Thong Nhat Train leads the list of 24 most impressive train journeys in the world

According to the Information Center - Vietnam National Administration of Tourism, the world's leading prestigious international travel magazine Lonely Planet, in its June issue, has suggested 24 of the world's most wonderful train journeys in 2025, with Vietnam's Thong Nhat train topping the list.

This is the first time a Southeast Asian railway has taken the top spot in this prestigious annual ranking.

The North-South Reunification Express (also known as the Reunification Express), connecting Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi , has a 30-35 hour journey, with a distance of more than 1,700km through lands rich in identity and diverse landscapes, from bustling urban areas to peaceful villages, from poetic coastal areas to vast fields and majestic mountain passes.

The article on Lonely Planet Magazine shares: If you want to feel the beauty of Vietnam slowly, deeply and poetically, there is nothing better than stepping on the North-South Reunification train.

The Thong Nhat train, which runs from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi, is one of the most popular railway routes in Southeast Asia and one of the most impressive train journeys in the world.

From the heart of bustling Ho Chi Minh City, the train begins to roll, away from the high-rise buildings to gradually move towards the vast fields, green mountains and peaceful countryside.

The steady sound of iron wheels gliding over the rails became the background melody for the journey that lasted more than 30 hours, without rush or noise, just time, scenery and stories.

Unlike rushed flights or tiring bus journeys, taking the train gives you the chance to slow down.

You can choose a soft sleeper cabin with air conditioning for a comfortable rest, or a soft seat for those who like to enjoy the scenery while chatting. On the train, you can meet passengers from all over the world.

According to many train passengers, what makes the journey so special is not only the scenery, but also the experience rich in local culture.

Passengers on a train departing from Hanoi Railway Station on the evening of April 29. (Photo: Quoc Khanh/VNA)

The train stops at many prominent stations such as Nha Trang, Da Nang, Hue, Vinh, Thanh Hoa... Passengers can enjoy food on the platform, next to the tracks with popular dishes in Vietnam, as well as regional specialties such as bread, chicken sticky rice, sour sausage...

Just a few short minutes at each station is enough to feel the simple life of the people at the small stations.

Lonely Planet highly appreciates the Reunification train line's sustainability, culture and local connectivity.

This is not only a means of transportation, but also a slow travel experience - a trend that is increasingly popular around the world.

With air-conditioned sleeper cabins, passengers can relax, chat with international travelers, or simply watch the world go by from a train window.

Train journeys on Lonely Planet's list also include: California Zephyr (USA), Lake Titicaca (Peru), express train from Beijing to Lhasa (China), TranzAlpine (New Zealand), Bergensbanen (Norway)...

Previously, in January 2025, Rail Europe - Europe's leading train service provider - also ranked Thong Nhat train third in the list of "Nine most worth-experiencing railway routes in the world" suggested by CEO Björn Bender.

These titles are the world's recognition of Vietnam's 100-year-old railway - a route that not only has transportation significance but is also a symbol connecting the country and people of Vietnam.

At the same time, this is also a positive signal for the Vietnamese tourism industry in its efforts to develop sustainable tourism products with deeper and more unique experiences./.

(Vietnam News Agency/Vietnam+)

Source: https://www.vietnamplus.vn/tau-thong-nhat-dan-dau-danh-sach-24-hanh-trinh-tau-hoa-an-tuong-nhat-the-gioi-post1046040.vnp