Vietnam Train Seat Classes Explained: Soft Berth, Soft Seat and More

A soft berth on a Vietnam train is a bed in a lockable 4-berth cabin (also called a soft sleeper), while a soft seat is a reclining, air-conditioned seat for daytime trips. Choosing the wrong class is one of the most common mistakes first-time train travelers make in Vietnam, and it can mean an uncomfortable journey or a ticket you have to change. This guide explains every Vietnam Railways seat class, with fares, recommendations by journey length, and tips for booking the right berth.

1. Vietnam Train Seat Classes at a Glance

Vietnam’s 1,726-kilometer North-South railway is one of Southeast Asia’s most scenic train corridors, and the Reunification Express connects Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City in about 33 to 38 hours depending on the train. Rolling stock ranges from older carriages to modern air-conditioned ones, and the class you choose decides how comfortable the journey is and how much of the landscape you enjoy. Every ticket on Vexere is for a Vietnam Railways (DSVN) train, and seats and berths are grouped into four classes.

Vietnam train seat class comparison (Source: Vexere)

Confirm your journey length first before selecting a class, as this single factor has the greatest impact on comfort.

2. Comparing Your Options: Seat and Sleeper Types in Detail

Vietnam Railways tickets come in four main seat and berth types, each with its own VNR code, price band and physical layout. Understanding what separates a hard sleeper from a soft sleeper, or a soft seat from a hard seat, is the difference between arriving refreshed and arriving exhausted. Here is each class in detail.

2.1 Seated Classes (Daytime Travel)

Seated classes cover two tiers, hard seat and soft seat, and are built for daytime travel where the journey itself is part of the experience. The carriages have wide windows, and on modern SE trains the glass runs nearly floor-to-ceiling. Seated classes suit Vietnam’s most scenic routes: the Da Nang to Hue leg runs along the Hai Van Pass clifftop with the sea directly below the tracks, a view you cannot get from a closed sleeper cabin.

A. Hard Seat (NC)

The hard seat (NC) is the entry point of Vietnam’s rail system and costs less than a soft seat. It is the class many Vietnamese travelers use for short inter-city hops. These carriages tend to be the liveliest on the train, with windows that often open and vendors walking the aisle selling snacks and drinks. Hard seats are sold on some trains and routes only.

• The Experience: Basic seating with minimal padding, usually three passengers per row.
• Pros: Lowest fare; windows often open, good for photography.
• Cons: Uncomfortable for extended periods.
• Our verdict: Choose this class only for journeys under 4 hours or on a very tight budget.

B. What Is a Soft Seat? (NM/NML)

A soft seat is a cushioned, reclining seat in an air-conditioned carriage, arranged in a 2×2 layout and best for daytime journeys of up to about 6 hours. It appears on Vexere as “Soft seat” (VNR code NM/NML). Compared with a hard seat, it gives you padding, air conditioning and panoramic windows, which makes the scenery something to enjoy rather than endure. On many SE-series trains you will also find overhead screens and charging ports.

• The Experience: Air-conditioned carriages with cushioned seats in a 2×2 layout, a recline, and adjustable armrests.
• Pros: Reliable air conditioning, wide windows with panoramic views, strong value for money.
• Cons: Not suitable for overnight travel.
• Good routes: Da Nang to Hue, Ho Chi Minh City to Phan Thiet, Hanoi to Vinh.

2.2 Sleeper Classes (Overnight Travel)

Once a journey passes about 10 hours, a sleeper berth stops being a luxury and becomes a practical choice. That covers most long legs on the Reunification Express: Hanoi to Da Nang (about 15 to 17 hours), Ho Chi Minh City to Da Nang (about 16.5 to 19.5 hours), and the full Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City run (about 33 to 38 hours). A sleeper costs more than a soft seat. For example, on Hanoi to Hue the lowest fares on 7 October 2026 were 455,000 VND for a soft seat and 923,000 VND for a 4-berth soft sleeper. But arriving after a night in a bed rather than a night sitting upright makes a real difference to your first day. Sleeper carriages are air-conditioned and come with bedding.

C. Hard Sleeper (BnL/BnLT)

The hard sleeper (BnL/BnLT) packs six berths into an open-plan cabin with no door, arranged as three tiers of two beds facing each other across a narrow aisle, with a small table and window beside the lower berth. On the routes we checked, its lowest fare is roughly 70 to 85 percent of the soft sleeper fare, and it gives you a flat sleeping surface, air conditioning and bedding, which covers the core of what an overnight train needs.

• Configuration: 6 berths per cabin (lower, middle, upper tiers).
• Pros: Most affordable bed; good for groups of 6 booking an entire cabin.
• Cons: Limited headroom in middle and upper berths; firmer mattresses and no door.
• Note: “Hard” describes the cabin type and padding, not a literal wooden board.

D. What Is a Soft Berth? Soft Sleeper (AnL/AnLT)

A soft berth, also called a soft sleeper, is a bed in a private 4-berth cabin with a lockable door, two tiers of bunks, thicker mattresses, and a power outlet. On Vexere it appears as “Room 4 beds” (Vietnamese: giường nằm khoang 4, VNR code AnL/AnLT). It is the most comfortable standard class for overnight journeys and the one we recommend most for international travelers. Lower berths are usually the first to sell out on long overnight routes.

• Configuration: 4 berths per cabin (lower and upper tiers), lockable door.
• Pros: Thicker mattresses, reading lights, power outlets, a lockable door for privacy.
• Cons: Higher price than a hard sleeper; lower berths sell out first.
• Best for: Couples, families, or solo travelers who prioritize comfort.

2.3 Are There Luxury or VIP Cabins on Vietnam Trains?

The most comfortable class Vexere sells is the 4-berth soft sleeper on Vietnam Railways (DSVN) trains. Some private operators attach their own refurbished carriages to VNR trains, but those are a separate product and are not sold on Vexere. If you want extra comfort, choose a soft sleeper lower berth, or look at the railway’s own tourist trains on some routes. For example, on 7 October 2026 the SNT2 tourist train from Ho Chi Minh City to Nha Trang had 4-berth soft sleepers from 703,000 VND, compared with 487,000 VND on a standard train the same day.

3. Seat Class Decision Matrix and Fares by Class

The right class is not always the most comfortable or the cheapest. It is the one that matches your journey length, travel style, and what you plan to do when you arrive. A 3-hour daytime run from Da Nang to Hue does not need a sleeper; an overnight leg from Ho Chi Minh City to Da Nang does. Use the matrix below as a starting point, then adjust for your situation.

Seat class decision matrix by journey length (Source: Vexere)

Lowest fares by class on popular routes (Source: Vexere, checked 30/09/2026 for departures on 07/10/2026)

Prices are the lowest fares shown on Vexere across all trains that day, including the displayed service fee; higher fares apply for other trains and berth positions. See Vietnam train ticket prices for 10 routes and what affects the price.

Berth position strategy:

• Lower berth: Usually the most expensive. Easiest access and a better window view, best for older passengers or families with young children.
• Upper berth: Usually the cheapest. More private and quieter, a good pick for solo travelers.

4. Booking Your Vietnam Train Ticket on Vexere

Vexere is an official partner of Vietnam Railways (DSVN) and sells tickets at official VNR fares plus a small service fee that is shown before you pay. For international travelers who do not read Vietnamese or want an English booking flow, that means you can search trains, compare classes, and pick your exact berth in one place. You can also buy through the official DSVN website or at the station.

Lower berths on long overnight routes tend to sell out first, so book as early as you can. For step-by-step help, see how to book train tickets in Vietnam.

5. Insider Tips for a Smooth Journey

Knowing your seat class is step one, but what happens between boarding and arriving matters just as much, especially on overnight journeys. Prepare the following before you board:

• Hygiene: Bring hand sanitizer and your own toilet paper for a more comfortable experience.
• Security: Keep valuables close and lock your cabin door at night if your cabin has one.
• Food and drink: Hot water is usually available on board, useful for instant noodles or tea. Pack extra snacks so you stay in control of your meals.
• Power: Outlets can charge slowly, so a power bank is useful on any journey over 6 hours.
• Book early: For Tet, public holidays, and summer weekends, book as soon as sales open for your date; sleeper lower berths go first.

Vietnam’s train classes cover a wider range than most travelers expect, from a basic hard seat to a soft berth in a lockable cabin. Getting this choice right before you book saves money and improves comfort. Three things to remember:

1. Journeys up to about 6 hours: The soft seat is the best value: comfortable, scenic, and affordable.
2. Journeys over 10 hours: The soft sleeper (AnL) is worth the upgrade, and the lower berth gives the best night’s sleep.
3. Book early, choose precisely: On Vexere you can select your exact cabin and berth position when you book.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best seat class for an overnight train in Vietnam?

A soft sleeper (AnL/AnLT) is the best standard class for overnight journeys over 10 hours. It offers a lockable 4-berth cabin, thicker mattresses, and power outlets for a comfortable night’s sleep.

What is a soft berth on a Vietnam train?

A soft berth, also called a soft sleeper, is a bed in a lockable 4-berth cabin with two tiers of bunks. It is the most comfortable standard class for overnight travel.

What is a soft seat on a Vietnam train?

A soft seat is a cushioned, reclining seat in an air-conditioned carriage with a 2×2 layout, best for daytime trips of up to about 6 hours.

What is the difference between a hard sleeper and a soft sleeper?

A hard sleeper (BnL/BnLT) is an open 6-berth cabin, while a soft sleeper (AnL/AnLT) is a lockable 4-berth cabin with thicker mattresses and more privacy. On the routes we checked, the lowest hard sleeper fare was roughly 70 to 85 percent of the soft sleeper fare.

Which berth position should I choose: lower, middle, or upper?

The lower berth is easiest to reach and has the best window view, which suits older passengers and families. The upper berth is usually the cheapest and most private, which suits solo travelers.

How far in advance should I book a Vietnam train ticket?

Book a few days to a week ahead for popular routes, and as soon as sales open for Tet and public holidays. Lower-berth soft sleepers are typically the first to sell out.

Is there a VIP or luxury cabin on Vexere?

Vexere sells Vietnam Railways trains only, so the most comfortable standard class is the 4-berth soft sleeper. Private luxury carriages run by other operators are not sold on Vexere.

How much do the different classes cost?

On 7 October 2026, the lowest fares from Hanoi to Hue were 455,000 VND for a soft seat, 688,000 VND for a hard sleeper, and 923,000 VND for a soft sleeper. Fares change by train, berth and date.

Related guides: Vietnam train ticket prices · How to book train tickets in Vietnam · How to buy cheap Vietnam train tickets