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Planet Rail · Escorted luxury rail journey

Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi aboard the SJourney

Eight-day luxury sleeper train from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi with guided stops

Illustration of Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi aboard the SJourney

Planet Rail's SJourney is an 8-day, 7-night luxury sleeper train journey from Ho Chi Minh City northward to Hanoi, crossing the length of Vietnam's coast and heartland. All seven nights are spent aboard the train in Twin Cabins with en-suite bathrooms, attended by cabin staff. Each day combines guided excursions led by English-speaking local guides with overnight rail travel. Day 2 takes you to Phan Thiet's Ta Cu Mountain and Cham cultural sites. Day 4 focuses on Hoi An's ancient town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with traditional architecture and markets. Day 7 includes a sampan journey through Trang An's limestone waterways and the historic temples of Hoa Lu, Vietnam's former capital. All meals are prepared aboard using local ingredients, and a complimentary spa treatment is included. This trip suits luxury travellers seeking cultural immersion without hotel changes, history enthusiasts drawn to Vietnam's imperial past, and those who value fine dining and guided comfort throughout their journey.

What to know before you look closer

  • The itinerary for Days 5 and 6 in the operator's materials appears to repeat descriptions from Days 4 and 2; confirm the actual activities at Hue and Quang Binh before booking.
  • Twin Cabins are compact at 10 square metres; storage is limited to a wardrobe.
  • Group size can reach 44 passengers; enquire with Planet Rail if smaller-group departures are available.
  • International flights to and from Vietnam are not included; Day 8 hotel transfer timing depends on your flight schedule.

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: On board the SJourney

    Ho Chi Minh City – Welcome on Board

    Begin your luxury rail journey in Saigon with a hotel pick-up around 4:30pm and a warm welcome at the VIP lounge for a seamless check-in. As evening falls, join fellow travellers in the opulent restaurant for refreshments and a sumptuous dinner paired with fine wines or cocktails. The train departs Saigon, crossing into the Vietnamese countryside, its gentle motion lulling you into a peaceful night's sleep ahead of the adventures in Phan Thiet.

  2. Day 2railovernight: On board the SJourney

    Phan Thiet – Explore the Ancient Chams Culture

    Begin the day exploring Ta Cu Mountain and the Linh Son Truong Tho Pagoda for panoramic views and spiritual significance, then visit the Fish Sauce Museum, followed by an oceanfront lunch of fresh local specialties. In the afternoon, visit the historic Poshanu Cham Towers. Later, board the train as it departs Phan Thiet, enjoying a refined dinner aboard while the coastline passes by.

  3. Day 3railovernight: On board the SJourney

    Phu Yen – A Voyage into Coastal Serenity

    Breakfast aboard the train, then explore Phu Yen, starting at the historic Mang Lang Church and visiting Phu Tan Mat Weaving Village to witness traditional mat weaving. At midday, enjoy a coastal lunch of fresh local seafood. In the afternoon, return to the train for rest as the countryside drifts by, then savour a curated dinner under the stars in the dining car.

  4. Day 4railovernight: On board the SJourney

    Quang Nam – Ancient Merchant Hub of South East Asia

    Breakfast aboard the train, then explore Hoi An's countryside by jeep, visiting Au Lac Wood Art for woodblock painting and Thanh Ha Pottery Village for hands-on pottery. Enjoy a home-hosted lunch of fresh local ingredients. In the afternoon, immerse yourself in Hoi An Ancient Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site: the Hoi An Market, Phuc Kien Assembly Hall, historic houses such as Phung Hung or Tan Ky, and the Japanese Covered Bridge, before wandering local handicraft shops and laneways. Return to the train for an onboard dinner.

  5. Day 5railovernight: On board the SJourney

    Hue – Discover the Magnificent of The Last Empire in Vietnam

    Breakfast aboard the train, then explore Phu Yen, starting at the historic Mang Lang Church and visiting Phu Tan Mat Weaving Village to witness traditional mat weaving. At midday, enjoy a coastal lunch of fresh local seafood. In the afternoon, return to the train for rest as the countryside drifts by, then savour a curated dinner under the stars in the dining car.

  6. Day 6railovernight: On board the SJourney

    Quang Binh – A Soft Adventure in Jungle and Caves

    Breakfast aboard the train, then explore Hoi An's countryside by jeep, visiting Au Lac Wood Art for woodblock painting and Thanh Ha Pottery Village for hands-on pottery. Enjoy a home-hosted lunch of fresh local ingredients. In the afternoon, immerse yourself in Hoi An Ancient Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site: the Hoi An Market, Phuc Kien Assembly Hall, historic houses such as Phung Hung or Tan Ky, and the Japanese Covered Bridge, before wandering local handicraft shops and laneways. Return to the train for an onboard dinner.

  7. Day 7railovernight: On board the SJourney

    Ninh Binh – Explore the First Kingdom of Vietnam

    A sumptuous breakfast aboard the train, then journey through Trang An's emerald waterways by sampan, surrounded by limestone cliffs and lush greenery. Continue to Hoa Lu, Vietnam's ancient capital, to explore its temples and historic sites. Return to the train for a relaxing afternoon tea.

  8. Day 8rail

    Hanoi Capital – Farewell

    The train is scheduled to reach Hanoi train station at 5:00am. Breakfast is served until 8:30am, with check-out procedures from 9:00am. Based on your flight timings, you will be transferred to a hotel in Hanoi city centre ahead of your return flights home.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2Climb Ta Cu Mountain to Linh Son Truong Tho Pagoda for panoramic views, then visit the Fish Sauce Museum and historic Poshanu Cham Towers.
  • Day 4Explore Hoi An Ancient Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, including the market, Phuc Kien Assembly Hall, and historic houses such as Phung Hung and Tan Ky.
  • Day 7Journey through Trang An's emerald waterways by sampan surrounded by limestone cliffs, then visit Hoa Lu, Vietnam's ancient capital, to explore its temples and historic sites.

Included

  • Excursions with English-speaking guides and entrance fees
  • Complimentary beverages as per drink list
  • Cabin attendant service
  • Private airport/hotel transfers
  • One complimentary spa treatment
  • Breakfast, lunch and dinner, freshly prepared on the train using local ingredients, plus dining at local restaurants during excursions

Not included

  • Flights to/from Vietnam (guests arrange their own; the Day 8 hotel transfer is timed around your flight)

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes. Planet Rail includes all seven nights aboard the SJourney, all meals prepared on the train, cabin attendant service, and private transfers from airport or hotel to the station.
What is the accommodation?
Twin Cabins of 10 square metres, each with two single beds (1.9m x 0.7m), a multi-functional table and chairs, wardrobe, and en-suite bathroom.
Are excursions guided?
Yes. English-speaking local guides accompany excursions at each stop, and entrance fees are included. Activities include temple visits, pottery and weaving villages, mountain climbs, and sampan boat rides.
What meals are provided?
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included daily, freshly prepared on the train using local ingredients. Excursions also include meals at local restaurants and home-hosted lunches.
When does this journey run?
Planet Rail currently offers departures in January and February 2026.
What is not included?
International flights to and from Vietnam are not included. Guests arrange their own flights, and Day 8 hotel transfer is timed around your flight schedule.

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