Slow Travel in Vietnam with SJourney: A Vietnam luxury train

Slow travel in Vietnam with SJourney: A Vietnam luxury train for the discerning passengers

⏱️11 Mins Read

In today’s fast-moving world, true luxury often lies in slowing down. For many discerning travelers, the journey itself has become the destination, an opportunity to pause, reconnect, and appreciate the world with all five senses. This is the essence of slow travel, a philosophy that values meaningful experiences over hurried checklists.

Few countries embody this spirit better than Vietnam. From misty northern mountains to golden coastal plains and vibrant southern cities, the country invites you to embrace its rhythm: unhurried, soulful, and full of quiet beauty. And there is no better way to do so than aboard a Vietnam luxury trainWith Sjourney, travelers rediscover the romance of rail travel reimagined for the modern age, where heritage meets contemporary comfort, and each mile reveals a new layer of Vietnam’s charm. 

Introducing SJourney: Redefining luxury on rails in Vietnam

A Vietnam luxury train with private comfort and elegant design

Each carriage of Sjourney features a limited number of private cabins, thoughtfully designed with soft lighting, premium bedding, and ensuite amenities. Combining timeless Indochine charm with modern luxury, every cabin becomes your own moving sanctuary: perfect for rest, reflection, or simply watching Vietnam unfold outside your window.

Cabins are divided into two categories, double and twin, featuring a bedroom, a private bathroom, minibar, wardrobe, and a console table for personal comfort.

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Luxury cabin

Cabins on SJourney

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Meals on the wheals: Fine dining and elevated service on SJourney

The two bistro cars aboard the 5-star SJourney train are designed as mobile fine-dining venues. Their interiors feature warm tones, wooden floors, and leather-upholstered furniture, creating an inviting and intimate atmosphere. Large windows run the length of the carriage, allowing guests to savor both exquisite meals and the ever-changing landscapes of Vietnam.

Beyond the standard dining tables, a modern bar counter serves fine wines, cocktails, and premium beverages. The blend of classic Indochine aesthetics and modern comfort turns the restaurant into a true five-star hotel on rails, offering an experience far beyond that of traditional trains.

The onboard menu combines Vietnamese authenticity with international flair, featuring rotating Continental, Chinese, and Indian specialties.

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Bistro Car on SJourney

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Beyond the SJourney train: Cultural and off-board experiences

Life aboard SJourney Vietnam goes far beyond the cabin, it unfolds through immersive cultural moments and curated off-board experiences. On the journey, passengers can enjoy live performances of traditional music and royal Hue dances, celebrating the country’s rich artistic heritage. Complementing these performances are hands-on workshops, from traditional craft sessions to Vietnamese cooking classes, where guests can create their own keepsakes and connect meaningfully with local artisans.

As the train stops at each destination, a new chapter of Vietnam is revealed: from skip-the-line access to heritage sites, to private, guided excursions. Each experience is designed to feel exclusive yet deeply authentic, the perfect blend of discovery and comfort.

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Paradise Cave

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Royal Hue music performance

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Hoi An wood carving

What makes SJourney different from other luxury trains in Vietnam?

The first and only long-haul luxury train in Vietnam

Being a pioneer of rail cruising experiences in Vietnam, SJourney redefines what upscale travel can be. Unlike typical luxury experiences that may feel distant, SJourney combines modern indulgence with the warmth of Vietnamese culture. Guests are welcomed with personalized service, fine dining infused with regional flavors, and interiors that reflect refined local craftsmanship. It’s a form of luxury that feels grounded: elegant, immersive, and uniquely Vietnamese.

The perfect pace for discerning travelers

For discerning travelers, where life often moves at lightning speed and opportunities to experience expansive natural landscapes are limited, this slower rhythm offers something truly precious: time to unwind and reconnect. Onboard a Vietnam luxury train, there’s no need to rush through airports or pack and unpack at every stop. Instead, guests can sip tea as lush mountains, terraced fields, and coastal vistas unfold outside their window, read, rest, or simply enjoy the quiet luxury of being present, a rare chance to immerse in nature without leaving comfort behind.

A journey of sustainability

Each SJourney Vietnam route champions responsible tourism by promoting rail, one of the most sustainable ways to explore long distances. Guests can indulge in comfort while knowing their journey helps reduce carbon emissions and supports local communities along the route. Sustainability on SJourney goes beyond transportation: no single-use plastics are used onboard, and off-train excursions are thoughtfully curated to highlight and support lesser-known traditional craft villages. It’s a mindful way to experience Vietnam – luxurious, meaningful, and kind to the planet.

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Classic routes of Sjourney: from North to South and reverse

8-day journey aboard SJourney Vietnam

This signature 8-day, 7-night North-to-South route (or reverse) takes you through Vietnam’s most breathtaking landscapes and cultural highlights, offering a seamless blend of comfort, elegance, and immersive local experiences.

Day 1: Hanoi – Departure

Begin your journey from Hanoi, boarding your private cabin aboard SJourney Vietnam. Settle into plush bedding and elegant surroundings as the train departs, marking the start of a leisurely adventure through Vietnam’s diverse landscapes.

Day 2: Ninh Binh – The ancient capital

Explore the scenic beauty of Ninh Binh with boat rides through limestone karsts and visits to historic Hoa Lu, the ancient capital. Return to the train for a restful evening onboard.

Day 3: Quang Binh – Caves and nature

Discover the natural wonders of Quang Binh, including the spectacular Phong Nha caves. Relax on the train in the evening, enjoying fine dining and panoramic views.

Day 4: Hue – Imperial heritage

Visit Hue’s Imperial Citadel and royal tombs, immersing yourself in Vietnam’s cultural and historical richness. Return to your cabin for an elegant night onboard.

Day 5: Hoi An – Ancient Town

Stroll through the charming streets of Hoi An, admire its lantern-lit architecture, and savor local delicacies. The evening is spent on the train, enjoying comfort and luxury.

Day 6: Phu Yen – A voyage into coastal serenity

Discover the serene coastline of Phu Yen, with its pristine beaches, dramatic rock formations, and peaceful fishing villages. This day offers a perfect blend of relaxation and cultural immersion, allowing travelers to experience Vietnam’s coastal beauty before returning to the comfort of their luxury cabin onboard SJourney Vietnam.

Day 7: Phan Thiet – Sun and sand

Explore the sandy beaches of Mui Ne, see the famous sand dunes, and experience local fishing villages. Return to the train for another night of luxury and comfort.

Day 8: Ho Chi Minh City – Journey’s end

Conclude your journey in Ho Chi Minh City, Disembark from SJourney Vietnam with unforgettable memories.

Short trip aboard SJourney: 4 days across Hanoi, Sapa and Halong Bay

For travelers seeking a shorter adventure, SJourney also offers a 4-day Northern Vietnam itinerary. This journey begins in Hanoi, the timeless capital, and slowly unfolds through the misty mountains of Sapa, home to vibrant ethnic cultures. The train then carries guests to the legendary seascape of Ha Long Bay, where towering limestone karsts rise from emerald waters.

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Halong Bay

How to plan your trip with SJourney Vietnam?

Simple, seamless booking and curated itinerary

Planning your journey with SJourney Vietnam is effortless. You can book directly through the official website or via trusted tour operators. As the co-developer of the SJourney experience, Travel Sense Asia not only helps arrange your luxury train itinerary but also curates personalized pre- and post-tour extensions, ensuring your entire journey flows seamlessly from the first boarding to your final destination.

Choose the best time to visit Vietnam with SJourney

The best time to embark on a Vietnam luxury train journey is between October and April, when the weather is mostly cool and clear across most regions. These months offer comfortable temperatures, lush landscapes, and beautiful visibility, perfect for admiring Vietnam’s countryside from your cabin window.

That said, each season offers its own charm. May to September brings vibrant greenery after light tropical rains in the north and central regions, while the southern coast enjoys warm, sunny days ideal for combining your rail adventure with Vietnam beach holidays. Whatever the season, the SJourney promises an unforgettable blend of scenery, comfort, and cultural discovery.

Prepare to be unhurried on a slow train

More than a trip, traveling on one of the luxury overnight trains in Vietnam is an invitation to slow down, to replace checklists with memories, and speed with serenity. Pack light, stay curious, and let SJourney and your travel agent handle the details.

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Experience SJourney with Travel Sense Asia

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions about SJourney Vietnam

Q: What is SJourney Vietnam?

A: SJourney Vietnam is a premium rail travel service offering luxury overnight trains in Vietnam, combining comfort, authentic experiences, and scenic journeys from North to South.

Q: Which routes are available on SJourney Vietnam?

A: SJourney Vietnam offers signature luxury train journeys designed to showcase the country’s landscapes, culture, and heritage:

8-day / 7-night North-to-South (and reverse) route (Hanoi ↔ Ho Chi Minh City): This flagship journey travels through Vietnam’s most iconic destinations, including Hanoi, Ninh Binh, Quang Binh, Hue, Da Nang, Hoi An, Phan Thiet, and Ho Chi Minh City, combining cultural, historical, and scenic experiences with premium onboard service.

4-day / 3-night Northern Vietnam route: Focused on the beauty of Hanoi, Sapa, and Ha Long Bay, this shorter itinerary lets guests explore northern landscapes while enjoying luxury onboard accommodations.

Coastal Route (Ho Chi Minh City → Phan Thiet → Phu Yen → Quang Nam): A scenic journey along Vietnam’s coastline, offering a relaxing exploration of sun-soaked beaches, charming towns, and vibrant coastal culture.

Q: What amenities are offered onboard SJourney Vietnam?

A: Guests enjoy private cabins, ensuite bathrooms, fine dining inspired by regional cuisine, lounges, Wi-Fi, and personalized service, all hallmarks of a Vietnam luxury train experience.

Conclusion

Traveling with SJourney Vietnam is more than reaching a destination, it’s embracing the art of unhurried discovery. As the Vietnam luxury train glides through mountains, coasts, and ancient cities, each moment reveals the country’s quiet beauty and timeless charm. Slow down, savor the journey, and let SJourney take you through Vietnam in the most elegant way possible.

With Travel Sense Asia, your SJourney experience extends seamlessly beyond the tracks. From bespoke itineraries and private excursions to carefully selected stays, every detail is crafted to complement the spirit of slow travel: helping you uncover Vietnam’s landscapes and culture with ease, comfort, and sophistication.

Alaia

Hi, I’m Alaia, your travel advisor here at Travel Sense Asia! I’ve spent years researching and discovering Asia with full of surprises; and I’m here to help it surprise you too. Whether you're into off-the-beaten-path adventures, local food tips, or just want someone to say “yes, that’s definitely the right time to go,” I’ve got you covered. Let’s turn your next trip into something unforgettable, and full of great stories to tell back home.

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