Intimate and Magnificent Vietnam, Seen from the Railway Track
A train journey between Hanoi and Saigon, punctuated by stops and breathtaking landscapes, revealing the authentic soul of Vietnam.
8 days, 7 nights
Hanoi - Ninh Binh - Quang Binh - Hue - Quang Nam - Phu Yen -
Phan Thiet - HCM City
Embark on an 8-day journey through Vietnam, where each stop becomes a living page of its history. From the timeless charm of Hanoi to the vibrant energy of Saigon, this train trip immerses you in the soul of the country, between age-old traditions and bold modernity. On board, time slows down, landscapes unfold, and encounters become unforgettable. An invitation to feel, see, and experience Vietnam in all its depth, where past and present converge in motion.
Doanh
Doanh, your English-speaking expert based in Vietnam, designs tailor-made rail journeys across the country, combining scenic routes, authentic experiences and immersive stops in the heart of the regions crossed.
What makes this train journey a unique experience:
Panoramic Journey from Hanoi to Saigon
Take your seat aboard the luxury train for a breathtaking journey: 1000 miles through mountains, rice paddies, coastline, and historic cities. Each stop (Ninh Binh, Quang Binh, Hue, Hoi An, etc.) tells a different chapter of Vietnam's story.
Refined comfort in an Indochinese setting
The carriages are designed in an elegant Indochinese style: double or twin cabins, private bathroom, air conditioning, natural wood and leather. The journey becomes a cocoon where you can relax while crossing the country.
Local cuisine and exclusive moments on board
All meals are carefully prepared, featuring a blend of Vietnamese cuisine and international flavors. Bar, lounge, cocktails, entertainment, and VIP service: a luxurious experience that goes beyond mere transportation.
Cultural Stopovers and Timeless Discoveries
At each stop, enjoy guided tours, local encounters, crafts, heritage sites, and free time to wander. And on board, simply relax and enjoy the train journey, leave your suitcase only once, and experience the trip to the fullest.
Day 1: Welcome to Hanoi
In the late afternoon, your driver will pick you up from your hotel and take you to Gia Lam train station. A personalized welcome, effortless check-in, and settling into the VIP lounge: the tone is set, your rail adventure begins in comfort and elegance. Around 6:00 PM, change into your evening attire and join the other travelers for a refined dinner, accompanied by wines and cocktails. As the train pulls away and crosses the Long Bien Bridge at dusk, the city gradually fades into the distance, giving way to the peaceful landscapes of the Vietnamese countryside. The perfect prelude to a serene night, enticed by the promise of Ninh Binh in the early morning.
- Transfer to the train station and dinner
Day 2: Ninh Binh, the first kingdom of Vietnam
Wake up to breathtaking views of Ninh Binh while enjoying a refined breakfast aboard the luxury train, the perfect prelude to a day of exploration. In Trang An, a traditional boat will whisk you along emerald waters, between limestone cliffs and lush vegetation. Then, head to Hoa Lu, the former imperial capital, where the temples of the Dinh and Le dynasties tell the story of medieval Vietnam. Back on board, enjoy lunch followed by afternoon tea in the dining car as the countryside unfolds towards Vinh. In the evening, another dinner blends local flavors with the gentle rhythm of travel, before a peaceful night drifting along the tracks.
- Breakfast, lunch, scheduled activities and dinner
Day 3: Quang Binh, jungle and caves of Vietnam
Wake up to the soothing rhythm of the train before immersing yourself in the spectacular landscapes of Quang Binh, a land of karst mountains, underground rivers, and deep jungle. Explore Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park by boat, gliding along the Son River to caves sculpted by time. Back on board, enjoy a convivial evening with a Vietnamese cooking demonstration, dinner amidst the rice paddies, and a leisurely overnight journey to Hue.
- Breakfast, lunch, scheduled activities and dinner
Day 4: Huê, imperial capital
Begin your day with a cyclo-rickshaw ride through the narrow streets of Hue, between the ramparts, temples, and gardens of the Nguyen Empire. Then discover the Tu Duc Mausoleum, a peaceful retreat nestled among pine trees, before visiting the Incense Stick Village, where traditions and craftsmanship come alive. A refined lunch celebrates the city’s royal flavors. In the late afternoon, return to the train: the Perfume River and Lang Co Lagoon gently fade into the distance, memories of a poetic day.
- Breakfast, lunch, scheduled activities and dinner
Day 5: Quang Nam, between craftsmanship and heritage
From Hue, the train takes you early in the morning to Hoi An, skirting the majestic Hai Van Pass (Pass of Clouds). Enjoy a coffee break amidst the rice paddies before an introduction to local arts: wood carving in Au Lac, then ceramics in Thanh Ha, where ancestral techniques are still passed down. After lunch with a local family, head to the old town of Hoi An, exploring its market, merchants’ houses, and Japanese bridge. In the evening, return to the train for a refined dinner as it continues its journey south.
- Breakfast, lunch, scheduled activities and dinner
Day 6: Phu Yen, between sea, traditions and tranquility
A peaceful arrival in Phu Yen, where you’ll discover the Gothic church of Mang Lang before visiting a village of weavers handcrafting colorful rush mats. Enjoy lunch by the sea featuring local specialties, then return to the train for a relaxing afternoon amidst coastal scenery, verdant hills, and secluded villages. In the evening, savor a refined dinner in the dining car, lulled by the rhythm of the train and the gentle ambiance of a timeless journey.
- Breakfast, lunch, scheduled activities and dinner
Day 7: Phan Thiet, the Cham soul by the ocean
In the morning, we’ll head to Ta Cu Mountain, a Buddhist pilgrimage site offering breathtaking panoramic views from the Linh Son Truong Tho Pagoda. Then, we’ll immerse ourselves in the culinary heart of Vietnam with a visit to the Fish Sauce Museum, a treasure trove of the country’s gastronomy and culture. Lunch will be enjoyed overlooking the ocean, featuring local specialties, before some rest on board the train. In the evening, we’ll have a farewell dinner at the foot of the Poshanu Cham Tower, under a starry sky, before we’ll return to Saigon.
- Breakfast, lunch, scheduled activities and dinner
Day 8: Saigon, return to modern life
After a final night lulled by the rhythm of the rails, your train arrives in Saigon at dawn, around 5:00 AM. Breakfast is served on board until 8:30 AM, giving you one last chance to enjoy the comfort of the journey and watch the city awaken. Around 9:00 AM, it’s time to say goodbye to the train and the crew. Depending on your flight schedule or the rest of your trip, a private transfer will take you either to your hotel in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City or to Tan Son Nhat International Airport.
- Breakfast and transfer to your hotel or the airport
Interested in this travel inspiration?
We create personalized estimates based on duration, season and your preferences.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do I need to take my outbound and return flight?
The trip can start in Saigon and end in Hanoi, or vice versa, depending on the date you choose.
Can I freely choose my cruise dates?
No, departures are on fixed dates: the train schedule is set in advance and varies depending on the time of year. Some months offer several departures, others only one. Contact us to find out about upcoming availability and choose the date that best suits your trip.
Can I choose the comfort level of my cabin?
Yes, you can choose your cabin type on board the SDayney train: two categories are offered, the "Double" cabin and the "Twin" cabin. All are designed in an elegant Indochinese style, with wood finishes, a minibar, a private bathroom and panoramic windows to admire the scenery throughout the journey.
Are all excursions included?
Yes, all excursions included in the program are included in the price. You will be accompanied at every stage by qualified English-speaking guides who will ensure the smooth running of the visits. When visiting temples or pagodas, you are asked to respect local customs. For your safety and an optimal experience, simply follow the guide's instructions at each stage of the trip.
Are all meals included?
Everything is included during your journey: meals, local drinks, excursions, onboard services, and the services of qualified English-speaking guides. Breakfast is served from 7:00 to 9:00 AM and dinner from 7:30 to 9:00 PM in the dining cars. After dinner, the bar remains open until 11:00 PM for a relaxing evening. Throughout the journey, unlimited drinks are available: local wines and beers, smoothies, premium coffees and teas, as well as mocktails. Cocktails and a selection of premium wines are also available à la carte. If you have any dietary requirements, simply mention them when booking: the chefs can adapt the menus in advance. However, some strict religious restrictions may be limited.
Is this suitable for a family trip?
Absolutely. This train journey is perfect for families: the pace is leisurely, the scenery is breathtaking through large windows, and the stops offer fun and cultural discoveries (artisans, markets, nature, villages, etc.). However, there are no family cabins or connecting cabins on board. Each compartment accommodates a maximum of two people, but we can reserve cabins side-by-side for families traveling together.
Circuits customizable to your preferences
Escapes, stories, discoveries… inspiration begins here.
Travel differently. Travel closer to the heart of each destination.
Destinations
Tailor-made
Inspirations
Customized travel
About Us
30 years of on-the-ground expertise to offer trips that reveal the soul of Southeast Asia
