Discovery Trains · Escorted rail journey

La route du dragon (SJourney)

4-day luxury rail loop from Hanoi to Sapa and Halong Bay

La route du dragon (SJourney), a rail journey with Discovery Trains

Discovery Trains runs La route du dragon as a 4-day, 3-night escorted rail loop aboard the SJourney, described as Vietnam's only private luxury train, departing and returning to Hanoi. On day 1, the train leaves Gia Lam station at midday and crosses the rice paddies, villages and vegetable farms of the northern countryside, with a traditional performance that evening. Day 2 takes travelers up Mount Fansipan, Vietnam's highest point, via the panoramic Muong Hoa train and a cable car, with a stop at Lao Chai village amid terraced rice paddies, before the train heads back toward Hanoi overnight. On day 3, the group transfers to Tuan Chau marina for a cruise through the UNESCO-listed karst formations of Halong Bay and Lan Ha Bay, including a kayak exploration of the Sang Toi cave. The loop ends on day 4 with an early arrival back at Gia Lam station. An English-speaking local guide leads the excursions throughout. It suits travelers who want a short, all-inclusive luxury rail loop that combines mountain scenery, a UNESCO bay cruise, and hands-on activity like kayaking.

What to know before you look closer

  • The single-traveler compartment costs €5,409, about 60% more than the €3,380 per-person double rate, so solo travelers pay a substantial premium for a private compartment.
  • Day 3's Halong Bay and Lan Ha Bay cruise is by boat, not the SJourney train itself, though travelers return to sleep aboard the train that night.
  • Private airport/hotel transfers, travel insurance, and any pre- or post-trip services are optional extras, not included in the fare.

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: À bord du SJourney

    Hanoi et premiers paysages du nord

    Prise en charge privée depuis l'hôtel, accueil en salon réservé à la gare de Gia Lam. Le train quitte la capitale à midi pour la campagne du nord (rizières, villages, cultures maraîchères). Arrêt en fin de journée pour une représentation traditionnelle.

    Meals: lunch, dinner

  2. Day 2railovernight: À bord du SJourney (train retour vers Hanoi)

    Sapa et le mont Fansipan

    Ascension du mont Fansipan, point culminant du Vietnam, via le train panoramique de Muong Hoa puis un téléphérique. Découverte de la vallée de Muong Hoa et du village de Lao Chai, entouré de rizières en terrasses.

    Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner

  3. Day 3overnight: À bord du SJourney

    Baie d'Halong et baie de Lan Ha

    Arrivée à Hai Phong, transfert vers la marina de Tuan Chau, croisière dans la baie d'Halong et la baie de Lan Ha (formations karstiques classées UNESCO). Exploration en kayak de la grotte Sang Toi, temps libre pour la baignade.

    Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner

  4. Day 4

    Retour à Hanoi

    Arrivée à la gare de Gia Lam dans la matinée, formalités de débarquement, transfert vers l'hôtel ou l'aéroport.

    Meals: breakfast

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1The SJourney departs Hanoi's Gia Lam station at midday and travels through the northern countryside's rice paddies, villages and vegetable farms, with a traditional performance in the evening.
  • Day 2An ascent of Mount Fansipan, Vietnam's highest point, via the panoramic Muong Hoa train and a cable car, with a stop at Lao Chai village amid terraced rice paddies.
  • Day 3A cruise through the UNESCO-listed karst formations of Halong Bay and Lan Ha Bay, including a kayak exploration of the Sang Toi cave.
  • Day 4Arrival back at Hanoi's Gia Lam station in the morning, completing the loop.

Included

  • Hébergement : 3 nuits à bord du train SJourney en compartiment double ou twin
  • Pension complète à bord et en restaurants extérieurs (PDJ, DJ, D)
  • Boissons non alcoolisées, bière et vin de table au verre selon la carte; thé et café à bord
  • Une boisson incluse lors des repas à l'extérieur du train
  • Service de majordome avec préparation du compartiment en soirée
  • Visites avec guide local anglophone et droits d'entrée selon le programme

Not included

  • Les boissons consommées en dehors des repas lors des excursions hors du train
  • Les dépenses personnelles

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes. The SJourney, described as Vietnam's only private luxury train, forms a loop from Hanoi with all three nights spent onboard; day 2 also includes the panoramic Muong Hoa train and a cable car up Mount Fansipan.
Is it escorted or independent?
It's escorted, with an English-speaking local guide included for the excursions.
What accommodation is provided?
A private double or twin compartment (10m², private bathroom, air conditioning), or a privatized single compartment for solo travelers.
When does it depart?
18 departures are listed, running in most months from June 2026 through December 2027.
What is not included?
Drinks outside of meals during off-train excursions, and personal expenses; private airport/hotel transfers, travel insurance, and pre- or post-trip services are optional extras.
How much does it cost?
From €3,380 ($3,869 USD) per person in a double or twin compartment, or from €5,409 for a private single compartment, about $967 per day.

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