We took the train from Hue to Danang (just under three hours) to enjoy the spectacular scenery on the way, although, truth be told, we were nearly as excited with the various delights of the train as we were the wonderful views.
We started with the obligatory photo at the train station (Ga – ‘gare’ – get it?):
There are not too many passenger trains a day up and down the line though there do seem to be quite a lot of goods trains keeping the officials busy:
The passengers did seem to be quite excited as well, also taking photographs on the railway tracks:
We boarded the train and had a little compartment, complete with wallpaper. Each compartment has four berths, two on the bottom and two on the top, so a ghostly Josh accompanied us because we had booked him a seat to ensure we had the whole thing to ourselves.
As well as pretty high-quality plasric orchids, bottles of water, sheets, pillows, duvets and the hardest berths in the world, there were comprehensive instructions about our rights and obligations – the scriptophiliacs amongst you should read carefully:
There was also a little menu which we enjoyed reading – but not eating:
In case you were wondering, 10,000 vnd is about 35p.
The best views were on the left hand side of the train so Nikhil and I spent a lot of time in the corridor trying to take pictures:
The photography was a challenge! Thick wires ran alongside the train track and dodging them while on a somewhat rickety train was beyond me:
The views were splendid – past lagoons and sea and through tunnels and a mountain pass and finally the port city of Danang came into view in the distance:
We had been entranced by our hostess on the train who checked on us several times to make sure we were okay – it was the slippers that really moved me:
If you are in Vietnam, do take the train – though maybe not all the way between Saigon and Hanoi if you don’t like rock hard bunks!
Love the railway flight attendant branch on the menu. Phase while you check which mode of transport you’re on.
Yes, indeed! The logo has a pleasingly 60s airline feel about it. What the attendants – flight or railway – do in their branch is just a mystery.
How different from the interiors (and footwear) to be found on our own, not so dear, railways…
So true. Seen from the outside, all the pink plastic orchids ( very high quality) were placed in the same spot on the table in each compartment, giving a very pleasing effect. I moved our orchids to get a better view but was told by the flight attendant to put them back.
Sold! And thank you for such a comprehensive photolog of the journey and the accoutrements. Wouldn’t it be lovely to have similar lists of passenger rights on our home transport. The wallpaper a particularly nice touch.
I loved the wallpaper – very smart and homely at the same time. I’m all in favour of passenger rights and responsibilities..
Fascinating!
It really was!
Who needs scenery, when you have so many delights inside the train?
Indeed! The train was quite slow but at regular intervals ( about to enter a tunnel, passing a station etc) a smartly dressed figure in blue shirt and matching pith helmet would stand attentively holding – not waving – a flag. I found this very reassuring.
I do hope you were civilised and polite. Lovely journey
We were very well behaved and appreciative. Nikhil took a selfie with the flight attendant who was completely relaxed about it.
What a fabulous train and glad to see that the kitchen staff were pleased to sever you!
One of several reasons why we didn’t order any food…
I’m impressed with the care of the copy editing in the train guidelines. Over the top, perhaps. Carefully punctuated and spelled, with attention to grammar, definitely.
I completely agree – there’s a meticulous quality to the drafting and translation that’s very impressive.