Vietnam Trip Review: 15 Days By Train From The South

Planning a trip to Vietnam? Thinking of doing it by train? So, too, are lots of travelers! I thought I’d share what I experienced during my 15-day rail exploration that started in the South, to give you, potentially, a clearer picture of what this sort of trip might look like. Actually, it’s almost like stitching together different postcard-worthy scenes across this captivating country – and what better way, really, to experience it, than from the comfort of a train?

First Impressions: Ho Chi Minh City

Touching down in Ho Chi Minh City, you’re immediately greeted by a rush of, like, pure energy, and honestly, it can be a bit intense! That’s how it felt for me anyway. The city’s frenetic pace, seemingly, just pulls you right in. I spent a couple of days, basically, soaking it all up, visiting places, you know, like the War Remnants Museum – which is, admittedly, a sobering but incredibly important look into Vietnam’s history, it tends to be, anyway. The food, clearly, is also a big highlight; from the street vendors dishing out bánh mì to the fancier restaurants, I didn’t have a single meal, truly, that wasn’t delicious.

I remember this one particular evening in a tiny place on the street: sitting there, so I could taste some steaming bowls of pho, while motorbikes zipped past. You realize, that might be when you truly, absolutely, experience Ho Chi Minh’s atmosphere at its finest. Still, I should point out, don’t get too comfortable – the train North awaits!

Setting off: Saigon to Nha Trang

The train from Saigon to Nha Trang, I can tell you, offers, in a way, a fascinating peek into Vietnam’s changing landscapes. You start amidst the urban spread, of course, yet, pretty soon, that changes into seeing the green countryside. The views, just a little, evolve into a calming array of rice paddies and far-off mountains.

My tip is that you should, very much, get a window seat if you can, that would tend to let you fully appreciate the views. Actually, that means seeing families working in the fields, kids waving as the train passes by – things you simply wouldn’t notice when flying. The train, truly, is more than transportation here; it’s more or less a moving window into a very different Vietnam.

Coastal Charms: Nha Trang

Nha Trang came as a very pleasant contrast to HCMC. While it’s definitely a busy coastal city, the vibe seemed more laid-back, you know? The beach is really where it’s at; long stretches of sand, the ocean is just, well, the blue is so inviting, it really draws you in for a swim. I ended up spending my days there, in some respects, switching between lounging by the water and trying different seafood restaurants.

The markets also provide, too, a fun excursion – they’re full of, seemingly, everything from dried squid to handcrafted souvenirs. In some respects, one thing you shouldn’t miss, should you have the time, that could be taking a boat trip to the islands nearby – the snorkeling is often outstanding, that is when the weather’s great! Nha Trang offers a superb balance, I want to say, between relaxation and activity, and in a way, it is a super spot to recharge during your train adventure.

Historical Interlude: Da Nang and Hoi An

Da Nang is a handy stopover if you’re wanting to visit the celebrated Hai Van Pass and the historical town, very, of Hoi An. You may wish to see, or perhaps take the train a bit farther North to Hue, before going back South to visit Da Nang and Hoi An, or do it from Da Nang – anyway, whatever floats your boat!

So, the Hai Van Pass offers, arguably, some incredibly scenic vistas. You could probably rent a motorbike or grab a car – honestly, the trip would be really rewarding, especially with those winding roads and those dramatic coastal views. Plus, just a little bit away, you find Hoi An, which seems almost like going back in time.

The Ancient Town, in fact, with its old merchant homes and lantern-lit streets, really is captivating. I would suggest using, say, the afternoon to get something custom-made by a tailor; Hoi An is, literally, famous for its tailoring shops! And as the sun goes down, of course, those glowing lanterns all over the town create a completely special environment.

Northward to Hanoi

The stretch from Da Nang to Hanoi is, maybe, one of the longest train rides, in some respects, you will experience on this itinerary, and still, I think it’s worth it for that changing scenery. As you go North, arguably, the climate shifts; there are, basically, mountains which seem really dramatic and just so so striking.

Now, Hanoi – well, it has a different rhythm than Ho Chi Minh City, at the end of the day; a touch more traditional perhaps, sort of, with a, you know, historical aura. Staying in the Old Quarter places you slap-bang at the epicenter, I would argue, with tons of street food choices, busy markets, very and interesting temples literally around every corner. Don’t forget to have a coffee at one of the coffee stores! Take the time to wander around Hoan Kiem Lake early in the mornings and also take a stroll on the weekend nights – you might enjoy the place’s lively vibe.

Taking the time for a trip to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum will provide a deeper glimpse, typically, into Vietnam’s contemporary history. Hanoi is not just a spot, clearly; it’s an adventure that you’re going to savor at every moment.

Halong Bay Cruise

While it does not involve any more train rides, from Hanoi, you’ll find it pretty straightforward to organize a trip out to Halong Bay. I want to say, most excursions involve transport from Hanoi. The view of Halong Bay, arguably, really has got to be observed in person; those towering limestone islands emerging straight from emerald waters… well, they are so mesmerizing!

Basically, I opted for an overnight cruise; this just let me soak in, clearly, the peacefulness of the bay, especially in the morning before most tourists got there. Activities included stuff like cave expeditions, swimming in quiet coves, as well as kayaking through some lagoons – I promise you, that will make amazing memories. It tends to be a worthy escape from, really, the busy city life, actually! It might very well be one of the highlights of the whole trip, very possibly.

Concluding Thoughts

• South-to-North Progression: Start from HCMC for its frenetic vibe, heading to the more chilled Nha Trang before exploring cultural highlights like Hoi An and ultimately, taking on the historical Hanoi.
• Scenic Train Journeys: Traveling by train uncovers scenic scenes and lets you, also, meet local people.
• Cultural Depth: From wartime artifacts in HCMC and the serene Halong Bay to the historical beauty of Hanoi, Vietnam provides rich experiences and diverse insights, potentially, into the Vietnamese history.

This 15-day train trip, more or less, truly offers a deeper understanding of Vietnam, moving past being, very much, just some checklist spots and moving onto an, you know, captivating, moving, rich experience which I, myself, shall cherish for many moons to come.