5 Best Train Journeys in Southeast Asia
Discover the 5 most exciting and magical train journeys in Southeast Asia, exploring Vietnam, Indonesia, and Thailand by rail.
There are few ways to get around Southeast Asia that are as exciting as taking a train. Traveling by rail allows you to see parts of the countryside you would never otherwise be able to experience, all while enjoying luxury, freedom, and comfort.
In fact, this is an excellent time to plan an itinerary that features train travel in Southeast Asia, because several new lines have recently opened. Each of them offers something different from the rest. Some are fast, others are luxurious, and all are convenient.
Let’s take a look at some of the best train journeys in Southeast Asia, and what makes each of them unforgettable.
1. Hanoi – Sapa: Best Train Journey in Northern Vietnam
Train is not the only way to reach Sapa from Hanoi, but it is the most convenient when there is an abundance of overnight sleeper trains available. While sleeper buses or car transfers can shorten the length of travel, train travel from Hanoi to Sapa is one of the best train journeys in Southeast Asia, a special route you must take when visiting Vietnam.
(Photo: Chapa Express)
What makes a train trip to Sapa magical? The answer is both the journey and the train itself. Not only can passengers rest during an 8-hour journey in a private cabin but they also get the chance to witness the beautiful green fields, immersive mountains and rivers of Northern Vietnam. Other than that, the atmosphere train travel gives is distinctive - it's a vintage way of travel, slow-paced but totally rewarding. Among the train lines, we love Chapa Express - one of the newest and most modern trains for the Hanoi-Sapa route. The name “Chapa” is also special, recalling a past name of “Sapa” during the French colonial era. Besides essential amenities in your cabin, the décor of the cabins features a local flavor that fully immerses you in your surroundings and the Sapa traditional culture.
Our travelers enjoying their time on Chapa Express
You can book a one-way journey in either direction or a round trip. Cabin options vary among the train lines but normally 2-berth cabin or 4-berth cabin is chosen for the best comfort.
Ticket price (reference for Chapa Express): $65-$125 US Dollars (one way, pricing depends on cabin type)
2. Danang – Hue: Best Heritage Train
Traveling from Danang to Hue is not a big deal. Flights, car transfers, and coaches are always available but this time, you will be exploring the best cities of central Vietnam by rail. Take the Heritage Train connecting Danang - where lies one of the most beautiful coastlines in the world and Hue - the ancient citadel of Vietnam for another incredible journey through Vietnam’s longstanding and diverse culture. The train also runs through the Annamite Mountains - one of notable historical routes in Vietnam history.
At the Danang Railway Station, before you get aboard the Heritage Train, take a moment to admire the station’s famous historical steam locomotive. Once your ride begins, you will get to cross over the majestic Hai Van Pass, which covers one-third of the total journey from Danang to Hue. Additional highlights of the route include the tranquil waters of Lap An Lagoon and the serene sandy strip of Lang Co Beach, both of which exude the peaceful charm of Vietnam.
The train itself features comfortable seats, door-to-door service, and air conditioning so that you stay cool in any season. While indulging in such comfort, you will be able to relax and focus fully on the sights. There is a separate carriage that serves food and drinks (additional charge) on the train if you want to munch on something and still admire the scenic view of central Vietnam.
The Danang to Hue Heritage Train runs 2 times per day on both ends, giving travelers morning and afternoon options. It is a pretty brief ride, taking a little more than 3 hours. So, it is a good route for those who want a train experience, but may not be comfortable on a longer ride. Compared to other means of transport, it is also a very affordable one.
Ticket price: $10.17 US Dollars
3. Danang - Quy Nhon - Nha Trang: The Vietage by Anantara: Best Coastal Connector in Vietnam
If you are planning a beach stay in Vietnam, here is a little twist to make it different: travel to the beach places by train. In that case, no train line does a better job than Vietage by Anantara. This train runs between Da Nang, Quy Nhon, and Nha Trang - 3 cities with the best beaches in Vietnam and offers a luxury experience. Two trains run every day, one in either direction. The leg between Danang and Quy Nhon takes six hours while between Quy Nhon and Nha Trang takes another five hours.
(Photo: Vietage by Anantara)
The original train started running in 2020, but the route that connects Nha Trang and Quy Nhon was only added in 2024. Much of the most dramatic coastal scenery is on this route, so there has never been a better time to experience the Vietage. Along with views of the East Sea, travelers aboard the Vietage are able to delight in picturesque bays, rice paddies, villages, and mountains - all in one journey.
What separates Vietage from other train lines is the premium services it offers. While you enjoy the spectacular coastal views, you will be able to partake in quite a few luxuries that are not available on most trains in Southeast Asia. These include an afternoon tea with local artisanal cheese and caviar, as well as cold cuts. Additional hot and cold beverages are also available in the lounge. You even can get a 15-minute head and shoulder treatment to get refreshed during a rather long journey. Cabins are designed with attention to privacy and elegance.
(Photo: Vietage by Anantara)
The train moves slowly, averaging just 32.2 miles per hour. That way, you can be sure you will not miss a moment of your captivating journey. It truly is an example of the “journey being the destination.”
Ticket price: $315-$450, depending on the option selected
4. Bangkok-Vientiane: The newest passenger train connecting Thailand and Laos
As both Bangkok and Vientiane offer an abundance of exciting attractions, it is a good idea to try and visit both of them during your vacation. While traveling from Thailand to Laos or vice versa has certain limitations regarding transportation, it is great news that a newly-launched passenger train was operated connecting the 2 capital: Bangkok and Vientiane.
(Photo: Collected)
This is an inexpensive route that carries passengers on a roughly 13-hour trip spanning a distance of approximately 400 miles. The train departs at 9:25 pm and arrives at 9:05 am the next morning. It means you get a long journey but save a night of accommodation.
Train travel from Thailand to Laos used to stop close to the border, forcing passengers to disembark and find another means to complete their journey. Now, with the new direct train route, there is a short stop at Nong Khai Station in Thailand, where customs, immigration and health checks take place, resulting in a layover of about 40 minutes. After the checks are complete, the train can proceed the rest of the way to Vientiane. In Vientiane, you also have options to take on the highspeed train to Kunming (China) if you are planning a multi-country itinerary within Asia.
When you book a ride on the Bangkok-Vientiane line, consider the sleeper berth with air conditioning for the best comfort as you travel overnight.
Ticket price: $7 USD to $24 USD
5. WHOOSH Jakarta-Bandung: Southeast Asia's first-ever high-speed train
3 hours vs. 40 minutes - That's the difference in travel length between Jakarta and Bandung before and after WHOOSH was established. Connecting Halim Station, East Jakarta and Tegalluar Station, Bandung, this is another great option to get around 2 major urban cities of Indonesia.
From the moment you see its streamlined, sleek, modern design, you will be enamored with this futuristic vehicle. At its top speed, this train reaches an impressive 350 kilometers per hour, marking the arrival of the first-ever high-speed train and one of the best train journeys in Southeast Asia.
The high-speed train service just opened on October 17th, 2023 but received high service demand. Within 2 months of opening, Whoosh served over 1 million passengers and until August 2024, it served over 200,000 foreigners.
(Photo: Collected)
When you board the WHOOSH train, you can decide whether to board as a VIP Class, First Class or Second Class passenger. Ticket prices are highest for VIP Class, which results in more luxury. That said, even riding as a Second Class passenger is very comfortable. There is no set price for tickets; the ticket prices are adjusted on a regular basis to reflect demand.
Ticket price: Starting at $9.74 USD
Design Your Tour of Southeast Asia by Rail
Whichever of these adventures you decide to book, train travel in Southeast Asia is an experience that will captivate your imagination. If you need help deciding which routes to take or booking your train trips, plan your Southeast Asia vacation with Exotic Voyages.
