50
Checking Seats Availability
Loading seats data...
Recommended
From Noibai Airport to Da Nang by flight
#VN161
![Vietnam Airlines]()
06:00
HAN Noibai Airport, Hanoi
07:20
DAD Da Nang Airport
1h 20m
Instant
20kg
#VN165
![Vietnam Airlines]()
09:30
HAN Noibai Airport, Hanoi
10:50
DAD Da Nang Airport
1h 20m
Instant
20kg
#VN171
![Vietnam Airlines]()
10:30
HAN Noibai Airport, Hanoi
11:55
DAD Da Nang Airport
1h 25m
Instant
20kg
#VN173
![Vietnam Airlines]()
12:30
HAN Noibai Airport, Hanoi
13:50
DAD Da Nang Airport
1h 20m
Instant
20kg
#VN177
![Vietnam Airlines]()
15:00
HAN Noibai Airport, Hanoi
16:20
DAD Da Nang Airport
1h 20m
Instant
20kg
#VN181
![Vietnam Airlines]()
16:30
HAN Noibai Airport, Hanoi
17:50
DAD Da Nang Airport
1h 20m
Instant
20kg
#VN185
![Vietnam Airlines]()
18:30
HAN Noibai Airport, Hanoi
19:50
DAD Da Nang Airport
1h 20m
Instant
20kg
#VN187
![Vietnam Airlines]()
21:00
HAN Noibai Airport, Hanoi
22:20
DAD Da Nang Airport
1h 20m
Instant
20kg
Passenger reviews out of total 5,261 passengers who traveled with us on this route.
At 12Go our operators offer three types of service:
Cheap, Fast, Good - but you can usually pick only two of them!
Cheap & Fast won’t be Good. (e.g. buses from/to Khao San Road, local buses or 3rd class trains)
Cheap & Good won’t be Fast. (e.g. VIP trains in Thailand)
Fast & Good won’t be Cheap. (e.g. private limousine services, or VIP24 buses vs Express buses)
Make your choice! Please remember that while we are closely monitoring the services, we are still an agency marketplace. That means we focus on ticketing services and route availability & coverage rather than on the factual seat reclining angle you will get on the bus today.
train #SE3 VIP Sleeper 4x, Violette Express Train
The toilet was not flushing properly. The water was all over the floor.
The meal option for breakfast was limited to pork, which I don’t eat.
At the train station when I went to claim the ticket i was asked by the staff if I want to have a full private cabin by paying another 2 million Vietnamese Dongs ( i am not sure if this was a scam or real, since I didn’t receive a voucher for that and the staff put the money in her own bag).
Probably next time i will try the Vietnam Railways 1st class. Since there is no difference but the later is cheaper.
train #SE1 VIP Sleeper, Vietnam Railways
The train was on time, we were able to get on the train and settle in one hour before departure, it arrived on time, it was clean, staff was very nice, we slept very well, I highly recommend!!
train #SE3 VIP Sleeper 4x, Violette Express Train
Good trip but the track was closed just before Danang due to flooding
train #SE1 VIP Sleeper 4x, Violette Express Train
All good. Easy check in. Clean train. Bouncy but fine. Would recommend.
avia Economy, VietJet Air
VietJet was first airline in Southeast Asia to force carry-on luggage to be checked. 2 kilograms overweight? Wow! Great job! 330,000 VND (15 USD) Brutal. Use other carrier next time.
train #SE7 Class II AC, Vietnam Railways
Enjoyable trip
train #SE1 VIP Sleeper, Vietnam Railways
The cabins were nice and comfortable. However the aircon was very temperamental, sometimes it was very hot and at other times it was freezing! The toilets were also rather smelly.
bus Semi Sleeper, Grouptour
The seats were comfortable and even I'm over 6'3" I slept well with slightly bend legs. What can be improved is certainly communication. The bus departed 1.5h behind schedule. Nobody told us when bus arrive. Also at 4am I was woken up by one of the staff who doesn't speak english well and it looked like he want me to get off somewhere in the middle of the way between Hanoi and Da Nang. It showed up he just want me to go out and show him which bags are mine. Idk why. Second thing what can be improved is cleanliness. There is tons of small cockroaches living in the area where window enters interior wall. One vacuum in this area would certainly help. Otherwise satisfaction. I arrived in time.
train #SE3 VIP Sleeper 4x, Violette Express Train
Train was clean and on time. There was a free breakfast of Vietnamese noodles and other reasonably priced drinks and snacks available The checkin process was very easy
train #SE19 Class II Sleeper AC, Vietnam Railways
it was good
train #SE1 VIP Sleeper, Vietnam Railways
Positively surprised with the rooms, and also included breakfast and lunch that they carried to you room.
Very very shaky, but it’s a train after all
train #SE3 VIP Sleeper, Vietnam Railways
Train was on time with stunning views. There were 3 of us friends in one compartment and we paid for an extra ticket to have it to ourselves which I would recommend as otherwise it would have been very cramped. We used sleeping bag liners and got some sleep although it is loud and does stop a lot with banging
train #SE9 VIP Sleeper, Vietnam Railways
Everything was all right except the aircondition which was too cold.
bus Semi Sleeper, Grouptour
The bus change in hue felt unnecessary, since we got back the same one.
The toilet needed a proper cleaning, water and toilet paper.
train #SE1 VIP Sleeper, Vietnam Railways
4 bed option was a great idea. Clean. Lots of room. 2 types of washroom (western and squat).
The people next to us were smoking in their cabin and nothing was done about it,/9 minus one star for that.
train #SE19 VIP Sleeper, Vietnam Railways
Carriage was very loud, toilets so unclean. Beds very uncomfortable even though they wer “1st class soft beds”.
train #SE3 VIP Sleeper, Vietnam Railways
Basic but air-conditioning was good and the experience fun. Would go again.
train #SE19 VIP Sleeper, Vietnam Railways
This is definitely something you need to do once. The beds are clean and comfy. There was a cart service selling coffee and snacks, water etc. but we took our own. The toilet was ok, but definitely got worse as the trip went on. I took my own tissues and wet wipes, and hey, it wasn’t the worst toilet Ive seen/used in Asia or Australia. What makes this so good though is you get to see so much of the country side and villages, plus the amazing coastline as you get closer to Denang.
train #SE3 VIP Sleeper, Vietnam Railways
Very easy to use. Travelled in 1st class sleeper, very easy to find beds which were comfy. Toilet was not pleasant but to be expected on a sleeper train. Scenery from Hue to Da Nang is beautiful.
train #SE3 VIP Sleeper, Vietnam Railways
Beds are too hard and gave me a sore back. Too many people trying to open our door all night. Not much rest.
train #SE19 VIP Sleeper, Vietnam Railways
It was an interesting experience for my kids and me. Although, the toilet has strong urine smell the minute you enter it. Cleanliness cant really be seen because I took a night train so, it's quite dark and we didn't go back when it's day time. Our sleeper was okay but my daughter started shouting in the morning when she saw a cockroach crawling on her bed. Upon leaving the train, my other daughter saw quite a big rat passing through in between the toilet area and the cabin. We were so blessed that we didn't see the sight of it, when we were still a long way to go to our destination. We will surely take the plane back.
train #SE7 Class II AC, Vietnam Railways
Definitely an interesing trip. I booked a normal seat in a daytrain and it took 16.5 hours from Hanoi to Da Nang. The scenery is beautiful and a lot of food is provided on the train. Many locals, no wifi, the bathroom is just a hole in the ground and people can smoke between the cabins. Interesing experience, but take a lot of books and comfi clothes/a pillow with you. I had the possibility to charge my phone on the train.
train #SE9 VIP Sleeper, Vietnam Railways
The online booking was smooth and it was easy to locate the train and cabin at Hanoi station. I don’t know what pictures I was looking at before I booked the train but they didn’t look anything like the train we were on (se9 to danang) I booked the 4 berth sleeper cabin. The train was very old,dirty, had little mice , beetles , linen not freshly washed. The air con works. There are people getting in and off at all times of the night. ( our cabin mate joined us at 0200 making a lot of noise , lights on etc) The views along the coastline from 0700 on the way to Danang were lovely. It was certainly an interesting part of our tour of Vietnam but not one I’ll be in a hurry to repeat.
train #SE9 VIP Sleeper, Vietnam Railways
Got good assistance getting onto the train. The guys didn't know much English but they tried.
However, this was my first and last train experience. There were roaches on my bunk and the toilets were less than savory, wet all over the area.
When the stewards attended to the cabins with announcements for food or something, they ignored us English speakers.
train #SE1 VIP Sleeper, Vietnam Railways
Great thing! Do this instead of plane and buses, its a serious experience and the coaches are just fine. Take the 1st class sleeper!
train #SE9 Class II AC, Vietnam Railways
This was my first time on a train in Vietnam. I enjoyed the entire experience. It met all of my expectations. The staff were all friendly and helpful, making sure several times that my destination was Danang. To the complaining passengers - better for you to buy a domestic flight ticket. Or just stay home altogether. Vietnam's a wonderful country.
train #SE19 VIP Sleeper, Vietnam Railways
The train got almost 4 hours delay, otherwise it was very comfortable. Ordering tickets through 12Go was excellent, everything went smooth :)
train #SE9 VIP Sleeper, Vietnam Railways
This train trip was from Hanoi to Da Nang.
Postives: the beds were comfortable and appeared to be clean.
Negatives: there were mice and cockroaches running around our cabin throughout the trip, which was a bit gross. Additionally people were sleeping on the floor right outside our cabin so we struggled to open the door and then step over to go to the toilet during the night.
train #SE3 Class II Sleeper AC, Vietnam Railways
I still cannot find where your prices came from. They were more than the guide I've used up to now.
The train was as expected. No frills, bed a little hard and a near non-existent pillow!
Due to the number of Westerners using this route, the operators could provide more Western food selection maybe? That said, the hot pork and rice that was breakfast, was loved by our 9y old!
Bring back 2nd Class non-aircon sleepers...
train #SE19 VIP Sleeper, Vietnam Railways
Our window was broken from train SE 19 coach 9 seat 29 so we did not have a good view.
The toilets were disgusting and a cockroach was on my face which woke me up.
Not a good experience. I will take the plane on my way back
bus VIP 36, Hoang Long
When you arrive at the station, it's not clear at all what to do. Managed to work out which cubical you go to to exchange your voucher for the ticket but it was in unattended right before the bus was due to depart. The guy eventually turns up and was aggressive and dismissive. I then worked out from asking locals that the bus was delayed an hour and a half and to wait on the seats and you'll be called when the bus is ready. Generally just not clear a bit unorganized. The bus itself was alright, though a bit dirtier than the pictures.
train #SE9 VIP Sleeper, Vietnam Railways
Great journey, arrived on time. Good experience. Go up to the dining car for great chat with the locals. Air con wasn’t great. In general, Vietnam Railways are very good.
train #SE3 VIP Sleeper 4x, Livitrans Express
Vip was not privet we also got one extra person in the cabin. Bed was used by somebody before. Service off staff on the station to help with the ticket's was perfect.
train #SE3 VIP Sleeper 4x, Livitrans Express
Enjoyed the ride, especially the views in the morning.
However, sleep disturbed by the workers on board, constantly knocking on the door for trivial reasons.
Very little difference between VIP and booking directly with Vietnam railways except I paid a lot more for my tickets through Livitrans Express!
avia Economy, VietJet Air
The flight was good. They were on time and everything went smoothly. It was a short flight so no food service unless you ordered ahead. The leg room was tight for anyone over 5'10".
train #SE1 VIP Sleeper 4x, Violette Express Train
Very comfortable beds. Power outlets/USB charger convenient. Nice view of the Hai Van pass.
bus VIP 36, Hoang Long
Small beds, bad smell, lack of information about the stops, no one speaks English so communication is difficult. We were like 2h late from the arrival time, also the bus left late and it's difficult to find it at the station.
train #SE3 VIP Sleeper 4x, Livitrans Express
Total confusion at Hà Nội railway station... our vouchers said arrive an hour before the train departure but there were no Livitrans staff members around until around 30 mins prior to departure. The toilets in the sleeping cars are absolutely filthy, the conductor unsmiling, the beds hard and the bedding could be better. All that being said, we were comfortable enough, the trip was an adventure, and we really enjoyed it on balance. The scenery from Hanoi to Da Nang is amazing and the stretch between Hué and Da nang makes it worthwhile.
train #SE3 VIP Sleeper 4x, Livitrans Express
They put my friend and I in different cabins which kinda ruined the experience.
train #SE19 Class II AC, Vietnam Railways
It was very cold, seats were uncomfortable, no instructions in English nor information about Train stops. I had to ask others to let me know when we reach Da nang
bus VIP 36, Hoang Long
The beds were tiny. There were too many stops. No communication. Drivers smoked continuously but wasn’t too bad as it drowned out the smell of sweat after the 20 minute breaks in the sun.
If you’re under 5’7 then it should be okay but try get a bottom bed so as not to feel scared of falling out when trying to sleep.
train #SE19 VIP Sleeper, Vietnam Railways
We were lucky to have the whole cabin to the two of us, but if it were fully packed, it would've been very cramped. Upper berths seemed difficult to climb up as there were no actual ladders, only a tiny collapsible metal step on the wall you can step on. AC stopped intermittently, which would leave the room hot and humid immediately, but when it worked, it would blast on full power and we were left cold with the flimsy blankets that were provided. The train was very shaky the whole ride, although we managed to fall alseep. There wasn't any onboard marts or trolleys from which we could purchase water or any simple snack, but I would have refrained from doing so anyway just to avoid going to the washroom as it got filthy really quickly. Had better experience taking sleeper train in Thailand.
bus VIP 36, Hoang Long
You get what you pay for. wouldn't recommend for long journeys.
train #SE3 VIP Sleeper 4x, Livitrans Express
The train was a lot better than we had anticipated. I had read reviews staying it was difficult to exchange tickets at the station, however when we arrived there was a lady who directed us into our cabin (a VIP livitrans 4-sleeper) that we would be sharing with two others. We were very lucky as the train was empty, so one of the staff asked us if we would like to move to another cabin free of charge, which we had to ourselves - a very welcome surprise! The airconditioning was very strong, so I would recommend bringing along a jumper/extra blanket as it can get quite uncomfortably cold. The beds were quite hard, but comfortable enough. The toilets were as expected of train travel, although the staff did make an effort to clean these regularly - just take tissues with you just in case. We didn’t try any of the food from the food cart, but highly recommend bringing your own snacks. Overall a pleasant trip - if you take some headphones to drown out the sound and a jumper to keep you warm, you can get a decent nights sleep and enjoy some amazing views. Would recommend over flying.
train #SE19 Class II Sleeper AC, Vietnam Railways
Fast train and comfortable beds. Quite dirty and noisy
train #SE19 VIP Sleeper 4x, Livitrans Express
Was impressed with the Livitrans carriage and slept surprisingly well on the train. The journey was stunning between Hue and Da Nang. However we struggled to swap our voucher at the station for our ticket and was left stood a while feeling anxious about whether anybody was going to show up. We also had to change cabin at Hue despite the carriage not being full. If these issues were better organised I would give a 5*.
train #SE19 VIP Sleeper 4x, Livitrans Express
The boy looking after cabins was very dishonest. He told all the people in our carriage that they were sharing but if you paid him 30 dollars he would give you one on your own. Nobody's was sharing. He then pulled our locked door pulling our handle off demanding our bedding while we were asleep and 3 hours before arrival.
train #SE3 VIP Sleeper, Vietnam Railways
I read some bad comments about The trains in Vietnam but our Journey was very good. Beds were clean and ok. Toilets were ok. In The station The stafwas helpfull and also staf on The train was good.
train #SE1 VIP Sleeper, Vietnam Railways
It was easier than expected and it all worked out beautifully!
train #SE1 Class II Sleeper AC, Vietnam Railways
Pros:
Good value, train left and arrived on time, interesting way to journey with lots of locals and some very nice views on the way into Danang.
Neutral:
Toilets not as bad as expected based on other reviews, but they definitely weren't great. Cabin temperature was ok for me, a bit cold but not bad.
Cons:
Bed was rock hard to the point where it was difficult for me to sleep, so I was uncomfortable most of the night. Very little room for luggage or to move about. Did spot a few cockroaches but not too many.
train #SE3 VIP Sleeper 4x, Livitrans Express
We enjoyed the nighttrain from Hanoi - Danang. With 2 kids and 2 adults it's easy to travel. Bring soms food and drinks yourself! Beds are very hard.
Read before about the aircon, so we were prepared, but it was not that cold I expected.
We really enjoyed the views.
It was a good experience!
train #SE1 VIP Sleeper, Vietnam Railways
Great experience. Superbly clean carriage.
train #SE3 VIP Sleeper, Vietnam Railways
Great experience and sleep however toilets and food were a bit yuck.
train #SE1 Class II Sleeper AC, Vietnam Railways
Great trip even with a 2 year old. I had a little blip as went to board train and had printed the wrong part that didn't have carriage and seat/bed number so will make sure on the next trains that I have the correct information. Overall great experience.
train #SE1 VIP Sleeper, Vietnam Railways
At £33pp, the overnight train offered not only an adventure and cheap travel but also a bed for the night (saving on hotel costs too). It wasn’t a bad journey, arrived on time and was quite clean. We shared a 4 bunk cabin with a Vietnamese family. The children were lovely and their parents were very conscientious...making sure they didn’t wake us too early.
Comfort wise...if you see it as an upgrade from an airplane chair on a 16 hour flight, you’ll be fine.
Recommendations; that you take some bread rolls or noodle pots as if you miss the food cart at 06:30, you’ll have to wait until you get off the train for breakfast and book a bottom bunk...oh and use Mai Linh taxi (green one) outside of the station to Hai An....cost us d450,000 to the hotel and the driver was very friendly.
train #SE19 VIP Sleeper, Vietnam Railways
Journey was easy and on time, fairly easy to get to sleep but not very comfortable bed. Staff would come and tell us when our stop was because the announcement was in Vietnamese. Toilets were smelly and needed to be cleaned, with no toilet paper. No running water in some toilets. Also when someone left our cabin we saw the staff remake the bed but didn't change the bed sheets. Overall not a bad way to travel but not the most comfortable.
train #SE19 VIP Sleeper, Vietnam Railways
It's necessary to say the things in English as well, since most of people in the train is foreign. Someone needs to clean the toilet. We should be able to choose our bed (bottom or top). The company needs to sell biscuits or sandwiches for breakfast.
train #SE19 VIP Sleeper, Vietnam Railways
Clean room, dirty toilets. Trip took a bit longer then expected.
train #SE9 VIP Sleeper, Vietnam Railways
Toilets were horrific people smoking outside our cabin smoke was coming inside. There were men lying outside the entrance to the toilets on the foor. Not the first class service we were expecting.
train #SE19 VIP Sleeper, Vietnam Railways
Great service from 12Go and the train trip was fine. Ran a little bit late but it was no problem.
train #SE1 VIP Sleeper 4x, Violette Express Train
Amazing scenery, reasonably comfortable and clean cabin. Much better than flying or bus! Train staff are not very helpful though, and toilets are less than ideal.
avia Economy, VietJet Air
Absolutely amazing trip 10/10
avia Economy, Vietnam Airlines
Tuvimos cambio de horario a último momento. Las conducciones.del vuelo magníficas
train #SE3 Class II Sleeper AC, Vietnam Railways
I found the train trip quite a positive experience. The beds are quite hard and there is no room to sit up during the day, but I enjoyed the trip and slept well.
train #SE9 VIP Sleeper, Vietnam Railways
Not sure if it was just the car we were in or the whole train, but it was so loud! There was a loud metallic knocking that began around midnight and continued until we arrived at 8AM. I also think most of the food ran out before they got to us, we were the very last cabin in the train.
train #SE7 VIP Sleeper, Vietnam Railways
The first class sleeper was comfortable, and we had it to ourselves.
Getting on the train was difficult as we had to carry our 4 suitcases up and down stairs.
The food service staff were polite and helpful and spoke English.
The train crew were simply rude. I have not been shoved or shouted at so much in years.
We had to track down someone when we thought we were near Danang, there was no announcement. That man simply shoved my elderly wife and shouted something we could not understand.
We loved the scenery; but the service was pretty poor.
train #SE1 Class II AC, Vietnam Railways
I've traveled a lot in Thailand via train, but was a bit nervous for my first train trip in Vietnam. Everything was easy and went without any problems. My e-ticket arrived quickly via email, the railway staff were friendly and helpful, and the views from the train were so beautiful.
train #SE1 VIP Sleeper, Vietnam Railways
Train was right on time and staff looked good. 1st class is not very fancy. We even got some bugs in our beds and the toilets are a bit dirty. Train makes a lot of noise, but there is a beautifull view in the mountains.
train #SE1 VIP Sleeper, Vietnam Railways
Advertised as 1st class however expect a very basic compartment with absolutely no frills at all. The dinner offered was a chicken rice combo which was delicious and at £6 for four of us was great value. The scenery was stunning in places and we are glad we did it but are not looking forward to our next trip in 3 days when we travel from Danang to Saigon.
train #SE9 VIP Sleeper, Vietnam Railways
Acceptable cleanliness for the 1st class sleeper, small shared toilet with limited toilet paper, poor cafeteria with smoking people in a closed kitchen. train stewardess can't speak English so prepared with internet google translate.
train #SE19 VIP Sleeper, Vietnam Railways
Nice on time. Nice vieuw in the morning. Soft bed is pretty hard. They use the sheets again for next traveller. Breakfast was horrible.
train #SE19 VIP Sleeper, Vietnam Railways
The ehh "1st class" experiencewas ehh haha a bit of a joke, kinda going back to the UK in the 40s trains. It is a very bumpy ride so if noise stops you sleeping, its maybe not the best option for you. Oh and the toilet hane broke haha so lots of us got stuck in the bathroom, i had to rescue a room mate at 3am! However, its a cool experience if you wanna travel back in time a bit,and the views in the morning were amazing!
train #SE1 VIP Sleeper, Vietnam Railways
Journey was great, felt like we had only been on the train for a few hours as we slept the whole time. Travelled ‘first class’ far from British first and the mattress was a little on the hard side. Great for travellers and like minded people - not a luxury experience but was great for the price!
train #SE19 VIP Sleeper, Vietnam Railways
- Very dirty compartment.
- Floor not cleaned since 1980. - Extremely hard beds.
- Rough track.
- Almost impossible to fit in the wc and hardly able to close the door except when balancing on the toilet lid.
- No toilet paper.
+ On time.
+ Good breakfast sandwiches.
VIP sleeper as designation is a joke. It should be called basic accomodation.
train #SE1 VIP Sleeper, Vietnam Railways
Some cabins were newer, some older. I was not lucky enough to be placed in new part of the train, despite I ordered 1st class and there were 4 beds per cabin as stated, the cabin itself was old and bathroom was even older... perhaps I'll be luckier next time.
train #SE1 VIP Sleeper, Vietnam Railways
Better than I expected. I slept well and there was a decent bathroom. Good cabin mates too. It’s a good idea to bring your own sleeping sheet. I should add that the train was on time and staff very organized. If facilities were better, I would give it a higher rating.
train #SE9 VIP Sleeper, Vietnam Railways
We took this trip with my children aged 15 and 12, meaning we had a cabin to ourselves. This is not for fair weather travellers or pampered children (there is no wifi). If you are happy to eat Vietnamese food, there is food on the train and beer too which is very cheap. My advice would be to bring your own toilet roll and some ear plugs. The train rocks and rolls its way through the night, which did, in the end give me some motion sickness, not something I usually suffer from. This is an experience with some fabulous scenery but don't expect to get much sleep! But bite the bullet and do it anyway!
train #SE1 VIP Sleeper, Vietnam Railways
Crew wasn't that nice, pretty rude in station but it was confortable and not delayed
train #SE9 VIP Sleeper, Vietnam Railways
Great value for money. Left on time and arrived on time. Sleeper was not first class but fine for an overnight trip
train #SE1 VIP Sleeper, Vietnam Railways
Air con was on the whole trip and the car was freezing cold. I couldn't sleep. None of the operators spoke English so I couldn't communicate the issue to them. Bring warm clothes if you're traveling during the winter months
avia Economy, VietJet Air
Budget friendly and no - fuss.
train #SE1 VIP Sleeper 4x, Violette Express Train
We ticket other tickets ans we recieve any days bevoer leaving An e-‘mail that we got An other train and we cant react( also the toilets are mot clean.
train #SE1 VIP Sleeper, Vietnam Railways
No decent restaurant for 1st class. Had to cross 9 wagons to the absolutely dirty 1st wagon and no proper food for such a long trip. Next trip on railways we will make sure to pickup some decent sandwiches nearby the station. Overall though it was an interesting experience.
train #SE19 VIP Sleeper 4x, Livitrans Express
Definitely worth a try. Bring your own food and warm clothes. Otherwise good experience
train #SE1 VIP Sleeper, Vietnam Railways
Standard and cleanliness is horrible, even in first class. But views in the morning are wonderful!
train #SE19 VIP Sleeper, Vietnam Railways
It was an interesting journey - the train wasn't VIP but we are experienced travellers and value the experience over the level of comfort. The guards worked hard to keep the old facilities usable, and we enjoyed getting a coffee in the dining car in the morning as the journey unfolded. Not for those who do want luxury
train #SE3 VIP Sleeper 4x, Violette Express Train
The printed ticket told us to go straight to the coach and show the ticket to the ticket-taker. Unfortunately, the railway personnel at the gate would not let us on to the platform because we did not have an 'official' ticket with a bar code they could scan. And therefore we were told to wait for someone to show up. Someone did eventually show up, with a large tour group and we thought this person was their tour guide as she was not wearing any kind of official uniform and seemed to be talking only to the big group. Only later did we find out that this person worked for Livitrans/Violette and had the power to let us in and tell us our coach and berth numbers. So after much drama and wondering if we will get on the train, we finally did get on it. So the system works, sort of, if you are patient and know what to look for. Livitrans and Violette can make it a lot easier by having thier personnel wear clearly marked clothing so they can be identified. Also, assigning us berth numbers before hand would have helped so we could have planned if our family were to be split up (we were not, but others on our train were).
The train ride was fine. The air conditioner was on pretty strong in the middle of winter and we were given only a thin duvet cover (not the duvet itself). My wife and daughter were very cold at night and I raided the staff's compartment to get more duvet covers for them. Why they cannot provide a blanket that is thick enough to withstand the AC is a mystery to me.
Eat before getting on the train and bring as much food as you can with you. The food on the train is below mediocre. Also bring enough water. The staff on the train is helpful, but speak very little English or any other foreign language - take that into account.
If you traveling between Hue and Danang during the day, the scenery is beautiful. That makes the trouble of the train ride worth it.
Don't let these types of problems deter you from taking the train. They do get resolved eventually - you just have to be mentally prepared to deal with them.