The beautiful 1,100-mile Asian train journey that rattles through historic cities
This wonderful voyage takes you between two iconic cities via some of the most stunning countryside on the planet.
A beautiful 1,100-mile Asian train journey is capturing the attention of hardcore travellers after they realised it rattles through historic cities and stunning coastlines. The journey takes people from the south of an iconic country steeped in history all the way to its capital in the north.
The two-day journey doesn’t feel like that long as you traverse the vast majority of Vietnam, all the way from Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon) in the south, to the more historic city of Hanoi. While both cities are two of the highlights of the country, the countryside in between is also beautiful.
Vietnam’s government website says you’ll see “beaches, mountains, jungles, wetlands and cities” along the way. While the train might be a slower way of travelling than car or plane, you really get to soak up the country’s culture and scenery.
READ MORE: Pretty 90 mile European train journey so scenic it's now a tourist site [LATEST]
Some of the most popular stops include Da Nang, Nha Trang and Phan Thiet. Da Nang is famous for its seaside spots, as well as the famous ‘hand bridge’ up in the mountains where you can see for miles.
On the way up you’ll see traditional houses with thatched roofs, as well as the jungle-covered Annamite mountain range in the distance. Soon enough, Hue will be the next stop - the former capital in the feudal times. Hue is packed full of ancient history, with pagodas, mausoleums, citadels and a UNESCO-protected Imperial City among its mix.
The Van Long Nature Preserve is also well worth a visit - you can take a hand-poled boat ride from a local farmer across the stunning wetlands and into the tunnels carved into the beautiful limestone cliffs.
Don't miss...
Only those with eagle eyes can solve this brainteaser in under 15 seconds [PUZZLE]
Royal expert says King Charles looks 'vulnerable and sad' in brand new portrait [ROYAL]
The world's 25 most populated countries as UK only 22nd on the list [STATS]
Around 14 hours on from Hue is Hanoi, the current capital and home to some of the photo sites we have all seen, including the narrow one-way railway track right past cafes and people’s homes, as well bustling streets and markets full of speeding mopeds.
The 1,072 mile train journey is a daily occurrence and takes about two days to complete the whole thing. It is one of the most spectacular experiences in the whole of Asia.