Vietnam Train Odyssey
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Vietnam Train Odyssey
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Vietnam Train Odyssey

An idea for your holiday

If you can spare a little extra time, then there is no better way to explore Vietnam than by train. Follow the route of the 'Reunification Express' from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City via paddy fields, mountains and ancient ports.

As well as taking in the scenery whilst on board, you'll have plenty of time to see the sites with our unique guided tours in each place you visit.

Highlights include:

  • Watch the lush and varied scenery unfold from your vantage point on the train
  • Set sail on picturesque Halong Bay aboard a traditional junk boat cruise
  • Explore the sights of Hanoi and Saigon, the highlights and some hidden gems
  • Discover the ancient town of Hoi An and its surrounding countryside
  • Relaxing on a quiet beach near Nha Trang

The train carriages are not luxurious, but most are comfortable; talk to our Vietnam experts if you are concerned about the quality and would prefer to travel some sections of the journey by car or plane instead.

This is a sample itinerary which we will tailor to suit you. Prices are dependent on destination, flights & dates but ETG holidays always include the following:

  • International flights (if required)
  • Guides, drivers & their tips
  • Accommodation
  • Specified meals & snacks
  • Your immersive experiences
  • Internal & regional transfers

Get in touch with us for your bespoke proposal
or see more on our ETG Pricing Guide

Call for a bespoke proposal 020 7924 7133 1-888-577-8452

Day 1 Depart the UK

Depart the UK on your overnight flight to Hanoi.

DAYs 2-3  HANOI   Explore the Old Quarter

On arrival, your guide will meet you for the transfer to your Hanoi hotel. Here there will be a combination of free time and time spent exploring the historical and cultural heart of the city. Visit the Temple of Literature, take a cyclo ride and taste some delicious local food.  

DAYs 4-5 Halong BAY  Set sail on a traditional boat

It’s a road journey to Halong Bay where, on arrival, you’ll board the Dragon Pearl Boat. On your overnight cruise of the bay, you’ll pass stunning rock formations, stopping to swim, kayak and explore caves. Alternatively, you can just relax on board while watching the beautiful scenery from the sun deck or your private cabin.

Following the cruise, your guide will transfer you to Hanoi station for your overnight train journey to Hue.

Days 6-7 Hue   visit the former capital

On arrival in Hue, your guide will meet you for the transfer to your resort. During your stay you’ll explore the Perfume River, The Imperial Citadel and Thien Mu Pagoda, travelling between some of these sights by boat.

Days  8-10 Hoi An   discover the ancient atmospheric town

The route over The Cloudy Pass to Hoi An has magnificent views. This journey can be taken by train or car depending on how train times work out on any given day.

On arrival in Hoi An, your guide will take you to your accommodation. Here you have three days in which to relax or to explore the pretty lantern-lined streets and excellent restaurants. During your stay, you’ll take a guided tour of the local countryside which could include cycling, fishing and padding a traditional bamboo basket.

DAY 11 Da Nang to Nha Trang   a day on the train

Today you’ll travel south by train to Nha Trang. This route is usually by day, so there is lots of time to see the paddy fields and villages unfold before you.

Days 11-12 Nha Trang   Relax by the beach

On arrival, you’ll transfer to Mia Resort on the coast for a couple of quiet days by the beach.  

Days 13-15 Ho Chi Minh City  highlights and contrasts

Board the daytime train from Nha Trang to Ho Chi Minh City for the final leg of your north-south journey.

On arrival in “Saigon” you’ll check-in at your hotel and then the evening is free for you to relax. During your stay, there will be a chance to explore the highlights of the city with a few unique local experiences too.  You can also visit the mangrove forests and markets of the Mekong Delta and, if time permits, the famous Cu Chi Tunnels.

Day 16 Fly Home

Depart Ho Chi Minh City for your flight back to the UK. 

Speak to an expert 020 7924 7133 1-888-577-8452

Get in touch

Every holiday we create is unique. One of our team can talk you through your options...

Hotels & Villas
featured above

Aira Boutique

Aira Boutique , Hanoi

Excellent boutique hotel, close to the action on the edge of Hanoi's historic Old Quarter.

Indochina Junk

Indochina Junk, Halong Bay

Indochina Junk offer small, quality boats, the ideal choice for exploring Bai Tu Long Bay.

La Siesta Sai Gon

La Siesta Sai Gon, Ho Chi Minh City

Decent city centre hotel with rooftop pool and bar, an ideal base for exploring Ho Chi Minh City

Mia Resort

Mia Resort, Nha Trang

Mia is a contemporary small and peaceful upmarket beach resort in a quiet location near Nha Trang.

Pilgrimage Village

Pilgrimage Village, Hue

Unique luxurious hotel in peaceful surroundings on the outskirts of Hue.

Experiences & Activities
featured above

Boats and Bays with lunch

Boats and Bays with lunch , Nha Trang

Boats and Bays with lunch (5 hours). A relaxing cruise on the turquoise waters of the South China Sea.

Hanoi City Tours

Hanoi City Tours, Hanoi

Experience Hanoi - from quaint little colonial streets, to Ho Chi Minh's mausoleum and the famous Water Puppets.

Ho Chi Minh City Highlights

Ho Chi Minh City Highlights, Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City Highlights (History Museum and Presidential Palace) (4 hours) - the basics of Ho Chi Minh

Hoi An Exploration

Hoi An Exploration , Hoi An

A wonderful way to explore the charming merchant town of Hoi An by foot, by boat and by bicycle.

Junk Boat on the Breathtaking Bay

Junk Boat on the Breathtaking Bay , Halong Bay

Cruise Vietnam's breathtaking Halong Bay aboard a converted traditional Junk Boat.

Perfume River  Cruises

Perfume River Cruises, Hue

The Perfume River Cruise is a great way to see the sites of Hue as both the Imperial Citadel and the Thien Mu Pagoda are located on its banks. Several different boat cruises are available.

Re-unification Express Train

Re-unification Express Train, Hanoi

An excellent way to get a sense of the country's scale and see the scenery change as you travel from North to South.

The Tunnels of Cu Chi

The Tunnels of Cu Chi, Ho Chi Minh City

The Tunnels of Cu Chi (5 hours) - explore the tunnels from which the North Vietnamese waged their guerilla war.

Upgrade your beach hotel to the Nam Hai, just outside of Hoi An. One of Asia's very best beach hotels. 

The Four Seasons Nam Hai

The Four Seasons Nam Hai, Hoi An

A luxurious private villa resort close to Hoi An Ancient Town just a few yards from the beach.

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Every ETG journey is unique.
Let us inspire you
~

Your next adventure starts with a conversation...

020 7924 7133

1-888-577-8452

Start Planning

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