Vietnam by Rail: A 15-Day Northern to Southern Adventure

So, are you thinking of seeing Vietnam? Well, there’s something truly special concerning seeing it all by train! Now, a 15-day adventure moving south starting in the north gives you ample opportunity to soak in the landscapes and truly connect with the culture.

Planning Your North-to-South Vietnam Rail Adventure

Okay, so, planning such a big trip can seem like, you know, a handful. That is, mapping out your stops, considering the train schedules, that too’s where it starts. You might want to begin in Hanoi, so exploring the vibrant Old Quarter. After that, take the train, pretty much all the way down through spots like Sapa (it might take a bus to get there, yet that trip, it’s amazing), or maybe, Phong Nha, Hue, Hoi An, finally winding up somewhere like Ho Chi Minh City. Basically, a real must! Figure out what kind of experience you want – maybe it’s culture, scenery, food – after that, build your trip.

You want to also consider how much you intend to spend too; what level of accommodation you prefer because this could change the price a little. Also what you are going to do while you are there; so the budget is something that should be seriously considered and planned out.

Booking Train Tickets

As a matter of fact, when you get to actually getting your tickets, it can either be done when you get there, but also online ahead of time. Lots of web pages that you can use like Vietnam Railways’ official website or agencies that resell them. A big plus about booking in advance is peace of mind, especially for popular times of travel.

Visa Considerations

Something very essential, your visa! Ensure your passport is very valid and, obviously, you are clear on all the visa policies to be in Vietnam, it might even mean getting the visa even before you leave home. Always check with the embassy of your country and the Vietnam embassies to check for visa information as that does vary dependent upon origin.

The Northern Charm: Hanoi & Sapa

As I was saying, Hanoi is just a really good start, and if you’ve never been before, get prepared to get lost in those crazy small, twisting streets! I mean, see Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple. It might be kind of touristy, yet they are rather pretty. Basically, the street food! Sample pho and banh mi from the vendors. Don’t hesitate because, really, you won’t get it like this anywhere else!

Venturing into Sapa

If you love getting outside, basically, make the trip to Sapa. Even though that it involves a bus, the mountain views really are epic. Also the terraced rice fields, as a matter of fact. Hike through them, connect with different people from hill tribes – you will take some wonderful pics!

Central Vietnam: History and Beaches

Moving into the center, and it gets pretty special; what’s wonderful really is the history mixed with the fantastic coastline. If you like, it’s the ideal combination!

Historic Hue

I would say Hue’s Citadel is where the country’s historic kings ruled from; you are looking back over centuries. The Perfume River boat cruise actually just helps to enhance that historical vibe.

Charming Hoi An

Afterward, that ancient town Hoi An, which also has loads of tailors if you wanted to treat yourself to some nice new outfits. Then, walk around the Japanese Covered Bridge, maybe get clothes made, or also explore the different food shops!

Relaxing in Phong Nha

Or another must stop for the thrillseekers in you would be the limestone karst landscapes, also several cave systems. Now, get ready to do either kayaking tours into caves, so it’s going to be great! The views from within, also, they can be breathtaking, literally.

Southern Exposure: Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong Delta

Next comes the South; this is totally a different vibe to that found in Hanoi, a lot more fast and crazy busy! Yet again, it has great finds.

Ho Chi Minh City’s Bustle

So get in deep! Maybe see the War Remnants Museum; it does bring home to you the past events of the war; yet also places such as the Reunification Palace and the different markets for keepsakes to carry home. Basically, it’s sensory overload – wonderful, mind you – just have some space!

Mekong Delta Exploration

If you can then maybe get a tour to view the Mekong Delta with all the waterways around. The floating markets really are unique. Get on a boat as this gives a good glance into people’s lifestyles. So basically, an area you will enjoy viewing with plenty of great photo opportunities.

Maximizing Your Train Travel Experience

Train travel throughout the length of Vietnam will give such wonderful perspectives and experiences to treasure for years to come. It may also provide you some problems in terms of some experiences. To make the trip even better then read what experiences and practical suggestions can be done to help. Some may seem sort of obvious yet it may help, still!

What to Pack

Right, think layers! Given that Vietnam could be fairly warm! Light materials, a sweater or cardigan as at night the train gets cooler as you are traveling during the evening to another destination; if you intend walking get decent trainers/walking shoes. Sunblock, hat – pretty musts. Also, something else that comes in handy that a lot of folks forget, wet wipes; really handy as standards can change on the trains, in terms of cleaning etcetera. A little medical pack just to have something close to hand such as diarrhea medicine is also sensible too.

Staying Comfortable

Okay, right, bring earplugs as many find those on board chatty; eye mask. Remember travel pillow just for sleeping or somewhere nice just to relax if reading a novel etcetera.

Staying Connected

Something very, very obvious: ensure you purchase an regional SIM card in order that you can have data without using your providers packages! Really beneficial! Also if using your mobile, then a battery pack is something that you should bring.

Food Adventures Along the Way

Here is another great factor; tasting local food along the tour. Actually experience traditional, and, basically, unique, flavor hits you!

Must-Try Dishes

As I was saying: Pho (it could be that soup of yours for ever!), also you should have summer rolls, and also Cao Lau; all wonderful for flavor. Do also stop at small local spots to try to avoid some common ‘over catering’ if eating at very popular traveler stops.

Snacking Smart

Really, stock up at local shops beforehand. Nuts or dried fruits could be helpful on some longer rail bits or travels. Even some small treats that you personally enjoy and help to keep energy amounts normal!