Train travel has become a trend in the past three years as airfares have increased during peak seasons. In addition, efforts to improve the quality of railway services have also helped attract new customers.
For those who are about to travel by train for the first time, blogger Pham Quang Tuan (Tuan Cuong Chan) and train ticket agent owner Quynh Ruby share some experiences to make the trip more complete.
Buy tickets
The easiest way to buy tickets is to book on the Vietnam Railways website or integrated e-wallets. Tuan said that you should arrive at the station 30 minutes before the train departs, and the trains are usually on time, so you don’t have to worry about waiting too long. After arriving at the train waiting point, you need to observe the location of the train stops, which is usually marked on the pillars, to get on the right train. If you have a lot of luggage, getting on the wrong train can be tiring.
If you buy a seat ticket, the seat number is printed on the back of each seat. If you buy a sleeper ticket, you need to look for the corresponding bed number printed on the door, not the room number. This blogger also advises travelers who intend to travel by train to book about a month in advance because if you change your plans, the fee is not too high - 20,000 VND for changing tickets and 10% of the ticket value for cancellation.
Select seat
Quynh said that the trains currently no longer have hard seat tickets. Tickets include VIP 2-berth cabins with high prices, suitable for those who want to experience high-class service - although the price may be more expensive than airfare. For the Hanoi - Ho Chi Minh City route, the ticket price can be around 2.5-3 million VND, double the price of a 4-berth cabin ticket.
A 4-bed cabin costs more than a 6-bed cabin because it has the same area but fewer beds, so it is more spacious and comfortable; in which, the first floor is always more expensive than the second and third floors. Soft seats are the cheapest option, suitable for short trips. Ticket prices are proportional to the level of comfort of the ticket class.
Train passes near Hai Van Pass. Photo: Tuan Cuong Chan
Tuan advises travelers who want to save money to choose soft seats for trips under 400 km. If they have money, he always suggests choosing a 4-bed cabin on the first floor to reduce shaking and make it easier to move. He almost never chooses a 6-bed cabin on the third floor because it is cold, cramped, and tall people often bump their heads.
To enjoy the beautiful scenery, Tuan said there is no specific rule, it usually depends on the train. For example, on the HD 2/4 train from Da Nang to Hue, passengers should choose a seat on the left side of the train's direction, and vice versa for the Hue - Da Nang route.
High quality trains
The high-quality trains use new, modern carriages with good shock absorption and noise reduction, and beautiful interior design. The fastest and highest quality trains are SE1/2, SE3/4, SE5/6, SE7/8, serving long routes along the route.
For short distances, there are trains such as SE19/20 from Hanoi to Dong Hoi, Hue, Da Nang and vice versa; SE21/22 from Saigon to Da Nang; SNT from Saigon to Nha Trang and the heritage train HD for the Hue - Da Nang route. These trains ensure a comfortable and convenient journey.
High quality train SE19. Photo: Giang Huy
Some trains such as SE19/20 or recently the "Red Flamboyant" train Hanoi - Hai Phong are beautifully decorated by the railway industry, imbued with local culture, turning the trip into a unique cultural experience.
Experience good sleep, fun play
Tuan said that the air conditioning on the train is usually quite cold, so even in the summer, visitors should prepare long clothes for the evening. Besides choosing the lower bunk to avoid shaking, visitors should also prepare headphones to listen to music, watch movies to reduce noise and "kill time".
Valuable personal belongings should be kept in a backpack, next to the bed to ensure safety and give visitors peace of mind when sleeping.
Tuan working on the ship. Photo: Tuan Cuong Chan
Meanwhile, Quynh shared that traveling with loved ones will help make the journey less boring. If traveling in a large group, organizing small games will create a fun atmosphere. Travelers should take the night train, sleep on the train and arrive in the morning to avoid the feeling of a long time.
With the daytime train, passengers can take advantage of the time to sightsee, take beautiful photos with their companions or stop by the canteen to eat, change the atmosphere and relax. Bringing a laptop to work or a book to read is also a good way for busy people.
Why choose train instead of plane?
According to Tuan, the train is not simply a means of transportation. The time spent on the train is also part of the travel experience, through eating, chatting, and sightseeing - unlike just going and arriving quickly like on a plane. Therefore, if you decide to take the train, you need to make sure you have enough time to "fully" experience it. On the other hand, families with children under 6 years old who want to save money can choose this type of travel because this group under 6 years old does not have to pay for tickets.
According to vnexpress.net
Source: https://baohanam.com.vn/du-lich/kinh-nghiem-cho-nguoi-lan-dau-du-lich-tau-hoa-166560.html
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