Stretching from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam’s historic Reunification railway line connects some of the country’s most distinctive regions, passing through rural landscapes, coastal scenery and historic cities. Originally completed in 1936, the railway has become an important part of Vietnam’s transport heritage. Today, it combines the romance of traditional train travel with the convenience of exploring the country without changing accommodation, allowing travellers to discover the agricultural landscapes, rural communities and everyday life that lie between its major destinations.
The SJourney introduces a premium way to travel along this historic railway, with private cabins, onboard dining and organised excursions at destinations along the route. With growing interest among our travel partners, EXO Vietnam’s Product Manager, Brice Van Huffel, recently completed the full eight-day, seven-night itinerary, covering 1,700 kilometres to experience the programme firsthand and assess the practical details that are not always apparent from its published itinerary.
Life aboard the SJourney
Inspired by the Indochine design movement of the early 20th century, the SJourney’s carriages combine Vietnamese decorative influences with French colonial-era aesthetics. Wood-panelled interiors, warm lighting and traditional furnishings add to the period-inspired setting, while the 10-square-metre sleeping cabins incorporate private bathrooms, integrated storage and multifunctional furniture to maximise the available space. Dedicated dining and lounge carriages provide communal areas for meals and relaxation, creating what Brice described as a great balance between the privacy of individual cabins and opportunities to socialise with fellow travellers.
Throughout the inspection, Brice paid particular attention to the details that become increasingly important when spending several days aboard a train. Understanding how guests should pack for excursions, access laundry services and stay connected between destinations allows you to provide more specific guidance for clients preparing for their extended rail holiday.
Discoveries beyond the tracks
The SJourney’s excursions introduce travellers to different aspects of Vietnam beyond the railway, with stops in Phong Nha, Hue, Hoi An and Mui Ne. The programme combines cultural sightseeing with activities that take advantage of each destination’s character, from exploring historic towns and imperial heritage to discovering the country’s natural landscapes. Among Brice’s favourite experiences were a special outdoor dinner at Phong Nha station and exploring Hoi An by vintage Jeep.
An important part of the inspection was assessing how each excursion operates, including transfers, timing and organisation. These details are particularly useful for travellers unfamiliar with rail-based touring, where excursions follow a set schedule rather than being individually arranged. Our team can provide partners with more precise information about what a typical day involves, helping clients prepare for the balance between time onboard and activities.
Who is this route right for?
The SJourney is designed for travellers who appreciate the experience of rail travel as much as the destinations along the route. While conventional tailor-made itineraries allow for greater flexibility in selecting experiences and determining how long to spend in each location, the SJourney follows a set programme centred around the railway. For train enthusiasts, this is part of its appeal, bringing together the history of Vietnam’s Reunification line, the convenience of onboard accommodation and the opportunity to experience the country’s changing landscapes.
Choosing the appropriate programme depends largely on how much time clients wish to spend aboard the train. The full eight-day route is best suited to those with a particular passion for railways, while the shorter four-day itinerary allows travellers to enjoy part of the experience alongside a more extensive exploration of Vietnam. Having travelled the complete route, Brice can provide partners with practical advice on which option best aligns with their clients’ expectations.
Firsthand insights for your clients
Brice’s inspection reflects EXO Vietnam’s commitment to understanding specialist travel experiences firsthand, ensuring our partners have access to detailed product knowledge beyond the published itinerary. Whether your clients are dedicated railway enthusiasts or looking to incorporate a shorter rail experience into a wider Vietnam holiday, our team can help identify the most suitable programme and provide practical guidance based on their interests.
Get in touch with EXO Vietnam to learn more about the SJourney and how we can help tailor your clients’ travels through Vietnam.
" alt=""> 
" alt=""> 
" alt=""> 
" alt=""> 
" alt=""> 
" alt=""> 
" alt=""> 
" alt=""> 
" alt="">