Trains between Hanoi and popular central and southern tourist destinations are in demand, with sleeper berths sold out on weekends, thanks to improved pricing policies and services.
When Thu Minh from Hanoi attempted to purchase train tickets for her family’s weekend getaway to Da Nang City, she was met with a surprising twist—many trains were completely booked. Out of the nine trains scheduled for the trip, the SE17 train had just two sleeper berths remaining, while SE11 had three available.
Routes to Nghe An and Quang Binh Province demonstrated similar trends, with sleeper berths becoming increasingly scarce. “I didn’t expect train tickets in June to be this hard to get,” Minh lamented, adding, “My family might have to postpone our trip to next month.”
The Vietnam Railways Corporation’s ticketing website highlights the limited availability of sleeper berths on weekends throughout June, specifically on routes connecting Hanoi with central and southern provinces. A representative from the Railway Transport Joint Stock Company revealed that over 620,000 tickets have been sold this summer, with a projected passenger increase of 8-10% compared to the previous year by the end of the vacation period.
Analysts attribute this surge in popularity to several factors: competitive ticket prices for families, free travel for children under six, and an array of conveniences available for those traveling with young kids. Groups can also enjoy discounts of 3-15%.
Furthermore, the quality of services and amenities has improved significantly in recent years. Many train routes offer breathtaking views, making train journeys to central Vietnam especially sought after. Notably, even premium trains running between Hanoi and Da Nang frequently sell out, with sleeper berth fares reaching VND1.3 million (around US$50) each.
To accommodate the summer rush, the railroad service is expanding. New trains have been introduced along the Hanoi–Hai Phong City route, and the already popular line between Ninh Thuan Province and Da Lat has added three more trains, bringing the total to six. Daily departures are now also available between Hanoi and Beijing, enhancing connectivity with the Chinese capital.
What is causing the high demand for train tickets this summer? Many factors contribute to this surge, including competitive pricing for families, free travel for children under six, and improved service quality.
How much can passengers expect to pay for a sleeper berth on popular routes? Sleeper berths can reach fares of VND1.3 million (approximately US$50) on high-quality trains, yet they still sell out quickly.
What new routes have been added to accommodate travelers? The railroad service has expanded this summer with additional trains on the Hanoi–Hai Phong route and new options connecting Ninh Thuan Province to Da Lat, plus daily services to Beijing.
So, if you’re planning a train trip, make sure to book early—unless you fancy practicing your charm at the ticket counter!
