Violette Express Train

3.5
288 customer reviews
  • About
  • Popular Routes
  • Stations
  • Reviews

About Violette Express Train

Quick company Intro
Violette Express Train began offering services from Hanoi in 2016. Like many other private transport operators in Vietnam, the carriages on all routes are purchased from Vietnam Railways, the national company which manages the country's rail network.

All carriages on the Violette Express Train are air-conditioned four-bed VIP sleepers so you can rest assured that you will be travelling in the most comfortable surroundings.

Routes served by Violette Express Train

Hanoi–Lao Cai (Sapa)

Initially, Violette Express Train only connected Hanoi with the northern town of Lao Cai, a key stop on the route to the ever-popular mountain town of Sapa. As Sapa doesn't have a train station, if you are heading there by train you'll have to travel to Lao Cai before then catching a bus to Sapa, which should take around an hour.

There is one train each evening leaving Hanoi at 22.00 for Lao Cai, a journey that should take around 8 ½ hours, arriving into Lao Cai at 06.20 the following morning. At 21.10 each evening you can catch a train from Lao Cai headed to Hanoi, arriving at 05.25. The tickets will cost VND1,030,000 regardless of which way you're headed.

Hanoi–Hue–Da Nang

A newer route introduced by the Violette Express Train, connects Hanoi with the popular tourist cities of Hue and Da Nang.

There are two departures each day from Hanoi to Da Nang, leaving at 19.30 and 22.00 (scheduled to arrive at 11.30 and 13.00 respectively). There are also two trains heading in the opposite direction every day, at 12.45 and 14.15, which arrive in Hanoi at 04.50 and 05.40. The 15 hour journey costs VND2,005,000 each way.

Travellers wishing to visit Hue can catch services that are headed for either Hanoi or Da Nang. Hue is around 13 hours from Hanoi with a single ticket priced at VND1,750,000. If you're travelling from Hanoi to Hue, then jump on the train headed for Da Nang (at 19.30 or 22.00 every day).

Alternatively, if you're already in Hue and want to travel to Hanoi you can purchase a ticket for trains leaving Da Nang that will stop at Hue at 15.30 and 16.45 and then take you all the way to Hanoi.

Pros
The route connecting Hanoi and Lao Cai is incredibly scenic and you'll enjoy stunning views. Train travel really is the best way to see this part of the country and although it may be a bit slow, the journey will fly by.

The VIP sleepers on these routes are usually pretty comfortable and all have charging ports so you should be able to keep yourself entertained for the duration of the journey.

Cons
Unfortunately, the arrival times in Hanoi from Lao Cai, Hue and Da Nang are not ideal. It can sometimes be difficult arriving early in the morning or late at night as you may not be able to get to your accommodation easily if you have booked somewhere specifically. If you haven't booked any accommodation then you might have to carry your bags around for a few hours at least.

Although the cabins are usually fairly clean, there can be issues with the bathrooms on board these trains. Western toilets are available but they may not be cleaned thoroughly during the journey so probably won't be up to the standard you used to.

Keep in mind
It's worth bearing in mind that Violette Express Train only offers berths in sleeper carriages and there are no seats. This means that if you're travelling the short distance between Hue and Da Nang then you'll probably want to consider an alternative operator.

What travellers say
The biggest complaint on board these trains is typically the cleanliness of the bathrooms. Unfortunately, this is likely to be an issue on most forms of transport throughout Vietnam.

The noise levels on these routes can also be a bit of a surprise and take some getting used but is part of the experience of train travel in Vietnam. In truth, tickets are slightly more expensive in these privately-run carriages so they are likely to be less noisy than the cheaper carriages managed by Vietnam Railways.

Read more

Violette Express Train Popular Routes

Hanoi - Hue
19:20, 20:55, 21:10
Hanoi - Da Nang
19:20, 20:55, 21:10
Hanoi - Sapa
22:00
Da Nang - Ho Chi Minh City
11:29, 11:45, 12:47, 14:01
Ninh Binh - Hue
21:34, 23:10, 23:28
Sapa - Hanoi
21:30
Ninh Binh - Da Nang
21:34, 23:10, 23:28
Dong Hoi - Da Nang
05:41, 05:50, 07:05, 08:05
Ho Chi Minh City - Da Nang
19:00, 20:35, 20:50
Nha Trang - Ho Chi Minh City
00:06, 21:41, 22:07, 22:44
Da Nang - Nha Trang
11:29, 11:45, 12:47, 14:01
Hanoi - Dong Hoi
19:20, 20:55, 21:10
Hanoi - Ho Chi Minh City
19:20, 20:55, 21:10
Ninh Binh - Dong Hoi
21:34, 23:10, 23:28
Da Nang - Hue
12:57, 12:58, 13:51, 15:11
Hue - Da Nang
08:05, 08:45, 08:56, 10:04, 10:30, 11:11
Da Nang - Hanoi
12:57, 12:58, 13:51, 15:11
Dong Hoi - Hue
05:41, 05:50, 07:05, 08:05
Da Nang - Binh Dinh
11:29, 11:45, 12:47, 14:01
Hue - Ho Chi Minh City
08:45, 08:56, 10:04, 11:11
Binh Dinh - Ho Chi Minh City
17:29, 17:45, 18:35, 19:43
Hue - Hanoi
15:32, 15:40, 16:22, 17:41
Da Nang - Dong Hoi
12:57, 12:58, 13:51, 15:11
Da Nang - Binh Thuan
11:29, 11:45, 12:47, 14:01
Hue - Dong Hoi
15:32, 15:40, 16:22, 17:41
Ho Chi Minh City - Nha Trang
19:00, 20:35, 20:50
Binh Dinh - Nha Trang
17:29, 17:45, 18:35, 19:43
Hanoi - Nha Trang
19:20, 20:55, 21:10
Ho Chi Minh City - Hue
19:00, 20:35, 20:50
NaN Passengers

Violette Express Train Stations

Dong HoiDa NangDieu TriHanoiHueSapa Lao CaiBinh ThuanNinh BinhNha TrangHo Chi Minh CityTuy HoaTam Ky

Violette Express Train Company Reviews

E B
The bathroom was not clean at all. Good for the trip!
This review was autotranslated
Train#SP3 VIP Sleeper 4x, Violette Express Train, Mar 17, 2023
M C
Good way to travel but felt dirty and it was so hard to youse the toilets when the train was moving due to the water splashing around. Got a cute welcome bag with snacks tho
Train#SE 3 VIP Sleeper 4x, Violette Express Train, Jan 13, 2023
P P
the driver threw us in a lost place where there was no way for us to find a bus or a taxi.
Train#SE 3 VIP Sleeper 4x, Violette Express Train, Sep 14, 2022
R L
Was comfortable nice air con but was advertised as free Wi-Fi which there wasn’t any so that’s why it dropped a star
Train#SE 1 VIP Sleeper 4x, Violette Express Train, Jun 9, 2022
I P
Мне понравилось, хотелось опробовать вьетнамские железные дороги. Чисто, по расписанию, проводник приветливый. Особо поспать не удалось, потому что как-то сильно трясло и потом все время волнуешься, что проедешь свою станцию. В этом смысле конечно лучше ехать подольше, например часов 17. Смыв в туалете не работал, но можно было воспользоваться туалетом в соседнем вагоне. В вагоне прохладно, кондиционер работал исправно. Разносят бесплатную воду в бутылках.
Train#SE2 VIP Sleeper 4x, Violette Express Train, Mar 22, 2020
J N
The ride was very jerky and noisy. But clean toilet and sink. And free drinks and snacks for everyone
This review was autotranslated
Train#SE1 VIP Sleeper 4x, Violette Express Train, Mar 19, 2020
S O
Except for the sanitary facilities on the train a good way to travel
This review was autotranslated
Train#SE1 VIP Sleeper 4x, Violette Express Train, Feb 21, 2020
B K
No sope to wash hands. Toilet could be more clean p
Train#SE1 VIP Sleeper 4x, Violette Express Train, Jan 19, 2020
G T
Very nous train, very hard to fallo a sleep
Train#SE1 VIP Sleeper 4x, Violette Express Train, Dec 29, 2019
U A
Compared to what we spent for the ticket ( not cheap) the service was definitely unsatisfactory. The cabin was dirty. We killed 3 cockroaches. The sheets had yellow stains and were not clean. On a positive note, the train compared to the train to Sapa is less noisy.
This review was autotranslated
Train#SE3 VIP Sleeper 4x, Violette Express Train, Dec 28, 2019
K B
It was easy to exchange voucher for ticket at da nang station, which gives coach and cabin number. The trip to Saigon went well. The standard didn't quite meet that of Laman Express, but it also wasn't as expensive as Laman. It was great to view vietnamese countryside along the way.
Train#SE1 VIP Sleeper 4x, Violette Express Train, Dec 7, 2019
P O
No Violette carriage from Da Nang to ho chi Minh city. So put in 1st class ac. Bed clothes strewn across carriage from previous occupants. Toilet unusable if you need to sit. Thankfully I didn't. Best thing were the train staff. Lovely helpful people. Oh did I mention sharing my bed with 3 cockroaches?
Train#SE1 VIP Sleeper 4x, Violette Express Train, Nov 27, 2019
R B
Trains - compared Thailand - less comfort, loud restless car running.Price-performance ratio too high!
This review was autotranslated
Train#SE1 VIP Sleeper 4x, Violette Express Train, Nov 26, 2019
S D
The cleanless of the train was ok. But i didn't became what i have booked. I booked the VIP 4 Bed Purple Train. Inside was nothing decorated in purple and no water or fruits was inside the room. I'm sure it was a cheaper class. On my boarding pass is written a cheaper price than i have paid. So it's very sad when they are promise a good service but don't exist in the real life. The staff can't speak english but the man in my track was very helpfull with my luggage. Is it a experience but you can book a cheaper class and become the same.
This review was autotranslated
Train#SE3 VIP Sleeper 4x, Violette Express Train, Nov 21, 2019
G B
Same category as the Hanoi - Lao Cai train but definitely lower level. Only one bathroom for 2 carriages
This review was autotranslated
Train#SP4 VIP Sleeper 4x, Violette Express Train, Nov 17, 2019
D W
The 2nd class is very simple but clean, a small supply of snack and drink is included. Only toilet and washing facilities could be cleaner. Overall very satisfied.
This review was autotranslated
Train#SP3 VIP Sleeper 4x, Violette Express Train, Nov 17, 2019
M W
Really good cabin, clean, felt safe, just the air con is pretty cold - so dont forget extra jacket, right in time
Train#SE1 VIP Sleeper 4x, Violette Express Train, Oct 16, 2019
M C
Toilets were gross and we didn’t get offered any food.
Train#SE3 VIP Sleeper 4x, Violette Express Train, Oct 9, 2019
A A
Punctual departure, clean sleeper accommodation.
Train#SE1 VIP Sleeper 4x, Violette Express Train, Oct 2, 2019
D H
Trip from Hanoi to Lao Cai has been much better, on the trip back to Hanoi we disliked: - no clean toilet even 2 hours after departing train - very noisy shock absorption under coach 5 cabin 1 not allowed to sleep, when reporting that to the conductor we got another place, fortunately - other guests of the same cabin seem not to have any complex to lay in the same bed that originally was given to us
This review was autotranslated
Train#SP4 VIP Sleeper 4x, Violette Express Train, Sep 24, 2019
R D
I had come to Vietnam to travel the country by train and was not expecting high standards of any type, The trains and station facilities are very basic and there is a definite lack of information for tourists, no help from staff at station not a word then again nobody in this country seems to want to engage with tourists or not me at least ??? I have enjoyed my train journeys and I’ve seen some fantastic scenery along the way and would recommend you for yourself however just don’t expect high standards that you may be used too in your own country. I paid for violette train SE3 which should have had luxury compartments as in the description and cost was far higher than standard price ??? Apparently this was the only ticket available so I had no choice, standard is always good enough for me. There was a woman sitting at a small desk at the station where I swapped my voucher and was given a ticket for getting through the automatic barriers. I boarded at Danang and my cabin was very dirty from previous occupants from Hanoi to Danang, there was lots of insects crawling on the walls, the bedding had been used already and just simply folded for me to reuse. I quickly realised that my compartment was no different to any other compartment on the train regardless of ticket type you paid for so makes me wonder why I had to pay far more for the same thing ? I arrived at Nah Trang 20 minutes late, not bad for over 9 hour journey. Go for it and give it a try but don’t expect too much, certainly don’t expect a Vietnamese to acknowledge you or speak to you, maybe push you out the way, give you dirty looks, run off with your change !
Train#SE3 VIP Sleeper 4x, Violette Express Train, Sep 14, 2019
J E
Even in VIP the berths are hard More comfortable train than oriental express
This review was autotranslated
Train#SE3 VIP Sleeper 4x, Violette Express Train, Sep 8, 2019
E B
Per 60 euro mi aspettavo servizio diverso, invece le cuccette del treno erano tutte uguali. Se quello era un letto morbido poi... era semirigido diciamo. L'unica cosa positiva è che ti forniscono da bere e da mangiare qualche snack.
Train#SE1 VIP Sleeper 4x, Violette Express Train, Aug 23, 2019
E C
Following the instructions in the voucher, we approached the coach we had been assigned. However, we were not allowed to get on the train because we had not exchanged the voucher for a ticket and, after 15-20 minutes, we were asked to get on a standard coach which did not correspond to the VIP coah we had paid for. Very disappointed.
Train#SP4 VIP Sleeper 4x, Violette Express Train, Aug 22, 2019
A R
Excellent the best Sleeper Train we have have used so far. More room than previous trains and more modern.
Train#SE1 VIP Sleeper 4x, Violette Express Train, Aug 20, 2019
L T
The train was clean, bathrooms were fine, slept well. Individual lights and charger ports
Train#SE3 VIP Sleeper 4x, Violette Express Train, Aug 17, 2019
M B
Vip coach only means different sheets and drinks and a crisp. The beds are the same and the noise also
Train#SE1 VIP Sleeper 4x, Violette Express Train, Aug 17, 2019
F K
Not comfortable at all
Train#SE1 VIP Sleeper 4x, Violette Express Train, Aug 17, 2019
A B
Excellent journey, really easy to pick up tickets at Hanoi station. Comfortable couchette.
Train#SE3 VIP Sleeper 4x, Violette Express Train, Aug 9, 2019
H J
This was not a vip sleeper, despite the price we payed. Hard beds also
Train#SE3 VIP Sleeper 4x, Violette Express Train, Aug 4, 2019
E K
An agent was at the station and told us which car to take. Wagon does not match the pictures. Old-fashioned wooden wagon, but clean. 4 small bottles of water and the equivalent of a kat kit, so bring something to eat in case you get hungry. You mustn't be a light sleeper, as the train is anything but smooth and you can feel the rails. Despite everything, we made it to Sapa on time, even if we were a bit sleepy.
This review was autotranslated
Train#SP3 VIP Sleeper 4x, Violette Express Train, Aug 4, 2019
A W
AC could not be regulated and it was set to VERY cold!! We were all freesing all trough the night!! VERY helpfull staff though!
Train#SE1 VIP Sleeper 4x, Violette Express Train, Aug 1, 2019
T H
Had a very nice trip with our family (3 kids, 6-9 years old). Cabin cool and clean. Toilet very dirty.
Train#SP4 VIP Sleeper 4x, Violette Express Train, Jul 27, 2019
C S
It was an easy trip. A bit shaky but ok , no problems
This review was autotranslated
Train#SP3 VIP Sleeper 4x, Violette Express Train, Jul 25, 2019
A B
The door wouldn't close, the toilet in our car was clogged.
This review was autotranslated
Train#SE3 VIP Sleeper 4x, Violette Express Train, Jul 24, 2019
T H
Our VIP sleeper was very comfortable and clean. We used it with 2 adults and 3 kids (6-9). The toilet is far from clean, that is a pity.
Train#SP3 VIP Sleeper 4x, Violette Express Train, Jul 22, 2019
M B
Vi havde en fin togtur. Vognen var ok ren og pæn. Dog så vi en lille mus under et af vores sæder. Desuden kunne rude med fordel gøres ren, så man kunne se mere ud af den. Men samlet er vi fint tilfredse.
Train#SE3 VIP Sleeper 4x, Violette Express Train, Jul 16, 2019
C C
Noisy and very bumpy. Not very comfortable
Train#SE3 VIP Sleeper 4x, Violette Express Train, Jul 15, 2019
J B
Nice train ride but very noisy and hard to sleep
Train#SE1 VIP Sleeper 4x, Violette Express Train, Jul 12, 2019
G E
Very clean. 4little bottles of water en 4 bananas on the table. Not European comfort, but top experience !
Train#SE1 VIP Sleeper 4x, Violette Express Train, Jul 7, 2019
L G
Quality of the sanitary and cabines very very bad. Would not recommend to book with this company.
Train#SE2 VIP Sleeper 4x, Violette Express Train, Jun 26, 2019
J W
Cheap enough and comfortable enough. The toilets were disgusting and the mouse in our cabin was a good bunk mate for the cockroaches. Couldn’t wait to get off. The staffs were very pleasant and helpful though. Very long trip.
Train#SE3 VIP Sleeper 4x, Violette Express Train, May 25, 2019
Y C
We are a couple of nearly 70 years old each and we travelled from Hanoi to Hue in a 4 berth train. Although we were a bit shaken up, we slept relatively well (comfortable pillow). We were provided with a tray of water, bananas and cookies. I recommend this trip.
This review was autotranslated
Train#SE1 VIP Sleeper 4x, Violette Express Train, May 24, 2019
G S
Arrangements by 12goasia were excellent and it was easy to board the train. Berth on train was OK, but could have been quieter and more comfortable. The bunks did not fold away and travelling during the day was uncomfortable.
Train#SE3 VIP Sleeper 4x, Violette Express Train, May 22, 2019
R M
We travelled from Danang to Saigon on VIP TICKETS. The voucher that we had printed stated the carriage number but had no cabin number. It stated that on this trip, you showed the voucher as you boarded. Don’t do this! Ensure you know your cabin number before. We tried to get on our stated coach number (11a)for train SE 1 but were pointed in the direction of another coach. Now slightly panicked with lots of luggage in 38 degree heat, we rushed to coach 9 and boarded. We still didn’t know cabin number! Luckily the guard phoned through our booking number and found out. Unfortunately, we had been put in first class cabin, not VIP. We had the free drinks etc but had to share with a stranger. We payed £200 for three people and therefore expected to have the cabin to ourselves. The VIP cabins had all been taken by a tour company. The rest of the trip was as expected - beds a bit hard, bumpy , noisy ride, not much sleep, air con stopped for a while so everyone sweating (sorted quickly once we complained). The other difference between our coach and the VIP coach was the toilets. They had loo paper and western toilets, we had squat toilets. However, at least we could wander into the VIP cabin and use theirs!
Train#SE1 VIP Sleeper 4x, Violette Express Train, May 21, 2019
N K
VIP Sleeper - Hanoi - Hue Wasn't so bad at all clean beds toilets, of course, wasn't great but did the job. Just luck on who's in a cabin with you and next door regarding noise.
Train#SE3 VIP Sleeper 4x, Violette Express Train, May 12, 2019
D D
Everything went smoothly. Regular refreshment carts. Clean and comfy rooms/beds
Train#SE1 VIP Sleeper 4x, Violette Express Train, May 8, 2019
H V
A good way to travel longer distances. With our family we had a 4 person sleeping room. That was great. The train was clean, only the toilets not. But it as about you could expect in a full train. The continuering annoncements on every stations could better be skipped. Food was good and for a good price. Booking in avance was easy. We also tried to book from Da Nang to Hue, but all beds we occupied. So make your reservation as soon as possible.
Train#SE1 VIP Sleeper 4x, Violette Express Train, May 6, 2019
B M
Everything was as expected. Great experience! Bed a little bit hard and toilet blah but nothing we hadn't planned on.
Train#SE3 VIP Sleeper 4x, Violette Express Train, May 6, 2019
F C
Hard to find the car, nobody seemed to know where it was. Beds not made, comforter cover but no comforter! Toilet very dirty and smelly.
This review was autotranslated
Train#SE2 VIP Sleeper 4x, Violette Express Train, May 5, 2019
3.5
288 customer reviews
5
16%
4
38%
3
28%
2
18%
1
0%
81.9% of 288 travelers were presumably happy with Violette Express Train as they left good or no review