All reviews
Review Author: Kathy K, Winconsin
Review Date: 10 May 2016
Review Body: We took the Chapa Express night train from Hanoi to Lao Cai. I was very concerned about it because of reviews I read about how dirty the bathrooms were, especially towards the end of the trip. We found none of that. Every time I used the restroom it had just been sprayed down, very clean. We very much enjoyed the ride. Both, my son and I slept well. Beds are a little short for anyone over 5'8". We booked the VIP private coach for 2. This was all taken care of by our tour company VietVision. We were picked up at the hotel in Hanoi , tickets were arranged and we were escorted to our cabin. The cabins are very small. Not sure how 4 people would manage. We pulled the top beds down and placed our luggage up there. If you are returning to the same hotel in Hanoi you can leave your big pieces of luggage with them. You may want to bring a snack and extra water. They have a bottle of water and some cookies for you but, we were hungry when we arrived in Lao Cai so took food for return. We had a tour that took care of everything. If you are traveling without a tour be advised that the train ends in Lao Cai, you will need transportation to Sapa.
Review rating: 5
Review Author: Jo B, Australia
Review Date: 14 Oct 2018
Review Body: There are 3 different overnight trains between Hanoi and Sapa. I booked our train through Train to Sapa and received incredible service. Ms Ngoc Ha gave me good advice, helped me change tickets when I messed up the booking and did my 2nd booking on Whats Ap which was super convenient.
We took the Chapa Express and it was clean, with cute sinks, free water, toothbrushes, nuts and slippers and a bed side lamp. The toilets were clean.
We noticed the train felt like it was rocking much more on the upper bunks and it was colder with a strong air con vent at the top of the cabin. It's worth taking some snacks as the food they sell on the train is not great and overpriced (by Vietnam standards).
We really enjoyed the train ride overall and I especially loved the service and advice from Ms NGOC HA at Train to Sapa.
Review rating: 5
Review Author: kellypL447DW
Review Date: 08 Mar 2017
Review Body: We had an excellent experience with Chapa Express for an overnight train to Sapa, though we did splurge for the VIP private room. They provided snack and beer or wine. The beds were very comfortable. We requested a room towards the middle of the train and got it and have no complaints about noise or smells (well you are still on a train so it is somewhat loud). We enjoyed the buffet breakfast at U Sapa Hotel when we arrived in Sapa. I am unsure if our enjoyment would have been greatly affected if we had not done the VIP private room, but we did enjoy the VIP private room.
Review rating: 5
Review Author: Jacquie Keelan
Review Date: 20 Aug 2026
Review Body: The great service and wonderful décor of the first class suites help to make this a very lovely and luxurious mode of transport for the journey to Sa Pa. Sleeping is tough as the train is old and noisy but in many ways this added to the authenticity of the the journey. - It's a unique experience that both I and my daughter felt was unmissable. Wear ear plugs and don't have any expectations on sleep and you will have a wonderful time, watching Vietnam pass by and experiencing a little piece of living history - Top tip - book a hotel for a shower and power nap on arrival!
Review rating: 5
Review Author: Kathleen Wong
Review Date: 28 Sep 2023
Review Body: 1. Great service and arrangements provided by Ms Fang through email with clear instructions from issuing e tickets to hotel shuttle bus arrangements.
2. Smooth check in with e-ticket at Chapa booth located right in front of boarding gate at second floor of Hanoi Train Station.
3. Clean and comfortable cabin with nice decorations. Light snacks, fruits and drinks provided for free. Me and husband had very good sleep despite the train was shaky and noisy.
4. Shuttle bus driver waited us once we arrived at Lao Cai Train Station. Polite and friendly driver.
Review rating: 5
Review Author: Nigel Na
Review Date: 12 Dec 2022
Review Body: Much better than the Sapaly Express. Cabin was beautifully made-up, comfortable, and clean. The Chapa lounge (Waiting Room 2) at the Lao Cai Railway Station provided a clean, comfortable, and pleasant waiting area, and the staff alerted us of the appropriate time to board, and even brought us directly aboard to show us to our cabin.
Toilets were clean, with ample supplies provided.
My wife's testimonial: "The only way to travel."
Review rating: 5
Review Author: Esther
Review Date: 19 Oct 2025
Review Body: We booked VIP cabin for 2 adults & 2 children to Sa Pa. Fuss free collection of tickets, access to VIP Lounge before entering Chapa Express. Very comfortable experience and great to see Hanoi Train Street from inside the wagon.
Pack the PJ’s into the handluggage for quick and convenient change of clothes. 2 large luggages and 2 cabin bags fit comfortably underneath the lower beds.
Highly recommend and would do it again!
Review rating: 5
Review Author: Kate
Review Date: 10 Mar 2026
Review Body: We absolutely loved our time on the Chapa Express! Highly recommend it to anyone who wants something a little different. Staring out the window as we entered Hanoi was a great experience to see the city waking up. The Queen Suite was perfect as you get a double bed as well as two chairs so you don’t have to lie down the whole journey!
It was really well organised - thank you!
Review rating: 5
Review Author: Tracey
Review Date: 20 Sep 2026
Review Body: This was so much fun! Especially leaving Hanoi and going down train street with a different perspective. It’s loud. It rattles, but we splurged on a queen bed room so we were nice and comfortable. Ear plugs provided but didn’t do allot so my suggestion would be to invest in your own. A great adventure. Highly recommend
Review rating: 5
Review Author: Louise
Review Date: 06 Jul 2026
Review Body: There is no other way to travel to Sapa from Hanoi. This is the best train trip - beyond comfortable, very luxurious and amazing value for money. Highly recommend this train to anyone. We traveled as a family and the team went above me beyond to ensure we were placed close together. Wonderful experience!
Review rating: 5
Review Author: Wei Quan
Review Date: 02 Apr 2025
Review Body: Booked the suite, 2 person in one room. Was given free upgrade to premium suite which was a wonderful experience. Had a queen sized bed and a small living room area to put luggage, sit down, have some snacks. Very unique experience. Also thoughtful, given ear plugs in anticipation of noise.
Review rating: 5
Review Author: France Nguyen Vincent
Review Date: 02 Apr 2025
Review Body: We enjoyed the atmosphere and privacy of our 2 person cabin. It was comfortable and the bedding was of quality and clean.
The setting and sway of the train going through the night has a timeless quality and makes for a nice overnight journey.
Review rating: 5
Review Author: Amanda
Review Date: 03 Dec 2023
Review Body: It was a fuss free trip, paid for the hotel pick up and the driver drove well. Aboard the train, we were given water, snacks and ear plugs (which turned out to be a life saver!). Arrived in Hanoi with no delay and issues, recommended!
Review rating: 5
Review Author: Charlotte
Review Date: 18 Dec 2023
Review Body: Unique and fun experience on the overnight train from Hanoi to Sapa. The check-in process was smooth, and the train cabin clean and comfortable.
Review rating: 5
Review Author: Sharon Giblin
Review Date: 07 Apr 2023
Review Body: Well organised. Clear guidance and communication. Left us to focus on the experience and not having to worry about the logistics etc. thank you!
Review rating: 5
Review Author: Louise
Review Date: 10 Jul 2026
Review Body: Beautiful customer service, delightful cabins and super clean washrooms. This is such a great way to travel. Chapa make it very special!
Review rating: 5
Review Author: Anonymous
Review Date: 28 Mar 2026
Review Body: Antique train updated to modern standards with clean and comfy bedding and a picturesque ride from Hanoi to Sapa.
Review rating: 5
Review Author: C
Review Date: 13 Sep 2023
Review Body: Amazing, clean. Train was noisy but they provided ear plugs and food. Would recommend for a trip back to Hanoi
Review rating: 5
Review Author: Rina
Review Date: 22 Mar 2025
Review Body: The cabin is really nice and clean. You can also take shower at their lounge while waiting for the departure.
Review rating: 5
Review Author: Nazhan
Review Date: 08 Dec 2024
Review Body: We love the white clean theme of the cabins! We also love the snacks provided! Toilets are clean and nice!
Review rating: 5
Itinerary
Itinerary Day 1
Itinerary Summary: Travel from Hanoi to Dong Hoi in comfort by train
Itinerary Description: Depart from Hanoi Railway Station in the evening and travel overnight onboard. Relax in your sleeper cabin as the train heads south.
Arrive at Dong Hoi Railway Station the next morning, the main gateway for onward travel to Phong Nha National Park.
Schedule: Depart Hanoi: 19:45. Arrive Dong Hoi: 05:16
1 / 21
Hanoi to Dong Hoi Boutique Overnight Train | Premium Cabin
An easy overnight train to Phong Nha with VIP lounge and snacks
4.4
|41 Reviews
Group size
Up to 38 guests
DURATION
Less than 1 day 1 night
Booking type
Join-in trip
MEET UP
At location
Group size
Up to 38 guests
- Experience highlights
- Itinerary
- Inclusions
- Accommodation
- Availability
- More Info
- Host
- Reviews
Wake up rested on the way to Phong Nha
If you're heading to Phong Nha and want to skip the long sleeper bus or extra hassle of flying, this overnight train is one of the easiest ways to do it. You leave Hanoi in the evening, sleep onboard, and arrive in Dong Hoi the next morning. What makes it different from a standard sleeper train is the added comfort around the whole journey: VIP lounge access before boarding, a personal escort at the station, a cleaner premium cabin, and snacks and drinks already waiting inside.This works especially well for travellers who want to save a night of travel without arriving wiped out. The sleeper cabins are set up for proper rest, with quality bedding, air-conditioning, power outlets, slippers, earplugs, and basic toiletries. It feels more considered than the usual no-frills overnight train.The small details are a real plus here. You get mineral water, local candies, Vietnamese snacks, fresh fruit, tea or coffee, beer or soft drinks, and a breakfast box for the morning. Guests also often mention the smooth boarding process, clean cabins, and helpful staff at Hanoi station.What to ExpectOvernight train from Hanoi Railway Station to Dong Hoi StationDeparture at 19:45 and arrival at 05:16 the next daySleeper cabin with bedding, air-conditioning, power outlets, and access to shared restroomsPriority access to a VIP waiting lounge before departurePersonal escort at the station to help with boardingIn-cabin amenities including a dental kit, comb, earplugs, slippers, tissues, and paper cupRefreshments included: mineral water, local candies, Vietnamese snacks, seasonal fruit, tea or coffee, beer or soft drinks, and a breakfast boxPassenger insurance and railway service charges includedGood to KnowThis experience covers the train journey to Dong Hoi only. Onward transport to Phong Nha is not included.Dong Hoi Station is around 45 minutes to 1 hour by car from Phong Nha. Taxi and ride-hailing options are available at the station.This is a join-in rail service, so cabin setup depends on the option you book.You will sleep onboard and arrive early, so this is best for travellers comfortable with overnight train travel.Keep noise low at night and use headphones for music or videos.Smoking and vaping are not allowed anywhere on the train.Store luggage in the designated areas and keep aisles clear.
Experience highlights
What You’ll be Doing
Day 1:
Travel from Hanoi to Dong Hoi in comfort by trainShow Details
What’s Included
Train ticket from Hanoi Railway Station to Dong Hoi Station
Service charges and passenger insurance fees in accordance with Vietnam Railway regulations
Personalized escort
Priority access to VIP Lounge
Amenities: dental kit, comb, earplugs, paper cup, tissue box, slippers
In-cabin refreshments: mineral water, local artisan candies, traditional Vietnamese snacks, seasonal fresh fruits, premium coffee and tea selection, beer/soft drinks, breakfast box
Not included
Available Add-ons:
Show Details
Who you’re supporting
Community Champion
Show Details
Where You’ll Sleep
Next Available Dates
Prices shown in USD
Select Time for 05 Oct 2026
Additional Information
Where we'll meet
Start Point
Meet-up at Hanoi Railway station(Hanoi Railway Station, Đường Lê Duẩn, Vietnam)
- 07:45pm
- Notes: It's recommended to get there at least 30 minutes before departure time.
End Point
- End at Dong Hoi Railway Station (Dong Hoi Railway Station, Thuận Lý, Vietnam)
Start & Ends
07:45PM on Day 1 - 05:15AM on Day 2
Suitability / Accessibility
- Child Friendly (No Minimum Age)
Cancellation & other policies
Cancellation
To secure your spot, your host will turn away other guests. Because of this, cancellations aren't allowed.
What to Pack
- Light scarf/jacket as the cabin can feel cool
- Passport/ID
From
1.893.015đ
/person4.4(41)
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Meet your host
One of the more luxurious ways to get to Sapa. The train cabins are a little more premium than the other train services, and the staff are great hosts. You can also enjoy access to the Lounge in Lao Cai where you can relax and shower after and before your train journey.
Experience: 18 years
Speaks: Basic English
Acceptance rate: 81%
Keep your payments secure by using the Seek Sophie website for all transactions and communications.
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