One of the better train companies here. While it's a stretch to call this VIP, I did like the services provided. The views were incredible too. The beds were firm but it's expected. The toilet and washroom were nicer than the other train we took. We were given a light breakfast pack and some overnight drinks, which is welcomed. Though, they weren't enough for the 17 hour journey so we got some pot noodles and Bahn Mis before we got on the train and we used them to supplement the food we were given. The boiling water tap was very good and clean too, which helped get the noodles good too.
The train can be loud and rickety so best to have ear plugs.
For the money though, I'd choose a cabin bus instead for a more comfortable journey. The views are just as nice on the buses.
The operator was very friendly and directly approachable via WhatsApp. On the day of travel, I was upgraded to the 2 birth VIP cabin for free!
The service was amazing, the toilets were clean and great snacks and breakfast was provided! I would highly recommend this service!
Its all about expectations! Are you going to get an extraordinary nights sleep.. no.. is it pristine clean ..no… but are you going to see beautiful countryside and share and moments with locals … yes… if you’re open to it… my time on board..babysat for 15 mins while a mum got food, met young elites head to toe in designer clothes and my last cabin buddy insisted on sharing food with me..as well as loadsa small interactions with kids and families…come prepared with what you are comfortable with, be open to embracing what it is…its not luxury but its not terrible, honestly apart from the clunky old train sounds its actually really peaceful.. and a true slice of being in here.. my only advice is… choose a bottom bunk and bring ear plugs and a hoodie…and try and time it so you get plenty of day time…the views are sometimes stunning sometimes nothing but overall .. super happy I did this.
We took first class train, wasn't very clean. Views on the way were very beautiful.
Because of shaking train, little sleep..
we wanted to use the "restaurant wagon" this one seemed not in use (hang out place for staff and full of luggage.
We had the cabin for 2. Really spacious with very clean bedding. A supper was included in the fare. Clean toilets, really handy hot and cold water dispenser in the carriage.
Train journey was fantastic, double cabin really comfortable, train crew were great and really friendly, slept really well and would definitely do again.
Views especially between DaNang and Hue are spectacular. The overnight trains are a good way to travel and sightsee at the same time. It’s not luxurious, but it’s pleasant enough. The toilets however are not pleasant at all and are not clean, however they are used by many people. Overall, a convenient way to travel.
Well lets start with the misleading information and pictures when booking online. There needs to be a better distinction between 1st class and VIP. I genuinely believed that I had booked a two person cabin, but in actual fact had selected two seats in a four bed cabin. The beds were too hard and the top bunks difficult to access for people over 45 years old. The food offered on the train didn't cater to Western tastes. The staff serving the food didn't know English and couldn't be bothered with explaining what they were serving. There was one toilet per two carriages, which meant there were quite a few people all waiting for a turn. Being on the top bunk I saw nothing of the country side or any scenery for that matter.
Surprise was that they shared train with other operators... Pictures online or in the voucher were misleading - this could be improced on 12go side. But overall a beautiful experience.
The ride was ok, but as the ticket was called "VIP" we expected a cleaner bed and newer wagon - but it was the old train they are were having for 60 years ;). But all in all it was a good ride - we would do it again.