Railways in Hanoi

THE 10 BEST Hanoi Railways

Railways in Hanoi

Transportation
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What travelers are saying

  • JIM M
    ARMAGH92 contributions
    3.0 of 5 bubbles
    We arrived at the station in Ninh Binh around 11.45 pm and station looked deserted, when we entered the building there were two other people there , got on train at 12.30am and person showed us to our accommodation which was a 2 bedroom compartment, he wasn’t overly pleasant, but the beds were very comfortable and we had water , crisps , tins of coffee, biscuits and bananas which was nice touch
    The journey was ok but not much sleep as train kept braking a lot during the night
    Scenery was good along the way even though much of it was rice fields and graveyards, Trolley guy came along
    Coffee and Tea addional cost for these even though it said that coffees and tea were included on our price along with breakfast I pointed this out to the trolley guy but he pointed to the tins of cold coffee, so just paid and he went on his way, This train journey wasn’t worth the prices we paid for the 2 bed compartment, would have been better just in an ordinary seat and sleeping there overnight
    I asked the guard on the train to tell us when we were near our stop and he done this, bit of a language barrier but worked out ok
    Written February 1, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Yorkshirejon27
    Hervey Bay, Australia195 contributions
    3.0 of 5 bubbles
    Travelled in a 4 berth with 2 kids. We did get help from the mango hotel to the train, but I had to request help due to luggage and kids - they weren't for helping at first.
    Got in the train, turned up the AC, turned down the speaker system.
    Sat on the bed.... Ouch. No cushioning.
    There was a cartoon of UHT milk, banana and mango cake for breakfast. Lamans wifi didn't work. There was no hot water or cold water as the machine want working. There was no Steward.

    We have travelled in SE1 before, but only the government owned 4 berth cabins. Honestly, b safe your money, endure no wifi. The service is the same.
    Disappointed that it was a waste of money.
    Written December 16, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Samuel89
    Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia19 contributions
    3.0 of 5 bubbles
    I took an overnight train from Hanoi to Lao Cai on May 2019. Train departed and arrived on time. Room was ok, with decent bed and good aircond. Complimentary bananas, biscuits and mineral waters are provided in each cabin.

    The only thing i didnt like was the train was rocking back and forth for most part of the journey. Toilet was small but not too hygiene.

    Overall quite satisfied with Orient Express.
    Written July 3, 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • digitalroc
    Calgary, Canada1,869 contributions
    3.0 of 5 bubbles
    Not an attraction that you would seek out, other than one to utilize for transportation. The tour group I was with had an overnight train to Hue, and I can tell you that was an experience I do not want to do over.
    Written January 17, 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • chiangmaicharlies
    Chiang Mai, Thailand5,653 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Long Bien Railway Station is brand new and raring to go.

    Fully computerized and clean as a new pin, it is the second station on the line and immediately next to the famous Long Bien Bridge.

    The bridge is not to be missed, so see the station at the same time.
    Written November 23, 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • isabella_deruiter
    Rotterdam, The Netherlands412 contributions
    3.0 of 5 bubbles
    For anyone contemplating going by night train from Hanoi to Lao Cai and then further on to Sapa, here's my experience with Fanxipan:
    Buy the ticket for example via 123 Go Asia. Print the voucher and take it with you to the Fanxipan Restop latest 1 hour before train departure, right opposite of the train station entrance, they will hand you the boarding pass. Make sure you go to the correct train station in Hanoi, where the northbound trains depart from.
    Is the train clean - the cabin and the sheets, yes.
    The toilet was awful. The bathroom is just a sink where you can brush your teeth, it cannot be locked and you're out in the public. Don't expect that you can properly wash yourself. I recommend to bring a small towel from home and soak it with water from the sink. Bring another towel to dry yourself as they don't provide towels at all.
    At least there were no bugs.
    Can you sleep - it depends on how sensitive you are to movement. The train shakes a lot. A LOT. All the way from Hanoi to Lao Cai. I personally was able to sleep but another person didn't close their eyes for not even 10 minutes and arrived in Lao Cai completely wrecked. The bunks are relatively hard. The airco is blowing continously full speed and cannot be controlled individually. Choose to lay your head towards the door instead of the window and you will not be cold. The blanket is fine.
    They serve coffee and some refreshments and snacks (crisps, nuts), the latter you have to pay. One coffee was free. Don't board the train hungry.
    Two small bottles of water are free of charge, also two cans of beer (interesting choice). There were also some banana's and nuts in our cabin when we boarded.
    When you arrive in Lao Cai and your final destination is Sapa, ignore all the taxi offers and go to the official bus stop which is a few metres to the left once you leave the station hall. Bus number 01 to Sapa. It costs 30.000 Dong per person. It takes you to Sapa in about an hour, only picking up some locals on the way. The road is winding and the Vietnamese driving style is adventureous - just trust that this guy is driving the same route every day and he knows what he's doing.
    Would I take this train again - probably I would. The pro's outnumbered the con's, just manage your expectations.
    Written November 6, 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • BecAndyB
    Brisbane, Australia127 contributions
    3.0 of 5 bubbles
    We travelled in a 4 berth cabin on the King Express From Hanoi to Sapa. The rooms are very small so take as little luggage as possible. We left three bags in our hotel at Hanoi and just took what we needed in one bag on the train to save space. Mattresses are pretty hard and not very wide but we managed to get some sleep. Husband suffered motion sickness - it can get pretty rocky. Trip back to Sapa was better as we knew what to expect. A very basic journey but good if you would prefer to travel overnight.
    Written January 23, 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Derek B
    6 contributions
    2.0 of 5 bubbles
    Advertised as ‘VIP comfort’ and charged accordingly.
    Positives. It was on time. There was food on the train.
    The route goes through the best countryside SE Asia has to offer.
    Negatives
    It’s a rip off. They are the same as any other carrier. They just over promise and over charge. Our cabin looked nothing like those on the photos.
    Toilets. Frequently run out of water. Unimaginable disgust when passengers keep using loos without ability to flush. Toilets so old it’s impossible to clean them properly. They just stink.
    I would think toilet paper would be provided for VIP service.? Not so.
    Beds rock hard.
    Linen not fitted. The minute you lie down on the sheets slip and is unbearable.
    Trains very old , make so much noise, sleep is not possible.
    Written February 28, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Jenni V
    Albury, Australia18 contributions
    3.0 of 5 bubbles
    We booked through our hotel. They were really helpful and advised us to book all 4 beds in the cabin between the two of us so we had the cabin to ourselves The beds weren't the most comfortable experience but fit us ok. My husband is 6 foot and managed I'm 5 foot 10". The door to the cabin locks so all our belongings were safe. We were pretty tired so slept quite well. The toilets were foul but we weren't expecting luxury. We weren't supplied with any water so make sure you buy some at the station before leaving.
    Written January 7, 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.