get great reviews.

In Sapa:  Victoria Hotel

The best hotel in Sapa, now renamed BB Resort & Spa, which even runs its own train from Hanoi, see the section here .  You'll find a real log fire burning in the lobby and restaurant, and they do an excellent breakfast buffet.  The hotel features an indoor swimming pool and adjacent spa, too.  If your budget can stretch, this is the place to stay!

You might also want to check Tripadvisor's recommendations:  Tripadvisor Vietnam hotels .

Flights to Vietnam

Overland travel by train & bus around Vietnam is an essential part of the experience, so once there, don't cheat and fly, stay on the ground!  But if a long-haul flight is unavoidable to reach Vietnam in the first place, check Opodo and also try the Skyscanner search tool to compare flight prices & routes worldwide across 600 airlines.

1)  Check flight prices at Opodo, www.opodo.com

2)  use skyscanner to compare flight prices & routes worldwide across 600 airlines.

3)  Lounge passes

Make the airport experience a little more bearable with a VIP lounge pass, it's not as expensive as you think!  See www.loungepass.com

Travel insurance & other tips

Always take out travel insurance.

Never travel overseas without travel insurance from a reliable insurer, with at least £1m or preferably £5m medical cover.  It should also cover cancellation and loss of cash and belongings, up to a sensible limit.  An annual multi-trip policy is usually cheaper than several single-trip policies even for just 2 or 3 trips a year, I have an annual policy with Staysure.co.uk myself.  Here are some suggested insurers.  Seat61 gets a small commission if you buy through these links.

Get an eSIM with mobile data package

Don't rely on WiFi, download an eSIM with a mobile data package for the country you're visiting and stay connected.  Most newer mobile phones can download a virtual SIM card so you don't need to buy a physical SIM, including iPhone 11 & later, see device compatibility list .  Maya.net is a reliable eSIM data retailer with a 4.5 out of 5 Trustpilot rating and a range of packages including unlimited data .

Get a Curve card for foreign travel

Most banks give you a poor exchange rate, then add a foreign transaction fee on top.  A Curve MasterCard means no foreign transaction fees and gives you the mid-market exchange rate, at least up to a certain limit, £500 per month at time of writing.  The money you spend on your Curve card goes straight onto one of your existing debit or credit cards.

How it works:   1. Download the Curve app for iPhone or Android .  2. Enter your details & they'll send you a Curve MasterCard - they send to the UK and most European addresses.  3. Link your existing credit & debit cards to the app, you can link up to two cards with the free version of Curve, I link my normal debit card and my normal credit card.  4. Now use the Curve MasterCard to buy things online or in person or take cash from ATMs, exactly like a normal MasterCard. Curve does the currency conversion and puts the balance in your own currency onto whichever debit or credit card is currently selected in the Curve app.  You can even change your mind about which card it goes onto, within 14 days of the transaction.

I have a Curve Blue card myself, it means I can buy a coffee on a foreign station on a card without being stung by fees and lousy exchange rates, just by tapping the Curve card on their card reader.  The money goes through Curve to my normal debit card and is taken directly from my account (in fact I have the Curve card set up as payment card on Apple Pay on my iPhone, so can double-click my phone, let it do Face ID then tap the reader with the phone - even easier than digging a card out).  I get a little commission if you sign up to Curve, but I recommend it here because I think it's great.  See details, download the app and get a Curve card , they'll give you £5 cashback through that link.

Get a VPN for safe browsing.  W hy you need a VPN

When you're travelling you often use free WiFi in public places which may not be secure.  A VPN encrypts your connection so it's always secure, even on unsecured WiFi.  It also means you can select the geographic location of the IP address you browse with, to get around geoblocking which a surprising number of websites apply.  See VPNs & why you need one explained .  ExpressVPN is a best buy with a 4.7 out of 5 Trustpilot ranking which I use myself - I've signed up as an ExpressVPN affiliate, and if you go with expressvpn.com using the links on this page, you should see a special deal, 3 months free with an annual subscription.  I get a small commission to help support this site.

Carry an Anker powerbank

Tickets, reservations, vaccination records and Interrail or Eurail passes are often held digitally on your mobile phone, so it's vital to keep it charged.  I always carry an Anker powerbank which can recharge my phone several times over if I can't get to a power outlet.  Buy from Amazon.co.uk or from Buy from Amazon.com .

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Bus travel in Vietnam

In Vietnam, the bus is the cheapest and most convenient means of transport for tourists, since the bus system is well developed and can reach almost every part of the country. If you are stuck with the very first steps, such as how to find a bus or which route to follow, read this manual on how to best travel by bus in Vietnam.

On this page you will learn the following about traveling by bus in Vietnam:

Where to book bus tickets

Bus options, open bus ticket, how does it work, travel times by bus.

When you want to book a bus ticket in Vietnam you can either do that by yourself online or with a travel agent, hotel or at the bus station. Keep in mind that during holidays in Vietnam , especially Tet New Year, you have to book way in advanced due to lack of availability.

There are a couple of reliable websites were you can online book your Vietnam bus tickets.

Tips for booking online:

• Research good were you have to go. Some destinations don’t have a (big) bus station, which means you have to travel to a big city close to it and from their take a taxi or local bus. Ex. for Hoi An you often have to take the bus to Da Nang and for Phong Nha a bus to Dong Hoi.
• Check the right name of the location. Sometimes when you use the search engines of these bus companies, you can not find the destination, because you write it wrong. Ex. Dalat or Da Lat, Danang or Da Nang, Halong Bay, Ha Long or Halong City.
• When you don’t find availability on one website, check one of the other websites. It is possible that each websites can show availability of a different bus company. So if one bus company does not have space, then maybe another bus company still has.

You can book bus ticket at almost every travel agent in Vietnam and also most hotels and hostels can book for you. In most cases they earn a small commission, but sometimes they also add up a small fee. The cheapest tickets you can get at the bus station itself, but they are often not convenient located outside the city centre.

The national bus network is slowly being upgraded, the rickety old buses being replaced by air-conditioned models, especially on the more popular routes. The journey can be slow because buses often stop to pick up passengers or make breaks.

Sleeper bus (night bus)

Modern air-conditioned buses run between the most important cities. You are certain of an allocated seat and sufficient space. Most have comfortable reclining seats, others have loungers for long journeys. These sleeping buses can be a good alternative to trains and the costs are comparable. The benefit of a sleeper bus is that it does not cost you a day of travelling and a night in an hotel.

Between some destinations you have VIP buses. They are very limited, so if you want to use these buses it is wise to book them in advanced. In these buses you have a lot more space, more comfort and also include WiFi.

Alternatives

The alternative for travelling by bus in Vietnam are the mini buses. You have different qualities, but the most popular one are the limousine. One of the difference is that these limousine mini buses mostly drive during day, while the regular long distance buses are mostly night buses (sleeper bus).

Local buses run shorter distances and are a lot less luxurious. This makes it a lot less comfortable. These buses only run during the day. Local buses are often busy and drivers sometimes charge higher prices to tourists. Therefore not really popular with travellers.

In backpacker spots throughout Vietnam, you see many signs with advertisements for “Open Tour” or “Open Ticket”. These open bus tickets are primarily aimed at foreign budget travelers. Air-conditioned buses run between Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi (and other routes) and passengers can go and get off the bus in any major city along the route. If you want to interrupt your journey and then pick it up again, you only have to phone the organization one day before departure.

In general, open tour buses are a fairly comfortable way to travel through Vietnam: they have air conditioning, a limited number of seats and fixed timetables. In addition, the fact that they don’t stop so often to pick up people makes it faster, and the competition is fierce that prices are almost as low as those for the national bus network. Buses are usually quite decent, but don’t expect too much legroom or toilets on board; some of the more expensive bus services they have, but the vast majority will stop there every few hours for a combined toilet and snack break.

Example: You buy an open bus ticket in Ho Chi Minh City and reserve a place for the bus to Dalat. Now you have made 1 stop. After a few days in Dalat, your hotel can call the bus company to reserve a place for the bus to Nha Trang.

Cost of open bus ticket

The buses are comfortable and extremely cheap. Depending on the operator and the exact route, Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi is $ 35 to $ 70 and HCMC to Hue is around $ 25. The more stops you add, the higher the price. Buses usually depart from central locations (often hostels that are popular with travelers), so you don’t have to make an extra trip to the bus station. Some buses with open tour also stop alongside sights along the way.

Boarding places for open bus ticket

The most popular stops for the open bus ticket are:

• Ho Chi Minh City

Pay attention

• If you lose your open bus ticket, you cannot get a refund.
• If you have chosen a bad bus company, you will be burdened with it the entire trip
• You must adhere to the daily schedule of the bus company.
• If you want to go somewhere else, such as to Sapa, you have to buy a separate bus ticket for that.
• Buying separate tickets only costs a little more (or nothing at all), but still gives you more freedom.

Open bus companies

The most popular open bus companies:

• The Sinh Tourist (most recommended)

How to get to the bus station

Cities can have different bus stations. It may be that one bus station does not have the same connections than another bus station in the same city. For that reason, always first find out at which bus station you should be. There may also be a difference between the type of service (local or long-distance, express or no express) and some bus companies have their own station. Bus stations can look chaotic, but many now have a ticket agency with official prices and departure times clearly displayed.

Buses departing from smaller cities like Dalat and Ninh Binh, always include a pick up from your hotel. In this case a minibus will pick you up and bring you to the bus station.

In the bus you always have a fixed seat. The number of your seat you can find on your ticket. If you prefer a seat in the front of the bus and top or bottom bunk in a night bus, it is wise to tell you preferences at booking. The bus often stops half way at a special bus stop. Here you can find toilets, a restaurant and one or a few shops to buy some snacks and drinks.

Arriving on your destination

When you arrive in a small or medium sized city there is also a drop off at your hotel included. You arrive at the bus station and a minivan will bring you to your accommodation. In large cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City you have to take a taxi or walk (but not all bus stations are not directly in the city centre) .

Bus accidents are not uncommon and increase regularly at night. Vehicles are often poorly maintained. Keep valuables with you and do not put them at the bottom of the bus. Some bus companies have a better reputation than others in both the quality of drivers and buses.

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Find First Class Flights to Vietnam

Faqs for vietnam first class flights, which airline has the best first class amenities for flights to vietnam.

If you’d like the best first class experience, consider booking your flight with British Airways. British Airways provides spacious seats on their Boeing 777 wide-body aircraft and a premium meal. The spacious seats can be converted into a workstation, and power outlets and Wi-Fi are provided. And if you’d like some entertainment, you can stream on famous streaming platforms as well as have the seatback on-demand video.

Which airline provides flatbeds for first class flights to Vietnam?

British Airlines, Japan Airlines, Cathay Pacific, and ANA provide flatbeds for first class flights to Vietnam. Most of these airlines use wide-body jets, which means extra space. The seats transform into flatbeds at the click of a button, and should you like, linens will be provided to keep you comfy.

Which airline lounge provides the best first class amenities for flights to Vietnam?

Vietnam Airlines provides the best lounge amenities for first class flights to Vietnam. The Lotus Lounge, run by Vietnam Airlines, offers several amenities, including high-speed internet, meals and beverages, a business area with computers, comfortable seats, and a luxurious and elegantly decorated relaxing space.

How does KAYAK find such good deals on First Class tickets to Vietnam?

KAYAK is a travel search engine. That means we look across the web to find the best prices we can for our users. With over 2 billion flight queries processed yearly, we are able to display a variety of prices and options on flights to Vietnam for economy class as well as First Class travelers.

What is the best airline for first class flights to Vietnam?

The highest-rated airline by KAYAK users offering first class flights to Vietnam is Korean Air, with an overall rating of 8.5.

Top tips for finding first class flights to Vietnam

• If you’re arriving on a first class flight to Vietnam, you have the privilege of accessing airport lounges at Ho Chi Minh Airport (SGN). Those arriving at SGN will head to the International Terminal and on the second level near Gate 9 is where you’ll find the Orchid Lounge. The Lotus Lounge is also available on the third level of the International Terminal airside.
• There are many benefits of getting a first class flight to Vietnam. The first is access to some of the best lounges offering several amenities, including beverages, massage chairs, complimentary magazines, and TVs. Flying first class also ensures that you face less stress with shorter lines, quicker check-ins, and the ability to check-in an extra bag.
• If you’re traveling to Vietnam for business, consider booking first class flights to Vietnam. Traveling first class allows you some extra space for comfort, and you can work on that big presentation. A first class seat is like an office, complete with power outlets, internet connection, and privacy.

Top 5 airlines flying to Vietnam

An excellent experience. The aircraft, crew, services, and amenities were all top notch for an economy class ticket. It has been quite a while since I've had this level of service on an airline.

Everything about this airline I like! Will definitely choose Starlux over any other airlines out there when it is available!

My husband and I like this airlines , lt looks new ,clean & good service. Then we will fly with STARLUX again. And I love their time , it is perfect for my family. See you soon.

Great experience! Food, staff, Entertainment Center, leg room was great!

Very new plane with premium economy seats reclining to 45 degrees, more than most other competitors. Staff service was excellent and friendly.

The plane is very clean. The selection of movies is excellent!

Starlux has now won me over from all other airline for Asia. They are friendly and very serviced focus with us passengers.

Great ! The services of crew members were excellent. The pilot did landing smoothly.

First time on Starlux. I was impressed. Very eager to assist flight crew

Premium Economy on Starlux- a worthwhile way to cross the Pacific. This is a great premium economy experience. The seats are comfortable, wide and provide decent foot rests. The seatback TV is large, high resolution and plenty of content. Bluetooth connection for your headset and control from your phone is available. Food was decent and in line with the cabin class. The seat could be improved by providing more lower leg support especially for taller guests (6ft myself). Cabin crew will be moving up and down the aisle a lot since the galley is in front.

The flight crews were extremely professional helpful and courteous. Departure and arrival times were accurate. No delay. Thanks

The flight crews were extremely professional, helpful, and courteous. Departure and arrival times were accurate. No delay. I will use K airline again. Thanks

Great crew, decent food Charging plugs were broken on both seats next to me. Only the USB port was available, and that charges, very, very slowly. Seat was also broken, it would not lock into position when reclining.

Korean Air had great service and the Bibimbap dish was the best airplane food I’ve ever had. It was a long flight so in between the two meals they served customers could get Shin ramen. The flight attendants let my children use a pair of nice headphones for the flight and had earbuds and slippers for all the adults. The flight was long but the time passed by relatively quickly because they have many great shows in their entertainment TV. I watched the BTS Love Yourself and Speak Yourself concerts 💜

not too bad but not too great either. Service on all airlines declined ever since covid. Your Delta Stewardess are not that friendly at all. :-(

Stewardess are nice. Food could have been better and should have a better dessert. They do not offer scotch or beer. You have to ask for it. I also was not happy that you do not serve ginger ale and or cranberry juice. This is my first time that an international flight do not have this. I go home overseas every year and when I travel through ANA, Delta, Qatar, JAL, Asiana Air, United Air. they all serve this two very famous drink. You do not have a great snack tray.

Not accommodating ground staff On board slow service Crew members not very friendly

lunch was good; breakfast was kinda meh cabin temprature was way too high new entertainment system but somewhat limited content

You did not put me on a Korean Air flight! so I do not have nothing to say

My flight was diverted to Atlanta and I was not given enough time. I paid my travel on April 23, 2023. It was originally Delta from Norfolk to NY, then Korean Air from NY all the way Philippines which is my final stop. Instead from Atlanta to Korea I flew Delta which is okay. Then Korea to Philippines, I flew Asiana Airlines. What I did not like, Ieagle did not sent me an email that my flight was change and so when I went to check in Wednesday the 10th, at 4:30 a.m they told me my flight was delayed at 6;00 p.m and diverted in Atlanta and I am flying Asiana from Korea to Philippines. I do not appreciate that Kayak or Ieagle chenge our flights 5 times and then last minute change again during my day of flight. I hope that you will not make any changes of my flight o Feb 15th because it has to be the same flight with my husband. That is the reason why we made the arrangements early on.

Staff and crew are wonderful, professional and courteous. Meal is delicious and snacks can be improved. Entertainment needs improvement, pls update selections of movies. I appreciate that our flight was on time

I flew economy class so of course it’s not as roomy as business and first class. But overall it was ok and the seat had an interesting way to recline — the seat itself extended forward instead of the backrest. This way the person sitting behind me would not lose space by my reclining—excellent concept. I wish all airlines used these seats.

The space for the seats i like it. Its not too close like other air line. The food is ok and also the staff. I'm waiting for my flight rewards point because until now i didn't recieved it.

Flying with ANA is always a breeze. Seats are very comfortable.

The staff, ground and air, at ANA was very helpful and friendly during check in, boarding and during the flight. This is the reason why I always fly ANA whenever I go to Manila. The food was not the best but the flight crew more than makes up for the shortfall.

For the price of a seat that is obviously crammed together so as to get many more people onboard and combined with the long flight duration, Free WiFi should be an automatic “Thank You for Flying with Us!” To charge an additional fee when so many other businesses offers it is a bit “cheap” on the airline’s part.

Flight was on time and the crew was as expected, friendly and respectful. Food could’ve been better though.

First I will say this was really NOT an ANA flight. ANA used a UNITED jet to perform this flight. I specifically booked with ANA because I did NOT WANT TO FLY UNITED FOR INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS. So to spend $1800.00 and then discover after booking that it was going to be handled by United was very disappointing. I will be more careful next time when I book. The interior was very cramped in economy class; the dinner meal was terrible and also had extremely small portions for an international flight - the bread roll was ice cold and stale - that salad was very wilted; I’ve never had a “snack” that was so salty that it was difficult to eat; the breakfast “waffle” was practically unrecognizable. Really horrible meals for a very expensive international flight. Bathroom floor was also pretty dirty. I’m hoping my return flight is a real ANA airplane that is cleaned and serviced by ANA personnel with ANA meals. I will never book with ANA again if they continue to use UNITED airline jets. Yuck!!!🤢

Ticket was purchased as a United Airlines flight (operated by All Nippon) like what does that even mean? Makes for a VERY confusing flight experience. For instance, what do I look for a United drop off signage and ticket counter or ANA? No explanation anywhere to be found. I also felt a little bit scammed by the obsurdely restrictive seat selection provided. Only middle seats available!! Are you kidding me!! On 6hr + 10hr flights you're forcing me into the middle seat without telling me before I purchased the ticket?? This should be illegal. And to top it off, on the Tokyo LA leg there were quite a few empty seats including window seats! I must also say, the food was a dissappointing as well for my taste, fish with rice ( mostly plain white rice) or a vegetable medly for the breakfast meal? Should be at least 4 choices and at least 1 with eggs. Outside of these issues flight was otherwise ok.

This is a very long flight and the first time I have flown on a Japanese airline. I was very impressed with the staff. They worked hard and offered food and drink regularly. Plane was very well cared for. The let room was good . Food was ok but better than other airlines.

Fast and efficient boarding. Flight was on time. Service was very good for our long flight. First time flying with this airline and I would highly recommend.

Eva Air's Business Class is pretty decent. With the given price, I think that the food can be better.

Pleasant, comfortable, and entertaining. All told, ZERO issues with it. And sadly, so far the flight was WAY more comfortable than the hellhole that is "Lambug Beach Resort" at Badian Beach!

It was a pleasant fly with Eva Air from NYC to Taipei. The crew were friendly and the food was exceeded my expectation.

Seats could have been more comfortable, but it was a pretty good experience all things considered

Eva air is a good airline. The seats on the way to Taipei could have certainly been more comfortable, but all in all it was a pretty good experience.

Overall the flight was what might be expected for a long haul flight to Asia in economy class. The cabin crew was attentive and the food was good. Boarding was fairly fast and easy. The one thing I found frustrating was the EVA app. It is terrible. Trying to do anything on it was almost impossible.

Poor services. Not meet 5-star airline standard. Disappointed with the poor food and drink selections. Cabin crew is not attentive at all. They even skipped me during meal service (not sure if it is intentionally).

EVA would not help with ticket issue since they were purchased through a travel agency. Even though it was EVA ticket stock. Travel agency Budget Air didn't reissue ticket after airline change which I didn’t learn until trying to checkin on Christmas Day and there was no contact number for the agency to help. I will never use Budget Air to purchase flight again and disappointed in EVA’s refusal to help. Thankfully just under 12 hrs before departure someone from the agency was available to reissue tickets. I was starting to think we would not be flying and the stress trying to resolve was completely unacceptable.

seamless check in/ friendly staff, food is good, always love flying Eva Air

Excellent crew, immediate attention for any request. Both ways on time (rather before time arrival at Haneda). Only complaint was that the seats are not reclining like rest of the airlines that I travelled. The Backrest is fixed. The reclining is only within the box seat, so you slide down forward for reclining, not backward. So it was bit uncomfortable. The food for the day trip was excellent. For the night flight, no breakfast was served, only dinner, which was disappointing.

I like the braised beef., miso soup,, and green tea. Very little choices of hollywood movies. The PA announcement in English was not very clear and very soft. I could hardly hear.

More updated movies & Chinese movies. The food sometimes overcooked. Prefer to have more neat snacks in between than just choose from the menu. Please change the menu every now and then. This is my second time flying within one year and the menu didn’t change at all!

Food is lagging. Very poor choice. Like vending machine fast food.

Please change the menu more often. The beef is not tender, more choice in ice cream flavor. Dessert is not good too.

Again I paid for an upgrade on my credit card didn’t get it need a refund. . American I not good at gettin in contact for refunds.

I didn’t like the check in process I had to check in at the counter took too much time . Didn’t give the upgrade my seat .

l enjoyed the variety of good and drink choices. The flight attendants were very quick and efficient to our needs.

-Bathrooms were regularly checked/maintained. -Food was okay, but the miso soup was good. -Top of my foot got bitten by a bug when I took off my shoes and was only wearing my socks. It was swollen and very itchy for several days.

Truly impressive service in the air. After the main meal, they have a delicious a la carte menu that you can order anytime until 1.5 hrs prior to landing. Flight crew were so pleasant and very efficient. Wish I could fly JAL more often!

Flights to Vietnam

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BOOK YOUR TRAINS IN VIETNAM

Travellers can reserve train tickets in Vietnam and receive the electronic tickets issued by Vietnam Railways, ready for boarding. Additionally, we integrate multiple private railway companies operating sleeper coaches from Hanoi to Lao Cai, from Hanoi to Dong Hoi, Hue and Da Nang, and from Ho Chi Minh to Nha Trang, complementing our offer of railway transportation in Vietnam.

We support advance ticket booking for more than 160 stations across Vietnam, including Hanoi, Lao Cai, Yen Bai, Lang Son, Ha Long and Hai Phong in the North, Ninh Binh, Dong Hoi, Hue, Da Nang, Quy Nhon, Nha Trang, Phan Rang and Phan Thiet along the Central Coast, and Ho Chi Minh in the South.

Train companies in Vietnam

• - Vietnam Railways
• - Private railway companies

Getting around Vietnam by train

• - Northern Vietnam
• - Hanoi–Lao Cai railway
• - Hanoi–Dong Dang railway
• - Hanoi–Ha Long railway
• - Hanoi–Hai Phong railway
• - Central Vietnam
• - North–South railway
• - Southern Vietnam
• - Saigon–Quy Nhon railway
• - Saigon–Phan Thiet Railway

How to book your train tickets in Vietnam?

• - How to use the train e-ticket?

The railway network in Vietnam is operated by the state-owned company Vietnam Railways and its subsidiaries Hanoi Railways and Saigon Railways. In the present, trains transiting the Vietnamese railway network are pulled by diesel locomotives circulating at 60 to 80 km/h speed carrying passenger cars operated by Vietnam Railways and private railway companies.

Passenger services are designated by a code letter identifying the railway line followed by one to two numerals indicating the priority of the service, with SE1/2 being the fastest Express service connecting Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh in just over 30 hours.

The train services in Vietnam are managed by two operators:

Vietnam Railways

Vietnam Railways operates its own set of passenger coaches on every train, which usually consists of sleeper and seating passenger cars. Coaches are attended by staff trained to provide a quality service similar to domestic flight attendants.

The rolling stock is quite old but the fleet is under renovation, as the railway operator progressively introduces upgraded cars with the interior refurnished, a more modern design and higher quality components.

Passenger cars operated by Vietnam Railways are divided in four classes: Soft bed in compartments for 1-4 passengers, Hard bed in compartments for 1-6 passengers, Soft seat and Hard seat .

Sleeper 4-Berth (Compartments for 1-4 passengers with soft bed)

Sleeper 6-Berth (Compartments for 1-6 passengers with hard bed)

Private railway companies

Private railway companies operate their own passenger cars that are attached to the trains hauled by Vietnam Railways locomotives, departing and arriving with the same schedule. The staff on-board is usually trained to assist international passengers.

The coaches operated by the private railway companies provide a higher level of comfort than the coaches operated by Vietnam Railways. The service also includes bottled water and snacks.

Passenger cars operated by private railway companies are divided in two classes: Sleeper 2-Berth in compartments for 1-2 passengers and Sleeper 4-Berth in compartments for 1-4 passengers. Customers who wish to enjoy some privacy by reserving the whole compartment can select the maximum number of passengers and purchase all the tickets.

Sleeper 2-Berth (Compartments for 1-2 passengers with soft bed)

Vietnam has 2,600 kilometres of railway network, which consist of the main line North–South connecting Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh, and the secondary lines Hanoi–Lao Cai , Hanoi–Quan Trieu , Hanoi–Dong Dang , Hanoi–Ha Long , Hanoi–Hai Phong in the North, and Saigon–Quy Nhon and Saigon–Phan Thiet in the South.

Most of the railway lines in Vietnam use metre gauge, although some standard gauge and mixed gauge are used in the Hanoi–Dong Dang railway line with the purpose of allowing trains to run the international railway service Hanoi–Nanning without break of gauge.

Northern Vietnam

Four dedicated railways link Hanoi with the Northwestern Mountains, the Northern Mountains and the Northeastern Coast.

Hanoi–Lao Cai railway

The Hanoi–Lao Cai railway line connects Hanoi and Lao Cai, in the Northwestern Mountains of Vietnam. Trains depart from Hanoi Railway Station and return from Lao Cai Railway Station.

Passenger services designated with code SP correspond to Express services stopping at the main stations, whereas LC correspond to Local services stopping at all stations along the line and YB correspond to Local services ending in Yen Bai, half of the railway line.

Additionally, the following private railway companies operate their own passenger cars on the SP3/4 trains bound for Lao Cai: Chapa Express , Sapaly Express , Laman Express , Damitrans Express , New Livitrans Express , Violette Trains and Vic Sapa Train .

Train routes to Lao Cai

• Hanoi to Lao Cai
• Yen Bai to Lao Cai

Train routes to Yen Bai

• Hanoi to Yen Bai
• Lao Cai to Yen Bai

Hanoi–Dong Dang railway

Route suspended until further notice.

The Hanoi–Dong Dang railway line connects Hanoi and Dong Dang, in the Northern Mountains of Vietnam. Trains depart from Hanoi Railway Station and arrive at Dong Dang Railway Station, in Lang Son province.

Passenger services designated with code DD correspond to Local services stopping at all stations along the line.

Train routes to Dong Dang

• Hanoi to Dong Dang

Hanoi–Ha Long railway

The Hanoi–Ha Long railway line connects Hanoi and Ha Long, in the Northeastern Coast. Trains depart from Yen Vien Railway Station and arrive at Ha Long Railway Station, in Quang Ninh province.

The passenger service 51501/51502 is a Local service that stops at all stations along the line.

Train routes to Ha Long

• Hanoi to Ha Long

Hanoi–Hai Phong railway

The Hanoi–Hai Phong railway line connects Hanoi and Hai Phong, the biggest city in the Northeastern Coast of Vietnam. Trains depart from Hanoi Railway Station and arrive at Hai Phong Railway Station, which provides easy access to Cat Ba Island.

Passenger services designated with code HP correspond to Express services stopping at the main stations, whereas LP correspond to Local services stopping at all stations along the line.

* LP services depart and arrive at Long Bien Railway Station on weekdays and Hanoi Railway Station on weekends.

Train routes to Hai Phong

• Hanoi to Hai Phong

Central Vietnam

The main railway line traverses the country linking the cities in the Red River Delta, the North Central Coast, the Central Coast and the South Central Coast.

North–South railway

The North–South railway line connects Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh. Trains depart from Hanoi Railway Station and arrive at Saigon Railway Station stopping in the major stations along Central Vietnam, such us Ninh Binh, Thanh Hoa, Vinh, Dong Hoi, Hue, Da Nang, Quang Ngai, Dieu Tri, Nha Trang, Phan Rang–Thap Cham, Binh Thuan and other secondary stations.

Passenger services designated with code SE correspond to Express services stopping at the provincial capitals. There are also some Local services running dedicated segments of the railway line, such as NA service between Hanoi and Vinh, VD service between Vinh and Dong Hoi, DH service between Dong Hoi and Hue, and SNT service between Saigon and Nha Trang.

Additionally, the private railway company Laman Express operates its own passenger cars on the SE19/20 trains departing from Hanoi bound for Dong Hoi, Hue and Da Nang. The private railway companies Damitrans Express , Halo Express , New Livitrans Express , Violette Trains and Lotus Train manage their own compartments in standard passenger cars operated by Vietnam Railways on SE1/2, SE3/4 and SE19/20 trains departing from Hanoi bound for Dong Hoi, Hue and Da Nang, and SE1/2 and SNT1/2 trains departing from Ho Chi Minh bound for Nha Trang.

Train routes to Hanoi

• Ninh Binh to Hanoi
• Dong Hoi to Hanoi
• Hue to Hanoi
• Da Nang to Hanoi

Train routes to Ninh Binh

• Hanoi to Ninh Binh
• Dong Hoi to Ninh Binh
• Hue to Ninh Binh
• Da Nang to Ninh Binh

Train routes to Dong Hoi

• Hanoi to Dong Hoi
• Ninh Binh to Dong Hoi
• Hue to Dong Hoi
• Da Nang to Dong Hoi

Train routes to Hue

• Hanoi to Hue
• Ninh Binh to Hue
• Dong Hoi to Hue
• Da Nang to Hue

Train routes to Da Nang

• Hanoi to Da Nang
• Ninh Binh to Da Nang
• Dong Hoi to Da Nang
• Hue to Da Nang

Train routes to Tuy Hoa

• Da Nang to Tuy Hoa
• Nha Trang to Tuy Hoa
• Binh Thuan to Tuy Hoa
• Ho Chi Minh to Tuy Hoa

Train routes to Nha Trang

• Da Nang to Nha Trang
• Phan Rang to Nha Trang
• Binh Thuan to Nha Trang
• Ho Chi Minh to Nha Trang

Train routes to Phan Rang

• Da Nang to Phan Rang
• Nha Trang to Phan Rang
• Binh Thuan to Phan Rang
• Ho Chi Minh to Phan Rang

Train routes to Ho Chi Minh

• Hue to Ho Chi Minh
• Da Nang to Ho Chi Minh
• Nha Trang to Ho Chi Minh
• Phan Rang to Ho Chi Minh

The Reunification Express SE3/4 is one of the Express services trains running the North-South railway line from Hanoi to Saigon stopping in Ninh Binh, Dong Hoi, Hue, Da Nang, Nha Trang and Phan Rang along the way.

Southern Vietnam

Two dedicated railways link Ho Chi Minh with the South Central Coast and the Southeastern Coast.

Saigon–Quy Nhon railway

The Saigon–Quy Nhon railway line connects Ho Chi Minh and Quy Nhon in the South Central Coast of Vietnam. Trains depart from Saigon Railway Station and arrive at Quy Nhon Railway Station.

Passenger services designated with code SQN operate on weekends and national holidays.

Alternatively, passengers can take the SE services of the North–South railway line and stop in Dieu Tri Railway Station, then transfer to Quy Nhon by taxi.

Train routes to Quy Nhon

• Nha Trang to Quy Nhon
• Binh Thuan to Quy Nhon
• Ho Chi Minh to Quy Nhon

Saigon–Phan Thiet railway

The Saigon–Phan Thiet railway line connects Ho Chi Minh and Phan Thiet in the Southeastern Coast of Vietnam. Trains depart from Saigon Railway Station and arrive at Phan Thiet Railway Station, which provides easy access to Mui Ne.

Passenger services designated with code SPT correspond to regular services operating daily, wheareas additional PT operate on weekends and national holidays.

Alternatively, passengers can take the SE services of the North–South railway line and stop in Binh Thuan Railway Station, then transfer to Phan Thiet by taxi.

Train routes to Phan Thiet

• Ho Chi Minh to Phan Thiet

The SPT1/2 train offers easy access to Phan Thiet, in Binh Thuan province. The daily service departs in the morning and returns to Saigon in the afternoon.

Booking your train tickets in Vietnam is very quick and simple. Search for train routes between any two cities for your travel dates.

Select your route

After search, we will display the results for your itinerary.

Find the train services operated by Vietnam Railways or the private railway companies available for your itinerary and select the most convenient option.

Click to expand the details of the route, you will find the available fares. Trains in Vietnam offer various types of fares, depending if the service consists of sleeper or seating passenger cars.

• Hard seat arranged in 2+2 row configuration
• Soft seat arranged in 2+2 row configuration
• Sleeper 6-Berth (Compartments for 1-6 passengers with hard bed) arranged in 3 levels of bunks (Upper, Middle and Lower)
• Sleeper 4-Berth (Compartments for 1-4 passengers with soft bed) arranged in 2 levels of bunks (Upper and Lower)
• Sleeper 2-Berth (Compartments for 1-2 passengers with soft bed) arranged in 1 level of bunks

Fill in the passenger and contact details

Next, select your seats.

Baolau supports seat and berth selection for all trains operated by Vietnam Railways. For private railway companies, you can indicate your berth preference, Upper and Lower, and we will consider your request depending on the availability.

Please provide the passenger information and the contact details of the person responsible for booking. We will send by email the booking confirmation and the electronic ticket.

Complete your payment

Select your payment method. We accept international credit or debit cards.

Check your itinerary and price breakdown. Confirm that the booking information is correct. Before you proceed to payment, you must read and accept the terms and conditions of booking.

Receive your tickets by email

Once your payment is complete, your reservation will be processed.

In the following 24 hours you will receive the itinerary and booking confirmation by email with the electronic ticket issued by Vietnam Railways or the private railway companies attached in PDF format .

You can also access to Manage your booking via web and download the electronic ticket to your device .

How to use the train e-ticket?

The electronic ticket is a valid boarding pass and can be used to board the train at the station of departure.

Passengers travelling with Vietnam Railways can print the e-ticket in advance or carry a digital copy in the mobile phone and present it when boarding the train.

RECEIVE YOUR E-TICKET BY EMAIL

Receive your electronic ticket by email in PDF format. Print a copy of the e-ticket in advance or carry it in your mobile phone.

ARRIVE AT THE STATION ON TIME

Arrive at the station 30-60 minutes before the scheduled departure time. Scan the code included in the e-ticket to pass through the gates.

BOARD THE TRAIN

Present a copy of your electronic ticket to the conductor before boarding the train. You may be required to show your passport and verify your id.