What is the most beautiful train ride in Vietnam?

Most beautiful train ride in Vietnam? Scenic Hai Van Pass

Selecting the most beautiful train ride in Vietnam ensures access to incredible coastal landscapes and high-altitude mountain vistas. Travelers struggle to identify the correct side of the carriage for optimal scenery. Learning these specific seating strategies prevents missing the highlights. Read on to discover the exact route and timing for the best views.

The Crown Jewel: Da Nang to Hue via Hai Van Pass

Without a doubt, the most beautiful train ride in Vietnam is the 2.5- to 3-hour da nang to hue train journey, which winds over the legendary Hai Van Pass. When you book this route, sit on the left side of the train—that’s where you’ll watch turquoise waves crash against cliffs, see fishing boats dotting Lang Co Bay, and gaze at jungle‑covered mountains that seem to drop straight into the sea.

The journey covers roughly 100 kilometers, but the most breathtaking 21‑kilometer stretch crosses the Hai Van Pass ^[1] itself. Trains hug the coastline at about 500 meters above sea level, offering uninterrupted ocean views for nearly 40 minutes. I’ve taken this route three times, and the first time I made the rookie mistake of sitting on the right side—I spent the whole trip leaning across strangers trying to catch a glimpse. Now I never forget to tell friends: left side from Da Nang to Hue, right side if you’re heading the opposite direction.

Top 5 Scenic Train Routes in Vietnam

The Da Nang–Hue segment tops the list, but Vietnam’s railways offer several other scenic train routes Vietnam. Here’s a quick look at the best scenic routes: Da Nang – Hue (Hai Van Pass) – The undisputed king.

Dramatic coastal cliffs, Lang Co Bay, and lush mountains in under three hours. Reunification Express (Hanoi – Ho Chi Minh City) – A 1,726‑kilometer epic that takes roughly 34–40 hours. The full route gives you a cross‑section of Vietnam—rice paddies, beaches, bustling cities, and sleepy fishing villages.

hanoi to sapa train views are best enjoyed on the overnight ride into the northern highlands. Wake up to mist‑covered valleys and terraced rice fields that glow green in the morning light. Nha Trang – Quy Nhon – A lesser‑known coastal stretch with brilliant turquoise water, salt fields that sparkle like snow, and quiet fishing harbors. Da Lat – Trai Mat – A charming, short ride on a historic railway that winds through vegetable farms and pine forests. It’s only about 7 kilometers, but it feels like stepping into a different century.

Standard Train vs. Luxury Carriages: What’s the Difference?

The Vietnamese railway system offers two main experiences: the standard Vietnam Railways (VNR) trains and premium tourist carriages. Which one you choose depends entirely on how much comfort matters to you versus budget.

Standard VNR vs. Luxury Tourist Carriages

Standard Vietnam Railways (VNR)

- Budget-friendly. A soft seat (reclining) from Da Nang to Hue costs around 150,000–200,000 VND ($6–$8 USD) (exchange rate as of March 2026).

- Windows can be small and sometimes tinted, but if you grab a left‑side seat you’ll still see everything clearly.

- Seats are basic but comfortable enough for a 3‑hour trip. Air‑conditioned, though sometimes a bit cold. Expect simple, no‑frills carriages.

- Tickets available online through Vietnam Railways or third‑party sites like Baolau. Seat selection is possible but not always guaranteed.

Luxury Tourist Carriages (e.g., The Vietage, L’Amour)

- Premium. The Vietage (Da Nang–Quy Nhon) runs about 11,000,000 VND ($420 USD) per person, including a meal. Shorter luxury cars on Da Nang–Hue cost less but still 5–10× standard fares.

- Massive panoramic windows that wrap around, sometimes extending into the ceiling. You don’t have to fight for a seat—every spot has an unobstructed view.

- Plush armchairs, full dining service, and often an open‑air observation deck. Staff cater to you, and the carriages are designed specifically for sightseeing.

- Book directly through the luxury operator’s website. Schedules are limited (often just one departure per day), so you need to plan ahead.

Mark’s Mistake (and How He Fixed It)

Mark, a photographer from London, booked a last‑minute ticket from Da Nang to Hue. He didn’t know about the “left side” rule and ended up on the right, staring at the mountainside for two hours. He snapped a few okay shots, but he could hear fellow passengers gasping at the ocean views he couldn’t see.

He tried leaning across, but it was crowded and awkward. By the time he reached Hue, he was frustrated and convinced he’d missed the whole point of the trip.

The next day he asked at the station and learned about seat selection. He booked a return journey two days later, specifically requesting a left‑side window seat. This time he arrived 40 minutes early to secure it.

That ride gave him his best photos of the trip—cliffs plunging into the sea, Lang Co Bay bathed in afternoon light. “I spent $7 more on the second ticket and got 10 times the experience,” he later told me.