Travel to Ha Tinh from Ho Chi Minh City by Train: Your Scenic Journey Guide

A Sustainable and Scenic Adventure

Ha Tinh Province, located 1,400 km from Ho Chi Minh City on Vietnam’s North-Central Coast, is a treasure of pristine beaches, lush national parks, and cultural landmarks like Nguyen Du’s Memorial House. Attracting over 50,000 visitors annually, Ha Tinh offers activities costing $0.50–$40 (12,500–1,000,000 VND), perfect for eco-conscious travelers, history buffs, and beach enthusiasts. Traveling by train is a scenic, sustainable way to explore Vietnam’s diverse landscapes, from southern deltas to coastal plains, with a lower carbon footprint than flights or buses.

Ha Tinh’s tropical monsoon climate (dry season: November–April, 22–32°C or 71.6–89.6°F; rainy season: May–October, 24–36°C or 75.2–96.8°F) makes train travel comfortable year-round, with air-conditioned cabins enhancing the journey. Legend Travel Group, a leader in sustainable tourism for 17 years, offers eco-friendly tours in Ha Tinh, blending cultural immersion with environmental care. Contact us at WhatsApp: +84825862222 or email: sales@legendtravelgroup.com to book your green adventure.

Administrative Update

As of July 1, 2025, Vietnam’s administrative reform restructured Ha Tinh’s districts into wards and communes. Ha Tinh City is now Ha Tinh Ward. Use “Ha Tinh Ward, Ha Tinh Province” for precise navigation.

The 1,400 km rail journey from Ho Chi Minh City to Ha Tinh Province along the North-South Railway is a scenic route passing through coastal towns, rice paddies, and mountain ranges. Trains depart from Saigon Station (Ga Sài Gòn) and arrive at Ha Tinh Station, offering a relaxed, eco-friendly travel option with stunning views of Vietnam’s heartland.

Key Details

• Distance: 1,400 km.

• Duration: 28–32 hours, depending on train type and stops.

• Cost: $28–$55 (700,000–1,375,000 VND) one-way; $55–$110 (1,375,000–2,750,000 VND) round-trip, depending on seat class.

• Departure Point: Saigon Station, 1 Nguyen Thong, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City.

• Arrival Point: Ha Tinh Station, 2 km from Ha Tinh Ward center.

• Eco-Friendly Note: Trains emit less carbon than flights or buses. Pair with Legend Travel Group’s eco-tours for a greener trip.

Train Types and Classes

Vietnam Railways operates multiple trains on this route, offering various comfort levels:

• SE1, SE3, SE5 (Express Trains): Fastest (28–30 hours), with modern amenities. Recommended for comfort.

• SE7, SE9 (Standard Trains): Slightly slower (30–32 hours), more budget-friendly.

• Classes:

  • Hard Seat: $28–$35 (700,000–875,000 VND), basic wooden seats, least comfortable.

  • Soft Seat: $32–$40 (800,000–1,000,000 VND), cushioned seats, air-conditioned.

  • 6-Berth Sleeper (Hard Berth): $38–$45 (950,000–1,125,000 VND), three-tier bunks, shared cabin.

  • 4-Berth Sleeper (Soft Berth): $45–$55 (1,125,000–1,375,000 VND), two-tier bunks, most comfortable, air-conditioned.

• Tip: Choose 4-berth sleepers for overnight comfort; book lower bunks for easier access.

Train Schedule

• Frequency: 14–16 daily departures, from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM.

• Popular Trains:

  • SE1: Departs 8:30 PM, arrives 11:30 PM next day (27 hours).

  • SE3: Departs 7:45 PM, arrives 11:15 PM next day (27.5 hours).

  • SE5: Departs 3:20 PM, arrives 8:50 PM next day (29.5 hours).

• Booking Tip: Reserve 1–2 weeks ahead, especially during Lunar New Year (January/February) or summer (June–August), via Vietnam Railways, ticket agents, or Legend Travel Group.

Onboard Experience

• Amenities: Air conditioning (in soft seat and sleeper cabins), shared toilets, dining car (meals $1–$3 or 25,000–75,000 VND), power outlets (limited).

• Scenic Highlights: Coastal views near Nha Trang, rural landscapes in Binh Dinh, and Ha Tinh’s lush plains.

• Tip: Bring snacks, as dining car options are limited (e.g., instant noodles, rice dishes). Pack a light blanket for air-conditioned cabins.

Ground Transfer in Ha Tinh

• From Ha Tinh Station: 2 km to Ha Tinh Ward center.

  • Taxi: $4–$6 (100,000–150,000 VND) round-trip, 5–10 minutes. Use Xanh SM (eco-friendly) or Mai Linh.

  • Motorbike Taxi: $2–$3 (50,000–75,000 VND) round-trip, 5–10 minutes; suitable for solo travelers (Vietnamese license required for rentals).

• Navigation Tip: Save “Ha Tinh Ward, Ha Tinh Province” in offline maps (Maps.me); head to Nguyen Du Street for attractions.

Booking Options

• Online: Book via Vietnam Railways’ official website, dsvn.vn, or trusted platforms like 12go.asia. Verify bookings via hotline: 1900 1520.

• In-Person: Purchase at Saigon Station ticket counters (open 7:00 AM–9:00 PM) or agencies in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City.

• Through Legend Travel Group: Bundle train tickets with eco-tours for a seamless, sustainable journey. Book 1–2 weeks ahead for peak seasons.

• Verification: Confirm ticket details (train number, date, class) via Vietnam Railways’ hotline to avoid scams.

Booking Tips

• Best Rates: Book midweek (Tuesday–Thursday) for lower demand; avoid holidays for better availability.

• Promotions: Check Vietnam Railways’ website for seasonal discounts (e.g., 10% off for groups of 10+).

• Baggage: Up to 20 kg (45 lbs) included; excess baggage $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND) per kg. Keep valuables in a small carry-on.

Pack these essentials for a comfortable, sustainable trip:

• Clothing: Lightweight attire, jacket for air-conditioned cabins, sandals; waterproof jacket ($4–$8 or 100,000–200,000 VND) for rainy season.

• Travel Gear: Neck pillow, earplugs, eye mask, reusable water bottle ($0.80 or 20,000 VND), snacks.

• Essentials: Hand sanitizer, tissues, reusable tote ($1–$4 or 25,000–100,000 VND), mosquito repellent ($0.80 or 20,000 VND).

• Tech: Smartphone with Vietmap/Maps.me, portable charger; Vietnamese SIM card ($8–$15 or 200,000–375,000 VND).

• Documents: Passport copy, travel insurance, VND (10,000–50,000 notes).

Train Ticket Costs

• One-Way: $28–$55 (700,000–1,375,000 VND).

• Round-Trip: $55–$110 (1,375,000–2,750,000 VND).

• Onward Transport in Ha Tinh: Taxi: $4–$6 (100,000–150,000 VND); Motorbike taxi: $2–$3 (50,000–75,000 VND).

Activity Costs in Ha Tinh

• Beach Entry (e.g., Thien Cam): $0.50–$2 (12,500–50,000 VND).

• Seafood Dining: $3–$6 (75,000–150,000 VND).

• National Park Entry (e.g., Vu Quang): $5–$10 (125,000–250,000 VND).

• Bicycle Rental: $2–$5 (50,000–125,000 VND/day).

• Guided Eco-Tour: $25–$40 (625,000–1,000,000 VND).

• Homestay: $15–$35/night (375,000–875,000 VND).

Total Daily Cost in Ha Tinh (Per Person)

• Budget: $12–$22 (train, beach entry, seafood).

• Mid-range: $35–$55 (train, homestay, tour).

• Luxury: $90–$130 (4-berth sleeper, premium stay).

• Booking: Reserve tickets 1–2 weeks ahead via Vietnam Railways or Legend Travel Group. Book tours 24–48 hours in advance.

• Sustainability: Choose trains for lower emissions; use reusable bottles and totes. Join Ha Tinh’s beach cleanups or eco-tours for impact.

• Navigation: Save “Ha Tinh Station, Ha Tinh Ward” in offline maps. From station, head to Nguyen Du Street for attractions.

• Safety: Secure belongings in sleepers; avoid sharing cabin details with strangers. Verify ticket authenticity via hotline: 1900 1520.

• Weather: Dry season (November–April) for smoother travel; rainy season (May–October) may cause minor delays—pack rain gear ($4–$8 or 100,000–200,000 VND). Check AccuWeather.

• Cultural Respect: Greet locals with “xin chào”; respect quiet hours in sleeper cabins.

Enhance your Ha Tinh visit with our eco-friendly tours:

• Ha Tinh Coastal Tour ($70–$100/person, 1 day): Swim at Thien Cam Beach, savor seafood, explore markets. Includes guide, eco-transport.

• Ha Tinh Nature & Culture Adventure ($160–$220/person, 2 days): Visit Vu Quang National Park, Nguyen Du’s Memorial House, homestay. Includes meals, guide.

• North-Central Vietnam Explorer ($360–$520/person, 4 days): Discover Ha Tinh, Nghe An, Quang Binh, eco-stays. Includes meals, eco-transfers.

• Prices include guides, eco-transports, fees. 15% off for groups of 8+! Book via links in this guide.

Traveling from Ho Chi Minh City to Ha Tinh Province by train, a scenic 1,250 km journey along Vietnam’s North-Central Coast, takes 28–32 hours via the Reunification Express from Saigon Station to Ha Tinh or Vinh Station, with tickets priced at $25–$60 (625,000–1,500,000 VND). This sustainable adventure, featuring modern trains with air-conditioned cabins and eco-friendly amenities, connects you to Ha Tinh’s coastal treasures like Thien Cam Beach, biodiverse Vu Quang National Park, and cultural sites such as Nguyen Du Memorial Site, drawing thousands yearly. Legend Travel Group’s Ha Tinh Tours ensure a sustainable Ha Tinh Travel experience, blending low-emission transport with visits to Ke Go Lake, Huong Tich Pagoda, and culinary delights like bánh bèo ($0.50–$2, 12,500–50,000 VND), supporting local communities. Contact Legend Travel Group at www.legendtravelgroup.com, info@legendtravelgroup.com, or (+84) 825862222 to book your train and eco-friendly tour today!
Ready to explore Ha Tinh? Reserve your train and sustainable tour with Legend Travel Group for an unforgettable, hassle-free adventure!

Author Bio: Written by Tony Bùi, with over 20 years of experience in the travel industry, guiding 100,000+ travellers across Southeast Asia. This guide draws from firsthand insights, guest feedback from Legend Travel Group surveys.

Sources:

• Ho Chi Minh City to Ha Tinh Train Information: vietnam.travel, vietnamtourism.org.vn, vinpearl.com, baolau.com, 12go.asia, localvietnam.com