Hoa Phuong Do Train — what it is and what sets it apart
The Hoa Phuong Do Train takes its name from the red flamboyant flower — hoa phuong do in Vietnamese — that blooms across Hai Phong every summer and has become the symbol of the city. The train was launched on May 10, 2025, as part of the celebrations marking the 70th anniversary of Hai Phong’s liberation, and consists of 20 new carriages operated by Vietnam Railways on the existing Hanoi to Hai Phong line. The exterior carries the red, white, and blue of the flamboyant flower, making it one of the more visually distinctive trains on the northern network.
It is worth being clear about what this train is and is not. Unlike SJourney or The Vietage, the Hoa Phuong Do Train is not a curated tourist experience with private groups, set menus, and dedicated hosts. It is a regular intercity service with significantly upgraded carriages added — a step up from the standard commuter trains on this route rather than a luxury product in its own right. That also makes it the most affordable premium train option in Vietnam by a considerable margin, and a genuinely practical choice for travelers heading between the two cities.
The Hoa Phuong Do Train route: Hanoi to Hai Phong
The Hanoi to Hai Phong route is one of the most traveled in northern Vietnam. The two cities are around 100 kilometers apart, connected by a rail line that has been in operation since the French colonial era. As the train leaves Hanoi Station it passes through Train Street — the narrow stretch where cafes and bars line both sides of the tracks — before picking up speed through Long Binh and heading east through a landscape of rice paddies, rivers, and quiet rural villages.
Hai Phong is Vietnam’s third-largest city and its most important port. It gets far fewer foreign visitors than Hanoi, which is part of what makes it worth the trip. The city center has some of the best-preserved French colonial architecture in northern Vietnam, the seafood is excellent, and the pace is noticeably more relaxed than the capital. It works well as a day trip from Hanoi or as an overnight stop, particularly for travelers who want to see a side of northern Vietnam that most tourists skip entirely. The journey by train takes around 2.5 to 3 hours — slower than the minibus but considerably more comfortable.
What to expect on board
The VIP carriages
The two VIP carriages are the reason most travelers choose this train over the standard service. The design draws on the Indochine aesthetic — natural wood flooring, high-quality wall paneling, tiered ceilings with LED strip lighting, and artistic table lamps that give the interior a warm, considered atmosphere. Seating is arranged in separate areas with single chairs and longer sofas, with large windows and fold-down fabric curtains alongside. A small bar inside the carriage serves coffee and drinks. Live music performances run on board during the journey.
The honest note: early reviews indicate that cleanliness has not always matched the design ambition. Stained seats and food residue on tables have been mentioned by a small number of passengers. The carriage is new and the potential is clear, but it is worth going in with realistic expectations rather than assuming the finish will be immaculate on every departure.
First class carriages
The first class carriages seat 56 passengers and feature 180-degree swivel seats — a practical touch that lets you rotate to face any direction, useful for avoiding motion sickness or simply choosing your preferred view. Individual charging sockets and mini folding tables are included. Comfortable for a 2.5 to 3-hour journey and a solid choice if the VIP carriage does not appeal or is fully booked.
Standard carriages
Standard carriages seat 64 passengers. A functional option at a very low price point — not upgraded to the same level as VIP or first class, but adequate for the journey length.
Food, drinks, and facilities
A complimentary drink and snack are included with VIP tickets. Additional food and drinks are available for purchase from staff pushing carts through the carriages — local snacks and simple lunchbox-style meals. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the train. Restrooms are reported as clean by most passengers.
Staff English is limited. Announcements are made in English on some services, but do not count on being able to communicate easily with the train crew. It is a regular Vietnam Railways service rather than a tourist-oriented product, and the staffing reflects that.
The station experience
There is no dedicated lounge or special boarding process. You board from the regular platform at Hanoi Station like any other passenger. One practical point worth knowing: Hanoi Station has no elevators or escalators. Getting to the platform requires carrying luggage up and down stairs, and station staff are unlikely to assist. If you are traveling with large bags, factor this in before you go.
Ticket prices
Three ticket classes are available, priced per person one way:
| Class | Seats | Weekday | Weekend (Fri–Sun) |
|---|---|---|---|
| VIP | 34 | ~$10 | ~$13 |
| First class | 56 | ~$6 | ~$7 |
| Standard | 64 | ~$4 | ~$5 |
Prices are set in Vietnamese dong and the USD figures above are approximate. Always check current rates before booking as these may have changed since this guide was written.
The VIP carriage has only 34 seats and fills up quickly, particularly on weekends and during the summer holiday period from June to August. At least one reviewer was unable to book a return journey last minute due to fully booked trains. Book in advance if your dates are fixed, especially for the VIP option.
Note that the VIP class ticket includes a complimentary drink and snack. First class and standard tickets do not — food and drinks are available for purchase on board.
Practical tips and how to book
How to book
Tickets can be booked online through Vietnam Railways’ official website at dsvn.vn, through tour booking platforms, or directly at railway stations and ticket agents. Online booking is straightforward and avoids queuing at the station. Book the VIP carriage well in advance for weekend travel or during summer.
Visiting Hai Phong with Local Vietnam. We can combine a Hoa Phuong Do Train journey with a full Hai Phong day trip or include it as part of a broader northern Vietnam itinerary — transport, accommodation, and activities all arranged. Contact us for a hassle-free trip.
Departure times
Multiple trains run daily in both directions. The morning departure from Hanoi around 9:20 AM is the most practical for a day trip — it arrives in Hai Phong mid-morning, leaving a full day to explore before catching an afternoon or evening return. Check the current schedule on dsvn.vn for up-to-date departure times as these can change.
Luggage
Hanoi Station has no elevators or escalators. Reaching the platform requires carrying bags up and down stairs. If you are traveling with large or heavy luggage, this is a genuine inconvenience — plan accordingly, travel light if possible, or allow extra time.
Riding through Train Street
The train passes through Hanoi’s Train Street shortly after leaving the station. From inside the carriage the experience is the reverse of what most tourists know — instead of watching the train pass by from a cafe, you are on the train watching the cafes pass by. A small but memorable detail on the morning departure.
Alternatives on this route
Minibuses and private cars cover the Hanoi to Hai Phong route in around 1.5 to 2 hours — faster than the train and cheaper for groups. The train makes most sense for solo travelers or couples who want a relaxed journey and are not in a hurry. For a broader overview of train travel in Vietnam, see our complete guide to train travel in Vietnam.
Is the Hoa Phuong Do Train worth it?
At $10 to $13 for the VIP carriage, this is the most affordable premium train experience in Vietnam. For that price, the Indochine-styled interior, the bar, and the live music on board are genuinely impressive — well above anything else available on a regular intercity service in the country. If you are traveling between Hanoi and Hai Phong anyway, choosing the Hoa Phuong Do Train over a minibus is an easy decision.
The trade-off compared to faster alternatives is time. The train takes 2.5 to 3 hours versus around 1.5 hours by minibus or private car. That is not a problem if you are traveling for the experience rather than the efficiency — and at this price, the extra hour is easy to justify. Where it becomes less appealing is for travelers with heavy luggage, given the stairs at Hanoi Station and the lack of assistance from staff.
The VIP carriage is the one to book if available. The live music and bar make a real difference to the atmosphere, and the design sets it apart from anything on the standard network. First class is a comfortable fallback if VIP is full — the swivel seats are a practical feature and the price is very reasonable. Standard class is fine for the journey length but offers nothing that distinguishes it from other trains on the route.
One honest note: this is still a relatively new product and early reviews suggest it has not yet reached full consistency in terms of cleanliness and service. The potential is clearly there. For now, go in with fair expectations rather than treating it as a polished luxury experience — it sits somewhere between a quality commuter train and a genuine premium product, and at the price, that is more than acceptable.
Other luxury trains in Vietnam
The Hoa Phuong Do Train is one of several special train experiences in Vietnam worth knowing about. Whether you are looking for a full cross-country journey or a short luxury day trip, there are options at very different price points and with very different characters.
- SJourney Train — Vietnam’s first luxury train, running between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City over 8 days and 7 nights. Private cabins, guided excursions at every stop, gourmet dining, and a maximum of 40 guests per departure. The most premium rail experience in the country.
- The Vietage by Anantara — A private luxury carriage running daily along the central coast between Da Nang, Quy Nhon, and Nha Trang. Maximum 12 passengers, three-course gourmet dining, free-flow drinks, and a head and shoulder massage included.
- The Hanoi Train — A heritage-style double-decker train running day trips from Hanoi to Bac Ninh, launched in 2025. Themed carriages, live traditional music, and a cultural stop at Do Temple. A half-day cultural excursion rather than an intercity journey.
- Victoria Express — The most established luxury overnight option on the Hanoi to Lao Cai route, operated by the same group behind Victoria Hotels in Sapa.
- Chapa Express — A well-regarded alternative on the Hanoi to Sapa overnight route, with Indochine-style interiors at a slightly lower price point than Victoria Express.
For a full overview of luxury and tourist-class train options in Vietnam, see our guide to the best luxury trains in Vietnam.
