Quick answer
Choose by time: 3–5 days suits one railway section, such as Hanoi to Sapa by night train; about 7 days covers a region; 14 days is ideal for the whole Hanoi–Saigon line with stops along the way.
Trips with us
- Unforgettable Sapa Trekking Adventure by Night Train — 3 days, from US$420 per adult
- Vietnam North To South (join-in group tour) — 10 days, from US$1,400 per adult
- Vietnam Luxury Tour with SJourney Train – 13 Days — 13 days, from US$8,600 per adult
Prices as listed on each tour page on 4 November 2026; your final quote depends on group size, hotel class and travel dates.
Get a free tailor-made quote · Compare Vietnam's luxury trains
1. Overview
How many days to travel Vietnam by train is ideal? Vietnam has countless attractive tourist destinations, the North, Central Vietnam, or the South. You will admire the majestic mountains, beautiful beaches, bustling cities, or poetic and charming river regions,etc. In Vietnam there are also many means of transportation, traveling to Vietnam by train is an attractive experience that many tourists currently choose.
Vietnam Railway is one of the oldest industries in Vietnam, established in 1881. After more than 140 years of formation and development, Vietnam Railway is currently about 4,161 km long with more than 2,000 km of main lines. The route system is located along National Highway 1A and connects residential areas, cultural centers… 7 main railway lines include: Hanoi – Ho Chi Minh City (1,726 km long); Hanoi – Lao Cai; Hanoi – Hai Phong; Hanoi – Quan Trieu; Hanoi – Dong Dang; Kep – Uong Bi – Ha Long; Kep – Luu Xa.
There are many famous tourist destinations that you can use the railway to travel to, the most popular are the famous tourist cities located on the North-South railway axis. Some tourist destinations by rail that you can take: from Saigon to Da Nang, Quang Binh, Nghe An, Hanoi…
2. How Many Days To Travel Vietnam By Train: 3, 7 Or 14 Days Is Ideal
2. 1. Vietnam train tour from 3-5 days
Suitable for those with limited time, want to enjoy a short weekend break. Suggested Vietnam train tours:
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- Train trip from Hanoi to Sapa: Explore the capital Hanoi, then take the night train from Hanoi to Lao Cai and continue to explore the majestic scenery of the Northwest mountains and forests, experience the culture of ethnic minorities.
- Train trip from Saigon – Nha Trang – Da Lat:
- Hue – Da Nang: You can experience the Central Heritage train from Hue to Da Nang: Visit historical sites in Hue, explore My Khe beach in Da Nang.
Hanoi – Sapa – Lao Cai – Ha Giang: Discover the majestic Northwest mountains.
2.2. 7-day Vietnam train tour
With this itinerary, you can explore more deeply the places and experience more activities. You can refer to the 7-day, 8-night Vietnam tour on the most luxurious train in Vietnam with Sjourney as suggested below:
Day 1: Sjourney trains always depart on Wednesdays in Hanoi, with a warm welcome party and exclusive dinner to start the trip.
Day 2: The first cultural tour will be to Ninh Binh – with the UNESCO-recognized Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex, Hoa Lu Ancient Capital and Tam Coc – Bich Dong.
Day 3: The second cultural program appears when you arrive in Quang Binh province. Here, Phong Nha Cave and Mooc Spring will captivate everyone with their beauty and tranquility.
Day 4: Arrive in Hue, you will have the chance to taste the royal feeling. Hue Imperial City and Ben Xuan Garden House will be the highlights, and other experiences in the suburbs will spice up the whole cultural dish.
Plan your Vietnam trip in 1 minute
Pick your month to see the weather by region, or estimate your budget — then get a private itinerary from our Hanoi team.
Typical seasonal patterns; weather varies year to year. Our team checks your exact dates when we prepare your itinerary.
"From" prices published on our Vietnam tour cost guide: per person per day, 2 travellers sharing, private guide & driver, hotels, listed activities. International flights, e-visa, insurance and tips not included. Final price is confirmed in your written quote.
Day 5: A new adventure opens in Hoi An – where the peaceful scenery of Cam Kim Island, the uniqueness of the Japanese Covered Bridge and the bustling atmosphere will take you on an exciting yet peaceful rollercoaster ride.
Day 6: The main theme after arriving in Nha Trang is marine life. Boarding Emperor Cruises on Nha Trang Bay, with all the different landscapes, you will find yourself immersed in the perfect harmony of beaches, culture and people.
Day 7: The final cultural main course is when you arrive in Phan Thiet city. Here, you will have the opportunity to ride horses through the sand dunes, soak up the culture and tranquility, and immerse yourself in the classic events at Poshanu Tower.
Day 8: The best dessert is at the final destination: Ho Chi Minh City. You will have a light but happy breakfast before saying goodbye to the journey.
As the first and only luxury train route in Vietnam, Sjourney Luxury Train Trip is not only the longest luxury train journey but also the most culturally rich train journey in Vietnam for travelers who want to travel to Vietnam in style. It offers 5-star service, a rich cultural itinerary, and unforgettable coastal and inland experiences.
2.3. Vietnam train tour from 14 days
This is the ideal time for you to explore the entire North-South railway line, from Hanoi to Saigon. You will have enough time to stop at major stations, visit cities, towns and villages. With 10-14 days of Vietnam train tour, you can explore the following famous destinations:
Hanoi: Explore the Old Quarter, visit Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and enjoy local street food.
Ninh Binh: Visit Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex and explore caves and limestone blocks, visit Hoa Lu ancient capital and cycle through the countryside.
Ha Long Bay: Cruise around the beautiful limestone mountains and enjoy activities such as kayaking and swimming.
Sapa: Trek through terraced fields and visit ethnic minority villages, explore local markets.
Hoi An: Explore the charming old town and surrounding countryside, including the My Son Sanctuary and the Marble Mountains.
Hue : Visit the ancient capital and explore the imperial city and historic tombs.
Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon): Explore the city’s French colonial architecture, visit the War Remnants Museum and Cu Chi Tunnels.
When you travel to Vietnam on a 14-day train trip, you’ll enjoy the best of all regions and gain a profound understanding of the culture and diversity of the country.
Or you can join a scheduled train tour: Many tour companies organize train tours, saving you time and effort.
See more: Vietnam Luxury Adventure with SJourney Train – 13 Days
2.4. How many days to travel Vietnam by train is the most ideal
If you have little time, you can take short trips of 3-5 days or 7 days to experience a specific railway line. If you have more time, you can spend up to 14 days, which is the most ideal time to travel around Vietnam, visiting more places such as Sa Pa, Ninh Binh, Hue and the Mekong Delta. This will allow you to experience more of the culture, history and natural beauty of the country.
However, the number of days to travel Vietnam by train depends on your travel style, time preferences, desired destinations, and budget. You should research and plan your itinerary in advance to make sure you make the most of your time when you travel to Vietnam.
You can experience our tour below:
Vietnam Luxury Adventure with SJourney Train – 13 Days
Highlight 14 Days Vietnam Tour From North To South
Amazing Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh Tour – Vietnam 7 Days Tour
3. Conclusion
Hopefully with this guide you can find out how many days to travel Vietnam by train is the most ideal. Don’t forget to visit our blog to see more other attractive travel experiences.
Frequently asked questions
Can I combine trains and flights?
Yes. Our 10-day north-to-south group tour mixes train and flight to save time on the longest sections.
Is there a luxury train for the whole trip?
Our 13-day Vietnam Luxury Tour travels with the SJourney train; see our guide to Vietnam’s luxury trains for other options.
4. Contact us
Website: www.mettavoyage.com
Email: [email protected]
Hotline 24/7: + 84 812 247 572
