Vietnamese trains
 

Hello.
I have been doing some research on train travel in Vietnam (specifically Hanoi-Hue). From what I can tell, they have express train service but if you want a soft-berth cabin the minimum is a 4-person cabin.
Can anyone share some knowledge on this topic? Do they offer a 2-person room? We would prefer this, especially on an overnight ride.
Thanks.

We did Hanoi to the Sapa area in the "luxury carriage" of the Victoria Express some years back. There were 4 to a cabin.

Vietnam trains offer 1st Class soft sleeper cabins but all are 4 berth. You can however book all 4 berths to get the cabin to yourself. If you are going anywhere close to teh Tet holiday, make sure you book months in advance - we had some major problems getting any bookings at all earlier this year!

Hi Crellston.
Do you know of any website(s) to buy the train tickets that is reliable and priced competitively?
We will be in Vietnam in early December. Perhaps we can just get them there?
Thanks for your time...

Is there a specific reason why you couldnt just book two of the beds in a 4 berth cabin? I took the trip from Hanoi to Saigon (two night trip) earlier this month and shared it with three others who didnt speak a word of english outside of "hello". It was very enjoyable.

If you book a few days (2-4 I think) in advance it shouldnt be hard to get all 4 beds, but why throw away the money?

Dinks, I am pretty sure its not possible to book online, (at least I couldn't find a site!). It is realively easy to book at a station when you get there or, alternatively go to a reputable travel agent but do it as soon as you get there as Dec is busy time (although nowhere near as busy as Tet!!).

go to www.seat61.com that will have all the info you need

Riding trains is a great way to meet locals, why shut yourself off? Hanoi is loaded with travel agencies - try Handspan in the Tamarind Cafe, or see if you can figure out which is the original Sinh Cafe. Or ask your hotel to get the tickets.

Hi Dinks,
I also looked into train travel,tried so many agents until finally I found 1 that responded TNKtravel.We are departingfrom Saigon going to Nha Trang.When I looked at the timetable I had second thoughts my arrival time was to be 04:50 ouch!!Researched further and came up with Pacifc Airlines soon to be Jetstar Pacific. this is a budget airline operating in Vietnam. Wow!! I was amazed at how cheap the flights were.Actually cheaper than a soft sleeper on the 5star train. booking was easy this is their web you may want to consider using them at some stage of your trip.Happy Holidays.

.=<www.pacificairlines.com.vn>

Pacific airlines is now officially Jetstar.this is the cheapest airline to use for domestic flights in Vietnam =
www.jetstar.com
There is a guideline page on how to make a booking for novices.

Hey coolguyinaz.
You mentioned recently having taken the train and used a 4-berth cabin.
Where did you store your luggage? What was your impression about the security of your bags?
Thanks...