Overnight Sleeper Train in Vietnam | Schedules and Prices 2025
It is undeniable that sleeper trains are the preferred mode of transportation for many people when traveling long distances, as they are often more affordable and comfortable than long car or bus journeys.
Due to the distance between cities, sleeper trains are very popular in Vietnam.
However, the current railway system is far inferior to air travel. But many still want to experience a train journey. If you are considering traveling by sleeper train in Vietnam, or if you are just curious about sleeper trains, you should not ignore this article.
About the sleeper train in Vietnam
Vietnam is a very extensive country and the best way to cover its long distances is to travel by train, both because it is cheap and for a fascinating cultural insight. The sleeper train in Vietnam is a comfortable, safe, and affordable means of transport, helping visitors to reduce fatigue when they travel long distances. Most of Vietnam’s overnight trains now have Wi-Fi (although the connection speeds are usually not the fastest).
A sleeper train can also help you save on accommodation costs and travel time, as many trains operate at night. There are two main ticket classes on a regular sleeper train in Vietnam: hard sleeper and soft sleeper. Additionally, on the Reunification Express, the public train that crosses Vietnam, there are also hard and soft seats.
- Hard Sleeper: More suitable for short-distance travel, a hard sleeper is the type in which you would lie down in a bunk bed, which was made of iron with a thin mattress. Typically in most compartments of the hard sleeper class on Vietnam’s sleeper trains, there are 6 bunks in a cabin, and the fare depends on the level you choose: the most expensive being at the ground level, then the middle level, and the lowest fare for the top level.
- Soft Sleeper: This is the most comfortable class for tourists, with only 4 bunks in 1 cabin on a typical first-class sleeper train in Vietnam or 2 bunks for an additional cost. All bunks are priced the same. The soft sleeper is highly recommended for long journeys or for an overnight train trip in Vietnam, as you can rest comfortably during the travel hours.
Popular Routes of Vietnam’s Night Train
Night Train from Hanoi to Sapa
If you wish to head to Sapa, the best way to get there is to take the train from Hanoi to Lao Cai. Sapa does not have a train station, but it is located about 38 km from Lao Cai station and is easily accessible by bus or taxi in about 50 minutes. There are both day and night sleeper trains between Hanoi and Lao Cai, however, most of them depart around 9-10 PM from Hanoi and arrive at Lao Cai station between 5-6 AM.
On some sleeper trains in Vietnam, you can choose between the normal Vietnamese railways or a whole range of higher-level private sleeper trains aimed at tourists. If you are looking for information on the night trains from Hanoi to Sapa, all the details you need, from regular sleeper trains to first-class sleeper trains in Vietnam, are listed in the table below.
| Train Name | Soft Sleeper (4) | VIP Seat (2) |
|---|---|---|
| Orient Express Train | €31 | €67 |
| Livitrans Express Train | €33 | N/A |
| Pumpkin Express Train | €33 | €70 |
| Fansipan Express Train | €34 | €73 |
| King Express Train | €35 | €71 |
| Sapaly Express Train | €35 | €77 |
| Chapa Express Train | €37 | €78 |
| Laman Express Train | €41 | €87 |
| Victoria Express Train | €93 | €143 |
Night Train from Hanoi to Hue
The journey from Hanoi to Hue takes 12 to 14 hours, and it is highly recommended to book a ticket with a cozy bed. The best option is to travel on a sleeper train in Vietnam overnight, departing in the evening and arriving around noon, so that you can enjoy the view after you wake up in the morning.
Food and snacks are sold on carts, however, you might consider buying dinner outside before boarding as the food on the train is not as good as what is sold outside. For more details on the schedule, you can read the information in the table below.
| Departure – Arrival | Train Name – Travel Time | Sleeper (6) | Soft Sleeper (4) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 22:20 – 10:52 | Reunification Express SE1 – 13h 32min | €50 | €52 |
| 19:25 – 08:42 | Reunification Express SE3 – 13h 17min | €52 | €55 |
| 19:30 – 08:30 | Livitrans Express SE3 – 13h 0min | N/A | €67 |
| 20:10 – 09:30 | Reunification Express SE19 – 13h 20min | €50 | €52 |
| 22:20 – 10:52 | Violette Express SE1 – 13h 32min | N/A | €58 |
| 19:30 – 08:30 | Violette Express SE3 – 13h | N/A | €63 |
| 20:10 – 09:20 | Lotus Express SE19 | N/A | €58 |
| 20:00 – 09:34 | Laman Express SE19 – 14h 34min | N/A | €76 |
Night Train from Hanoi to Da Nang
Since the distance from Hanoi to Danang is about 791 kilometers and the journey takes about 16 hours, the night train in Vietnam is more popular among locals as well as travelers. You have the opportunity to sleep overnight and arrive at your destination the next morning. Night trains save on accommodation costs and daytime travel time.
Travelers can also enjoy the view of the beautiful countryside after waking up from the overnight train journey before arriving in Danang. The night trains from Hanoi to Danang also have food counters on board the train. You can get various meals and snacks or bring your own food to eat on the night train whenever you are hungry. Take a look at the table below and plan your trip accordingly.
| Departure – Arrival | Train Name – Travel Time | Sleeper (6) | Soft Sleeper (4) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 22h20 – 13h26 | Reunification Express SE1 – 15h 6min | 55 € | 57 € |
| 19h25 – 11h19 | Reunification Express SE3 – 16h 54min | 57 € | 59 € |
| 20h10 – 12h20 | Reunification Express SE19 – 16 h 10 min | 53 € | 56 € |
| 19h30 – 11h05 | Express Livitrans SE3 – 16h 35min | N / A | 77 € |
| 22h20 – 13h26 | Express Violette SE1 – 15h 6min | N / A | 63 € |
| 19h30 – 11h08 | Express Violette SE3 – 16h 38min | N / A | 68 € |
| 20h10 – 12h20 | Express Lotus SE19 | N / A | 61 € |
| 20h00 – 12h25 | Express Laman SE19 – 16h 25min | N / A | 80 € |
Night Train from Ho Chi Minh City to Nha Trang
Vietnam Railways operates six night trains departing from Ho Chi Minh City between 7:30 PM and 10:30 PM, arriving in Nha Trang early the next morning. The Saigon Golden Train and the Livitrans Express from Ho Chi Minh City to Nha Trang depart at 8:30 PM and arrive in Nha Trang at 5:30 AM the following morning.
These private train services can offer a more relaxing and comfortable journey with cleaner compartments, usable toilets, and dedicated staff to attend to any needs that may arise.
Both Livitrans Express and Saigon Golden Train serve a small selection of snacks and drinks, and others are available for purchase. With all the night trains from Ho Chi Minh City to Nha Trang, it is advisable to inform your hotel of your arrival time to ensure everything is ready when you arrive, as the usual check-in time is in the afternoon but with prior notice, you can sometimes get a room earlier. For more information on this sleeper train route, take a look at the table below to find the best sleeper train from Ho Chi Minh to Nha Trang.
| Departure – Arrival | Train Name – Travel Time | Sleeper (6) | Soft Sleeper (4) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 21:55 – 04:47 | Reunification Express SE2 – 7h 52min | €37 | €40 |
| 19:45 – 03:14 | Reunification Express SE4 – 7h 29min | €35 | €38 |
| 20:30 – 05:30 | Reunification Express SNT2 – 9h | €37 | €40 |
| 11:50 – 19:46 | Reunification Express SE22 – 8h 56min | €32 | €36 |
| 20:30 – 05:30 | Livitrans Express SNT2 – 9h | N/A | €46 |
