How luxury trains in Vietnam work
Before booking, it helps to understand how the railway system is set up — because luxury trains in Vietnam work differently from what most travelers expect.
The train network
Vietnam’s railway runs almost the full length of the country, from Hanoi in the north to Ho Chi Minh City in the south — a distance of around 1,726 kilometers. The main line hugs the coast, passing through cities like Hue, Da Nang, and Nha Trang along the way. Two branch lines run from Hanoi: one to Hai Phong in the northeast, and one to Lao Cai, the gateway to Sapa in the northwest.
Outside of these routes, rail coverage is limited. Mountain regions like Ha Giang, Dalat, and the Central Highlands have no train connections. If you’re planning a trip that combines train travel with more remote destinations, you’ll need to combine it with road transport.
For a full overview of how train travel works in Vietnam, see our guide to train travel in Vietnam.
Vietnam Railways — the national operator
All trains in Vietnam run on infrastructure owned and operated by Vietnam Railways (VNR), the state railway company. They run the schedules, maintain the tracks, and operate the standard carriages on every route. The quality of standard Vietnam Railways carriages has improved in recent years, but it remains functional rather than luxurious — think clean, reliable, and affordable.
This is the foundation that everything else is built on.
How private luxury carriages work
Luxury and tourist trains in Vietnam are not separate trains running on their own schedules. Private companies buy or lease carriages, renovate them to a significantly higher standard, and attach them to existing Vietnam Railways trains. The departure times, routes, and journey durations are identical to the regular train — what changes is the carriage you’re sitting in.
This has one important practical consequence: you won’t find luxury or tourist train carriages on the Vietnam Railways booking website, and in most cases you can’t buy them at the station ticket counter either. Each private operator handles their own bookings separately. More on how to book in a later section.
What to expect from a luxury train in Vietnam
Knowing what you’re getting into before you board makes the experience significantly better. Luxury train travel in Vietnam is genuinely good — but it’s not Europe, and it’s not Japan.
The experience on board
Private luxury carriages in Vietnam are a real step up from standard trains. Expect proper bedding, wooden-paneled or well-designed interiors, cleaner toilets, better on-board service, and in some cases dedicated staff assigned to your carriage. Several operators include food and drinks in the ticket price. Some have their own private lounge at the departure station, separate from the general waiting hall — a small detail that makes a noticeable difference if you’re arriving early. The level of luxury varies considerably between operators.
What luxury doesn’t mean here
The track is the same for everyone. Regardless of which carriage you book, Vietnam’s railway infrastructure is aging — expect some swaying, vibration, and slower speeds than you might be used to. Trains in Vietnam typically travel at 40–80 km/h. This is not a criticism, just a realistic expectation. The pace is part of the experience.
Compared to luxury trains in Europe — the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, for example — Vietnamese luxury trains are more boutique than grand. The scale is smaller, the routes shorter in most cases, and the price points far more accessible. That’s not a weakness. For many travelers it’s exactly the right fit.
The best luxury trains in Vietnam
These are the trains that genuinely qualify as luxury — privately operated, high-end interiors, premium service, and in some cases an experience worth building your itinerary around. They range from the most exclusive rail journey in Southeast Asia to affordable cultural day trips that anyone can fit into a Vietnam trip.
1. The Vietage by Anantara – Da Nang to Quy Nhon and Quy Nhon to Nha Trang
The Vietage is the most exclusive train experience in Vietnam and one of the finest short-distance luxury rail journeys in Southeast Asia. Operated by Anantara, it runs two private carriages daily along the central coast — one heading south from Da Nang through Quy Nhon to Nha Trang, the other heading north in the opposite direction.
Each carriage carries just 12 passengers, seated in six private booths for two. The interior is styled in Indochine design — rattan partitions, leather bar stools, warm lighting — with a sit-up bar, private restroom, and a dedicated area for head and shoulder treatments. Almost everything is included: free-flow wines, cocktails, beer, soft drinks, and either a three-course gourmet meal or an elaborate afternoon tea depending on the route and departure time. The only extras are champagne and caviar.
The Da Nang to Quy Nhon journey takes around six hours and passes through some of the most scenic coastline in central Vietnam. The Quy Nhon to Nha Trang leg takes around five hours and follows the coast even more closely. Tickets are $450 per person one way. The evening Quy Nhon to Da Nang route includes sleeper cabins and dinner, priced at $340.
Most travelers combine The Vietage with a stay at Anantara Quy Nhon Villas or Anantara Hoi An Resort. It’s worth noting that this is a daytime journey — you board for the experience, the scenery, and the food, not to save on accommodation.
2. SJourney – Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City (8 days / 7 nights)
SJourney is a completely different category from everything else on this list. This is not a train ride — it’s a moving hotel that takes you the full length of Vietnam over eight days and seven nights, stopping at the country’s most significant cultural and natural destinations along the way.
The route runs between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City in both directions, covering Ninh Binh, Phong Nha, Hue, Hoi An, Phu Yen, and Phan Thiet. At each stop, guests join guided excursions with entrance fees included. Evenings return to the train for dinner, cultural performances, and the slow rhythm of moving through the Vietnamese countryside at night.
Private cabins have en-suite bathrooms, double or twin beds, air conditioning, a minibar, and a safe. Three meals daily are included, prepared on board with regional Vietnamese ingredients that change as the train moves south. A dedicated cabin attendant handles turndown service and daily servicing. The train carries 30 cabins across 10 sleeping carriages, plus two dining cars and a bar car — all designed in 1930s Indochine style.
Tickets start from $8,610 per person for 2025 departures, all-inclusive. The train runs twice a month per direction. SJourney also offers a shorter four-day northern route covering Sapa and Halong Bay.
3. Victoria Express – Hanoi to Lao Cai (Sapa)
Victoria Express is the most established luxury option on the Hanoi–Sapa route and the benchmark against which other operators on this line are measured. It’s an overnight train, departing Hanoi in the evening and arriving at Lao Cai in the morning — from where Sapa is a 30-minute transfer by road.
The carriages are custom-built with wooden-paneled interiors, and the train accommodates a maximum of 40 passengers. Cabin options include 2-berth and 4-berth configurations. There’s an on-board bar and restaurant, and the service includes a dedicated lounge in Hanoi before departure — a genuine comfort if you’re arriving early for a late-night train.
Victoria Express is operated by the same group behind Victoria Hotels in Sapa, which makes it a natural fit for travelers staying at their properties. It’s the most premium option on this route in terms of finish, service level, and overall experience.
4. Chapa Express – Hanoi to Lao Cai (Sapa)
Chapa Express sits just below Victoria in terms of luxury but delivers a strong experience at a slightly lower price point. The carriages feature wooden interiors with Indochine styling and traditional northern embroidery details — a design touch that references the culture of the region you’re traveling toward.
Cabin options include 2-berth VIP cabins and 4-berth deluxe cabins. Complimentary amenities include water, snacks, reading lights, and slippers. The service is consistently well reviewed by international travelers, and the on-board atmosphere tends to be quieter and more relaxed than the standard carriages on the same train.
For travelers who want a quality overnight experience on the Hanoi–Sapa route without paying the top rate, Chapa Express is one of the most reliable choices.
5. The Hanoi Train – Hanoi to Bac Ninh
The Hanoi Train is something different — a cultural day trip experience rather than a transport solution. Launched in September 2025, it’s a double-decker train running from Hanoi Station to Tu Son in Bac Ninh, taking around three hours each way.
The train consists of themed carriages designed around Hanoi’s five ancient city gates — Quan Chuong, Cau Den, Dong Mac, Cau Giay, and Cho Dua — each with its own interior style evoking different periods of the city’s history. On board there’s a bar, live performances of traditional Vietnamese music including Quan Ho, Ca Tru, and Xam, and a skylight roof for views of the city as you depart. At Tu Son, passengers visit Do Temple in Bac Ninh and can take part in cultural activities including Dong Ho folk painting.
It’s not a sleeper train and it’s not transport in the traditional sense. It’s an experience on rails — and an accessible one. Weekend tickets sell out quickly, so book in advance if your travel dates are fixed.
6. Hoa Phuong Do – Hanoi to Hai Phong
Hoa Phuong Do — named after the red flamboyant flower that symbolizes Hai Phong — launched in May 2025 on the Hanoi–Hai Phong route. The journey takes 3.5 hours and the train operates multiple daily departures.
The train consists of 20 Indochine-style carriages, with two VIP carriages that stand out from the rest. These feature hardwood floors, private sofa seating, long lounge sofas, an on-board bar, free Wi-Fi, and live music. The overall atmosphere is relaxed and well above the standard commuter trains on this route.
VIP tickets cost around $13–26 depending on the day of the week — making this the most accessible luxury train experience in Vietnam by a significant margin. For travelers based in Hanoi who want a taste of luxury rail travel without the commitment of a longer journey, this is a genuine option. Hai Phong itself is worth the trip — the French colonial architecture, seafood, and relaxed atmosphere make it a solid day out from the capital.
Tourist trains in Vietnam
What are tourist trains?
Luxury trains are a type of tourist train, but the term covers a broader range of options. Not every tourist train is luxury — but all of them are privately operated, all of them are a step above standard Vietnam Railways carriages, and all of them work the same way: a private company attaches their renovated carriage to an existing Vietnam Railways train.
The main difference between a luxury train and a tourist train in Vietnam is the level of finish and service. A tourist train gives you a cleaner cabin, better bedding, and more attentive service than a standard carriage. A luxury train gives you all of that plus premium dining, high-end interiors, and in some cases an experience that rivals a boutique hotel stay.
On routes like Hanoi–Sapa, there are many tourist train operators to choose from. On the main Hanoi–Ho Chi Minh City corridor, the options are narrower.
One practical thing worth knowing before booking: many tourist train operators only sell tickets for longer segments of the route. If you want to travel a shorter leg — say Ho Chi Minh City to Nha Trang — you may not be able to book a tourist carriage for that specific segment. A workaround is booking the longer route and getting off earlier. Always check with the operator before booking.
Tourist trains by route
On the Hanoi – Ho Chi Minh City route: Lotus Express
Lotus Express is the main private tourist train operator on the north–south corridor. It runs attached to SE trains on the Hanoi–Da Nang segment and is the best option on this route for travelers who want a comfortable overnight.
Cabins come in 2-berth VIP and 4-berth configurations. Included in the ticket: Wi-Fi, breakfast, complimentary welcome snacks and drinks, comfortable mattresses and duvets, and on-board crew. It’s a genuine step up from standard carriages at a price point well below the full luxury options.
On the Hanoi – Lao Cai (Sapa) route: multiple operators
This is the most competitive tourist train route in Vietnam, with the widest range of private operators. The top three worth knowing besides Victoria Express and Chapa Express:
Sapaly Express — minimalist modern design, consistently well reviewed for cleanliness, particularly the toilets. A solid mid-range option with 2 and 4-berth cabins.
Livitrans Express — wooden interiors, good soundproofing, spacious berths. Well suited for families or groups traveling with children or older passengers who need extra comfort.
Orient Express — reliable, good value for groups, spacious cabins, stable service. A consistent choice that won’t surprise you in either direction.
For a full comparison of all Hanoi–Sapa train options, see our guide to taking the train from Hanoi to Sapa.
Upgraded trains from Vietnam Railways
These are not private tourist carriages, but worth including for travelers who want something better than standard without booking a private operator.
SE1/SE2 — Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City Vietnam Railways’ flagship trains on the full north–south route. Better interiors, more attentive service, and English-speaking staff compared to other state-operated trains. Not luxury, but the best the national operator offers on this corridor.
SE19/SE20 — Hanoi to Da Nang Launched in 2023, these are genuinely upgraded trains — refurbished carriages, improved bedding, VIP lounge access at stations, and QR-code food ordering on board. Tickets run from around $35–67 depending on cabin type and travel day. A solid option if you’re not booking a private tourist carriage and want a reliable, comfortable overnight on this segment.
For more on standard and upgraded sleeper options across all routes, see our complete guide to sleeper trains in Vietnam.
How to book a luxury or tourist train ticket in Vietnam
Because luxury and tourist train carriages are privately operated, they are not listed on the Vietnam Railways website and cannot be bought at the station ticket counter in most cases. Each operator handles their own bookings, which means the process is different depending on which train you’re booking and which route you’re traveling.
Book directly with the operator
Most luxury train operators have their own websites with online booking systems. The Vietage, SJourney, Victoria Express, Chapa Express, and Lotus Express all accept direct bookings online. This is a reliable option — you’re dealing with the operator directly, prices are transparent, and confirmation comes straight from the source.
One important warning: fake social media pages exist for several of these operators, particularly on Facebook. Never pay for train tickets through social media, even if the page looks official and uses the correct branding. Always verify you are on the official website before entering any payment details. When in doubt, find the website through a Google search rather than clicking a link from social media.
Online booking platforms
For tourist trains — particularly on the Hanoi–Sapa route — two platforms make it easy to compare options and book in one place:
- Baolau — covers most tourist train operators on key routes, clean interface, good for comparing cabin types and prices
- 12Go Asia — popular across Southeast Asia, straightforward payment options for international travelers
Note that the higher-end luxury trains — The Vietage and SJourney specifically — are generally not available on these platforms. Book those directly with the operator.
Through a travel agent
A good option if you want the train as part of a broader trip. A travel agent can arrange everything around the journey — hotel transfers, accommodation, activities, and onward transport — so the train ticket is just one piece of a fully planned itinerary. The convenience is real, particularly on complex multi-destination trips.
Agents typically add a small markup on train tickets since commissions in this category are low. Before booking, check the going rate for the ticket you want so you know what’s reasonable. Read reviews before committing to any agent.
For a fully arranged Vietnam trip that includes luxury or tourist train travel, Local Vietnam can take care of the complete journey.
Practical tips for luxury and tourist train travel in Vietnam
Book well in advance
Luxury carriages have very limited capacity. The Vietage carries just 12 passengers per carriage, and SJourney has a small number of suites per departure. Both sell out weeks or months ahead, especially during peak season from October to April and around Tet. Tourist trains on the Hanoi–Sapa route also fill up fast on weekends and public holidays. Don’t leave booking to the last minute on any of these.
Luggage on board
Space in private carriages is limited but manageable. Small bags fit under the berth. A standard suitcase usually goes between the berths or at the end of the carriage. On luxury trains staff will help you with luggage when you board — it’s part of the service. Even on standard tourist carriages, someone will help you find space. Don’t overthink it — a suitcase and a daypack is fine.
Train stations are mostly along the coast
Vietnam’s rail network follows the coastline. The main stations — Hanoi, Hue, Da Nang, Nha Trang, Ho Chi Minh City — are all coastal or lowland cities. Mountain regions like Ha Giang, Dalat, and the Central Highlands are not connected by rail. The exception is Sapa, reachable by overnight train to Lao Cai followed by a 30–45 minute road transfer. For a full overview of stations and locations, see our guide to the most important train stations in Vietnam.
The track quality is the same for everyone
A luxury carriage does not mean a smooth ride. Vietnam’s railway infrastructure is aging, and regardless of how well-designed your cabin is, the track quality is identical for every carriage on the train. Expect some swaying and vibration, particularly at night and on older sections of line. Speeds are slow by international standards — typically 40–80 km/h. This is part of traveling by train in Vietnam, not a flaw of the luxury experience. Embrace the pace. For more on what to expect, see our guide to train travel in Vietnam.
Time your journey for the scenic stretches
Some of Vietnam’s most dramatic scenery is best seen from a train window — the Hai Van Pass between Da Nang and Hue, the coastal cliffs approaching Nha Trang, and the river valleys on the Hanoi–Lao Cai route. On overnight journeys you sleep through most of it. If the scenery matters to you, consider timing at least one leg as a daytime journey. The Vietage is specifically designed around this — the Da Nang to Quy Nhon route runs during the day precisely because the coastal scenery is worth watching. For the full list, see our guide to the most scenic train routes in Vietnam.
Check what’s included before you board
What’s covered in the ticket price varies widely between operators. The Vietage includes almost everything — food, free-flow drinks, and a spa treatment. SJourney includes all meals, excursions, and transfers. A mid-range tourist carriage on the Hanoi–Sapa route might include water, a light snack, and slippers. SE19/SE20 includes nothing beyond the seat. Always check the inclusions before boarding so you’re not caught off guard — and budget accordingly for any extras.
The day-trip luxury trains need advance booking too
The Hanoi Train to Bac Ninh and Hoa Phuong Do to Hai Phong are both popular, particularly on weekends and public holidays. Weekend departures frequently sell out shortly after tickets are released. If your dates are fixed, book these as early as you would any other luxury train — the low price doesn’t mean unlimited availability.
