I romanticize train travel. Always have. I’ve ridden trains before in Thailand, Singapore and South Korea but never an overnight train. So when I had a chance to get from Quy Nhon to Da Nang for my flight to Malaysia, taking the overnight sleeper train felt less like a logistics decision and more like something I must do for the plot. lol.
Here is what it was actually like.
The Setup
The train I was on had two types of carriages: the cabin sleeper (which is what I booked) and a separate carriage for seat passengers. If you want the full overnight train experience where you can lay down, book the cabin. The seat carriage is what a seat type does, you sit, all throughout the trip. My back and bottom don’t quite agree with this setup. Hence, the cabin sleeper.
The cabin itself is compact. A narrow hallway runs the length of the carriage with cabins on one side. Each cabin fits four beds, two on top and two on the bottom, with a small table by the window and a tiny trash bin tucked into the corner. That is your world for the next several hours.
I was on the lower berth. Good choice if you can get it. You have the table, easier access, and you do not have to climb in the dark (though there’s a switch). But with my abundant curvy body, climbing is the least preferred (no, thank you!).
The Bed
Surprisingly decent. There is a pillow and a blanket, and the bed is perfectly sized for one person. Whether they change the linen between passengers, I genuinely do not know. My honest guess is they fold and reuse. If that bothers you, bring a travel liner or a sarong. If it does not bother you, sleep fine and move on.
The View
I woke up somewhere between stations, not sure of the time, not fully awake. The cabin was quiet. Most of my roommates were asleep and some were just scrolling through their phones.
I looked out the window and just stayed there.
Trees. Early morning light. The sun was barely up but its rays were already kissing the leaves and the grass, that particular golden quality that only exists in the first few minutes after sunrise. The green was so green it almost didn’t look real. Vietnam passing quietly outside a small train window, unhurried, unbothered.
It is the kind of moment you cannot plan for and cannot recreate. The union of light and landscape and stillness was, honestly, divine. Worth the ticket price alone. Worth every minute of it.
If you sleep through the whole ride, you will miss it. Set a soft alarm for just before sunrise. You will thank yourself.
Luggage
There is storage space in the cabin for a hand carry bag. If you are traveling with a 25kg check-in luggage AND a hand carry, it will be tight. Manageable, but tight. I would suggest packing light for this leg of the trip or be prepared to get creative with where things go.
Also, and I say this from personal experience: hold on to your luggage on the platform. I accidentally let mine go and it rolled across the pavement. My heart leapt like it never beat before because I thought the luggage would be on the train’s way but thank goodness, it wasn’t!
Take it as a free reminder to stay alert. The platform is not always level and the train does quick stops.
A Few Practical Notes
The train makes quick stops at each station. Know your train number before you board and keep an eye on it. It is easy to miss your stop if you are not paying attention, especially if you dozed off.
Most of the crew do not speak English. This is not a complaint, just a heads up. Have Google Translate ready on your phone if you need to ask anything. Pointing and smiling also works reasonably well. The wonders of non-verbal communication.
How to Book
You can book online at 12go.asia or at the counter inside the train station. I recommend booking online. It saves time, you can choose your berth, and you get your ticket sent directly to your email. The e-ticket is accepted on board so no need to print anything.
If you are traveling from Quy Nhon, your departure station is Dieu Tri (Ga Dieu Tri), not the city centre. Factor in the travel time to the station when planning your evening.
Would I Do It Again?
Yes. Without hesitation.
There is something about waking up in a moving train, watching Vietnam pass outside a small window in the early morning, that no flight can replicate. It is not luxurious. It is not spacious. But it is one of those travel experiences that stays with you in the best way.
Book the lower berth. Hold your luggage. Download Google Translate. Sleep well.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do I book the overnight sleeper train from Quy Nhon to Da Nang?
You can book online at 12go.asia or at the counter inside the train station. Online is recommended as you can choose your berth, receive your e-ticket by email, and skip the queue entirely. No printing needed, the e-ticket is accepted on board.
2. Which berth should I book for the overnight sleeper train?
Book the lower berth if you can. You get easier access, a small table by the window, and you do not have to climb in the dark. It is the most comfortable option especially for solo travelers.
3. What is the departure station for trains from Quy Nhon?
The departure station is Dieu Tri (Ga Dieu Tri), not the city centre of Quy Nhon. Factor in travel time to the station when planning your evening. Book a Grab in advance to be safe.
4. Can I bring a large luggage on the overnight sleeper train?
There is a space in the cabin but it is designed for hand carry bags. If you are traveling with a 25kg check-in luggage and a hand carry, space will be tight. Packing light is strongly recommended for this leg of the journey.
5. Do the train crew speak English?
Most crew members do not speak English. Have Google Translate ready on your phone for any questions. Pointing and smiling works too!
