Where does this route start and end?

The route runs from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City in North to South Vietnam, Vietnam.

When is the best time to travel this route?

The best time to travel this route is February to April.

How active is this route?

Activity level: Active. Moderately active — expect some walking and light physical activity.

What transport do I need for this route?

This route works best with no car (this is a drive-free route).

What budget do I need for this route?

Mid-range spending — expect comfortable accommodation and a mix of dining options.

What type of accommodation suits this route?

Hotels accommodation works well along this route.

What is the pace of this trip?

Balanced — a good mix of sightseeing and downtime.

What type of trip is this?

This route is well-suited to: Scenic, Culture, Food & drink, City hop, Drive-free.

Reunification Express: Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City by Train

Q: How long is the Reunification Express: Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City by Train route?

This route takes 19 days taking in 8 stops.

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The route · 8 stops

Hanoi

3 nights

Vietnam's capital and the natural start. Use three nights to settle in: the tangled Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem Lake, the busy food streets and a slower first morning before the railway south. It is also the easiest international arrival point for the trip.Vietnam's capital and the natural start. Use three nights to settle in: the tangled Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem Lake, the busy food streets and a slower first morning before the railway south. It is also the easiest international arrival point for the trip.

Recommendations

1h 35m · 114 km drive to Ninh Binh

Ninh Binh

2 nights

A short hop south reaches limestone karst country, often called Halong Bay on land. Spend two nights on sampan boat trips through Trang An and Tam Coc, the Mua Cave viewpoint climb, and easy cycling between rice paddies, temples and goat-farm restaurants.A short hop south reaches limestone karst country, often called Halong Bay on land. Spend two nights on sampan boat trips through Trang An and Tam Coc, the Mua Cave viewpoint climb, and easy cycling between rice paddies, temples and goat-farm restaurants.

Recommendations

5h 41m · 409 km drive to Dong Hoi

Dong Hoi

2 nights

A coastal town that breaks the long run south and opens up Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park. Two nights allow a boat trip into Phong Nha Cave, the vast dry chambers of Paradise Cave, and the limestone-and-jungle country that hides Son Doong, the world's largest cave.A coastal town that breaks the long run south and opens up Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park. Two nights allow a boat trip into Phong Nha Cave, the vast dry chambers of Paradise Cave, and the limestone-and-jungle country that hides Son Doong, the world's largest cave.

Recommendations

2h 48m · 201 km drive to Hue

Hue

2 nights

The former imperial capital, reached on a short train south. Two nights cover the walled Citadel, the royal tombs strung along the Perfume River, and the city's distinct central Vietnamese cooking. A calmer, history-led stop before the Hai Van Pass and the coast.The former imperial capital, reached on a short train south. Two nights cover the walled Citadel, the royal tombs strung along the Perfume River, and the city's distinct central Vietnamese cooking. A calmer, history-led stop before the Hai Van Pass and the coast.

Recommendations

1h 50m · 132 km drive to Hoi An

Hoi An

3 nights

Arrive at Da Nang station on the route's most scenic leg over the Hai Van Pass, then transfer to Hoi An. Give it three nights for the lantern-lit old town, riverside evenings, tailors, An Bang beach and day trips to Da Nang and the My Son ruins.Arrive at Da Nang station on the route's most scenic leg over the Hai Van Pass, then transfer to Hoi An. Give it three nights for the lantern-lit old town, riverside evenings, tailors, An Bang beach and day trips to Da Nang and the My Son ruins.

Recommendations

4h 33m · 328 km drive to Quy Nhon

Quy Nhon

1 night

A relaxed coastal city that splits the long coast run and stays off most itineraries. One night is enough to slow down on the town beach, eat fresh seafood at the harbour, and see the nearby Cham towers before the short hop to Nha Trang.A relaxed coastal city that splits the long coast run and stays off most itineraries. One night is enough to slow down on the town beach, eat fresh seafood at the harbour, and see the nearby Cham towers before the short hop to Nha Trang.

Recommendations

3h 6m · 223 km drive to Nha Trang

Nha Trang

2 nights

A short coastal train reaches Vietnam's best-known beach city. Two nights are enough for the long town beach, island-hopping boat trips, snorkelling and the hillside Po Nagar Cham towers before the final run south.A short coastal train reaches Vietnam's best-known beach city. Two nights are enough for the long town beach, island-hopping boat trips, snorkelling and the hillside Po Nagar Cham towers before the final run south.

Recommendations

5h 43m · 412 km drive to Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City

3 nights

The journey ends in fast, energetic Saigon. Use three nights for the War Remnants Museum, the French-colonial centre, superb street food and a Mekong Delta or Cu Chi tunnels day trip. International flights make it a practical finishing point.The journey ends in fast, energetic Saigon. Use three nights for the War Remnants Museum, the French-colonial centre, superb street food and a Mekong Delta or Cu Chi tunnels day trip. International flights make it a practical finishing point.

Recommendations

Reunification Express: Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City by Train