Explore Vietnam by Train

Upon arrival at Noi Bai International Airport (HAN), meet your private driver and transfer to your hotel in Hanoi. After check-in, take time to relax and recover from your flight.
The rest of the day is free at leisure, giving you time to settle in, enjoy the hotel facilities or take a gentle walk around the neighborhood. This is also a good opportunity to get familiar with Hanoi before beginning your north-to-south exploration of Vietnam by train.
With several scenic rail routes and overnight train journeys ahead, a relaxed first day will help you start the tour feeling refreshed and ready for the adventures to come.

Overnight at a hotel in Hanoi.

Hanoi Capital City

Restaurants in Hanoi

Hanoi West Lake

Begin the morning with a visit to the Ho Chi Minh Complex, including the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the peaceful Stilt House and the iconic One Pillar Pagoda. Continue to the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology for an introduction to Vietnam’s 54 ethnic groups, their traditional houses and cultural heritage—a fitting introduction before heading into the mountainous north.

Enjoy lunch at a carefully selected restaurant before spending the afternoon exploring Hanoi’s history at the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first national university, and Hoa Lo Prison Relic. Later, take a traditional cyclo ride through the bustling Old Quarter, passing historic streets, French colonial architecture and lively shopfronts.

The remainder of the afternoon is free for a coffee, a little shopping or a relaxing walk around Hoan Kiem Lake. In the evening, return to the hotel to collect your luggage before a private transfer to Hanoi Railway Station. Board the overnight Vic Sapa train ( SP3), departing at 10:00 PM, for Lao Cai, the gateway to Sapa. Settle into your sleeper cabin and relax as the train heads north toward the mountains.

Vic Sapa Train – Overnight Rail Experience
Travel between Hanoi and Lao Cai aboard Vic Sapa Train, a premium overnight train featuring beautifully designed wooden cabins in warm, classic tones. Choose from different cabin categories, including VIP and Suite options, with comfortable beds, air conditioning and large windows. Complimentary amenities such as bottled water, seasonal fruit, snacks and Wi-Fi are also provided, making this a comfortable way to travel overnight to Lao Cai.

Overnight on Vic Sapa Train

Arrive at Lao Cai Railway Station at around 5:55 AM. Your private driver will meet you at the station and take you to Sapa, a drive of about one hour. On arrival, head to your hotel for breakfast and a chance to freshen up after the overnight train journey. Early check-in can be arranged subject to room availability.

Later in the morning, visit Cat Cat Village, a short drive from Sapa town. This village is home to the Black Hmong people, and you will see traditional houses, handicraft stalls and textiles made by local families. Follow the village paths down to the waterfall, where you can also see an old hydroelectric station built during the French colonial period. After the visit, return to Sapa for lunch at a carefully selected restaurant.

In the afternoon, travel to the Fansipan cable car station. Take the Muong Hoa mountain train before boarding the cable car to the summit area. Enjoy the views of the mountains and valleys along the way, then explore the spiritual complex near the top. Weather conditions can affect visibility, so the views will depend on the day.
Return to Sapa in the late afternoon. The evening is free for you to walk around town, browse the night market or find a café before heading back to the hotel.

Overnight at your hotel in Sapa.

Spend the morning exploring Muong Hoa Valley, known for its terraced rice fields and traditional villages. Travel down into the valley and walk through Lao Chai Village, home to the Black Hmong community. Visit a local family’s home to learn about their daily life, traditional crafts and customs.

Continue to Ta Van Village, where the Dzay people live. Along the way, enjoy views of the valley and surrounding mountains, with opportunities to see how local families go about their daily activities. Stop for lunch at a local house beside a stream in Ta Van, where you can enjoy a home-cooked meal in a peaceful village setting.

After lunch, your private car will take you back to Sapa town. Spend the afternoon relaxing, exploring the town or shopping for local handicrafts.
At 6:00 PM, meet your driver for the journey to Lao Cai Railway Station, which takes about one hour. Your driver will drop you off near the station, leaving you time to have dinner before boarding the Vic Sapa Train (SP4), scheduled to depart at 9:50 PM for Hanoi.

Overnight on Vic Sapa Train.

Arrive at Hanoi Railway Station at around 5:40 AM. Your private driver will meet you at the station and transfer you to a 3-star hotel in the city center. A private day-use room will be arranged for you to shower, freshen up and enjoy breakfast after the overnight train journey.

At 9:00 AM, depart for Halong Bay by private car. The drive takes approximately 2.5 hours, with a short comfort stop along the way. Arrive at Tuan Chau International Marina around 11:30–11:45 AM, where the Grand Pioneers Cruise team will welcome you and assist with check-in. Board the cruise at around 12:30 PM, enjoy a welcome drink and receive a briefing on the itinerary and safety procedures while lunch is served at the Dining By The Bay restaurant.

In the afternoon, take a tender boat to Sung Sot Cave, also known as Surprise Cave, and explore its impressive chambers and rock formations. If you prefer to stay on board, you can relax or make use of the cruise facilities, including the four-season swimming pool, spa and lounge areas.
Later in the afternoon, enjoy sunset and Happy Hour at the Sky Bar, with views across Halong Bay. Dinner will be served on board, featuring a selection of Vietnamese and Western dishes.
After dinner, the evening is free to enjoy the cruise facilities. You can relax in your suite, try squid fishing or visit the wine lounge, karaoke club or pool bar. Spa treatments and some other services may incur an additional charge.

Overnight on the Grand Pioneers Cruise.

Early risers can enjoy the sunrise over Halong Bay between 5:30 and 6:00 AM. Start the morning with a meditation session on the sundeck or some light exercise at the gym before having a light breakfast in the restaurant.
At 7:30 AM, take a transfer boat to Luon Cave, near Bo Hon Island. Here, board a bamboo boat rowed by a local boatman and pass through the cave entrance into a quiet lagoon surrounded by limestone cliffs. Kayaking may also be available, subject to the cruise's arrangements.

Return to the Grand Pioneers Cruise to check out of your cabin and enjoy a brunch buffet in the restaurant from around 9:30 AM. As the cruise heads back to the harbor, take in the final views of Halong Bay before disembarking at around 10:45 AM.
Your private driver will meet you at the port for the journey back to Hanoi. Arrive at your hotel at approximately 2:00–2:30 PM. The rest of the afternoon and evening are free to relax, browse the shops or explore Hanoi's Old Quarter.

Overnight at your hotel in Hanoi.

After breakfast, check out of your hotel and transfer to Hanoi Railway Station. Board the Connecting Heritage Regions train at 8:30 AM for the journey to Ninh Binh, scheduled to arrive at around 11:00 AM.
Designed as a premium tourist train, Connecting Heritage Regions offers a different way to travel between Hanoi and Ninh Binh. With upgraded passenger carriages and a restaurant carriage, the train combines the rail journey with an introduction to the region’s cultural heritage. Sit back and enjoy the countryside along the way before arriving in Ninh Binh for the afternoon’s sightseeing.

Upon arrival at Ninh Binh Railway Station, your private driver will meet you and transfer you to your hotel to leave your luggage. Enjoy lunch at a carefully selected restaurant, where you can try local specialties such as Ninh Binh mountain goat and crispy rice.
In the afternoon, head to Tam Coc for a sampan boat trip along the Ngo Dong River. A local rower will guide you past rice fields and limestone mountains, with the scenery changing according to the season. During the harvest period, the fields may turn golden, while at other times of the year they are bright green. The boat passes through three natural caves, known as Hang Ca, Hang Hai and Hang Ba, before returning along the river.

Continue by private car to Mua Cave (Hang Mua). Climb around 500 stone steps to reach the viewpoint near the top of the mountain. The steps are steep in places, so take your time on the way up. From the summit, you can look out over Tam Coc, where the Ngo Dong River winds between rice fields and limestone peaks. It is one of the best places to appreciate the landscape of Ninh Binh from above.
Return to your hotel in the late afternoon. The rest of the day is free to relax or explore the area around your hotel.

Overnight at your hotel in Ninh Binh.

Tam Coc - Ninh Binh

Ninh Binh Province

This morning, visit Hoa Lu, the capital of Vietnam under the Dinh and Early Le dynasties in the 10th century. Surrounded by limestone hills, the former capital was well protected by the natural landscape.
Explore the temples dedicated to King Dinh Tien Hoang and King Le Dai Hanh, two important figures in Vietnam’s early history. Walk through the temple courtyards and see the traditional architecture, carved wooden details and altars dedicated to the kings. Your guide will explain how they helped establish and defend the country during its early years as an independent state.

After lunch at a local restaurant, drive to Cuc Phuong National Park, Vietnam’s first national park. The park is known for its tropical forest, limestone mountains and diverse wildlife. Spend the afternoon walking along selected forest trails beneath the tree canopy and learning about the plants and animals found in this area. If time and opening hours permit, visit the Endangered Primate Rescue Center to learn about efforts to protect rare primates, including the Delacour’s langur. The exact activities will depend on the time available and the park’s operating arrangements.

Return to your hotel in the late afternoon. A late check-out until 6:00 PM is arranged, giving you time to shower, freshen up and rest before the overnight train. After checking out, you are free to have dinner or spend some time around town.

At 9:00 PM, your private driver will transfer you to Ninh Binh Railway Station. Board the JQB1 overnight train, scheduled to depart at 10:15 PM for Dong Hoi.
JQB1 is a high-quality passenger train operating between Hanoi and Dong Hoi, with air-conditioned sleeper cabins, onboard Wi-Fi and a dining carriage. It offers a convenient way to travel overnight, allowing you to rest during the journey and arrive in Dong Hoi the following morning.
Settle into your sleeper cabin and get some rest during the journey south.

Overnight on the train.

Arrive at Dong Hoi Railway Station at around 6:10 AM. Your private driver will meet you and transfer you to Phong Nha, about one hour away. Stop for breakfast at a local restaurant and take some time to freshen up after the overnight train journey before visiting Phong Nha Cave. Board a wooden boat along the Son River, passing small villages and limestone hills before entering the cave. Continue along the underground river to see the large chambers and limestone formations, then explore part of the cave on foot before returning by boat.

After lunch at a carefully selected restaurant near the boat dock, transfer to Blue Diamond Retreat and check in. Set among the forest and limestone mountains near Phong Nha, the retreat offers a quiet escape from the noise and pace of everyday life. Mornings here are often filled with birdsong, while the surrounding forest and river provide a peaceful setting to unwind. The rooms have no televisions, and mobile reception may be limited, so this is a good opportunity to take a break from screens and spend more time outdoors. Wi-Fi is available around the reception area for guests who need to get online.

Spend the afternoon enjoying the retreat and its surroundings. You can swim in the designated area of the Blue River when conditions permit, take a boat trip on the waterway, or use the complimentary bicycles to explore the nearby countryside. Kayaking and paddleboarding may also be available, depending on the retreat’s facilities and conditions.
Dinner is served at the retreat. Enjoy a quiet evening surrounded by the sounds of nature.

Overnight at Blue Diamond Retreat.

After breakfast at Blue Diamond Retreat, meet your driver for the transfer to the meeting point for your Tu Lan cave adventure. Continue to Tan Hoa Village, home to the Tu Lan cave system, where limestone mountains, forested valleys and underground rivers shape the landscape. Parts of the Tu Lan area were used as filming locations for Kong: Skull Island, the Hollywood adventure film released in 2017. As you explore the area, you will see the rugged scenery that helped make this part of Quang Binh a memorable filming destination.

On arrival, meet your adventure guide and receive a safety briefing before setting out. Follow trails through fields, forest and limestone valleys to explore the Tu Lan cave area. Unlike the boat trip through Phong Nha Cave, this excursion takes you further into the natural landscape on foot, with opportunities to discover caves, underground streams and distinctive rock formations along the route.

Depending on the selected tour and weather conditions, activities may include river crossings, swimming inside caves and walking along muddy or uneven paths. Your guide and safety team will explain each activity and assist throughout the excursion.
Lunch is provided during the tour, giving you time to rest before continuing the adventure. After exploring the area, return to Tan Hoa in the afternoon and transfer back to Blue Diamond Retreat.
Take a shower and relax after the day’s activities. If time and conditions allow, you can enjoy the river or take a short walk around the retreat before dinner. Dinner is served at the retreat, followed by a quiet evening surrounded by the forest.

Overnight at Blue Diamond Retreat.

Note: The Tu Lan adventure involves trekking over uneven terrain and may include river crossings or cave swimming. Wear closed-toe shoes with good grip and drainage, along with comfortable quick-dry clothing. Bring a change of clothes and footwear for after the excursion. Confirm the exact equipment requirements and activity level with the tour operator before departure.

After breakfast, check out of Blue Diamond Retreat and drive to Paradise Cave, about 60 km northwest of Dong Hoi, within Phong Nha–Ke Bang National Park. Discovered by a local man in 2005, the cave was later explored by British caving experts, who surveyed its full length of around 31 km. It lies about 200 metres above sea level, and some of its chambers reach 75 metres in height and 150 metres in width. Inside, you will find large chambers filled with stalactites and stalagmites in a variety of shapes and sizes.

Walk up the path to the cave entrance, then explore the accessible sections along the wooden walkway. Take your time looking at the limestone formations and the scale of the chambers before returning to the entrance.
After the visit, drive to Dong Hoi for lunch at a local restaurant, then continue to Dong Hoi Railway Station. Board the World Heritage Journey Train (HQ1), scheduled to depart at 1:56 PM for Hue.

Known as the World Heritage Journey Train, the HQ1 tourist train offers more than a regular rail transfer. Its eight-carriage design includes rotating seats for viewing the passing scenery, a VIP carriage and a community carriage where passengers can experience local culture and food. It is a comfortable way to travel through Central Vietnam while enjoying a different perspective on the region.
Settle into your seat and enjoy the countryside along the route before arriving at Hue Railway Station at around 5:25 PM.

Your private driver will meet you at Hue Railway Station and transfer you to Pilgrimage Village resort & spa. The rest of the evening is free to relax or have dinner at a restaurant of your choice.

Overnight at your hotel in Hue.

At 8:30 AM, meet your guide and driver in the hotel lobby to begin exploring Hue, Vietnam’s former imperial capital. Start at the Hue Imperial Citadel, a large UNESCO World Heritage complex that served as the political and cultural center of the Nguyen Dynasty, Vietnam’s last royal dynasty. Walk through its historic courtyards, temples and palaces while learning about the emperors who ruled the country and the traditions of royal life.

After lunch at a local restaurant serving traditional Hue dishes, board a wooden boat for a one-hour cruise along the Perfume River. Enjoy views of the riverbanks and daily life along the water before disembarking at the pier. Continue by private car to the Tomb of Emperor Khai Dinh, built into the hillside of Chau Chu Mountain. The tomb is known for its unusual blend of Vietnamese and European architectural styles, with elaborate glass and ceramic mosaics decorating its interior.
Return to your hotel in the late afternoon. The rest of the day is free to relax, try Hue’s street food or take a walk along the river.

Overnight in Hue.

Hue City

Hue Imperial Citadel

Specialities and Restaurants in Hue

Enjoy a relaxed morning at your hotel in Hue. Have a late breakfast, take a swim in the pool or spend some time resting before continuing to Hoi An.
At 1:00 PM, your private driver will meet you at the hotel lobby and transfer you to Hue Railway Station. Board the Central Heritage Connection tourist train (HD3), scheduled to depart at 2:30 PM for Da Nang.

The train connects two of Central Vietnam’s best-known destinations, Hue and Da Nang, and offers a different way to travel between them. On board, you can enjoy the passing scenery through large windows, while the cultural carriage offers a taste of local food and Hue’s traditional music, subject to the services available on your departure.
The highlight of the journey is the railway crossing over Hai Van Pass, where the tracks follow the mountainside between the Truong Son Range and the sea. As the train passes through tunnels and curves along the coast, you can enjoy views of the mountains, the shoreline and Lang Co Bay below. The train also stops at Lang Co Station, where passengers can get off briefly to take photos and enjoy the coastal surroundings, depending on the operating schedule.

Arrive at Da Nang Railway Station at around 6:15 PM. Your private driver will meet you there and transfer you to your hotel in Hoi An, approximately 45 minutes away. After check-in, the evening is free to relax or head into the Ancient Town to see its lantern-lit streets and find somewhere for dinner.

Overnight at your hotel in Hoi An.

At 9:00 AM, meet your guide at the hotel and head to Tra Que Vegetable Village by bicycle along quiet village roads or by private car. Located a few kilometers outside Hoi An, the village is known for its vegetable gardens and traditional farming methods.

Walk through the gardens and meet local farmers as they go about their daily work. You can join in by preparing the soil, planting vegetables and watering the crops with traditional long-handled watering cans. These hands-on activities offer a closer look at how vegetables and herbs are grown in the village.

Enjoy lunch at a local family's home, with dishes prepared using fresh ingredients, including vegetables and herbs grown in the village. After lunch, return to Hoi An Ancient Town for a guided walking tour of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore its narrow streets and yellow-walled merchant houses, with visits to notable landmarks such as the Japanese Covered Bridge, Fujian Assembly Hall and a traditional merchant house.

After the walking tour, your guide can arrange a private transfer back to the hotel if you prefer to rest. Alternatively, stay in the Ancient Town and continue exploring independently. In the evening, lanterns illuminate the historic streets and riverside, while Nguyen Phuc Chu Street offers bars and pubs where you can enjoy a drink overlooking the river. If you stay out, you can return to your hotel independently by taxi or another suitable transport option.

Overnight at your hotel in Hoi An.

At 8:00 AM, meet your guide and private driver at the hotel for the drive through the countryside to My Son Sanctuary, about 40 km southwest of Hoi An. Surrounded by forested hills, this UNESCO World Heritage Site was an important religious and political center of the Champa Kingdom from the 4th to the 13th century. Its red-brick temples and towers reflect the influence of Hinduism on Cham culture and the architectural skills of the people who built them.

On arrival, take an electric buggy toward the main site, then continue on foot along shaded paths to explore the temple complex. Visit the main groups of towers, including Groups A, B, C and D, and look closely at the brickwork, carved sandstone details and remaining religious decorations. Your guide will explain the history of the Champa Kingdom, the deities worshipped here and the efforts to preserve the surviving structures. If a performance is scheduled on the day of your visit, you can also watch a short presentation of traditional Cham music and dance.

Return to Hoi An around midday. The afternoon is free for you to choose from several activities:

• Custom Tailoring & Shoemaking: Hoi An is well known for its tailor shops and shoemakers, where you can order made-to-measure suits, dresses, shirts, leather shoes and bags. If you plan to have something made, visit a shop early enough to allow time for measurements, fittings and any necessary adjustments. Turnaround times vary by item and shop.
• An Bang Beach: Take a short drive to An Bang Beach to relax by the sea, swim when conditions are suitable or enjoy a drink at one of the beachfront bars and restaurants.
• Shopping & Relaxation: Browse the boutiques and art galleries in Hoi An Ancient Town, pick up souvenirs or stop for a coffee at a riverside café.

Overnight at your hotel in Hoi An.

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel in Hoi An before checking out. At around 6:45 AM, your private driver will pick you up for the transfer to Da Nang Railway Station, approximately 45 minutes away. Board the Vietnam Railways SE21 train, scheduled to depart at 8:00 AM for Nha Trang.
Today’s rail journey takes around 11 hours, following the coast through parts of Central Vietnam before continuing south. A private four-berth sleeper cabin gives you space to stretch out, read, relax or take a nap during the journey. With a full day on the train, you can enjoy the scenery without feeling that you need to be watching the window every minute.

The SE21 has upgraded passenger interiors and sleeper accommodation. Depending on the assigned carriage, facilities may include individual reading lights and power outlets. An onboard dining carriage provides space to sit down for a meal or refreshments during the trip, with food and drinks available for purchase.

As the train travels south, watch the landscapes change along the way. The route passes coastal bays, fishing villages, farmland, dragon fruit plantations and provincial towns, offering glimpses of everyday life along Vietnam’s central coast. There is time to enjoy the views from your cabin, visit the dining carriage or simply rest between stops.
Arrive at Nha Trang Railway Station at around 7:10 PM. Your private driver will meet you at the station and transfer you to your hotel in the city center. Check in and unwind after a full day on the rails. If you still have some energy, head out for dinner or take an evening walk along the beach promenade.

Overnight at your hotel in Nha Trang.

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your beach resort in Nha Trang. Today is free for you to relax and enjoy the seaside setting after the long train journey from Da Nang.

Overnight at your beach resort in Nha Trang.

At 8:30 AM, meet your guide and transfer to the harbor for a boat trip around Nha Trang Bay. Head to Hon Mun for swimming and snorkeling among the coral reefs, with equipment provided.
Continue to Hon Mot for a seafood lunch, followed by some fun on board with the crew and refreshments at the floating bar. In the afternoon, visit Hon Tam, where you can relax on the beach or try optional water sports at your own expense.
On the way back, stop at a local fishing village to see how residents make a living from the sea. You may also try a traditional round basket boat (thuyền thúng) with the help of local fishermen.
Return to the harbor at around 4:30 PM and transfer back to your hotel. The evening is free to enjoy Nha Trang.

Overnight at your beach resort in Nha Trang.

Enjoy a free day in Nha Trang. Spend time at the beach, relax at a beachfront bar along Tran Phu Boulevard, browse the shops or visit Dam Market for souvenirs. You can also enjoy fresh seafood at one of the city's restaurants.
Check-out arrangements will depend on your hotel booking. At 7:30 PM, meet your private driver for the transfer to Nha Trang Railway Station.

Board the SNT1 overnight train, scheduled to depart at 8:30 PM for Ho Chi Minh City. Recently upgraded by Vietnam Railways, the train features refreshed interiors, air-conditioned four-berth sleeper cabins, updated bedding, individual reading lights and power outlets. Wi-Fi and onboard dining facilities are also available, subject to the services provided on your train.
Settle into your cabin and rest during the overnight journey south, arriving at Saigon Railway Station the following morning at around 5:30 AM.

Overnight on the train.

Arrive at Saigon Railway Station at around 5:30 AM. Your driver will meet you at the station and take you to your hotel. Early check-in is included, so you can shower, have breakfast and get some rest after the overnight train journey.
The rest of the morning and afternoon are free. If you feel like going out, you can walk around the neighborhood, stop at a coffee shop or explore the city on your own.

At 5:00 PM, meet your Vespa drivers and guides at the hotel for an evening tour of Ho Chi Minh City. Ride as a passenger behind an experienced driver, passing busy streets and local neighborhoods before stopping at several places to try Vietnamese street food. Depending on the route, dishes may include bánh xèo, grilled seafood and fresh spring rolls.
The tour continues to a live music venue or rooftop bar for a drink before returning to your hotel at around 9:00 PM.

Overnight at your hotel in Ho Chi Minh City.

At 7:30 AM, meet your guide and driver at the hotel lobby for a private transfer to Tan Cang Pier.
At 8:00 AM, board the luxury speedboat and head toward the Mekong Delta. Enjoy a light breakfast of pastries and bottled water on board while watching daily life along the riverbanks.

Arrive in Long An around 8:45 AM for a short visit to a local market. Walk among the stalls selling fresh produce and tropical fruits, see how residents shop for their daily needs, and sample some seasonal fruit before continuing by speedboat to Ben Tre .
In Ben Tre, transfer to a hand-rowed sampan for a ride through narrow canals shaded by water coconut palms. Visit a local family garden to learn about plantation life and beekeeping, and enjoy honey tea made using a family recipe. You may also sample local herbal liquor if you wish.

Listen to a short performance of Đờn Ca Tài Tử, traditional Southern Vietnamese music recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage. Continue by local Lambro tuk-tuk along village paths, passing gardens and traditional homes. Stop at a family-run workshop to see how coconut candy is made.
At 1:00 PM, take a boat to Diem Phuong Restaurant for a seven-course Vietnamese lunch featuring Mekong Delta specialties, including elephant-ear fish served with rice paper, fresh herbs and dipping sauce.
At 2:00 PM, board the speedboat for the return trip to Ho Chi Minh City. Arrive at Tan Cang Pier around 4:00 PM, then transfer by private car to your hotel. The rest of the afternoon and evening are free to relax or explore Saigon.

Overnight at your hotel in Ho Chi Minh City.

Mekong Delta

Ben Tre

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel, with some free time for shopping or relaxing before departure.
At the scheduled time, your private driver will transfer you to Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) for your departure flight.
Thank you for traveling with WaytoVietnam Travel. We wish you a safe flight home and hope to welcome you back to Vietnam in the future!