Saigon Golden Train

3.6
40 customer reviews
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About Saigon Golden Train

Company Information

Saigon Golden Train is a great option for travellers in Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) who are interested in enjoying some beach time at the popular seaside city of Nha Trang.

These carriages are attached to the Vietnam Railways SNT1 and SNT2 trains that connect HCMC and Nha Trang and each can accommodate up to 50 passengers. Do bear in mind that Saigon Golden Train is a popular choice along this route so it is worth booking in advance if possible, especially during busy periods such as Tet.

Routes served by Saigon Golden Train

Ho Chi Minh City–Nha Trang

There is one departure each day in both directions, with the journey typically lasting just over nine hours.

The train departs HCMC at 20.30 every evening, arriving in Nha Trang for 05.30, and costs VND1,340,000 for a space in a four-berth cabin. The cost is also the same if you're travelling in the opposite direction with the train departing Nha Trang at 20.05 and scheduled to arrive in HCMC at 05.25.

Pros

The carriages operated by Saigon Golden Train are typically of a higher quality that the standard Vietnam Railways carriages. Indeed, the difference in quality between carriages managed by Vietnam Railways and private operators on this route is more noticeable than on other routes such as Hanoi – Sapa.

The cabins onboard are more comfortable so you may find the higher price a worthwhile investment if it means that you can enjoy a better sleep.

As well as the food and drink vendors who wander up and down trains across the country, there is also an onboard restaurant open to customers of Saigon Golden Train, ideal if you want a slightly more substantial meal.

Cons

Unfortunately, Saigon Golden Train only offers one departure each day which may not fit into your schedule. It is also possible to visit Nha Trang from HCMC, or vice versa, travelling with Vietnam Railways where you can purchase slightly cheaper tickets and there are more departures each day so greater flexibility.

Also, if you're travelling on a tight budget then you may consider Saigon Golden Train too expensive for you. If this is the case then don't worry, Vietnam Railways is also a good way to travel and you've got a higher chance of making friends with the locals!

Keep in mind

It is worth noting that, unlike many other private operators on trains throughout Vietnam, Saigon Golden Train only offers four-berth carriages rather than private two-berth compartments.

Travellers reviews

Travellers who picked Saigon Golden Train for this trip are usually impressed with the quality and the comfort offered in the cabins. Unlike on some other routes around the country, the difference in quality between these and the standard Vietnam Railways cabins is more obvious and you may feel as though you're getting greater value for money.

However, if you're on a strict budget you may rather take your chances in the cheaper Vietnam Railways cabins. This is a view shared by some customers who believe that the difference in price is too large to justify choosing Saigon Golden Train. It really does just come down to a matter of personal choice.

Another issue that is made by reviewers of Saigon Golden Train is the cleanliness of the bathrooms onboard the trains. Cabins do not have individual bathrooms so you will have to share with other Saigon Golden Train customers and they can quickly become dirty with a large number of passengers using them. Unfortunately, this is an issue with train travel across the country in general. If it's any consolation, the bathrooms in the standard Vietnam Railways carriages are likely to be even worse! Just be sure to bring some toilet paper and hand sanitizer with you…

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Saigon Golden Train Popular Routes

NaN Passengers

Saigon Golden Train Company Reviews

K D
Took vip 4 sleeper. We were 3 adults from same family. A father and young daughter had 4th bunk in cabin. Turned our lights out and slept reasonable well. It's train travel, so you do have a bit of noise and rumble and tumble, train stopped twice for 30 minutes each time, we got a knock 30 minutes before our station came up. Would definitely travel again my train, once dawn came up it was amazing traveling through towns and waving to the locals..
Train#SNT2 VIP Sleeper 4x, Saigon Golden Train (Sài Gòn Golden Train), Jan 30, 2020
A D
Nice train with good service
Train#SNT2 VIP Sleeper 4x, Saigon Golden Train (Sài Gòn Golden Train), Jan 18, 2020
A G
No problems! Exceeded expectations, although the place to get your ticket for golden trains at Saigon is not kiosk three- go to the information desk :)
Train#SNT2 VIP Sleeper 4x, Saigon Golden Train (Sài Gòn Golden Train), Nov 28, 2019
R D
Don't have any expectations and you won't be disappointed I was able to sleep majority of the trip and charge my appliances
Train#SNT2 VIP Sleeper 4x, Saigon Golden Train (Sài Gòn Golden Train), May 18, 2019
K V
Bathroom was dirty. Not sure what VIP meant but it was a shared bathroom in a coach. Interior was and felt muggy. AC ran high for a good while but was turned down 1/3 off the trip in. Earplugs didn't help those all the noise from the train track and movements in train. Only water was provided. No snacks but vendors came around with snacks to buy like boiled eggs, instant noodles, drinks. Bed was firm.
Train#SNT1 VIP Sleeper 4x, Saigon Golden Train (Sài Gòn Golden Train), Apr 10, 2019
C M
Hmmmm... had a so so Experience- one of the staff in blue uniform( female) in charge of # 10 train car was pretty brutally mean towards myself and my wife , we bought tickets online ahead of time( 2 weeks) and received our tickets at the Ho Chi Minh City train station- as we were boarding, the lady in blue, took our tickets and pointed to car 10. We found our cabin, got settled in, she came along and ordered us out!! Pointing to another cabin 2 doors down- abruptly demanding hurry hurry- ( very bullying)As I was putting my shoes on she yelled hurry hurry!!)...WOW!! Then after we finally got relocated- She ordered us back into the original cabin!???!! Also we paid 135.00 USD for 2 adult sleeper!!- I think the local people paid 20.00 USD or 464,000.00 VND
Train#SNT2 VIP Sleeper 4x, Saigon Golden Train (Sài Gòn Golden Train), Mar 14, 2019
O B
On time and reasonably clean.
Train#SNT2 VIP Sleeper 4x, Saigon Golden Train (Sài Gòn Golden Train), Jan 22, 2019
D C
Très bien mais peut être qu'il faudrais d'avantage nettoyer les coussins qui sente un peu mauvais...
Train#SNT2 VIP Sleeper 4x, Saigon Golden Train (Sài Gòn Golden Train), Jan 4, 2019
D B
The compartment was reasonably clean, although some stains on bed linen. The floor of the toilet was covered by urine. The train ride is rather loud and bumpy so it is hard to get some sleep - take ear plugs. We also booked two lower berths but we were given an upper and a lower, and of course you share with others. As long as you don’t expect a luxury experience or a good night’s sleep, the train ride is fine. Had to pick up tickets from a different location than the one indicated on the voucher. We just asked around at the main reception and someone was willing to help us.
Train#SNT2 VIP Sleeper 4x, Saigon Golden Train (Sài Gòn Golden Train), Oct 24, 2018
S V
Train nowhere near as good as Se1. Not as comfortable as no power socket nr bed
Train#SNT2 VIP Sleeper 4x, Saigon Golden Train (Sài Gòn Golden Train), Oct 20, 2018
L L
Yet again very unhelpful staff at station. More english announcements would be useful.
Train#SNT1 VIP Sleeper 4x, Saigon Golden Train (Sài Gòn Golden Train), Aug 14, 2018
M F
Air conditioning too strong.... We freeze... Otherwise everything is very noisy
This review was autotranslated
Train#SNT1 VIP Sleeper 4x, Saigon Golden Train (Sài Gòn Golden Train), Aug 11, 2018
B C
clean train
Train#SNT1 VIP Sleeper 4x, Saigon Golden Train (Sài Gòn Golden Train), Jun 29, 2018
W H
The mattress was very hard and the a/c was absolutely freezing. Bring warm clothes.
Train#SNT2 VIP Sleeper 4x, Saigon Golden Train (Sài Gòn Golden Train), Jun 2, 2018
S B
Cabin was comfortable. Toilet was clean at the beginning of the trip, but not towards the end and the cabin was slightly mouldy. Those are the only complaints. Loved the song when entering HCMC!
Train#SNT1 VIP Sleeper 4x, Saigon Golden Train (Sài Gòn Golden Train), May 9, 2018
C E
The cabin we had was fine, for 4 people. It was clean and tidy. The bedding was clean. The wash area and the toilet were also clean. The beds were very hard and uncomfortable. The journey itself was very bumpy and the train was noisy on the track so we got very little sleep. Booking through 12go.asia was easy and straightforward.
Train#SNT2 VIP Sleeper 4x, Saigon Golden Train (Sài Gòn Golden Train), Mar 30, 2018
B B
+ Generally comfortable. Easily accessible toilet and sink. Good lighting, air conditioning and charging facilities. - However, bed sheets weren't clean at all. The pillow case was especially alarming. Information at HCMC train station could've been better as it was really hard to get hold of our tickets.
Train#SNT2 VIP Sleeper 4x, Saigon Golden Train (Sài Gòn Golden Train), Mar 9, 2018
N L
Very good service from 12Go Asia. The train trip itself was good. We arrived in Saigon earlier than we expected - 4am instead of 5:25. The beds in soft class are still quite hard, but everything else was good.
Train#SNT1 VIP Sleeper 4x, Saigon Golden Train (Sài Gòn Golden Train), Feb 3, 2018
J P
Trip was comfortable, and was actually an hour early, which is impressive, a little bit cold, as you can't turn off the Aircon. Happy with trip
Train#SNT1 VIP Sleeper 4x, Saigon Golden Train (Sài Gòn Golden Train), Dec 29, 2017
M C
easy to book and to pick up tickets. it was nice to travel with a group of 4 so we had the whole cabin to ourselves. Saigon Golden Train SNT1 was not quite as clean and nice as expected, however we still enjoyed our trip! we would do it again!
Train#SNT1 VIP Sleeper 4x, Saigon Golden Train (Sài Gòn Golden Train), Oct 10, 2017
L B
Not as good as advertised. I found the Vietnam Railways 1st class sleepers much better
Train#SNT1 VIP Sleeper 4x, Saigon Golden Train (Sài Gòn Golden Train), Oct 4, 2017
R A
Good service
Train#SNT2 VIP Sleeper 4x, Saigon Golden Train (Sài Gòn Golden Train), Aug 28, 2017
E L
Booking and ticket collection were seamless. My only complaints would be the freezing cold air conditioning through the night and sheets were not clean, which I had expected on the normal service- however on the Golden Train which is 3x price, I would expect clean sheets.
Train#SNT2 VIP Sleeper 4x, Saigon Golden Train (Sài Gòn Golden Train), Aug 18, 2017
S D
Train and cabin was great on SNT1. We have travelled slowly from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh all on train and this was the best leg by far. Cabin very clean and new, toilets very good throughout journey. Only negative was I am certain we booked on later train and we only realised at last minute that confirmed booking was made on earlier train, whilst confirmation still showed later arrival. Arrived HCM with 7 and 9 year old at 4am with no accommodation. If booking online I recommend double checking your ticket after confirmation comes through.
Train#SNT1 VIP Sleeper 4x, Saigon Golden Train (Sài Gòn Golden Train), Aug 7, 2017
L D
Saigon Golden Train was great! It was pretty easy to navigate the station and train left on time. I was unsure what to expect in terms of cleanliness, but I was happy to see a clean cabin with beds and floors. The toilet was also somewhat clean. I've camped on harder grounds and used dirtier toilets, so the accommodations exceeded my expectations. We arrived a little behind schedule but that worked out better for me. Would definitely take again.
Train#SNT2 VIP Sleeper 4x, Saigon Golden Train (Sài Gòn Golden Train), Jul 10, 2017
K S
Bed linen and carriage was clean and train arrived in Saigon in time. I have given this journey 3 stars as it wasn't worth the extra money - Saigon Golden Trains charge double the price of the normal Vietnam Rsilways sleepers. For the price difference you get clean linen and a face wipe. Karen
Train#SNT1 VIP Sleeper 4x, Saigon Golden Train (Sài Gòn Golden Train), Apr 4, 2017
A F
Ok train ride, but far from anything you can call VIP. much cleaner and comfy than 1. class so. Poor description about where to get the tickets, but great support by 12GO, the Golden Saigon Staff and the local trainstation staff.
Train#SNT2 VIP Sleeper 4x, Saigon Golden Train (Sài Gòn Golden Train), Feb 19, 2017
H S
Lovely little room but quite noisy to sleep in and the toilet wasn't too pleasant, needed a good clean!
Train#SNT2 VIP Sleeper 4x, Saigon Golden Train (Sài Gòn Golden Train), Feb 1, 2017
M M
We enjoyed the overnight train journey itself however the cabins were not as nice as the pictures.. the bed felt like the floor and the toilet in the golden train carriage was disgusting.. no toilet paper at the beginning and not clean.. expected more for the extra money spent for the private carriage. Booking with 12go Asia however was extremely easy and support was great.
Train#SNT2 VIP Sleeper 4x, Saigon Golden Train (Sài Gòn Golden Train), Jan 23, 2017
A W
An enjoyable way to travel. We have an 18 month old and 5 year old and found the sleeper cabins perfect for our needs. We had to use our suitcase to stop the baby rolling out of the bed but all went well. There were some late night party goers that were noisy until midnight. Only thing is making sure you don't miss your stop. We set our alarm but ended up getting there at 6am instead of 5.30am so missed out on some extra sleep. Sleeping to lull of train is soothing once the train is quiet. 12goasia was easy to use and we had no issue with tickets upon arrival.
Train#SNT2 VIP Sleeper 4x, Saigon Golden Train (Sài Gòn Golden Train), Dec 21, 2016
T D
The beds are a little hard and the train bumpy however the experience was great! Good ac and good size beds
Train#SNT2 VIP Sleeper 4x, Saigon Golden Train (Sài Gòn Golden Train), Sep 6, 2016
M J
Not great like the livitrans or orient, but better and cleaner than the Vietnam railways. The air con was very cold and we could not adjust it. One of the restrooms wasn't functional. That was an inconvenience.
Train#SNT1 VIP Sleeper 4x, Saigon Golden Train (Sài Gòn Golden Train), Aug 16, 2016
H
Not always easy to travel with large group (12 total), and we are lucky to have 12go to help with arranging this leg of our journey! Smooth and easy travels from Saigon with nice staff and clean bathrooms (a welcome surprise!),. Looking forward to booking with 12go again!
Train#SNT2 VIP Sleeper 4x, Saigon Golden Train (Sài Gòn Golden Train), May 31, 2016
Y K
Train#SNT2 VIP Sleeper 4x, Saigon Golden Train (Sài Gòn Golden Train), Jun 3, 2019
Z Z
Train#SNT2 VIP Sleeper 4x, Saigon Golden Train (Sài Gòn Golden Train), Jul 18, 2018
M C
Train#SNT2 VIP Sleeper 4x, Saigon Golden Train (Sài Gòn Golden Train), Dec 29, 2017
N M
Train#SNT1 VIP Sleeper 4x, Saigon Golden Train (Sài Gòn Golden Train), Sep 24, 2017
3.6
40 customer reviews
5
13%
4
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3
43%
2
3%
1
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97.5% of 40 travelers were presumably happy with Saigon Golden Train as they left good or no review