Baolau vs 12Go Asia | Where to Book a Train in Vietnam?
If you’re planning to travel by train in Vietnam, you’ve made an excellent choice! It’s a unique experience that allows you to admire stunning landscapes, interact with locals, and avoid the hassle of night buses. But before you enjoy the journey, you first need to book your ticket without stress… and without overpaying due to hidden fees!
With 12Go Asia, Baolau, and other platforms, there are several ways to buy your train ticket online. But which one should you choose? Which is the most reliable, the simplest, and above all, the cheapest? Spoiler: the Vietnam Railways website, which many assume is the official one, also applies booking fees!
In this article, I’ll give you a detailed comparison of each platform’s pros and cons to help you book your train ticket with confidence. And most importantly, a key piece of advice: train tickets in Vietnam go on sale 60 days before departure—so it’s best to book early to avoid any unpleasant surprises!
What is the Official Website of Vietnam’s Railway Company?
Ah, an important clarification: many travelers assume that Vietnam Railways (vietnam-railway.com or vietnamrailways.net) is the official website of the Vietnamese railway system… but that’s not the case!
The real official website of the national railway company is DSVN (https://dsvn.vn). If you want to buy your ticket at the official price, without going through an intermediary that adds booking fees, this is the site to use. However, the interface is not very user-friendly and does not accept international payments, which can be an issue for foreign travelers.
That’s why many people prefer using platforms like 12Go Asia and Baolau, which offer a better user experience but come with additional fees. So, what’s the best solution? Let’s break it down!
Baolau and 12Go Asia
– 12Go Asia is an online platform founded in 2012 in Singapore, specializing in booking various modes of transport across Asia, including trains, buses, ferries, and flights. Since its launch, the company has expanded its services to multiple Asian countries, making travel easier for passengers across the continent.
Book your train tickets with 12Go Asia
– Baolau, on the other hand, was established in 2013 by two Spanish entrepreneurs in Vietnam. Initially focused on the Vietnamese market, the platform quickly expanded its coverage to include transport services in Cambodia, Laos, and Thailand. Baolau stands out for integrating airline, railway, and ferry ticketing options across Southeast Asia, providing travelers with a comprehensive solution for planning their journeys.
Book your train tickets with Baolau
| Criteria | Baolau | 12Go Asia |
|---|---|---|
| UX and ease of use | Fluent and multilingual interface | Best UX, very intuitive |
| Commissions | Moderate commission (1-3 USD) | Higher commission (3-5 USD) |
| Payment methods | Visa, Mastercard | Visa, Mastercard, PayPal |
| Ticket availability | Fast updates | Clear display, but sometimes pending |
| Customer support | Available but no live chat | Live chat and fast support |
| Ticket confirmation | Quick confirmation | Quick confirmation, except for some tickets |
| Refunds | Depends on the ticket type | Depends on the carrier |
UX and Ease of Use: Which Platform is the Most Intuitive?
When booking a train ticket, you want the process to be simple and fast. Unfortunately, not all platforms offer the same user experience. Some provide a smooth and intuitive navigation, while others… test your patience! Here’s an overview of what each site offers in terms of UX and ease of use.
Baolau
A modern, simple, and fast interface. Available in multiple languages (English, Spanish, French), with a clear display of routes and prices. It’s easy to compare different classes and complete a payment without any unpleasant surprises.
12Go Asia
Everything is well-structured, with useful filters and smooth navigation. However, the interface can sometimes feel a bit cluttered, making it less intuitive at first glance. Tickets are sent immediately, and payments can be made in multiple currencies. Ideal if you want to book in just a few clicks without hassle.
UX Verdict
- Baolau: Highly accessible and well-designed.
- 12Go Asia: Smooth and intuitive interface but somewhat cluttered.
2. Pricing and Fees: Which Platform Offers the Best Value?
Booking online is convenient, but it comes at a cost. Most platforms apply service fees or commissions, which can sometimes significantly increase the price of a ticket. Let’s compare Baolau and 12Go Asia in terms of pricing.
Baolau
Reasonable commissions, generally around $1 to $3 per ticket. The advantage is that the total price is clearly displayed before payment, so there are no hidden surprises. A good balance between cost and ease of booking.
12Go Asia
Often the most expensive platform, with higher commissions (between $3 and $5 per ticket). The interface is very smooth, but this convenience comes at a price. If you choose to pay via PayPal or in another currency, additional fees may apply.
Important note: A paid insurance option is automatically added to your cart, increasing the total cost. Fortunately, you can uncheck it before finalizing your purchase.
Pricing and Fees Verdict
- Baolau: Moderate commissions and transparent pricing.
- 12Go Asia: More expensive but offers the best user experience.
Price Comparison Between Baolau and 12Go Asia
For a good balance between simplicity and reasonable pricing, Baolau is an excellent choice. Now, let’s take a look at the payment methods and flexibility offered by each platform.
| Train | Price on Baolau | Price on 12Go Asia |
|---|---|---|
| SE8 | 77,000 VND | 167,000 VND |
| SE20 | 115,000 VND | 235,000 VND |
| SE4 | 128,000 VND | 168,000 VND |
| SE2 | 149,000 VND | 178,000 VND |
| SE6 | 77,000 VND | 167,000 VND |
| HD4 | 180,000 VND | 260,000 VND |
| HD2 | 180,000 VND | 260,000 VND |
3. Payment Methods and Flexibility: What Are the Available Options?
Finding a good platform is great, but you also need to be able to pay easily! Not all platforms offer the same payment options, and some impose restrictions that can complicate the booking process. Here’s an overview of the payment methods and transaction flexibility on each site.
Baolau
Much more flexible than DSVN.vn. Visa and Mastercard are accepted, along with Google Pay and Apple Pay, making it easier for foreign travelers to book. Payment fees are usually included in the price, so there are no surprises at checkout.
12Go Asia
Very comprehensive in terms of payment options. You can pay with Visa, Mastercard, PayPal, and Google Pay. There’s also an option to choose your currency to avoid conversion fees. However, transaction fees may apply depending on the payment method selected.
Payment Methods Verdict
- 12Go Asia: The most flexible, with multiple payment options and currencies.
- Baolau: A good balance between simplicity and payment methods.
If you want a stress-free payment experience, 12Go Asia and Baolau are the best choices. Now, let’s move on to another crucial aspect: ticket availability and booking management!
4. Ticket Availability and Booking Management: Which Platforms Are the Most Reliable?
One of the main challenges when booking a train ticket in Vietnam is availability. Tickets sell out quickly, especially for night trains and popular routes like Hanoi – Hue – Da Nang – Ho Chi Minh City. Let’s see how each platform handles booking and ticket availability.
Baolau
Highly reliable, with near-instant updates on availability. Baolau pulls data directly from DSVN’s database, so the availability displayed on the site is usually accurate. Once your booking is confirmed, you receive your e-ticket immediately (except for certain classes that require manual processing).
✅ Seat selection available, which is very useful for the Hue – Da Nang route, allowing you to sit on the best side to admire Hai Van Pass.
12Go Asia
Also reliable, but with a slight delay in confirmation for some ticket classes. The availability display is clear, but some tickets may be marked as “on request”, meaning manual confirmation by the 12Go Asia team is required before they send the ticket. This can result in a short delay before receiving your e-ticket.
Booking and Availability Verdict
- Baolau: Fast ticket updates and instant delivery for most bookings.
- 12Go Asia: Reliable, but slightly slower for some ticket categories.
If you want the most efficient platform for checking ticket availability and booking quickly, Baolau is the best choice. Now, let’s move on to another crucial topic: customer service and support in case of issues.
5. Customer Service and Support: Which Platform Is the Most Responsive?
Nobody likes facing issues while traveling, but it’s always best to be prepared. What happens if your payment fails, your ticket isn’t confirmed, or you need to change your booking? Not all platforms offer the same level of support, and some are much more responsive than others.
Baolau
A good customer service, available via email and sometimes through their Facebook page. Responses are generally quick and in English, and refunds are possible depending on the ticket conditions. However, there is no live chat, so for an immediate response, it’s not ideal.
12Go Asia
Probably the best customer service among third-party platforms. Live chat is available, with fast responses in English or French. The support team is responsive and efficient, which is a big advantage in case of last-minute issues. However, refunds depend on the ticket conditions and may not always be possible.
Customer Service Verdict
- 12Go Asia: The most responsive, with live chat and efficient support.
- Baolau: Reliable and responsive, but no live chat.
If you want fast and effective support, 12Go Asia is the best choice. Baolau remains a solid alternative, but with slightly slower support. Now, let’s move on to the final conclusion and the best platform depending on your traveler profile.
My Opinion: Which Platform Should You Choose Based on Your Travel Needs?
Booking a train ticket in Vietnam may seem complicated at first, but with the right platform, it becomes much easier. Here’s a summary of the strengths and weaknesses of each site to help you make the best choice based on your needs.
Top Choices Based on Priorities:
- Baolau: Best balance between price, simplicity, and reliability.
- 12Go Asia: Top-notch UX and customer service, but slightly more expensive.
In Summary:
- If you want a simple and efficient booking experience, Baolau is your best option.
- If you want a premium experience with top-tier customer service, choose 12Go Asia.
Final Tip: Train tickets go on sale between 60 to 90 days in advance, so don’t wait too long to book, especially during high season or for night trains!
Have a great trip and enjoy the stunning train journeys in Vietnam!
