How reliable are trains in Vietnam?

What are the overnight trains in Vietnam like?

The heat clung, even at night. Air conditioning? More like a weak breeze. Sleeping wasn’t easy.

Hard beds. Stiff. My back ached all the next day. 2024 and the trains… still feel so old.

• Crowded. Always. People everywhere.
• Food, Meh. Expensive, and not that great. Instant noodles mostly.
• Wi-Fi? A Joke. It worked maybe ten percent of the time. Useless.
• Views? Sometimes. Rolling hills mostly. I saw rice paddies once. Beautiful. That’s a good memory.

Long nights. The rhythmic clack of the wheels. A low hum of conversation. Lonely.

But the stars… clear and bright. I remember that. A small consolation. Even then, I craved quiet. My own space. A simple bed.

Are overnight trains comfortable?

Nah, not always. My trip on the California Zephyr last year… The bunk was cramped. Really cramped.

Sleeping wasn’t restful. The rocking… It never stopped. My back ached terribly the next day.

The promised “comfort” felt false. The shared bathroom… a nightmare. Long lines, especially mornings.

• Limited space: Seriously tiny cabins.
• Noise levels: Constant rumbling and chatter. Didn’t sleep well.
• Bathroom access: Shared facilities were inconvenient and unclean at times.
• Overall experience: Disappointing. Didn’t meet expectations of a relaxing trip. I felt more tired than when I started.

The bedding… thin and scratchy. I missed my own bed. Badly. So much. It was a long ride.

Are overnight trains safe in Vietnam?

Trains in Vietnam are safe, certainly safer than the hectic roads, where motorbikes reign supreme, wow.

Choosing a sleeper train instead of a sleeper bus makes sense, trust me. Night buses, no thanks.

The main concern? Petty theft. Watch your belongings carefully, particularly at night.

• Keep valuables close; money belts are your friends.
• Lock luggage if possible, and consider using a small travel lock on your bag zippers.
• Be wary of overly friendly strangers offering drinks or snacks. Seems obvious but worth repeating.
• Always keep an eye on your stuff. Duh, I know.

Pickpockets operate even on trains. Just be smart; awareness is key. It’s a shame, really, because the train journey itself, watching the landscape roll by, that’s an experience.

How do I prepare for a night train?

Okay, so, night train prepping… ugh.

I took the Nightjet from Vienna to Rome in 2024. Never again.

First, yeah, they give you bedding. Thin sheets, kinda scratchy. BRING YOUR OWN PILLOWCASE! Trust me, you don’t wanna know what’s been on those pillows.

Earplugs? Essential. Noise-canceling headphones are even BETTER. Someone was snoring like a freight train ALL NIGHT. I mean, seriously.

Comfy clothes? DEFINITELY. I wore leggings and a big, oversized hoodie. Smartest thing I did. Wool socks are good, but the cabin got stuffy, so I kicked ’em off.

Food? Oh, they said you could order food. LIES! The “menu” was, like, two sad sandwiches and a lukewarm coffee. Pack your own snacks. A LOT of snacks. Plus water. Definitely water.

Here’s a better list, based on my trauma:

• Pillowcase: Non-negotiable.
• Eye mask: Even if you think you don’t need one, bring it.
• Snacks (actual food): Don’t rely on their “offerings”.
• Water (lots): Stay hydrated, especially if you drink alcohol.
• Earplugs/Noise-canceling headphones: Sanity savers.
• Comfy clothes: Think pajamas you could wear in public-ish.
• Portable charger: Outlets are scarce, if they even work.
• Wet wipes/hand sanitizer: Trust me on this one.
• Small flashlight/headlamp: For navigating in the dark.
• Entertainment: Books, downloaded movies, whatever keeps you occupied.
• Travel-sized toiletries: Face wash, toothbrush, etc. You will want to freshen up.

I forgot my face wash. I felt gross. And the bathroom situation? Ew. Bring wipes! Seriously.