Believe it or not, more than half of your trip time will be spent on transportation. Using night train or overnight flights will thus become a great solution for those who have a short holiday. Popular train routes from Hanoi to Sapa, Hanoi to Hue and Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi all offer night train options. It is mostly a comfortable trip and relatively safer than using coach or open tour bus, though the price can be higher.

Currently, Vietnam Railways System (VRS) monopolize on all routes. The North-South train (formally named as Tau Thong Nhat or Reunification Railways) stops in almost all provinces, except for the Central Highland area. VRS also collaborates with private businesses to organize luxurious cabin option to tourists travelling from Hanoi to Sa Pa. There are almost every price level for your pocket and travel needs.  

Safety and Security

There is no major warning about safety on train. However, if you go with a budget option of travelling overnight with a soft or hard-seat, hold on tight to your valuable possessions instead of placing them on the compartment above your head or under your seat. Pickpockets get in and out of the train, in between the stations. With the berth option, the only concern is about the level of noise from next door cabin- you never know who you share your compartment with.