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Luxury Train Vietnam North To South Experience

Vietnam‎ offers countless‎ ways to explore‎ its‎ beauty,‎ from‎ pristine beaches to mountain trekking,‎ motorcycle adventures across‎ winding‎ roads.‎ Yet one‎‎ option remains surprisingly overlooked: the railway.‎ A‎ luxury train‎ Vietnam‎ journey‎ presents‎ a‎‎ distinctive alternative to conventional travel‎ methods, transforming transportation‎ into cultural‎ immersion.‎ Traveling Vietnam‎ by train‎ allows‎ deeper‎ engagement‎ with‎ local culture‎ through‎ onboard performances, regional cuisine‎ and‎ strategic stops‎ at‎ heritage sites.‎ The‎ cultural train Vietnam‎ movement‎ has revitalized‎ historic routes, blending‎ colonial-era charm‎ with‎ modern amenities.‎‎ This‎ article explores‎ how‎ premium rail‎ journeys‎ redefine Vietnamese‎ tourism, showcasing‎ routes that prioritize‎ experience over speed.

I. SJourney, one of the best luxury train Vietnam

SJourney‎ represents‎ the‎ first luxury train Vietnam, officially‎ launched‎ to‎ redefine the rail travel‎ experience‎ across‎ the‎ country. This ambitious initiative‎ aims to combine‎ the‎ elegance of‎ 1920s‎ Indochinese style‎ with‎ modern comfort, offering‎ travelers‎ an‎ authentic‎ cultural immersion‎ while traversing some‎ of‎ Vietnam's most spectacular‎ landscapes.

The train's ‎design‎ draws inspiration‎ from the‎ harmonious fusion‎ of traditional Vietnamese architecture‎ and‎ French colonial influences.‎ Each‎ carriage has‎ been‎ designed to‎ create a refined‎ atmosphere where precious‎ woods,‎ delicate textiles, and‎ meticulous details‎ evoke the‎ golden age‎ of train travel. Twin‎ cabins‎ offer 10 square meters‎ with‎ two single beds,‎ while Double‎ cabins‎ provide a double‎ bed for‎ couples. The Bistro Car,‎ a‎ true gem of the‎ train, accommodates‎ over 60 passengers‎ in‎ an elegant setting available‎ 24/7. The daily‎ cultural shows‎ feature‎ performances of traditional Vietnamese music on the “dan tranh”, regional folk dances,‎ and‎ artistic demonstrations reflecting the cultural heritage of each destination‎ visited.

Traveling‎ Vietnam by train with SJourney offers a choice of several exceptional itineraries:

• Southbound‎ Legacy (Hanoi - Ho Chi Minh City): 8 days, 7 nights, from USD 9,890 (approximately‎ EUR 9,200)
• Northern Heritage‎ (Ho Chi Minh City - Hanoi): 8 days, 7 nights, from USD 9,890 (approximately‎ EUR 9,200)
• Trail of the Dragon Back (Hanoi - Ha Long): 4 days, 3 nights, from USD 3,890 (approximately EUR 3,620)
• Indochina Coastline (Ho Chi Minh City - Quang Nam): 4 days, 3 nights, from USD 4,490 (approximately EUR 4,180)

II. Hoa Phuong Do (Red Flame Tree), Vietnam’s luxury train between Hanoi and Hai Phong

Hoa‎ Phuong Do was officially‎ launched on May‎ 10,‎ 2025, by Vietnam Railways‎ Corporation in‎ collaboration with the city of‎ Hai‎ Phong. This launch celebrates‎ the‎ 70th‎ anniversary‎ of‎ Hai Phong's‎ liberation and marks‎ a new‎ era for Vietnamese rail tourism.‎ Its‎ primary mission is‎ to transform‎ the‎ train journey‎ between Hanoi and‎ the port city‎ into‎ an‎ immersive cultural experience,‎ establishing‎ the historic Hai Phong‎ railway station as‎ a‎ recognized tourist destination.

The architecture‎ of this‎ luxury train Vietnam is‎ directly‎ inspired by the red flame tree,‎ an iconic symbol‎ of‎ Hai‎ Phong. The 20 carriages feature‎ a vibrant‎ red exterior, while the interior exudes the‎ refined‎ elegance of Indochina style.‎ Two‎ VIP carriages offer 34 seats in‎ a sophisticated‎ setting‎ that blends modern lines with‎ traditional Asian tones, featuring precious wood flooring,‎ individual sofas, onboard bars,‎ and‎ complimentary Wi-Fi. The other‎ 18 carriages offer‎ 56‎ next-generation swivel seats‎ that‎ rotate 180 degrees, eliminating‎ the discomfort of traveling‎ facing backward.

Discovering‎ Vietnam‎ by luxury train with Hoa Phuong Do is available on the Hanoi -‎ Hai Phong route‎ with four‎ daily trains, taking approximately 2.5 to 3 hours:

• VIP‎ Cabin:‎ 350,000 VND (13 EUR) per person
• Soft‎ Seats:‎ 180,000 VND (6.80 EUR) per person
• Standard Seats: 150,000 VND (5.70 EUR) per person

III. The Vietage, luxury train Vietnam Da Nang

Launched‎ in 2020 by Anantara‎ Hotels & Resorts, The‎ Vietage‎ has established itself‎ as‎ a benchmark‎ for luxury train‎ travel‎ in‎ Vietnam's central‎ region.‎ The‎ concept is based‎ on an elegant‎ immersion between‎ Da Nang,‎ Quy Nhon, and‎ Nha Trang.‎ The train doesn't‎ offer a long,‎ continuous journey‎ typical of luxury trains in northern and southern Vietnam, but‎ rather refined‎ segments tailored to travelers‎ seeking comfort,‎ fine dining,‎ and relaxation for‎ a few hours.

This‎ Vietnam’s luxury‎ train consists of‎ an exclusive carriage integrated into the regular‎ trains connecting‎ Da Nang,‎ Quy Nhon, and‎ Nha Trang.‎ This space‎ accommodates‎ only 12 passengers,‎ guaranteeing tranquility,‎ privacy, and‎ personalized service.‎ The design‎ draws inspiration‎ from Indochina with a warm‎ color palette‎ dominated by dark‎ wood, supple‎ leather, and‎ textured fabrics.‎ The wide seats are‎ arranged to‎ offer unobstructed‎ views of the‎ scenery while‎ maintaining‎ a‎ degree of privacy.‎ The lines‎ remain simple‎ and‎ balanced,‎ without excessive decoration.

The‎ included‎ services meet the expectations of a‎ premium journey.‎ Passengers‎ enjoy a gourmet‎ meal‎ showcasing local flavors,‎ selected beverages, an onboard‎ bar,‎ Wi-Fi‎ access, and a‎ relaxation‎ area with head and shoulder‎ massages.
The‎ itineraries‎ focus on the central region‎ of‎ the‎ country, with an ideal duration‎ to enjoy comfort without fatigue.

• Da Nang - Quy Nhon: Approximately €300 per person
• Quy Nhon - Nha Trang: Approximately €300 per person
• Da Nang - Nha Trang: Approximately €600 per person

IV. Victoria Express for discovering Vietnam by luxury train

Victoria‎ Express was‎ created by‎ Victoria‎ Sapa Resort,‎ a‎ renowned four-star establishment that‎ exclusively manages‎ this premium‎ rail service. The‎ train's design‎ evokes‎ a‎ French colonial‎ atmosphere‎ with‎ cabins‎ entirely‎ paneled in precious‎ woods.‎ The‎ train‎ comprises three‎ cars:‎ a‎ high-end‎ dining‎ car offering‎ a full buffet‎ menu,‎ and two‎ sleeper‎ cars accommodating‎ only‎ 48 passengers to ensure‎ complete‎ privacy.‎ Passengers enjoy‎ exclusive access to‎ the‎ Victoria‎ Lounge in Hanoi before‎ departure,‎ with complimentary refreshments.

Luxury‎ train‎ travel‎ in Vietnam with Victoria‎ Express‎ is‎ available on the Hanoi - Lao‎ Cai‎ route, with six‎ weekly departures:

• Deluxe Cabin (2 berths): VND 3,816,000 (EUR 145) one way per person
• Superior Cabin (4 berths): VND 2,605,000 (EUR 99) one way per person

The‎ overnight‎ journey takes approximately 8.5 hours,‎ departing‎ Hanoi‎ at‎ 10:00 PM and arriving‎ in‎ Lao‎ Cai at 6:20 AM. From Lao Cai, a private‎ 40-kilometer transfer takes you to Sapa.

V. La Reine, luxury train Da Lat Vietnam

La Reine‎ was officially‎ launched on December 24, 2024, by Vietnam Railways Corporation at Da Lat‎ Station in‎ the‎ Central Highlands.‎ This launch coincided with the Da Lat Flower Festival‎ 2024, aiming‎ to‎ enhance the railway tourism offerings on the Da Lat - Trai Mat route.

The‎ train's architecture is‎ directly inspired by‎ the Palace of Queen Nam Phuong, wife of King Bao‎ Dai,‎ the last‎ ruler‎ of‎ the‎ Nguyen‎ Dynasty (1802-1945). The carriages boast a sophisticated, luxurious design that harmoniously blends Indochinese styles with French influences.‎ Each carriage has 36 seats arranged along both sides, allowing passengers to comfortably‎ admire‎ the scenery on either side of the journey. The VIP compartments offer 12 seats,‎ perfect‎ for‎ families seeking privacy. Amenities include complimentary artichoke tea, free‎ Wi-Fi,‎ and‎ live musical performances during the trip. Night trains offer additional light snacks.

Luxury train Vietnam with La Reine takes place on the short, 7-kilometer Da Lat - Trai Mat tourist route:

• Round-trip ticket: 170,000 VND (6.50 EUR) per person
• One-way ticket: 80,000 VND (3 EUR) per person (minimum groups of 10 people)

VI. The Hanoi Train, cultural train Vietnam with luxury experience

The Hanoi‎ Train, officially named "Hanoi 5 Cua O", was launched in August‎ 2025 by Vietnam Railways‎ Corporation. This historic launch marked the 80th anniversary‎ of the August Revolution,‎ positioning the train as a major innovation in Vietnamese rail‎ tourism in 2025. The project's‎ mission is to transform train‎ travel into an immersive‎ cultural experience celebrating‎ Hanoi's millennia-old heritage while creating a vibrant bridge‎ between the modern capital‎ and the ancestral lands of Bac Ninh.

The‎ train's architecture brilliantly reflects the‎ five ancient gates of the‎ Thang Long Citadel: Quan‎ Chuong Gate, Cau Den Gate, Cau Giay Gate, Cho Dua Gate,‎ and Dong Mac Gate. Each‎ double-decker carriage is named after‎ a historical gate and‎ features unique themed decorations.‎ The set comprises 10 cars,‎ including 5 double-decker passenger cars accommodating‎ 44 to 65 seats each, and 2‎ open-air cars dedicated‎ to photo opportunities. Large panoramic‎ windows allow passengers‎ to comfortably admire‎ the scenery throughout the journey. The‎ interior design blends warm‎ wood, soft lighting,‎ motifs inspired by the stylized Long‎ Bien‎ Bridge on the doors, the Red‎ River on the ceilings and floors, patterned tiles, antique‎ French shutters, and carefully‎ integrated Dong Ho‎ paintings. Live artistic performances‎ include songs such as "quan ho,"‎ "ca tru," "cheo," and "xam," accompanied by demonstrations‎ of Dong Ho painting and "banh‎ phu the" making. The‎ service includes lotus tea, "banh com," and "banh ran," depending on the season.

This Vietnam’s‎ luxury train experience takes place on the Thang Long -‎ Kinh Bac cultural route with three‎ daily departures:

• First-floor seats: 550,000 VND (21 EUR) per person
• Second-floor seats: 650,000 VND (25 EUR) per person
• VIP O Cho Dua carriage: 750,000 VND (29 EUR) per person

The journey takes approximately 3 hours and‎ 30‎ minutes, including a 1‎ hour and 40 minute stop at the Do Temple dedicated to the Eight‎ Ly‎ Kings, allowing participation in traditional Bac Ninh cultural activities.

VII. “Connecting Central Vietnam’s Heritage” to‎ discover‎ central‎ Vietnam‎ by‎ luxury‎ train

The‎ “Hanh trinh ket noi‎ di‎ san mien Trung” (Connecting Central Vietnam’s Heritage) train was launched‎ on March 26,‎ 2024, by Vietnam Railways Corporation in collaboration with the provinces‎ of Thua Thien‎ Hue‎ and Da Nang.‎ This‎ initiative celebrates the‎ rich‎ heritage of Central‎ Vietnam by‎ creating‎ a‎ vibrant cultural‎ corridor‎ between two imperial‎ cities. The project's‎ mission is to‎ promote‎ the region's‎ UNESCO World‎ Heritage sites‎ while‎ offering an attractive‎ tourist alternative‎ on the country's most scenic‎ railway line,‎ traversing the legendary‎ Hai Van Pass.

The train's‎ design‎ prioritizes‎ cultural‎ authenticity over‎ material luxury.‎ Following its refurbishment‎ in March 2026,‎ this cultural‎ train Vietnam sports‎ a distinctive Hue purple livery combined with‎ light‎ gray‎ and‎‎ a‎‎ bronze-gold‎ logo. The train comprises 12 cars,‎ each standard car offering‎ 56 fully‎ refurbished,‎‎ 180-degree swivel seats for‎ flexible viewing‎‎ of the scenery. The 32-seat‎ VIP‎ car‎ adopts the‎‎ style of‎ the Hue imperial court,‎ creating‎ a‎ uniquely refined atmosphere.‎‎ Two‎ community cars‎‎ host artistic performances by‎ Hue artists‎ (Nam Binh, Phu Luc, Co Ban),‎‎ and‎ sell local culinary‎ specialties such as banh beo,‎ banh‎‎ nam, banh bot, and bun ca cay.‎ The‎ tour includes a‎ 10-minute‎‎ stop‎ at Lang Co‎ train station,‎ allowing for souvenir photos‎ overlooking one of the‎‎ world's‎‎ most‎ beautiful‎ bays.‎ Traveling‎ by luxury train in Vietnam‎ with‎ this heritage train‎‎ takes‎‎ place on‎ the‎ spectacular‎ 100-kilometer Hue-Da Nang route with‎ two daily departures:

• Standard single ticket: 150,000 VND (5.70 EUR) per person
• Monthly pass: 900,000 VND (34 EUR) unlimited round trip
• VIP Imperial Court style carriage: 500,000 VND (19 EUR) per person

The‎ journey takes approximately 3 hours, crossing the Hai Van Pass, nicknamed "The First Majestic‎ Fortress Under Heaven," offering unforgettable panoramas of the sea and mountains characteristic of central Vietnam.

Traveling‎ by luxury‎ train‎ in‎ Vietnam‎ transforms‎ every journey‎ into an immersive‎ cultural experience.‎ Options‎ are available‎ to suit‎ all‎ budgets,‎ from short‎ getaways to comprehensive tours that‎ include major UNESCO‎ World‎ Heritage sites. The luxury‎ train journey from‎ North to South‎ Vietnam repositions rail‎ as‎ a‎ tourist attraction in its own right, rather than‎ simply a means of‎ transport.‎ This evolution reflects the growing dynamism of the Vietnamese travel industry,‎ offering memorable alternatives to traditional routes. Luxury train Vietnam perfectly‎ embodies‎ a new vision of tourism, blending authenticity and refinement.‎ Book‎ your rail adventure now‎ to discover the country from a unique and unforgettable perspective.