There's nothing so romantic as a journey by rail, and nothing so exciting as waking up each day in a new location.
What's even better? Travelling by sleeper train means you can cut down on accommodation expenses and spend that money elsewhere!
In this itinerary, you'll find all you need to plan your own budget Vietnam adventure, including trains, costs, and accommodation for rest and sightseeing purposes, .
The following stops are included in this 14-day adventure:
- Hanoi
- Hue
- Hoi An (Da Nang)
- Nha Trang
- Ho Chi Minh City
Duration: 10–14 days (flexible)
Style: Overnight sleeper trains, minimal internal flights
Mission Goals: Cultural immersion, scenic travel, comfort, and local flavor
Vietnam’s Reunification Express (North–South Railway) is your spine route.
Start: Hanoi (North)
End: Ho Chi Minh City (South)
Stops & Sleepers:
- Hanoi → Hue (sleeper train)
- Hue → Da Nang / Hoi An (sleeper or day train)
- Da Nang → Nha Trang (sleeper train)
- Nha Trang → Ho Chi Minh City (sleeper or day train)
Sample 12-Day Itinerary
🧧 Day 1–2: Hanoi
- Explore Old Quarter, Train Street, Hoan Kiem Lake
- Optional: Day trip to Ninh Binh or Ha Long Bay
- Train: Night Train to Hue (SE3 or SE19 | ~13 hrs | 4-berth soft sleeper)
🎨 Day 3–4: Hue
- Visit Imperial City, Perfume River, royal tombs
- Train: Late evening or night train to Da Nang (SE21 or SE3 | ~2.5 hrs)
🌊 Day 5–6: Hoi An (via Da Nang)
- Transfer by taxi/bus from Da Nang (~45 mins)
- Stroll Ancient Town, lantern-lit evenings, tailors & beach chill
- Return to Da Nang
- Train: Night train to Nha Trang (SE1 or SE3 | ~9 hrs)
🐠 Day 7–8: Nha Trang
- Beach time, mud baths, island-hopping
- Seafood galore
- Train: Night train to Ho Chi Minh City (SE1 | ~8 hrs)
🌇 Day 9–12: Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)
- Explore Cu Chi Tunnels, War Remnants Museum
- Markets, rooftop cocktails, motorbike madness
🚃 Sleeper Train Tips
- Class: 4-berth soft sleeper (recommended)
- Booking: Use Baolau.com or 12Go.asia (trusted for foreigners)
- Essentials: Earplugs, eye mask, wet wipes, power bank
- Toilet alert: Bring tissue; facilities are basic
- Security: Lock zips, keep passport/valuables close
- Local hack: Book lower bunks – more headroom and stability
🧭 Optional Add-Ons
- Sapa (from Hanoi, via night train – Fansipan mountain & rice terraces)
- Mui Ne (from Nha Trang or HCMC – red/white sand dunes, kitesurfing)
- Mekong Delta (after Saigon – floating markets, village vibes)
🧳 Packing for Rail Life
- Light luggage (preferably a backpack)
- Slip-on shoes for train cabins
- Layers – AC can be chilly
- Small padlock for bags
- Download offline maps & entertainment
🎟️ Sleeper Train Segments with Price Estimates & Booking Links
1. Hanoi → Hue (~13 hrs)
- Budget: Vietnam Railways SE1/SE3/SE19 – Soft sleeper (4-berth): ~$50–$70 USD
- Luxury: Violette Express or Livitrans – Soft sleeper: ~$75–$76 USD
- Booking: Vietnam Transportsvietnam-transports.com+1Northern Vietnam+1
2. Hue → Da Nang (~2.5 hrs)
- Budget: SE21 – Soft seat: ~$3.50 USD; Soft sleeper: ~$6.50 USD
- Booking: Vietnam TrainCentral Vietnam Guide+2vietnamtrain.com+2vietnamtrain.com+2
3. Da Nang → Nha Trang (~10 hrs)
- Budget: Vietnam Railways SE1/SE3 – Soft sleeper: ~$16–$18 USD
- Luxury: Violette Express – Soft sleeper: ~$65 USD
- Booking: Vietnam TrainNorthern Vietnam+1vietnam-transports.com+1vietnamtrain.com+1vietnamtrain.com+1
4. Nha Trang → Ho Chi Minh City (~8 hrs)
- Budget: Vietnam Railways SE1/SE3 – Soft sleeper: ~$15–$20 USD
- Booking: Vietnam Railways or 12Go Asia
💎 Luxury Sleeper Options
- Violette Express: Operates on SE1 and SE3 routes. Offers upgraded cabins with enhanced amenities.
- Livitrans Express: Provides luxury soft sleepers with modern facilities on select routes.
- The Vietage by Anantara: A premium 6-hour journey from Da Nang to Quy Nhon, featuring private seating, gourmet dining, and spa services. Condé Nast TravelerFood & Wine+1Condé Nast Traveler+1
💰 Budget Sleeper Options
- Vietnam Railways SE Trains: Reliable and economical. Soft sleeper (4-berth) cabins are recommended for comfort.
- Booking Platforms: Vietnam Railways, 12Go Asia, Baolau
🧳 Additional Tips
- Booking: Reserve tickets at least 1–2 weeks in advance, especially for luxury options.
- Cabin Choice: Lower berths are preferable for ease of access and stability.
- Amenities: Bring essentials like earplugs, eye mask, and a travel pillow for added comfort.vietnam-transports.com
💸 TOTAL MISSION BUDGET (14 Days in Vietnam)
Estimate for one traveller: €800–€1,000 (all-in)
Includes trains, flights, accommodation, meals, activities, and local transport.
🛏️ Accommodation (13 nights)
- Budget guesthouses / hostels / 2-star hotels
- Avg: €12–€20 per night
| Destination | Nights | Cost (avg €16) |
|---|---|---|
| Hanoi | 2 | €32 |
| Hue | 2 | €32 |
| Hoi An (Da Nang) | 3 | €48 |
| Nha Trang | 2 | €32 |
| Ho Chi Minh City | 4 | €64 |
| Total | 13 | €208 |
🚆 Sleeper Trains
- 4 budget night trains + 1 short ride
- Soft sleeper tickets (Vietnam Railways)
| Route | Cost (€) |
|---|---|
| Hanoi → Hue | €48 |
| Hue → Da Nang | €6 |
| Da Nang → Nha Trang | €18 |
| Nha Trang → HCMC | €18 |
| Total | €90 |
🍜 Food & Drink
- Street food: €2–€5 per meal
- Coffee/juice/snacks: €1–€2
- Daily food budget: €12–€15
- 14 days: €170–€210
🛺 Local Transport, Transfers & Entry Fees
- Grab/taxi/bus: €2–€5 per day
- Hue Citadel, museums, temples, etc.
- Total: €60
🌴 Optional Activities
- Ha Long Bay Day Trip (from Hanoi): €40
- Cooking class / street food tour in Hoi An: €20
- Nha Trang island hop/snorkel tour: €25
- Cu Chi Tunnels tour: €20
- Total: €100 (pick & choose)