Featured Journey14 DaysVietnam

Vietnam Luxury Express: A Journey by Train

Hanoi - Ninh Binh - Phong Nha - Hue - Hoi An - Phan Thiet - Ho Chi Minh city

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Absolute Asia/Vietnam/Vietnam Luxury Express: A Journey by Train

Overview

Discover Vietnam the elegant way – not from the sky, but aboard the Vietnam Luxury Express, a stylish train that glides through the country’s most breathtaking landscapes. This curated itinerary spans over 1,800 kilometers, linking Hanoi in the north to Ho Chi Minh City in the south.

Along the way, you’ll explore iconic destinations like Ninh Binh’s limestone valleys, Quang Binh’s jungle caves, the imperial beauty of Hue, artisan villages near Hoi An, and the untouched charm of Phu Yen. End your journey in Ho Chi Minh City with guided tours of the legendary Cu Chi Tunnels and the tranquil Mekong Delta.

Whether you’re seeking romance, culture, or comfort, the Vietnam Luxury Express offers a once-in-a-lifetime journey through Vietnam – one elegant stop at a time.

Route

Hanoi - Ninh Binh - Phong Nha - Hue - Hoi An - Phan Thiet - Ho Chi Minh city

Travel style

Journey code

Trip Snapshot & Inclusions Standard100% Private & Tailor-Made

Service Model	Strictly private chauffeured air-conditioned vehicle with dedicated English-speaking certified guide throughout.
Pacing & Flexibility	Adaptive itinerary pacing with unhurried daily departures, tailored specifically to your party.
Commercial Purity	Strictly zero compulsory tourist shopping stops or commission traps. 100% focused on authentic cultural discovery.
24/7 Concierge	Dedicated local country specialist reachable around the clock from arrival through departure.

Itinerary ideas

Trip Highlights

Hanoi – Welcome on Board

Ninh Binh – The First Kingdom of Vietnam

Quang Binh – Jungle and Cave Adventure

Hue – Discover Vietnam’s Imperial Legacy

Quang Nam – Discover Historic Hoi An tour of Imperial Citadel, Mausoleums of Emperors Tu Duc & Khai Dinh

Why Choose Absolute Asia

English-speaking guides who live in the country you're visiting

A private travel designer reachable throughout your trip

Hand-selected hotels chosen for character, not chain

Private transfers and drivers for a seamless day-to-day

Day by Day

Itinerary

ha noi

This afternoon, around 4:30 PM, your driver will pick you up from your hotel in Hanoi and take you to Gia Lam Station. At the VIP lounge, you’ll be warmly welcomed and checked in. At 6:00 PM, head to the train’s restaurant carriage for welcome drinks and a delicious multi-course dinner. As the train departs, you’ll cross the Long Bien Bridge with views of the Red River at sunset. Relax in your cabin as the train glides through the countryside toward Ninh Binh.

Ninh Binh

Wake up and enjoy breakfast on board as the train arrives in Ninh Binh. Take a peaceful sampan boat ride through the limestone landscapes of Trang An, often called “Halong Bay on land.” Next, visit Hoa Lu, Vietnam’s ancient capital, and explore its historic temples and mountain surroundings. Return to the train for lunch, afternoon tea, and a relaxing ride toward Vinh. Enjoy another fine dinner on board in the evening.

Quang Binh

Start your day with breakfast on the train as it arrives in Quang Binh. Explore Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, a UNESCO site filled with caves and rivers. Take a boat ride on the Son River and explore the impressive Phong Nha Cave. Return to the train for lunch and some rest. In the evening, enjoy a home-style dinner in the countryside. You can also join a Vietnamese cooking class before boarding the train to continue to Hue.

Hue

Begin with a rickshaw ride through the quiet streets of Hue, then explore the grand Imperial Citadel, home of Vietnam’s last emperors. Visit the peaceful Tu Duc Mausoleum, then head to Hue’s Incense Village to learn traditional crafts like incense-making or hat-weaving. Enjoy a local lunch featuring Hue’s royal-style cuisine. In the afternoon, return to the train and travel south past the stunning Lang Co Lagoon on your way to your next stop.

Quang Nam

Depart early from Hue and enjoy breakfast on board as you pass through the scenic Hai Van Pass. Arrive in Hoi An and relax with Vietnamese coffee in a countryside setting. Then take a jeep tour to visit local artisans, try woodblock painting and pottery, and enjoy a home-cooked lunch. In the afternoon, explore Hoi An Ancient Town: visit the market, the Phuc Kien Assembly Hall, traditional houses, and the famous Japanese Covered Bridge. Return to the train for a relaxing evening and dinner on board, heading toward Phu Yen.

Phu Yen

Phan Thiet

Start with a visit to Ta Cu Mountain to see the hilltop Linh Son Truong Tho Pagoda. Then visit the Fish Sauce Museum to learn about this essential part of Vietnamese cuisine. Enjoy a seaside lunch with local specialties. In the evening, have your farewell dinner at the historic Poshanu Cham Towers, a beautiful setting for your last evening on tour. Later, board the train and begin the journey back to Ho Chi Minh City.

Ho Chi Minh

Mekong

hoi an

Vietnam Luxury Express: A Journey by Train

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