Scenic Train Stretches Worth a Daylight Seat
You have little leave and want the train views without sitting through the whole line.
You do not need to ride the whole North-South railway to enjoy it. Pick one daylight section, ideally the coast between Hue and Da Nang, and treat it as part of your sightseeing. The rest of the line is better covered by a short flight.
How long is the whole railway?
The North-South route runs 1,726 km1. Express journeys end to end take about 33 to 34 hours, and the slower typical journey is about 30 hours2. That is far too much for a first trip on short leave.
So the useful question is which small piece earns a window seat. The rest of this guide answers that.
Which stretch gives the best views?
The one to keep for daylight is the section between Hue and Da Nang. The railway climbs around the same headland as the Hai Van Pass, an approximately 21 km mountain road on National Route 13. You see coast, bays and forested slopes in a single short ride.
South of Da Nang, the line follows the coast again for long spells towards the beach towns. These sections suit slow couples and photographers who like a window and a camera more than a schedule.
Which side should you sit on?
Sit on the sea side. On the Hue to Da Nang section the sea is to the east, so the left side when you travel south and the right side when you travel north.
Choose a seat, not a berth, for these daytime rides. Our train classes guide explains the seat types.
Where does the railway meet history?
Hue is the natural start. Its monuments were inscribed on the World Heritage List in 19935, so a morning in the Imperial City followed by an afternoon train to the beach makes a full, unhurried day. Read our Hue guide and Da Nang guide to decide where to spend the night.
What should you check before you book?
- Book through the official site, dsvn.vn4, or through an agent you trust.
- Choose a daytime departure, so the window is worth having.
- Allow extra time at the station if you travel with older relatives or small children.
- Keep one flexible day in case weather delays the line.
If you are still weighing train against plane for a longer leg, our Hanoi to Da Nang comparison lays the choice out. For overall transport advice, see Getting around Vietnam.
Tell us which cities you will pass through and your travel dates, and we can say whether a daylight rail section fits or whether a short flight serves you better.
Common questions
Do I need to ride the whole railway to enjoy it?
No. The line is long, and the full end-to-end ride is a commitment that short leave rarely allows. Ride one daylight section instead, such as Hue to Da Nang, and fly or drive the rest. You still get the coastline from the window and keep your other days free for sightseeing.
Which side of the train has the sea view?
On the Hue to Da Nang section, the sea lies to the east. Travelling south, that is the left side of the carriage. Travelling north, it is the right side. Pick your seat when you book, because once the train is moving the best window seats are taken.
Is it worth taking a night train for the scenery?
Not for the views. Night trains hide the coast, so you pay for a long ride and see little. Keep the scenic sections for daylight, and use the night train only when saving a hotel night matters more to you than the window.
Can older relatives manage a short scenic ride?
Yes, because a short daylight section means a seat, not a berth, and no climbing into a bunk. Choose a seat near the carriage door for easier boarding and the toilet. Allow extra time at the station and ask your hotel to help with luggage.
Sources
- The North-South (Reunification Express) railway route is 1,726 km. Wikipedia
- Typical end-to-end journeys on the Reunification Express last about 30 hours; express timetables run about 33 to 34 hours. Wikipedia. Timetables change; check dsvn.vn.
- Hai Van Pass is an approximately 21 km mountain pass on National Route 1 between Hue and Da Nang. Wikipedia
- Vietnam Railways' official booking website is dsvn.vn. Wikipedia
- Complex of Hue Monuments was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1993. Wikipedia
Keep planning
Tell us which cities you will pass through and your travel dates, and we can say whether a daylight rail section fits or whether a short flight serves you better.