Rail travel in Vietnam has one overwhelming advantage - it gets you off the roads. So I tend to take trains whenever I can in Vietnam. I love trains too.
One of my favourite rail journeys is between Saigon and Phan Thiet. It may not be the most scenic. But it's clean, comfortable and convenient - the same can’t be said for all of Vietnam’s trains. It takes only a little longer than the road journey. And that’s assuming road traffic is travelling smoothly - a big assumption.
The standout from this trip was how friendly the railway staff were. They were a delight.
A practical point worth keeping in mind too - you can ride your motorbike on and off this train for a small fee. It's very straightforward.
This video captures the journey. We meet the train drivers, check out the cabin, and then commence our ride through dragon fruit and rubber plantations, before cutting our way through the Saigon traffic on a busy wet afternoon.
The images were taken on the same day.
Your can check out our independent Mui Ne travel guide for more information.
Photo: Mark Bowyer Train to Saigon from Phan Thiet
Photo: Mark Bowyer Station attendant, Phan Thiet
Photo: Mark Bowyer My carriage - number 13
Photo: Mark Bowyer Motorbike attendant - Phan Thiet
Photo: Mark Bowyer Train to Saigon from Phan Thiet
Photo: Mark Bowyer Train to Saigon from Phan Thiet
Photo: Mark Bowyer Dragon fruit plantation, outside Phan Thiet
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