Operator profileVietnam Railways (Đường sắt Việt Nam)
Vietnam Railways is the state-owned operator of the historic Reunification Express ('Thống Nhất') running the length of the country between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, first opened in 1936 under French colonial administration and reunified as a single line in 1976. On its popular short branch line to Lao Cai (gateway to Sapa), Vietnam Railways leases individual sleeper carriages to a cluster of private tourist-class operators, including Chapa Express and Victoria Express, that attach to its own scheduled trains.
Key facts
Locomotive-hauled carriages offering soft seat, 6-berth AC hard sleeper and 4-berth AC soft sleeper classes; premium 2-berth VIP cabins appear on flagship SE-series trains and on select privately branded Lao Cai carriages.
Standard free baggage allowance with luggage storage in each compartment.
No formal check-in; passengers are advised to arrive 20-30 minutes before departure.
Refund rules vary by fare class and are stricter closer to departure.
On the Hanoi-Lao Cai line, several privately branded sleeper carriages (Chapa Express, Victoria Express, Fanxipan Express and others) are attached to the same physical Vietnam Railways train rather than running as separate competing services.
Rail passes
No regional rail pass covers Vietnam; tickets are point-to-point via Vietnam Railways or booking agents.
Routes operated
Da Nang 
~16h
Vietnam Railways
How to book Vietnam Railways
- Check the route and date on our route page, then note the cabin you want.
- Go to the operator’s own booking site — we never resell or mark up fares.
- Pick your cabin: prices rise as the train fills, so book early for the lowest fare.
- Bring photo ID for border crossings, and arrive a few minutes before departure — there is no airport-style check-in.
We link to the operator — we never mark up the fare.
Frequently asked questions
How far in advance can you book Vietnam Railways?
Tickets usually go on sale around 30 days before departure, and the cheapest fares go first.
Does Vietnam Railways accept Interrail and Eurail passes?
No regional rail pass covers Vietnam; tickets are point-to-point via Vietnam Railways or booking agents.
What cabins does Vietnam Railways offer?
Vietnam Railways sells Seat, Couchette, Sleeper Cabin, Private Cabin. Comfort and privacy differ a lot between them.
What is the luggage policy on Vietnam Railways?
Standard free baggage allowance with luggage storage in each compartment.
Can I cancel or change a Vietnam Railways ticket?
Refund rules vary by fare class and are stricter closer to departure.
Which routes does Vietnam Railways run?
We track 3 Vietnam Railways routes, including Hanoi–Da Nang, Hanoi–Hue, Hanoi–Lao Cai.