Vietnam by Rail - Escorted Holidays

A feast for the senses, there is no more enjoyable way to enjoy Vietnam's hospitality, rich culture, natural beauty and diverse cities than by joining an escorted tour with Rail Discoveries. Exploring this remarkable and historic country by road and rail, our itineraries feature visits to Vietnam's outstanding destinations and include a wealth of unforgettable sights, activities and experiences.

We also ensure that you'll have free time to discover Vietnam for yourself. Quality accommodation, all travel arrangements and many meals are included in the tour price, and you'll have the services of our friendly and knowledgeable Tour Manager to help you enjoy the very best experience of this diverse and fascinating country.

Floating Markets

Rows of handmade boats laden with exotic fruits and vegetables wait on the river for prospective buyers. Most sellers are women and children, and once a price has been agreed on, they use a long pole to hand over the purchase. At the end of this pole is a basket where buyers put their money. Amidst the hustle and bustle you'd normally associate with docks, what stands out is the friendly attitude of the locals; all the smiles, laughter, and welcoming shouts of 'hello'.

Halong Bay

A cruise along the emerald waters of Halong Bay are made even more memorable by the sunsets - brilliant red and orange against a backdrop of blue and green. The water is deliciously warm and taking a dip is not only possible but highly recommended. The limestone islands are covered with foliage and inhabited by monkeys, catching sight of them while out on deck is always a delight.

Hoi An

Though Hoi An is famous for its large number of tailor shops, it also boasts several other charming characteristics. In a county where the moped is king, Hoi An stands as an exception, with the Old Town enjoying many traffic-free evenings. This largely quiet area, with rows of yellow houses and a lazy meandering river, comes alive at night when 1,000s of lanterns light up the streets and the water. The friendly locals and delicious food are also big draws for anyone wanting to experience this attractive city.

Cu Chi Tunnels

The eerie silence at the Cu Chi Tunnels is a reminder of the unnerving nature of the Vietnam War. Many of the guides here were army men, and recount their sombre experiences of the conflict's aftermath; the atmosphere feels heavy with the weight of history. The forest where sections of these tunnels can be found is humid, and the tunnels themselves are incredibly narrow in certain places. Listening to tales of Viet Cong soldiers living, working, and even performing medical procedures underground makes you think about the realities of war.

Food

Vietnam's cuisine is indeed exotic and varied. There's a pronounced Chinese influence, especially in the northern regions, while European flavours can also be detected in certain dishes thanks to the country's former French occupation. Noodles are part of daily life, along with rice rolls. Seafood, skewered meat, delicious stews, and Pho (noodle soup) are some of the most popular delicacies, while locally brewed beers make for a refreshing accompaniment. For that extra touch of authenticity, perhaps purchase a bowl full of crickets fried with crunchy onion bits as a filling evening snack. It's scrumptious as well as being a good source of protein!

The Reunification Express

The North-South Railway, locally known as the Reunification Express, opened in 1936, though services were halted during the Vietnam War. There's little more magical than bunking down on this sleeper train amidst the rush of Hanoi, before waking up to the sight of water buffalo ploughing paddy fields and farmers in traditional conical hats waving good morning.