Discover the beauty of Vietnam by train! This guide explores travel options, booking tips, and seat types for your Ho Chi Minh City to Da Lat train adventure.
Da Lat is situated in the highlands of Vietnam and promises scenic beauty, colonial architecture, and cool mountain air to any traveler who comes along. While buses are the most used means, taking the train from Ho Chi Minh City to Dalat provides another world of perspective and comfort. However, there’s a catch – Da Lat itself doesn’t currently have a train station. But not to worry, brave traveler! The following guide will reveal another line full of excitement, and arm you with all the information to take this scenic train tour.
How to Travel from Ho Chi Minh City to Da Lat by Train
Unfortunately, a direct train from Ho Chi Minh City to Da Lat isn’t available at this time. But you can take a train from Ho Chi Minh to Nha Trang and catch a bus from Nha Trang to Dalat.
Take a train from Ho Chi Minh City to Nha Trang
You should first go to Nha Trang by train, which is a nicely scenic route of 411 kilometers and takes roughly 7 to 9 hours. It would depend on the type of train you will take.
There are daily 8 train services along this route, and hence you can have enough flexibility to choose an appropriate time of departure that matches your schedule. The ticket prices are quite reasonable, ranging from 200,000 VND for a hard seat to 600,000 VND for a sleeper berth in comfort.
This will also be a great opportunity to glance at some of the beautiful coastlines of Vietnam and, if time permits, take in the vibrancy of the city of Nha Trang before embarking on the continued adventure to Da Lat.
Here is a schedule for trains from Ho Chi Minh to Nha Trang:
| Train number | Time of departure (Saigon Train Station) | Time of arrival (Nha Trang Train Station) | Duration |
| SE8 | 1:05 PM | 10:11 PM | 7h 39m |
| SE22 | 3:00 AM | 11:21 PM | 8h 13m |
| SE10 | 5:50 PM | 2:58 AM | 9h 06m |
| SE6 | 7:00 PM | 2:29 AM | 8h 21m |
| SE30 | 7:25 PM | 4:19 AM | 9h 08m |
| SE4 | 9:05 PM | 5:25 AM | 7h 29m |
| SE12 | 8:35 PM | 3:48 AM | 8h 54m |
| SNT2 | 10:50 PM | 8:29 AM | 8h 20m |
| SE2 | 1:05 PM | 10:11 PM | 7h 13m |
| SE28 | 3:00 PM | 11:21 PM | 9h 39m |
Connect from Nha Trang to Da Lat
When you arrive in Nha Trang, you then take a bus to go up to Da Lat. This ride covers about 134 kilometers and would take approximately 3 hours.
Several bus firms have daily services between Nha Trang and Da Lat, making choices quite convenient. In this direction, tickets can be booked from Nha Trang bus station or online via famous firms such as Phuong Trang, Catthienhai Travel, TheSinhTourist, Dalat Open, and Minh Tri Limousine.
Ticket prices on this journey are generally around 120,000 VND and 160,000 VND.
Alternative Route: Ho Chi Minh City to Da Lat via Phan Rang–Thap Cham
A scenic train from Ho Chi Minh to Dalat may be taken, with a stopover in Phan Rang-Thap Cham. Given below is a train schedule for the first part of your journey: Ho Chi Minh City to Phan Rang-Thap Cham.
| Train number | Time of departure (Saigon Train Saigon) | Time of arrival (Thap Cham Train Station) | Duration |
| SE8 | 6:00 AM | 12:01 PM | 6h 01m |
| SE22 | 10:20 AM | 4:48 PM | 6h 28m |
| SE10 | 12:20 PM | 6:23 PM | 6h 03m |
| SE6 | 3:00 PM | 9:06 PM | 6h 06m |
| SE12 | 7:25 PM | 2:33 AM | 7h 08m |
| SNT2 | 9:05 PM | 3:42 AM | 6h 37m |
| SE28 | 10:50 PM | 6:54 AM | 8h 04m |
Prices of the tickets of trains heading from Ho Chi Minh City to Phan Rang-Thap Cham vary from 290,000 to 850,000 VND, depending on which train you take and which seat type you choose.
Upon your arrival at Phan Rang-Thap Cham, you would get on a coach to head to Da Lat. Coaches running on this route are provided by several operators such as Hien An and Quynh Nhu. It takes about 3 hours, and the price of travel by coach is in the range of 110,000 to 170,000 VND.
How to Book Train Tickets?
There are several ways to book a train ticket from Ho Chi Minh:
- Online: Visit the official website of Vietnam Railways to book your tickets online. This method offers convenience and allows you to choose your preferred departure time and seat type.
- In-person: Visit the ticket counter at Saigon Station to purchase your tickets directly. You can inquire about available trains, seat options, and prices.
- By Phone: For a quick and hassle-free booking experience, call the hotline at 1900 636 212. You can reserve your tickets over the phone and receive information on ticket prices, departure times, and other relevant details.
Types of Seats on the Ho Chi Minh City to Da Lat Train (Technically, Nha Trang)
Even though the final leg isn’t by train, knowing your options for the Ho Chi Minh City to Nha Trang stretch is crucial:
- Hard Seat: The most affordable option, perfect for budget-conscious travelers. While comfortable for shorter journeys, consider upgrading for longer trips.
- Soft Seat: Offers more legroom and padding than a hard seat, providing a more comfortable journey.
- Soft Sleeper: Features comfortable reclining seats that convert into beds for overnight journeys.
- Hard Sleeper: Offers bunk beds with basic amenities like pillows and sheets. A good option for a comfortable night’s sleep at a reasonable price.
Travel Tips for the Ho Chi Minh to Da Lat Train Journey
Every trip needs insider tips to ensure a perfect trip, so do the journey from Ho Chi Minh to Dalat:
- Pack for the Weather: Da Lat’s climate is significantly cooler than Ho Chi Minh City, especially during the evenings and early mornings. Pack layers of clothing to adjust to the temperature changes.
- Stay Hydrated: While on the train, ensure you stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
- Choose the Right Seat: If you’re planning an overnight journey, consider opting for a sleeper berth for a more comfortable experience. Soft seats are also a good choice for those who prefer to sit upright.
- Enjoy the Scenery: Take advantage of the scenic views along the railway. Bring a camera to capture the beautiful landscapes and charming towns.
- Bring Entertainment: To pass the time during the journey, consider bringing books, magazines, or a tablet loaded with movies and music.
- Prepare for Potential Delays: Train journeys can sometimes be subject to delays. Be patient and enjoy the unexpected downtime.
- Pack Essential Items: Don’t forget to pack essential items like a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a portable charger for your electronic devices.
Booking a train from Ho Chi Minh to Dalat may be stressful for some people, especially for new travelers. Don’t worry, Lily’s Travel is here to help you with that. With over 15 years of experience, Lily’s Travel is your trusted partner for exploring Vietnam. Our knowledgeable guides and personalized itineraries ensure you have a truly authentic and memorable experience.
The train from Ho Chi Minh to Dalat is not exactly what you would call a direct journey, but it’s quite an interesting trip that offers views that you will never forget. In this combined train and bus ride, you’ll take in the sights of bustling urban cities and serene mountain vistas. Plan ahead, book your tickets, and take in scenic beauties while embarking on this captivating journey.
Read more: Where to stay in Dalat: A visitor’s guide
