Vietnam’s North–South Reunification Express Tops Lonely Planet’s List of the World’s Greatest Train Journeys
Vietnam’s iconic North–South Reunification Express — a train that winds through mountains, plains, and coastal stretches — has been named the world’s most amazing train journey by Lonely Planet.
In its Amazing Train Journeys 2025 edition, released in June, the world-renowned travel guide publisher unveiled its list of 24 extraordinary rail adventures every traveler should experience. Leading the lineup is Vietnam’s Reunification Express, the legendary North–South railway connecting Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.
A Journey Through Vietnam’s Heart and Soul
Spanning over 1,700 kilometers, the Reunification Express links the country’s two largest cities on a two-day voyage that passes through historic towns, lush countryside, and dramatic coastlines. Often described as one of Southeast Asia’s most scenic routes, the train offers passengers a vivid cross-section of Vietnam’s diverse landscapes — from misty mountain ranges to the glittering shores of the East Sea.
According to Lonely Planet, the journeys featured in the list were chosen for their breathtaking scenery, cultural and historical significance, unique travel experiences, and their ability to inspire sustainable travel.
“Traversing the length of Vietnam by train is a truly unforgettable experience — one that captures the rhythm and romance of slow travel,” Lonely Planet wrote.
The publication also highlighted the Reunification Express’s passage through the famous Hai Van Pass — often hailed as one of the most beautiful coastal rail stretches in the world.
A Rising Star Among Global Rail Journeys
Earlier this year, in January, the Reunification Express was also ranked third among the nine most remarkable train journeys of 2025 by Björn Bender, CEO of Rail Europe — one of Europe’s leading rail travel companies.
Lonely Planet described slow train travel as offering “a completely new way to experience the world” — from gliding through peaceful countryside to linking bustling cities. It’s a journey filled with simple joys: meeting fellow travelers, sharing meals, or simply gazing out the window as the wheels hum along the steel tracks, each scene outside revealing a new story.
The World’s 10 Most Spectacular Train Journeys in 2025
| Rank | Train Journey | Distance |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | North–South Reunification Express (Vietnam) | 1,726 km |
| 2 | California Zephyr (USA) | 3,924 km |
| 3 | Lake Titicaca Train (Peru) | 388 km |
| 4 | Beijing–Lhasa Express (China) | 3,750 km |
| 5 | TranzAlpine (New Zealand) | 223 km |
| 6 | Bergensbanen (Norway) | 496 km |
| 7 | Tazara Railway (Tanzania & Zambia) | 1,860 km |
| 8 | Sunset Limited (USA) | 3,211 km |
| 9 | Caledonian Sleeper (UK) | 819 km |
| 10 | Mombasa–Nairobi Railway (Kenya) | 579 km |
A Global Icon of Slow Travel
Founded in 1973 in Australia, Lonely Planet is one of the world’s most respected travel media brands, publishing guidebooks, articles, and digital content that inspire millions of travelers to explore the planet more deeply and sustainably.
With its blend of history, scenery, and emotion, Vietnam’s North–South Reunification Express continues to stand as a timeless symbol of connection — both between cities and between people — proving that sometimes, the best journeys are the ones that take their time.
— By Bich Phuong, according to Lonely Planet
