To book train tickets in Vietnam, use the official DSVN website or an authorized partner such as Vexere: search your route, choose a class and seat, pay by card, and receive a QR e-ticket by email. Vexere is an official partner of Vietnam Railways (DSVN) and sells Vietnam Railways tickets at official VNR fares plus a small service fee, with Visa, Mastercard, and JCB accepted. This guide covers where to buy, a 6-step booking walkthrough, how to book a sleeper train, seat class differences, when to book, and route-specific tips for first-time travelers.
💡 Key Takeaways
Three things that decide whether your Vietnam train booking goes smoothly:
- Book through an official or authorized channel. dsvn.vn and authorized partners such as Vexere sell official Vietnam Railways tickets, and partners may add a small, disclosed service fee. Look-alike sites can add large or hidden fees and appear next to official results in search, so check the domain and compare the total, including fees, with the fare on dsvn.vn before you pay.
- Match the class to the journey. Soft seat for daytime trips up to about 6 hours; a sleeper for overnight trips. For 6 to 8 hours, choose by departure time: a soft seat by day, a sleeper at night. First-time overnight travelers should pick a lower berth.
- Book early for popular routes and holidays. Sales open roughly 2 to 3 months ahead. Lower berths on long overnight routes and Hanoi to Sapa go first, and Tet and public holidays sell out fastest, so buy as soon as sales open.
Why Travel by Train in Vietnam?
Train travel in Vietnam combines transport and an overnight bed in one practical, scenic option for long-distance routes, replacing a hotel night on journeys such as Hanoi to Hue or Da Nang to Ho Chi Minh City. The train also covers terrain that roads and flights bypass: the Hai Van Pass segment between Da Nang and Hue runs along a coastal clifftop with the East Sea directly below the tracks, widely considered one of the most scenic rail journeys in Southeast Asia.
Four reasons to choose the train over a short domestic flight:
- Scenery: Coastal and mountain terrain visible only from the rail corridor, especially between Da Nang and Hue.
- Culture: Shared cabins and open carriages give you the slow-travel side of Vietnam that flights skip.
- Comfort: Soft sleeper cabins offer more room than an economy airline seat, and you can lie flat for the whole journey.
- Value: Once you add checked baggage and airport transfers, train fares often compare well with flights, especially for overnight trips that also replace a hotel night. Compare both on your own dates before deciding.
Where to Buy Vietnam Train Tickets: Channel Comparison
There are four common ways to buy a Vietnam train ticket. For international travelers, the two criteria that matter most are whether your card works and whether support is available in English.
Look-alike websites are a real risk for first-time visitors. Several private agency sites imitate the look of the official portal and add large or undisclosed markups. Before entering payment details, confirm the domain (vexere.com or dsvn.vn) and check that the total, including any fee, is close to the fare shown on dsvn.vn.
Why Vexere for International Travelers?
Vexere is an official DSVN partner, so train fares match official VNR fares, with a small service fee shown before you pay. Compare that total with other options before you decide. Promotions from Vexere, such as new-user or e-wallet offers, and any early-booking discounts published by VNR can be applied on top where available.
Beyond price, Vexere lets you choose your exact carriage and berth on a seat map when you buy, sends an English-language confirmation, and offers English-speaking support if something goes wrong on the day of travel. You can also compare train, bus, and flight options for the same trip in one place, which helps when you are planning a route such as Hanoi to Sapa. To start, search Vietnam Railways tickets and timetables on Vexere.
How to Book Vietnam Railways Train Tickets on Vexere: 6 Steps
Booking on Vexere takes under 5 minutes for most routes. On popular routes, complete steps 1 to 4 as early as you can. For Tet travel, book as soon as sales open, because soft sleeper lower berths sell out first.
Step 1: Go to Vexere.com or Open the App
Open vexere.com or the Vexere mobile app directly instead of clicking the first search result for “Vietnam train booking”. Look-alike agency sites can rank alongside official platforms, and the domain is the most reliable way to tell them apart.
Step 2: Enter Your Trip Details
Type your departure and destination, select your travel date, and enter the number of passengers. For Ho Chi Minh City departures, try “Saigon” if the full name does not appear. The search returns all trains for that date with live seat availability.
For Hanoi to Sapa (Lao Cai), book 2 to 3 weeks ahead where you can, especially for Friday and Sunday departures.
Step 3: Choose Your Train and Seat
Use the seat map to choose your exact position rather than accepting an automatic assignment. SE trains are faster, use newer carriages, and make fewer intermediate stops. Consider avoiding seats near the carriage door and toilet, which are the first and last positions in a carriage. On the Da Nang to Hue route, pick a right-side seat when traveling north and a left-side seat when traveling south to face the ocean on the Hai Van Pass.
Step 4: Enter Passenger Information
Enter each traveler’s full name and passport number exactly as they appear on the travel document. Station staff check the passport against the ticket at the gate, so a typo can cause boarding problems. If you spot a mistake after paying, contact support straight away and check the exchange fees in the refund section below.
Step 5: Complete Payment
Vexere accepts Visa, Mastercard, and JCB, and you do not need a Vietnamese bank account or a VPN. Payments are SSL-encrypted.
Step 6: Save Your E-Ticket
Your e-ticket arrives by email and in the Vexere app right after payment; screenshot the QR code to save it on your phone. Station Wi-Fi at busy departure times can be unreliable, and a saved screenshot helps the gate scan the code on the first attempt.
How to Book a Sleeper Train in Vietnam
To book a sleeper train, follow the same 6 steps, then pick a soft sleeper (4-berth) or hard sleeper (6-berth) and choose your berth on the seat map. Sleeper trains suit any journey of 8 hours or more, such as Hanoi to Hue, Hanoi to Sapa (Lao Cai), or Da Nang to Ho Chi Minh City.
- Choose the lower berth if you are new to overnight trains: it has the easiest access and the most headroom.
- Choose the soft sleeper for a lockable 4-bed cabin; choose the hard sleeper if budget is the priority.
- Book early. Lower berths sell out first on long overnight routes.
See the seat class section below for how the cabins differ.
Vietnam Train Seat Classes: Which One to Book
The terms “hard” and “soft” in Vietnam Railways terminology describe cabin configuration and padding rather than the seat material. Match your class to your journey length instead of defaulting to the cheapest option. For a full breakdown of every berth tier, pricing by position, and carriage layout photos, see Vexere’s Vietnam train seat class guide.
Some trains also offer a private 2-berth VIP cabin; availability depends on the train and route.
1. Soft Sleeper (4-Berth Cabin): The “Hotel on Wheels”
The soft sleeper is the class Vexere recommends most for international travelers on overnight routes. Each cabin holds 4 passengers across 2 tiers, with a lockable sliding door, mattresses with bedding, storage for full-size luggage, and a power outlet at each bunk. On long routes such as Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City, lower berths are usually the first to sell out.
2. Hard Sleeper (6-Berth Cabin): The Backpacker’s Hub
The hard sleeper lower berth is the budget overnight choice, best for travelers under about 180 cm. It gives you a flat sleeping surface at a lower fare than the soft sleeper, in an open cabin with 6 berths across 3 tiers and no door. The bottom tier (T1) has the most headroom and the easiest access. The middle tier (T2) limits how far you can sit up. The top tier (T3) is usually the cheapest, but it sits close to the air-conditioning vent and takes more effort to reach.
3. Soft Seat (AC): The Scenic Commuter
The soft seat is the right class for the Da Nang to Hue scenic leg, where the view matters more than sleep. It has a reclining 2×2 layout, large windows, and air conditioning. Pack a light jacket, because air conditioning on Vietnamese trains can run cold.
4. Hard Seat: The “Raw” Local Experience
Hard seats are basic, minimally padded seats in non-air-conditioned carriages, and we do not recommend them for journeys over 2 hours. They suit only travelers who are used to local transit conditions.
Vietnam Train Ticket Prices on Popular Routes
Fares vary by train, class, berth position, and date. The table shows the lowest fare on sale for each class on Wednesday, 7 October 2026, so treat it as a starting point and check the live price on Vexere for your exact date.
Prices are the lowest fares shown on Vexere across all trains that day and include Vexere’s displayed fees; higher fares apply for other berth positions and trains. A dash means no seats of that class were returned in our check. On Hanoi to Sapa, only the soft sleeper on train SP7 was available; fares ranged from 490,000 to 533,000 VND on the dates we checked, and 7 to 8 October returned no results. On Da Nang to Hue, the range includes the faster SE trains and the slower tourist trains (HD2/HD4), which sell seats only.
When to Book Vietnam Train Tickets
Vietnam Railways opens ticket sales roughly 2 to 3 months before departure, and the best seats go quickly on popular routes.
- Regular weekdays: a few days to a week ahead is usually enough for common routes.
- Weekends and Hanoi to Sapa: book 2 to 3 weeks ahead where possible.
- Tet and public holidays: book as soon as sales open for your date; soft sleeper lower berths sell out first.
- VIP cabins: allow at least a week, since there are very few of them.
Buying Train Tickets at the Station
You can also buy tickets at the station ticket counter with your passport and cash or a local payment method. This works for flexible plans, but popular trains may already be sold out, staff may speak limited English, and you cannot compare seats or times across several trains at once. For most international visitors, booking online in advance is easier.
Train Ticket Refund and Exchange Fees
Vexere lets you request a refund or an exchange in the app or on the website; on most routes an exchange costs 20,000 VND per ticket plus any fare difference, and a refund costs 10% to 20% of the ticket price depending on how close to departure you ask. Fees below follow Vexere’s 2026 train ticket policy. Promotional fares, group tickets, and 4-berth compartments can follow different rules.
General policy (most routes)
The minimum refund fee is 10,000 VND per ticket.
Hanoi to Lao Cai (Sapa) route: stricter terms
Other conditions
- Da Lat to Trai Mat route: free exchange or refund 72 hours or more before departure; a 10% fee applies to exchanges made 2 to 72 hours before.
- Train cancelled by the railway: free exchange or refund.
- Holidays and Tet: higher fees may apply for specific promotional periods, so check the terms shown at booking.
- Group tickets and 4-berth compartments: different rules apply, and early-booking discounts do not apply.
- Refund timing: e-wallet refunds take about 1 business day; bank transfers take 3 to 10 days.
Read the full Vexere train ticket refund and exchange policy before you book, because terms can change.
Common Booking Problems and How to Fix Them
- Card declined: try another Visa, Mastercard, or JCB card, and check whether your bank blocks foreign online payments.
- No e-ticket email: check your spam folder, then open the ticket in the Vexere app or contact support.
- Your train is sold out: try the day before or after, a different departure time, or a different class.
- Name or passport typo: contact support immediately; exchanges are cheaper the earlier you ask (on Hanoi to Lao Cai, not allowed under 72 hours).
Route Specific Insider Guides
Vietnam’s railway network spans more than 1,700 kilometers, and some routes call for local knowledge, such as which station entrance to use or which side of the train has the best views.
Hanoi to Sapa (Lao Cai)
- Trains to Sapa depart from Station B on Tran Quy Cap Street, not the main entrance on Le Duan Street. Going to the main entrance means a 10 to 15 minute walk around the block with luggage, often in the dark.
- The train terminates in Lao Cai, so you need a road transfer of roughly 45 to 60 minutes to reach Sapa town. Vexere offers a combo booking that includes the Lao Cai to Sapa transfer bus, which saves you negotiating with taxis early in the morning.
Da Nang to Hue (Hai Van Pass)
This roughly 3-hour daytime journey is the most visually dramatic rail segment in Vietnam. Choose a soft seat over a sleeper here, because the view is the point. For northbound travel (Da Nang to Hue), select a right-side window seat; for southbound travel (Hue to Da Nang), select a left-side window seat to face the East Sea.
Frequently Asked Questions About Booking Train Tickets in Vietnam
Can foreigners book Vietnam train tickets online?
Yes. Foreign travelers can book online through DSVN or authorized partners such as Vexere, using a passport number and an international card. Vexere accepts Visa, Mastercard, and JCB.
Is Vexere an official way to book Vietnam Railways tickets?
Yes. Vexere is an official partner of Vietnam Railways (DSVN) and sells tickets at official VNR fares plus a small service fee shown before you pay.
How far in advance should I book a train ticket in Vietnam?
Sales open roughly 2 to 3 months ahead. Book a few days ahead for common routes, 2 to 3 weeks ahead for weekends and Hanoi to Sapa, and as soon as sales open for Tet and public holidays.
Do I need to print my train ticket?
No. Vietnam Railways accepts the QR code on your phone at major station gates. Set the screen to maximum brightness and keep a screenshot of the code in case of poor signal.
What if I lose my phone or it runs out of battery?
Go to the ticket counter with your passport. Because bookings are registered to a passport number, staff can verify you and reissue the ticket, which may involve a small fee. Your e-ticket also stays in your email and Vexere account.
Can I change or cancel a ticket booked on Vexere?
Yes. On most routes an exchange costs 20,000 VND per ticket plus any fare difference (24 hours or more before departure), and a refund costs 10% of the ticket price (24 hours or more) or 20% (4 to 24 hours). Refunds are not allowed under 4 hours, and Hanoi to Lao Cai has stricter terms, so check the fee tables above.
Can I buy a train ticket at the station in Vietnam?
Yes, at the ticket counter with your passport. Popular trains may already be sold out, so online booking in advance is safer.
What is the luggage allowance on Vietnam trains?
There is no strict weight limit; cabin space is the real constraint. Soft sleeper cabins have under-berth storage for full-size suitcases, and hard sleeper cabins have less floor space. Arrive 20 to 30 minutes early to secure overhead rack space.
Booking Checklist Before You Travel
For first-time international travelers, the gap between a smooth journey and a stressful one usually comes down to three decisions made before you reach the station: which platform to book on, which class to choose, and how far ahead to buy.
Vexere simplifies all three. As an official DSVN partner, it shows real-time seat availability, accepts international cards, and issues the QR e-ticket that the station gate reads directly. Its seat map lets you pick your exact berth, and English-speaking support is available if anything goes wrong on the day.
Before you go, confirm your class and berth, the departure station name (and entrance), and that your passport details match the ticket. Travelers who check these three things before arriving usually board without trouble.
Search Vietnam Railways schedules and book your ticket on Vexere
Official VNR fares, low service fee • International card support • English assistance throughout your journey
Related guides: Vietnam Railways tickets and schedules · How to choose seat classes on Vietnam trains
