Vietnam's Reunification Express runs daily from Hanoi south to Hue, then Da Nang and further to Nha Trang and Ho Chi Minh City. It is the most scenic way to connect major cities: 8-10 hours beside the coast between Hue and Da Nang, with ocean views, fishing villages and fishing boats. Trains offer soft sleeper berths with curtains and bunks, letting you sleep through the journey and arrive refreshed.
Snapshot
- Region
- Central Vietnam
- Best for
- solo, first-time, couples
- Best season
- Feb-Apr (dry)
- Average cost
- $30-150/ticket
- Updated
Why take the train?
Vietnam’s Reunification Express runs daily from Hanoi south to Hue, then Da Nang and further to Nha Trang and Ho Chi Minh City. It is the most scenic way to connect major cities: 8-10 hours beside the coast between Hue and Da Nang, with ocean views, fishing villages and fishing boats. Trains offer soft sleeper berths with curtains and bunks, letting you sleep through the journey and arrive refreshed.
The route: Hanoi → Hue → Da Nang
- Hanoi (Giap Bat) → Hue (Da Phuoc): approx. 13 hours overnight. Book as a separate leg if you want to stop in Hue.
- Hue (Da Phuoc) → Da Nang (Da Nang): approx. 8 hours overnight. This coastal leg passes fish farms and fishing villages between mountains and the South China Sea.
- Total journey: 20+ hours but broken into manageable legs with sleeping berths.
Sleeper berth types (12Go)
| Type | Description | Typical Price |
|---|---|---|
| Soft sleeper (4 berth) | Air-conditioned, curtain, two-level bunk, shared washroom | $35-50 |
| Soft berth (6 berth) | Air-conditioned, narrower, shared | $25-35 |
| Hard berth (12 berth) | Fan-cooled, no curtain, basic | $20-30 |
Book soft sleeper for comfort on long legs, especially coastal routes. Hard berth is cheapest but lacks privacy and AC.
How to book on 12Go Asia
- Visit 12GoAsia.com or download the app.
- Enter: departure, destination, date, berth type.
- Select departure time (trains leave after 21:00).
- Pay with credit card or PayPal; download e-ticket.
- Arrive at the platform 1-3 hours early; no paper ticket needed.
Quick facts
- Best for: scenic coastal views, no road fatigue, sleep-on-arrival.
- Price: soft sleeper $35-50 for coastal legs, hard berth $20-30.
- Book ahead: 2-3 days in high season (Oct–Apr), more for holidays.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Vietnam sleeper train better than a bus?
Yes, for the coastal legs between major cities. Buses take 6-8 hours on the same routes; trains provide ocean views, pass fishing villages, and you sleep through most of it. The trade-off is less privacy on hard berths and the need to book ahead.
How much is the train from Hanoi to Hue?
About $35-50 for a soft sleeper berth. The Reunification Express departs around 21:30 and arrives in Hue after sunrise (~06:00). Booking via 12Go shows live seat availability.
Do I need separate tickets for Hanoi–Hue–Da Nang?
Yes, the Reunification Express is split into segments. Book Hanoi–Hue and Hue–Da Nang separately, or use 12Go’s through-ticketing option. Many travellers sleep in Hue hotel and book the second leg fresh.
Should I take hard or soft berth?
Soft sleeper for comfort: curtain, AC, better bedding. Hard berth is $10-15 cheaper but has no AC, no privacy, harder mattress and shared washrooms. Choose soft if you are a light sleeper.
How do I avoid scams?
Book only through 12Go, Baolau, or Vietnam Railways (dsvn.vn). Arrive at the correct platform (check your e-ticket) 1-3 hours early. No need for a paper ticket; the QR code on your phone is valid.
When is the best time for sleeper trains?
February to April: dry, clear coastal views, comfortable evenings. May–July is hot but scenic. December–February is cool but foggy in the north; bring a light jacket.
Can foreigners book with foreign credit cards?
Yes, 12Go accepts Visa, Mastercard and PayPal. Payments process via Stripe. If declined, your bank may need to enable international transactions.