Luxury Trains in Vietnam: A Journey of Sophistication

Vietnam Luxury Trains at a Glance (2026)

1. SJourney: Vietnam's Premier Luxury Train Experience

The SJourney redefines train travel in Vietnam through a blend of 1930s Indochine elegance and modern luxury. Launched at the end of 2024 as the country’s first luxury train to run the full length of Vietnam, it offers wooden-paneled cabins, plush bedding, en-suite bathrooms and personalized onboard service, with regional menus and curated excursions at every stop.

The flagship SJourney is an 8-day, 7-night journey between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, moving from the misty north to the sun-kissed south. Iconic stops along the way include: 

• Ninh Binh: Picturesque rice fields framed by majestic karst mountains.
• Quang Binh: Home to awe-inspiring caves and pristine nature.
• Hue: The imperial city known for its rich cultural heritage and historic temples.
• Hoi An: A charming old town illuminated by colorful lanterns.
• Nha Trang: Renowned for its idyllic beaches and turquoise waters.
• Mui Ne: Famous for golden sand dunes and serene beaches.
• Ho Chi Minh City: A vibrant metropolis blending colonial history with modern dynamism.

Every port of call offers opportunities to visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites, sample traditional Vietnamese food, and learn about the country’s diverse culture. 

Onboard Experience

The interior is inspired by old-world romance, with two restaurant cars serving rotating menus, a lounge car for evenings on board, and live cultural performances celebrating Vietnamese heritage. Service is attentive and personal, thanks to the small number of guests on each departure.

Travel Details

• Duration: 8 days / 7 nights
• Capacity: A small-group train of 13 carriages, with roughly 40–60 guests per departure depending on configuration
• Price: Journeys start from about US$8,600 per person (around VND 200 million or more for standard accommodation), depending on cabin, season and departure date
• Included Services: Full board, drinks with meals, cultural excursions, a dedicated steward and private transfers

The SJourney is more than transportation; it’s a curated adventure and an exclusive window into Vietnam’s beauty, culture and heritage. Because departures are limited and prices for 2027 and beyond are already published, it pays to lock in dates well in advance.

2. Coastal Wonders of Central Vietnam by Luxury Train Vietage

The Vietage by Anantara is a luxury railway carriage service along Vietnam’s central coast, blending modern comfort with sweeping views. It links Da Nang (the gateway for artsy Hoi An) with the sleepy seaside town of Quy Nhon and the lively resort city of Nha Trang. Two carriages run daily in opposite directions.

Each carriage has six private booths with two comfortable seats apiece, so just 12 passengers travel per journey. Onboard you will find a sit-up bar, free Wi-Fi, charging points, private toilets and a dedicated area for head and shoulder treatments, all while grassy plains give way to grand mountains and golden coastline.

Da Nang–Quy Nhon journeys include a pre-ordered three-course Vietnamese-French meal, while Nha Trang–Quy Nhon journeys feature an afternoon tea with local cheeses and Vietnamese teas. Selected wines, cocktails, beers and soft drinks are free-flowing on all routes.

Anantara’s 2026 hotel packages quote round-trip Vietage tickets at about US$317 per person (Da Nang–Quy Nhon) and US$420 per person (routes that include Nha Trang), rising to US$335 and US$441 in 2027. These are add-on rates before taxes and service charges, so direct fares can differ. With only 12 seats per trip, booking well ahead is essential, and reservations are required at least three days before travel.

Directions and timetables (2026):

Da Nang to Nha Trang direction:

• Departure from Da Nang: 7:55 a.m.
• Arrival in Quy Nhon: 2:11 p.m.
• Arrival in Nha Trang: about 7:18 p.m.

Nha Trang to Da Nang direction:

• Departure from Nha Trang: 2:03 p.m.
• Arrival in Quy Nhon: 5:55 p.m.
• Arrival in Da Nang: about 11:21 p.m.

Timetables are updated periodically. Check the official Vietage schedule before you book.

Service on board is impeccable, with a warm welcome and a complimentary drink. Passengers can relax in their booth or at the bar while admiring rice fields, golden beaches, lush green hills and picturesque villages. 

The hosts also hand out a "Discovery Book" with fascinating information on the fauna, flora, and cultural and historical aspects of the regions crossed.

Experience Our Luxury Vietnam Tour in 14 Days

3. Victoria Express: An Elegant Night Train Between Hanoi and Sapa

Victoria Express is a luxury sleeper carriage service connecting Hanoi to Lao Cai, the gateway to Sapa, combining modern comfort with Indochina charm. You will enjoy an elegant wooden cabin with a comfortable bed and quality services on board, including a private dining car.

Before departure, you can relax in the Victoria Lounge, a refined space with plush sofas and fast Wi-Fi. Once on board, a welcome kit awaits you, and the staff will help you pre-order meals and drinks.

The train rolls gently through the night, and in the morning a breakfast is served just before arrival at Lao Cai station. From there, you can choose from several excursions, or continue directly to Sapa (about 30 km away by road).

>>> Our practical guide for a successful trip to Sapa

4. La Reine: A High-End Experience in the Highlands

The "La Reine" (Queen) train, launched by Vietnam Railways at Da Lat Station in December 2024, offers a premium ride on the Da Lat – Trại Mát line. Inspired by the architecture of Queen Nam Phương’s Palace, it combines Indochinese and French design, with period lighting, elegant furniture, free Wi-Fi and air conditioning.

Each carriage has 36 seats arranged along the sides for better views of Da Lat’s rolling hills, and private VIP compartments with 12 seats each suit families or groups who want more privacy.

Extras such as live violin performances and local treats like artichoke tea and light snacks turn a short commute into a small escape. Onboard parties and weddings are also offered.

>>> Learn more about: Train Travel in Vietnam: COMPLETE Guide, Itineraries, and Tips.

5. Hoa Phuong Do luxury train connecting Hanoi & Hai Phong

The "Hoa Phượng Đỏ" (Red Flamboyant Flower) train launched on May 10, 2025, to mark the 70th anniversary of Hai Phong’s liberation. Within its first seven months it had made over 1,700 trips and carried more than 850,000 passengers. By summer 2026 it was running four pairs of trains a day, with extra services on weekends.

The train has 20 cars in three classes. The two Indochine-style VIP carriages (34 seats each) have natural wood floors, individual and long sofas, a bar, live music and free Wi-Fi. The high-quality carriages have 56 seats that swivel 180° so you can face the scenery, and the standard carriages have 64 seats.

Inside, classic Indochinese style meets modern touches, including wave patterns that evoke Hai Phong's coastal mood. The trip takes about two and a half hours.

Fares: At launch, the VIP car cost VND 250,000 on weekdays and VND 300,000 on weekends, the high-quality seats VND 150,000–180,000, and standard seats from VND 105,000. Holiday and weekend fares have since risen (VIP VND 350,000 over New Year 2026), and prices vary by day, so check the current fare when booking.

6. Trains Rich in Experiences

Hanoi 5 Cửa Ô (The Hanoi Train): a double-decker heritage journey to Bac Ninh

Launched on August 19, 2025 and running since August 31, 2025, "Hanoi 5 Cửa Ô" is Vietnam’s first double-decker tourist train. Its five carriages are named after the old gates of Thang Long citadel (Quan Chuong, Cau Den, Cau Giay, Cho Dua and Dong Mac), and each carriage is themed with its own performances, food and decor.

The train leaves Hanoi Station, crosses the historic Long Bien Bridge and stops at Tu Son in Bac Ninh, the "Heritage Hub" for temples, craft villages and Quan Ho folk singing. Expect a morning and an afternoon departure (around 8:00 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.), with extra weekend trips and Mondays reserved for maintenance. Tickets have been priced at roughly VND 550,000–750,000 depending on the carriage, and after seven months of operation it had carried over 61,000 passengers. Weekend seats often sell out.

The Revolution Express: heritage steam between Da Nang and Hue

The Revolution Express will run meticulously restored 1960s steam locomotives (the last working French Mikado-design engines in Vietnam) pulling retro-styled carriages over the Hai Van Pass and past the Lang Co lagoon, connecting Da Nang and Hue on one of the world’s most scenic railway routes.

After several delays from its original late-2024 target, the operator says a soft opening is planned for the second half of 2026, with daily one-way slow steam journeys between private stations in Da Nang and Hue, a relaxed lunch stop and optional excursions from Lang Co station. Half-day trips to and from Lang Co and additional return services are expected later. Confirm the current launch status and fares with the operator before planning around it.

Available now on the same corridor: Vietnam Railways’ "Connecting Central Vietnam Heritage" tourist trains, launched in March 2024, still run daily between Da Nang and Hue along the Hai Van coastline.

Hanoi - Thai Nguyen Tourist Train: Discovering Tea Culture

The Hanoi – Thái Nguyên train is not classified as a luxury service but is rich in cultural experiences. The route takes passengers from Hanoi to Vietnam’s best-known tea region in about 2.5 hours.

Onboard, travelers can listen to the enchanting Then songs performed by Tày girls in traditional attire while enjoying Thái tea with regional delicacies. After a pilot run on December 28, 2024, the line was reopened for tourism in 2025 and is now operated with travel agencies, with Vietnam Railways planning themed "tea ceremony" trips. Departures are not yet as regular as on the other trains here, so ask your agent for the next available date.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best luxury train in Vietnam in 2026?

SJourney is the most luxurious, with private en-suite cabins on an 8-day Hanoi–Ho Chi Minh City journey. For a shorter trip, The Vietage suits the central coast, Victoria Express suits an overnight trip to Sapa, and Hoa Phượng Đỏ is the most affordable premium option.

How much does the SJourney train cost in 2026?

Journeys start from about US$8,600 per person (roughly VND 200 million or more) for the 8-day trip, depending on cabin and departure date. New Suite and Imperial Suite categories, priced at around VND 860 million and VND 1.7 billion, are due to debut in October 2026.

Is The Vietage worth it compared with flying?

The Vietage costs more than a domestic flight and saves little time, but it is a scenic, gourmet experience with only 12 seats per journey. It is worth it if the journey itself is part of your holiday.

What time does the train from Hanoi to Sapa leave?

Most tourist sleeper carriages, including Victoria Express, depart Hanoi at about 22:00 and reach Lao Cai around 05:55 the next morning. The return leaves Lao Cai at about 21:30 and arrives in Hanoi around 05:25.

How often does the Hoa Phượng Đỏ train run between Hanoi and Hai Phong?

As of summer 2026 the train runs four pairs of trains a day, with extra weekend trips. The journey takes about two and a half hours, and fares depend on the class and the day of travel.

Is the Revolution Express steam train running yet?

The operator has said the Revolution Express will have a soft opening in the second half of 2026, with daily one-way steam journeys between Da Nang and Hue. Check with the operator or your travel agent for the current status before booking.

How far in advance should I book a luxury train in Vietnam?

As early as you can. SJourney and The Vietage have very few seats, and The Vietage requires reservations at least three days ahead. For Vietnam Railways routes, discounts of around 5–10% have been offered for booking about 20 days ahead on long-haul routes, while last-minute tickets can cost more.

Where can I book Vietnam’s luxury trains?

You can book directly with operators such as SJourney, The Vietage by Anantara and Victoria Express, through Vietnam Railways for routes like Hanoi–Hai Phong and Da Lat–Trai Mat, or through a local travel agency such as Kampá Tour, which can combine trains with hotels, transfers and excursions.

Our Last Words

Traveling on these trains is not just a simple journey, but a real adventure through Vietnam’s most fascinating landscapes. From the Victoria Express with its old-world charm to the SJourney that connects the north to the south in unmatched comfort, and from The Vietage and La Reine to newer cultural journeys like Hanoi 5 Cửa Ô and the coming Revolution Express, each train offers a unique blend of elegance and discovery. Rail travel in Vietnam keeps growing in 2026, and it is an essential experience for anyone who wants to explore the country with refinement and comfort.

>>> Also read:

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• 11 Best Junks in Halong Bay
• Hanoi Train Street: A Complete Guide by Locals
• How to get from Hue to Hoi An: Train, bus or other options?
• New Hue Train Tours proffer Breathtaking Views of Lang Co Bay