Vietnam North to South: Train, Sleeper Bus or Flight

Vietnam is long and narrow, stretching well over 1,000 km from Hanoi in the north to Ho Chi Minh City in the south. Most travellers cover it in stages, stopping in Hue, Hoi An, Da Nang and Nha Trang. Here is how to do it. See the Vietnam country guide for top places and itineraries.

The Reunification Express

The North–South Railway, known as the Reunification Express, runs about 1,700 km between Hanoi and Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City). The full trip takes well over a day – roughly 30 to 35 hours – so most people break it into sections.

Classes:

• Soft sleeper – four-berth air-conditioned cabins, the most comfortable option.
• Hard sleeper – six-berth cabins, cheaper and more crowded.
• Soft seat – reclining seats, fine for shorter daytime legs.

The section between Hue and Da Nang over the Hai Van Pass is one of the most scenic train rides in South-East Asia.

Book through Vietnam Railways or trusted partners, especially during Tet (Lunar New Year), when trains sell out.

Sleeper buses

Sleeper buses have reclining berths in two levels and run between almost all major towns. They are often cheaper than the train, but berths can be short for tall people, and some drivers are fast. Choose reputable companies and keep valuables with you.

Open-bus tickets

Open-bus tickets let you hop on and off along a fixed north–south route (for example Hanoi – Hue – Hoi An – Nha Trang – Dalat – Ho Chi Minh City) within a set period. You call or visit the company to book each leg. They are flexible and budget-friendly.

Flights

Domestic flights connect Hanoi, Da Nang, Ho Chi Minh City and many other cities in under two hours. Flying can save a lot of time on longer legs, such as Hanoi to Da Nang or Da Nang to Ho Chi Minh City.

A classic route

1. Hanoi – the capital, with its Old Quarter and lakes. Take a trip to Ha Long Bay or Ninh Binh.
2. Hue – the former imperial city.
3. Hoi An – a historic trading port with lantern-lit streets, close to Da Nang.
4. Nha Trang or Dalat – beach or highlands.
5. Ho Chi Minh City – with the Mekong Delta nearby.

Plan individual legs, such as Hanoi to Hue or Da Nang to Hoi An, on Tokyo2Us.

How to choose

• Short on time: combine flights for long legs with a train for the Hue–Da Nang section.
• Budget: sleeper buses or open-bus tickets.
• Comfort and scenery: soft-sleeper trains.

About prices

Fares vary by class and season. Tokyo2Us shows labelled estimates where no published fare exists, and links to partners like 12Go for live prices.

Sleeper train classes

Trains on the North–South line usually have several classes. Hard seats and soft seats are the cheapest, and soft seats are padded and air-conditioned. Six-berth hard sleepers are cheaper than soft sleepers but more crowded. Four-berth soft sleeper cabins with a lockable door are the most popular choice for overnight trips. Some trains also have privately operated premium carriages with extra comforts, especially on the Hanoi–Lao Cai and Hanoi–Da Nang routes. Bring snacks, water and a light jacket, as the air conditioning can be strong.

The Hai Van Pass

Between Hue and Da Nang, the railway follows the coast below the Hai Van Pass. It is one of the most scenic stretches of railway in Southeast Asia, with views of beaches, cliffs and fishing villages. Many travellers take a daytime train for this section, even if they fly or take buses elsewhere. Others cross the pass by motorbike or on a guided jeep tour along the old road. Plan this leg with Hanoi to Hue and then onward to Da Nang.

Weather by region

Vietnam is long and its weather varies a lot by region. The north, around Hanoi and Ha Long Bay, has a cool, sometimes chilly winter from about December to February and a hot, humid summer. The central coast, from Hue to Hoi An, tends to get its heaviest rain and occasional storms from roughly September to December. The south, including Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong Delta, is warm all year, with a wet season from about May to November. Planning a north–south trip around these patterns can make a big difference.

Safety on the road

Road travel in Vietnam can be hectic. Choose reputable bus companies with good recent reviews, and avoid the cheapest overnight services on mountain roads. Keep valuables with you, and use the seat belt if there is one. Trains are generally the more relaxed option for long distances. If you rent a motorbike, check that you have the correct licence and insurance, and wear a proper helmet.

Visas and border crossings

Many visitors need an e-visa to enter Vietnam. Rules, eligible nationalities and permitted ports of entry change from time to time, so check the official government information before you travel. If you are crossing overland from Cambodia or Laos, make sure your visa allows entry at that land border.

Booking tickets

Train tickets can be bought at stations, through the official Vietnam Railways channels and through booking agencies, including some that sell premium carriages. Book sleeper berths a few days ahead in normal times, and further in advance around Tet, the Lunar New Year, when much of the country travels and trains and buses sell out. Sleeper bus tickets are sold by hotels, agencies and the bus companies themselves. Check exactly where the bus leaves from and arrives, as some terminals are outside the city centre.

Using Tokyo2Us

Search any leg, such as Da Nang to Hoi An, to compare buses, taxis, trains and flights. Where we have no real fare, prices show as labelled estimates, and booking buttons take you to an operator or partner to see the live price.

Our pick

Mix and match: trains for scenery, buses for short hops and flights for the long jumps.