Many people ask how to take the train from Hanoi to Hue in Vietnam. The Hanoi to Hue overnight train takes around thirteen and a half hours to complete the journey from Hanoi Railway Station (Ga Ha Noi) to Hue Railway Station (Ga Hue).
We are often asked if taking the Hanoi to Hue train is better than flying from Hanoi to Hue. We chose to take the Laman Express train from Hanoi to Hue, and this is what we experienced.
Booking The Hanoi To Hue Train
The easiest way to prebook your Hanoi to Hue train from your home country is through 12Go, which features a selection of seating and cabin options, for every budget.
Prebooking from home is especially important if you want to reserve a 2 berth or 4 berth sleeper cabin as they sell out quickly.
If you have your heart set on travelling in a 2-berth cabin, be aware that there is a limited number available, and they can be booked out months in advance. Therefore, booking early is essential.
Catching The Laman Express
On our train trip from Hanoi to Hue, we chose a 4-berth sleeper cabin in the Laman Express coach.
Check in was one hour prior to boarding at the Mango Hotel which is located next to the Hanoi Railway Station. Once inside the hotel we checked in at the Laman Express counter and then relaxed in the lobby with a welcome drink until boarding time.
When it was time to board, Laman Express staff escorted us to the train, and we were shown to our cabin. Here we met the couple who were going to be our cabin buddies on the train trip through to Hue.
The train left Hanoi Railway Station at 7:50 pm and we arrived in Hue Railway Station around 9:20 am the following day.
Laman Express Train
While comfortable enough, the Laman Express train from Hanoi to Hue is no Orient Express. If you are expecting a luxury train trip you will be disappointed.
The four-berth cabin was compact with a small area for luggage storage under the bottom bunk. Each bunk had a pillow and blanket which were clean and well maintained.
The shared bench held an assortment of complimentary drinks and snacks which were to be divided between four passengers. Also provided was a prepacked breakfast which consisted of a banana, croissant, and milk.
Shortly after leaving Hanoi, a cart went through the train selling beer, snacks, and packs of dry noodles. The noodles could be “cooked” with hot water from a dispenser which was in the corridor of the train.
In the morning the cart returned selling snacks and coffee, a welcome sight for anyone wanting their morning caffeine fix.
Laman Express Sleeper Train Facilities
The Laman Express Hanoi to Hue train had western toilets, and though showing signs of age, were kept clean throughout our journey. In the corridor there was an additional handwashing area which was across from a hot and cold-water dispenser.
Pros & Cons of a 4 Berth Sleeper Train Cabin Vietnam
Would a four-berth cabin on an overnight train in Vietnam suit you? This is a commonly asked question, and the answer will depend on your preferred style of travel.
Pros of a 4 Berth Sleeper Cabin
A Laman Express 4 berth cabin is ideal for anyone who loves making new friends, is a solo traveller wanting company or a group of family or friends travelling together.
Cons of a 4 Berth Sleeper Cabin
A 4-berth cabin may not be the right choice for anyone valuing their own personal space, couples looking forward to a romantic train journey or a solo traveller wanting privacy.
If you fall into the latter category choosing a 2-berth cabin on a first class sleeper train in Vietnam would be a better option for the journey.
The Journey From Hanoi To Hue By Train
After leaving the train station in Hanoi, we quickly breezed through the busy neighbourhoods of the city. From the Hanoi train to Hue, we caught glimpses of Hanoi night life which made us a little sad to be leaving this vibrant city behind.
Soon we were in the countryside making our way through the night. After a hectic day of sightseeing, it was nice to relax with a cold beer and exchange travel stories with our newfound travelling companions.
When we chose to turn out the lights it was time to snuggle down to bed. The pillow was comfortable and blanket cosy enough to keep us warm in the airconditioned cabin. Pretty soon the rhythmic swaying of the train rocked us to sleep, and we enjoyed a peaceful night until morning.
One of the best things to do when travelling from Hanoi to Hue by train overnight is to wake up early to watch the sunrise.
Through the window we saw a lush green tropical landscape filled with rice fields, ponds, and farming communities. As we passed through small villages and towns, we watched Vietnam wake to a brand-new day.
Soon we arrived in Hue and said goodbye to those continuing the journey to Da Nang. It was now time to explore the Imperial Citadel, tombs and temples of Hue, the former Imperial capital of Vietnam.
Train From Hue To Da Nang
Many people on our train booked the overnight train from Hanoi to Da Nang. This is a popular Vietnamese train route as it gives access to the attractions of Da Nang and the Ancient Town of Hoi An.
The train from Hue to Da Nang adds around three hours to the existing Hanoi to Hue train journey and travels through the picturesque coastal scenery of Hai Van Pass.
Note that when travelling south from Hue (or Hanoi) to Da Nang the coastal views of Hai Van Pass are visible from the left side corridor and seating compartment windows. The sleeper cabin windows are on the right-hand side and have inland views.
Click here to book Hanoi to Da Nang train tickets.
FAQ: Hanoi to Hue
The Hanoi to Hue distance by train from Hanoi Railway Station to Hue Railway Station is 688 km (427 miles).
The Hanoi to Hue train takes around 13 ½ hours to arrive in Hue from Hanoi.
The Laman Express overnight train from Hanoi to Hue has a selection of seating, 4 berth sleeper cabins and 2 berth sleeper cabins.
Last Words On The Train From Hanoi To Hue Vietnam
There you have it, our experience on the Laman Express overnight train in Vietnam. We hope our article gives a good insight on what to expect during a Vietnamese train journey.
Just remember that if you have plans to take a two-berth sleeper cabin from Hanoi to Hue make sure to book well in advance as they get snatched up early.
We hope you enjoy your travels throughout Vietnam, you will find a fascinating country filled with unforgettable attractions and warm-hearted people.
