10 Days in Vietnam: Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City by Train

There is a specific rhythm to the Reunification Express. Clack-clack. Clack-clack. It’s the heartbeat of Vietnam. Running 1,726 kilometers from Hanoi in the north to Ho Chi Minh City in the south, this railway line is more than just transport; it’s a history lesson. Flying saves time, but the train gives it back to you in scenery. You see the backyards of houses, the water buffalo in the fields, and the ocean crashing against cliffs. Here is how to conquer the dragon in 10 days. For more planning tips, check out our full Vietnam Travel Guide.

Booking Vietnam Railways

Forget the official website (it often rejects foreign cards). Use Baolau or 12Go Asia. The mark-up is minimal, and they send you the PDF ticket instantly.

• Soft Sleeper (4-Berth): The best option. AC, a door that locks, and a comfortable mattress. Cleanliness is usually okay, but bring a sleep sheet if you’re fastidious.
• Hard Sleeper (6-Berth): Crowded and thinner mattresses. Only for the brave or budget-desperate.

Days 1-3: Hanoi & Ha Long Bay

Hanoi is chaos choreographed. Cross the street by walking slowly and steadily; the motorbikes will flow around you like water.

Ha Long Bay: Don’t do a day trip. It’s 3 hours each way, meaning you spend 6 hours in a bus for 4 hours on a boat. Book a 2-Day/1-Night cruise. Wake up for Tai Chi on the deck at sunrise. Yes, it’s touristy, but the limestone karsts are worth the crowd.

Days 4-5: Hue & The Hai Van Pass

Take the overnight train from Hanoi to Hue (approx 13 hours). Wake up as you roll into the former Imperial Capital.

The Hai Van Pass Decision

To get from Hue to Hoi An/Da Nang, you have to cross the mountains.
Option A: The Train. The track hugs the cliff edge. It is one of the most beautiful train rides in the world.
Option B: Motorbike. Rent a bike (or hire an “Easy Rider” to drive you) and go over the pass like Top Gear. This is the more visceral experience.

Days 6-8: Hoi An

Hoi An is beautiful, yellow, and full of tailors who want to make you a suit.

• Tailor Tips: You need 24-48 hours for a good job. Go for your first fitting immediately upon arrival. Don’t haggle too hard on quality—you get what you pay for.
• Lanterns: The main bridge is a crush of bodies at sunset. Wake up at 5:30 AM to see the Old Town empty. It feels like a movie set.

Days 9-10: Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)

Fly or take the long train (17 hours) from Da Nang to HCMC. The heat hits you differently here. It’s humid, tropical, and modern.

War Remnants Museum: This is a hard visit. It is raw, graphic, and biased, but essential. It shows the “American War” from the other side. You will leave silent.

All Aboard

By the time you reach Saigon, you will be exhausted. You will smell like diesel and humidity. But you will have seen the spine of the country. Vietnam doesn’t reveal itself to those who fly over it; it opens up to those who rumble through it at 50km/h.