Vietnam train travel remains one of the most budget-friendly and culturally immersive ways to explore the country. As we approach the end of 2025, the railways offer a relaxed alternative to the holiday airport rush. Whether you are “cloud hunting” in Sapa or taking the coastal Vietnam sleeper train to Da Nang, the railway provides stable schedules unaffected by winter fog or traffic jams.
Below, Vexere shares expert tips on how to buy Vietnam train tickets cheaply, navigate the Tet 2026 peak season, and essential advice for a perfect Vietnam railway booking experience.
How to buy cheap Vietnam train tickets for beginers
Navigating the railway system can be daunting for first-timers, but mastering a few key strategies can lead to significant savings. This section breaks down the essentials of securing the best fares, from timing your booking and spotting promotions to selecting the most cost-effective seat class for your budget.
Book early to get the best price
One of the most effective strategies to save money is booking as early as possible. Vietnam Railways (DSVN) applies a flexible pricing policy where fares tend to be significantly lower when booked well in advance. The ideal time to buy is 30 – 60 days before your departure.
Booking early not only secures you the best price (discounts of 5% to 15% for tickets bought 10–40 days in advance) but also guarantees you get your preferred seat or berth. This is crucial during public holidays (Tet) or peak tourism seasons when tickets sell out rapidly.
Smart Savings: Promotions & Discounts for Everyone
Beyond booking early, keeping an eye on promotions from Vietnam Railways and partners like Vexere is a smart move. While the national carrier provides standard age-based and advance-purchase reductions, booking platforms often layer these with exclusive vouchers or payment gateway partnerships, allowing savvy travelers to “stack” discounts for maximum value.
Vietnam Railways Discounts (Applicable to Foreigners):
- Long-distance advance purchase: Save up to 30% when booking 10-40 days in advance on specific long-haul routes like SE3/4 (Saigon – Hanoi) or SE21/22 (Saigon – Da Nang).
- Round-trip tickets: Enjoy a 5% discount on the return leg when buying a round-trip ticket.
- Group travel: Groups of 5+ can receive discounts from 2% – 14% depending on the route and group size. On the Hanoi – Hai Phong route, look for “Buy 4 pay for 3” deals—perfect for day trips from the capital.
Priority Passenger Discounts:
- Children:
- Under 6 years old: Travel free (must share a seat/bed with an adult).
- Ages 6 to under 10: Get 25% off the ticket price (has own seat/bed).
Exclusive Vexere Coupons: Save even more when booking via the Vexere App:
- New Users: Get 25% off (up to 25k) on your first train booking.
- Group Bookings: Save up to 60k for groups of 4, or 30k for groups of 2.
- Hassle-Free International Payment: No local bank account? No problem. Vexere supports International Credit Cards (Visa/Mastercard/JCB), ensuring a seamless booking experience for travelers from anywhere in the world.
Be Flexible with Time and Routes
Avoid “Golden Hours” & Peak Dates: Ticket prices spike during Christmas, New Year’s Eve, and especially Tet. If you can travel 3-4 days before or after the main holidays, you can save significantly. Mid-week departures (Monday – Thursday) are also cheaper than weekends.
Winter Travel Tip (The Sapa Route): Winter (December – February) is prime time for Sapa. While buses are an option, the Hanoi – Lao Cai train is safer during foggy winter nights. Choosing the train avoids slippery mountain roads, and while the “SP” tourist trains are pricier, standard carriages on the same route offer a budget-friendly way to reach the mountains safely.
Choose the Right Seat Class for Your Budget
Selecting the right carriage is perhaps the most critical decision for your journey, as it directly impacts your budget and sleep quality. Vietnam Railways offers a spectrum of options ranging from basic seats for short hops to premium soft sleepers for overnight hauls. Understanding the trade-offs between price and privacy will help you choose the perfect spot for your adventure.
- Soft Seat (NM, NML): Padded, reclining seats (approx. 15 degrees). The most popular budget choice for trips under 8 hours (e.g., Hue to Da Nang).
- 6-Berth Sleeper (Hard Sleeper): A cabin with 6 beds (3 tiers). Great for budget groups. Tip: The top bunk is the cheapest ticket on the train for overnight routes.
- 4-Berth Sleeper (Soft Sleeper): The standard for comfort. 4 beds, thicker mattresses, and more privacy. Ideal for overnight journeys like Hanoi – Hue.
- Trending: Heritage & Luxury Trains: If you have a bit more budget, check out the “Heritage Connection” (Hue – Da Nang) or the JSE luxury carriages. While not the “cheapest,” they offer a premium sightseeing experience that combines travel with tourism, offering excellent value for money compared to flying.
How to Book Train Tickets Quickly on Vexere
Gone are the days of queuing at the station; modern booking platforms have streamlined the process into a few simple taps. As an official partner of Vietnam Railways, Vexere ensures you can lock in your seats securely before they sell out.
Follow this 6-step guide to secure your mobile tickets instantly:
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Visit Vexere.com or App: Start your journey by accessing the Vexere website or opening the mobile app.
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Enter Your Trip Details: Input your Departure and Arrival stations, select your travel date, and specify the number of passengers.
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Choose Your Train & Seat Type: Browse through live schedules (e.g., SE, SP, or regional trains). Use the visual seat map to compare and select your preferred spot—whether it’s a soft seat for a short trip or a sleeper berth for overnight travel.
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Add Passenger Information: Enter the full name and ID/Passport number for each traveler.
Important: Ensure this matches the physical document you will present at the station exactly to avoid boarding issues.
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Complete Secure Payment: Pay instantly within the holding time (usually 10-30 minutes). Vexere supports International Cards (Visa/Mastercard) and local E-wallets (MoMo, ShopeePay, ZaloPay). All transactions are protected with SSL encryption.
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Receive Your E-Ticket Instantly: No printing needed! You will receive your ticket via email or directly in the app. Simply show the QR code or booking code to the station staff to board.
Important Notes When Booking Online
Online booking offers convenience, but it requires attention to detail to ensure a smooth boarding process. Below are the critical factors you must verify regarding your identity documents, payment security, and cancellation terms to avoid issues at the station.
- Identity Match: The name and ID/Passport number on the ticket must match your physical documents exactly.
- Scam Alert: During Tet, fake ticket websites appear. Only book through official channels like Vexere or the official DSVN site.
- Refund/Change Policy:
- Standard Days: Change fee is 20k/ticket (24h before departure). Refund fee is 10-20%.
- Peak/Tet Holidays: Refund fees increase significantly (often 30%+) and deadlines are stricter (must cancel 24-72h in advance depending on the ticket type). Check the specific terms at checkout.
What to Prepare for a Comfortable Journey
A successful train trip depends largely on what you pack and knowing the regulations beforehand. This section covers the latest luggage allowances to help you avoid extra fees, along with essential items you should bring for a cozy and hassle-free winter ride.
Current Luggage Regulations
Vietnam Railways strictly enforces luggage limits to ensure passenger safety and keep aisles clear. Station staff often check weight and dimensions at the gate, especially during peak travel times. If your bags exceed the allowance, you may be required to pay extra fees or check them into the freight car, so packing within the limits is highly recommended to avoid last-minute hassles.
- Carry-on: Max 20kg per person. Dimensions: 0.8m x 0.5m x 0.4m.
- Checked Baggage: Max 75kg per piece.
- Prohibited: Dangerous goods, weapons, and explosives.
Essential Items for Winter Travel
Careful preparation is key to a comfortable trip, especially when traveling in winter or on long overnight trains. Temperatures on the train and at northern stations can fluctuate unpredictably, so packing these essential items will help you stay proactive in any situation.
- Warm Clothing: Trains have A/C, which can feel very cold at night. In winter (Dec-Feb), stations in the North (Hanoi, Ninh Binh, Lao Cai) will be chilly. Bring a jacket or hoodie.
- Snacks: While carts sell food, bringing your own Banh Mi and water is a pro budget tip.
- Toiletries: Bring hand sanitizer and toilet paper, just in case.
Travel Experience: Making the Most of Your Trip
Beyond just getting from point A to point B, Vietnam’s railways offer some of the most spectacular views in Southeast Asia. Here is how to optimize your schedule to ensure a stress-free departure and select the best routes to fully enjoy the scenic beauty of the journey.
Arrive Early
Arrive at the station at least 45 minutes before departure. During the Tet rush, increase this to 60+ minutes to navigate the crowded platforms at major hubs like Hanoi or Saigon Station.
Scenic Highlights (Winter Edition)
- Hanoi – Lao Cai: Wake up to misty mountains and potentially frost-covered fields in the North.
- Hue – Da Nang (Hai Van Pass): Even in December, this coastal pass is stunning. The “Heritage Connection” train stops at Lang Co for photos – a unique perk not found on express trains.
Traveling by train in Vietnam is an adventure that fits any budget. By planning ahead for the 2026 holiday season and using the Vexere App to compare prices, you can secure cheap tickets without sacrificing comfort.
Ready for your year-end trip? Download the Vexere App today to hunt for Tet tickets and exclusive winter deals!
