What to expect
The Victoria Express Train is one of the newest trains in Vietnam. It provides overnight trips between Hanoi and Lao Cai – Sapa. The train features 14 private but stylish and comfortable cabins with air-conditioning and reading lights.
Experience the most relaxing transfer between Sapa and Hanoi
Relax at the Victoria lounge while waiting for the train
Enjoy the quietness and contemplativeness of Victoria Express Private Cabin
Train Information:
- Hanoi Station to Lao Cai Station (22:00 – 06:20)
21:00: Arrive at Hanoi Train Station (No. 7 Tran Quy Cap Street, see this destination on Google Map) for check-in procedure. Your online ticket would be exchanged for a paper ticket at this point.
22:00: Depart to Lao Cai Train Station.
06:20: Arrive at Lao Cai Train Station.
Note: The distance between Lao Cai Train Station and Sapa Town is about 40km. Some forms of transportation are needed to get from Lao Cai city to Sapa.
- Lao Cai Station to Hanoi Station (21:40 – 05:30)
20:40: Arrive at Lao Cai Train Station (No.337 Quảng Trường ga Lào Cai Street, see this destination on Google Map) for check-in procedure. Your online ticket would be exchanged for a paper ticket at this point.
21:40: Depart to Hanoi Train Station.
05:30: Arrive at Hanoi Train Station.
Reviews
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I was pleased we booked the double cabin, as the 4-berths looked pretty cramped if fully loaded. Of course, you can take the risk of booking the 4-berth and having the cabin to yourself, and in late-April this would have been a reasonable gamble.
Our cabin was understandably compact but comfortable and intimate. The beds were firm and a good night’s sleep will elude most travellers. It’s important to note that while the carriages are allocated to the Victoria, they are still part of the same train that pulls the cheaper options, and it can be a bumpy ride at times.
There are two bathrooms in each carriage – one slightly larger than the other. Both are well maintained and equipped – much better than I expected.
Staff were excellent and the Victoria does look after you. In Hanoi we were guided (our guide) to a comfortable lounge across the road from the station where drinks and snacks were available. When the train was ready to leave we were ushered to the correct carriages. Our luggage was taken care of by staff. Make sure you use this service if you travel with the Victoria. Don’t go directly to the station.
Supper in the dining carriage was great fun. There’s a compact but very pleasant range of hot and cold nibbles, with local beers, spirits, and good wine. You can opt for a pre-arranged dinner which we did not - the train departs quite late in the evening and we decided to eat beforehand. Some other guests obviously took up the option, but they looked far less relaxed than us!
The Victoria Express train is the expensive option if travelling by train to Sapa, but is a great experience and a worthwhile indulgence.