SJOURNEY: Hanoi - Ho Chi Minh City 9D8N
✨ Tour Overview
Hanoi is an ancient city with a history spanning over a thousand years. It served as the capital of the Ly, Tran, and Later Le dynasties of Vietnam and is renowned as a land of ancient artifacts. During the French colonial period, it was the seat of the Governor-General of French Indochina. After the victory of the August Revolution in 1945, the Democratic Republic of Vietnam (renamed the Socialist Republic of Vietnam in 1976) established its capital here. Hanoi boasts beautiful scenery, characteristic of a subtropical city. With its evergreen trees and year-round blooming flowers, Hanoi is also known as the "City of a Hundred Flowers." Due to Vietnam's history of French colonial rule, Hanoi's Old Town retains many French buildings. This ancient city blends a sense of history, modernity, and understated romance, seamlessly integrating French colonial charm with traditional Vietnamese style.
SJourney features 13 carriages, including 8 sleeper carriages and 2 bistro carriages, with a maximum capacity of 44 passengers per journey. Its design is heavily influenced by the Indochine style, reminiscent of the golden age of travel in the 1930s, when luxury trains like the Trans-Indochina connected different regions of Southeast Asia. This timeless aesthetic blends nostalgia with modern elegance, recreating the romance of classic train journeys while offering contemporary comforts.
🌟 TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
- Vietnam's railways have been named one of the world's ten most beautiful railways by Lonely Planet and The Owl magazine.
- Unique Itineraries: Our meticulously designed itineraries offer an unparalleled experience for every journey.
- Tailored Adventures: Experience the thrill of fully escorted private rail tours tailored for the adventurous traveler in you, ensuring every moment is filled with excitement and discovery.
- All-inclusive luxury: The all-inclusive package immerses you in a luxurious atmosphere, with every detail of your journey meticulously planned to provide you with ultimate comfort and luxury.
- A Culinary Feast: Indulge in exquisite cuisine and savor authentic flavors from all over Vietnam.
Day 1: Hanoi city tour
Welcome to Hanoi: A Prelude to Your Extraordinary Journey
Upon your arrival at Noi Bai International Airport, our professional tour guide will warmly welcome you and transfer you to the city center to begin a full-day exploration of Vietnam’s charming capital.
Our first stop is the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex (outside visit only), an iconic landmark honoring the beloved national leader.
After a delicious Vietnamese lunch at a local restaurant, we continue to the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university, built in 1070 and dedicated to Confucius and scholars.
Next, we take a scenic drive around Hoan Kiem Lake, the heart of Hanoi, and explore the bustling Old Quarter, famous for its narrow streets and traditional shop houses. Here, you’ll have the chance to savor a cup of Hanoi’s egg coffee, a unique local specialty.
Our journey continues to the Hoa Lo Prison Museum, a thought-provoking historical site that offers insight into Vietnam’s turbulent past.
To conclude this enriching day, we invite you to enjoy a special Vietnamese dinner, featuring authentic dishes prepared with fresh local ingredients.
After dinner, transfer back to your hotel for a relaxing evening.
Day 2: Hanoi Capital – Welcome on Board
Step aboard a refined journey through Vietnam’s timeless landscapes and living heritage. From Hanoi’s ancient boulevards to Ninh Binh’s tranquil waterways, Quang Binh’s hidden caves, and the imperial echoes of Hue, each destination unfolds a new story — experienced in comfort and elegance aboard your private train.
In the late afternoon, around 04:00 p.m., you will be seamlessly picked up from your hotel and transferred to Gia Lam Station. Upon arrival, enjoy a warm welcome and VIP lounge access, where our dedicated team assists with check-in, allowing you to relax and settle into the refined ambiance before departure.
As evening approaches, at approximately 06:00 p.m., join fellow travelers in the elegant restaurant carriage. Enjoy engaging conversations over refreshments, followed by a beautifully curated dinner paired with fine wines or signature cocktails — a graceful celebration to mark the beginning of your journey.
Soon after, the train gently departs Hanoi, crossing the historic Long Bien Bridge, offering a fleeting view of the Red River at twilight. City lights gradually give way to the peaceful countryside as the rhythmic motion of the train soothes you into relaxation.
Retire to your private cabin and drift into a restful night’s sleep, carried by anticipation for the discoveries awaiting you in Ninh Binh.
Day 3: Ninh Binh – Explore The First Kingdom of Vietnam
Good morning, Ninh Binh!
Awaken to the splendor of Ninh Binh as dawn unfurls, with a sumptuous breakfast served in the lavish confines of your luxury train. Each dish, a testament to refined culinary craft, sets a distinguished tone for the day’s journey.
The journey transitions seamlessly from the comfort of the train to the serene embrace of Trang An's emerald waters. Here, aboard a sampan, you are invited to navigate through a beautiful landscape. Amidst the grandeur of towering limestone cliffs and lush greenery, this journey offers an intimate glimpse into the heart of nature's splendor.
The narrative of the day continues as you arrive at Hoa Lu,
Vietnam's ancient capital. Step back in time amidst the dramatic limestone peaks, where the legacy of the Dinh and Le dynasties lives on through temples and historical sites. Amongst temples and ruins, this visit enriches the soul, intertwining the luxury of travel with the depth of cultural heritage.
Returning to the train, you enjoy lunch followed by an afternoon tea in the onboard restaurant. In the warm and inviting atmosphere, you can relax and admire the mountain landscapes as the train gently makes its way toward Vinh.
Dinner is once again served on board, where flavors and stories of the journey continue to intertwine.
Day 4: Quang Binh – A Soft Adventure in Jungle and Caves
Morning: Awaken to Wilderness and Journey to Hidden Wonders
Awaken to the gentle rhythm of the train as the landscapes of central Vietnam glide past your window. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast on board, soaking in the quiet beauty and anticipation of the day ahead.
Arrive in Quang Binh, renowned for its dramatic natural scenery, and journey to Phong Nha–Ke Bang National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Lush mountains embrace the serene Son River, their reflections shimmering on the water.
Board a boat for a peaceful cruise along the river, drifting into Phong Nha Cave. Marvel at the timeless beauty of stalactites and stalagmites, sculpted over millennia within the cave’s subterranean world.
Afternoon:
Return to the train to relax and enjoy special onboard activities at your leisure.
Late Afternoon & Evening: Flavors of the Countryside
As sunset softens the Quang Binh landscape, freshen up for a memorable countryside experience — a home-style dinner set amid endless rice paddies. If you wish, take part in a Vietnamese cooking demonstration, discovering local ingredients and traditional techniques.
Savor your creations as nature settles into evening calm. Late at night, the train departs for Hue, gently carrying you toward the next chapter of your journey.
Day 5: Hue – Discover the Magnificent of The Last Empire in Vietnam
Morning: A Royal Awakening by Rickshaw
Begin the day with a nostalgic rickshaw ride through Hue’s quiet streets, where morning dew clings to moss-covered gates and time seems to slow. At the Imperial Citadel, once the heart of the Nguyen Dynasty, ancient ramparts, palaces, and sacred shrines reveal the solemn grandeur of Vietnam’s imperial past. Stroll through peaceful gardens and view royal artifacts — from the emperor’s throne to ceremonial robes — as history unfolds softly in the morning light.
Midday: Tranquility Among Tombs and Traditions
Continue by private van to the Tu Duc Mausoleum, a serene retreat nestled among pine-covered hills, reflecting an emperor’s longing for peace and beauty. The journey then leads to Hue’s Incense Village, where artisans craft fragrant incense by hand. Here, tradition comes alive as you may try making incense or weaving a lotus-leaf conical hat — a quiet, intimate connection to Hue’s heritage.
Enjoy a refined lunch at a local restaurant, where Hue’s cuisine harmoniously blends royal elegance with rustic authenticity.
Afternoon: Farewell to the Ancient Capital
As the afternoon light softens, return to the train for a final farewell to Hue. From your luxurious carriage, watch the Perfume River, ancient pagodas, and tranquil mountains slowly fade, replaced by the shimmering beauty of Lang Co Lagoon, where emerald hills meet calm waters and golden sands.
The train glides onward, carrying with it lasting impressions of Hue — a city of timeless grace, quiet resilience, and enduring beauty.
Day 6: Hoi An – Ancient Merchant Hub of South East Asia
Morning: Scenic Delights & Railway Romance
Depart historic Hue in the cool morning hours, relaxing as the train winds through tranquil countryside. Upon arrival in Hoi An, unwind amid emerald rice fields while savoring a freshly brewed Vietnamese coffee in a serene rural setting.
Continue by jeep to Au Lac Wood Art for a hands-on introduction to traditional woodblock painting. Guided by skilled artisans, learn the meticulous process behind this time-honored craft. The journey then leads to Thanh Ha Pottery Village, where you can observe local potters at work and try shaping your own ceramic piece — an intimate glimpse into Hoi An’s artisan heritage.
Enjoy a home-hosted lunch at a local house, featuring dishes prepared with fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
Afternoon: The Heart of Ancient Hoi An
Explore Hoi An Ancient Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where history unfolds at every turn. Begin at Hoi An Market, alive with colors, aromas, and daily rhythms of local life. Stroll through the Old Town to visit the Phuc Kien Chinese Assembly Hall, admire its ornate architecture, and witness enduring ancestral traditions.
Step inside the beautifully preserved Phung Hung or Tan Ky Ancient House, offering insight into the lives of Hoi An’s prosperous merchant families. Conclude with a visit to the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge, a symbol of the town’s multicultural past, before wandering through hidden lanes, handicraft shops, and art galleries.
Evening: Onward Journey
As sunset settles, return to your luxurious train. Freshen up in your private cabin and enjoy an exquisite onboard dinner featuring refined Vietnamese and international cuisine, as the journey continues toward Phu Yen.
Day 7: Phu Yen – A Voyage into Coastal Serenity
Morning: Echoes of Faith & Handcrafted Traditions
After a peaceful breakfast aboard the train, begin your day in the quiet heart of Phu Yen, where tradition and simplicity endure. Visit Mang Lang Church, a century-old Gothic landmark whose weathered stone and soaring spires tell stories of faith, resilience, and cultural exchange.
Continue to Phu Tan Mat Weaving Village, where generations of artisans craft mats from rush grass by hand. Observe the rhythmic motion of the looms, breathe in the scent of sun-dried grass, and experience a living tradition that invites you to slow down and connect with rural life.
Midday: Celebrating the Sea’s Bounty
Return to the coast for lunch at a local restaurant, savoring one of Phu Yen’s beloved seafood specialties. Prepared with fresh local ingredients, the meal reflects the sea, the salt air, and the quiet pride of coastal communities.
Afternoon: Gentle Return to the Rails
In the afternoon, return to the train for rest and reflection. Relax in your cabin as Phu Yen’s landscapes — rolling fields, distant mountains, and village roads — slowly fade from view. At 4:00 p.m., the train departs southward toward Binh Thuan, carrying you into a calm, contemplative rhythm.
Evening: Dining Under the Stars
As night falls, enjoy a refined dinner in the dining car, where softly lit interiors and thoughtful cuisine echo the day’s experiences — elegant, sincere, and unhurried. Outside, the world drifts by; inside, the evening lingers with warmth, shared moments, and the gentle aftertaste of a day spent close to the soul of Vietnam.
Day 8: Phan Thiet – Explore the Ancient Chams Culture
Begin the morning with a visit to Ta Cu Mountain, a revered spiritual site in Binh Thuan. Dating back to the 18th century under King Tu Duc, the mountain has long been a pilgrimage destination. At the summit, explore Linh Son Truong Tho Pagoda and enjoy sweeping panoramic views over the surrounding landscape.
At 10:00 a.m., continue to the Fish Sauce Museum for a unique insight into one of Vietnam’s most essential culinary traditions. Discover centuries-old production methods and the cultural significance of fish sauce — the soul of Vietnamese cuisine.
Around noon, enjoy a relaxed lunch at an oceanfront restaurant, savoring local specialties that highlight the fresh flavors of the sea.
Afternoon: Return to the Rails
Return to the train in the afternoon to unwind in comfort, enjoying quiet time to rest and prepare for the evening ahead.
Evening: A Historic Farewell Feast
As sunset approaches, arrive at the ancient Poshanu Tower, a remarkable Cham monument and symbol of the region’s heritage. Enjoy an outdoor farewell dinner set against this timeless backdrop, featuring fresh seafood and local delicacies inspired by Phan Thiet’s perse culinary influences.
Nighttime: Onward Journey
After dinner, board your luxurious train and retreat to your private cabin. As the train departs for Ho Chi Minh City, reflect on the day’s discoveries while the landscapes of Mui Ne gently fade into the night.
Day 9: Ho Chi Minh City – Comeback to Modern Life – Farewell
The train is scheduled to reach Sai Gon station. Guests will savor breakfast until 9:00 am. At 10:00 am, check-out procedures commence.
Today, based on your flight timings, you will be transferred to the hotel in Ho Chi Minh or Tan Son Nhat Airport for your return flights home.