Vietnam’s railway crowned “World’s Best Train Journey” for 2025
Lonely Planet's newly published guide, Amazing Train Journeys, names the Thong Nhat railway line, also known internationally as the Reunification Express, the best train journey in the world for 2025.
THE HANOI TIMES — The train journey from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City is reported a deeply moving experience, offering stunning scenery and profound sentiment as there is "no more emotional way to travel through Vietnam’s two largest cities as the train glides past historic towns and stunning coastlines."
Traveling by train is cheaper than flying, safer than driving, and free from traffic jams while allows passengers to enjoy the natural scenery outside the window.
The publication praises the journey for its spectacular landscape views and the onboard atmosphere where passengers eat, rest, and share stories while the countryside slowly unfolds outside the window.
Recognized as one of the most beloved and memorable long-distance night trains in the world, the 1,726-kilometer North-South route offers a rare combination of affordability, cultural insight, and natural beauty.
In addition to receiving acclaim from Lonely Planet, the trans-Vietnam train was featured in The Washington Post in 2023. Travel reporter Natalie Compton described the ride from south to north as “the exact scenery I had hoped for when I envisioned the trip.”
She described seeing thick jungle foliage, lumberyards, goose farms, rice paddies, and stretches of bright blue ocean from the train window. Compton also noted the environmental benefit of choosing train travel over flying, calling it “a greener transportation option” and an immersive way to explore the Vietnamese countryside.
Interior of a train carriage on the North-South railway line.
The Reunification Express runs between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, covering the entire length of Vietnam in 32 to 36 hours. The railway stops at several culturally and geographically significant destinations, including the limestone landscapes and ancient temples of the northern province of Ninh Binh; Hue, the former royal citadel in the central region; Danang, a central coastal city; Nha Trang, a seaside resort city; and Phan Thiet, a famous leisure city.
Tickets are available in multi-class options to accommodate various travel preferences. As of 2025, one-way fares for the entire route range from $30 for a soft seat to $120 for a VIP two-berth sleeper. Tickets can be booked via the official Vietnam Railways website, major online travel platforms, or directly at railway stations.
Foreign passengers experience traveling by train in Vietnam.
With its top ranking in 2025, Vietnam’s Reunification Express reaffirms its status as more than just a means of travel; it is also a cultural and visual experience that connects the country's history, landscapes, and people.
