A Rail Journey from Southern China to Southern Vietnam

Guilin is renowned across China for its dramatic karst mountains, winding rivers, and quiet countryside, offering visitors an unhurried introduction to the beauty of the south. Arrive and receive a warm welcome from your tour guide, who will accompany you throughout your stay. Transfer to your hotel and check in. The remainder of the day is kept at leisure, allowing time to rest after the flight and settle gently into the pace of the journey ahead.

Longsheng is home to the Longji Rice Terraces, a remarkable hillside landscape shaped over generations by local farming communities, and to the Yao and Miao peoples, whose villages still line its mountain roads. After breakfast, depart Guilin on a scenic drive of approximately two hours, where the road climbs into a landscape of wooden houses, misty valleys and sweeping terraced fields. Enjoy a leisurely trekking tour of the terraces, which may appear as mirror-like flooded fields, lush green layers or golden harvest scenes depending on the season. Along the way, meet Yao and Miao communities for a glimpse into local customs, traditional dress and embroidery. Return to Guilin in the afternoon for a comfortable overnight stay.

Today’s exploration takes in the Li River, celebrated as one of China’s most scenic waterways, its limestone peaks and quiet riverbanks having inspired painters and poets for centuries, while Yangshuo’s West Street offers a lively blend of old-world culture and modern charm. After a 40-minute transfer by private vehicle to Zhujiang Pier, begin a scenic cruise downstream. Admire limestone peaks rising from the water, bamboo groves, rice fields and rural scenes that reflect the timeless charm of the region. Upon arrival in Yangshuo, continue with a relaxed walking tour along West Street, strolling through its bustling lanes lined with traditional shops and sampling local snacks. Return to your hotel afterwards, passing karst hills, winding rivers and traditional villages along the way, before a peaceful overnight stay in Yangshuo.

Wake up to a relaxed breakfast at the hotel before checking out and beginning the journey to Nanning. Travel by private vehicle for approximately 4 hours to Nanning Railway Station, with time to prepare for the next stage of the journey. Complete the check-in procedures for your train cabin and settle in as the train departs at 6 PM. As evening falls, watch the scenery pass beyond the window and rest overnight in your cabin.

Arrive in Hanoi in the early morning at 5:30 AM after the overnight rail journey from China. Your guide meet you at the station, begin a city tour through the capital. Hanoi greets travellers with tree-lined boulevards, colonial architecture, peaceful lakes and historic landmarks, followed by lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, at 4 PM, continue to Gia Lam Station for a warm welcome and smooth check-in before beginning the eight-day, seven-night southbound journey aboard the luxurious SJourney train.

SJourney evokes the Indochine style of the 1930s, blending nostalgia with modern comfort through its bistro cars, open kitchen and spacious lounge. As evening arrives, gather in the restaurant carriage for a welcome dinner while the train departs Hanoi, crossing the historic Long Bien Bridge before the city lights fade into the countryside. Rest overnight in your private cabin as the journey continues toward Ninh Binh.

Ninh Binh is home to the Trang An Landscape Complex, where limestone mountains, emerald waterways and hidden caves create a timeless natural panorama, and to Hoa Lu, once the royal heart of Vietnam during the Dinh and Le dynasties. Wake up to the peaceful landscapes of Ninh Binh and enjoy breakfast on board before stepping into one of northern Vietnam’s most captivating settings. Board a sampan for a gentle journey through quiet valleys and towering karst cliffs, then continue to Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, surrounded by mountains and ancient temple grounds, for a graceful blend of nature, history and spiritual heritage before returning to the train for the onward journey.

Quang Binh is known for its wild limestone landscapes, underground rivers and remarkable cave systems, centred on Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, a UNESCO-listed natural wonder of jungle-covered mountains and serene rivers. Awaken as the train reaches the region and, after breakfast on board, travel to the park for the day’s adventure. A boat ride along the Son River leads past quiet villages and dramatic cliffs before entering Phong Nha Cave, where the river slips into a mysterious underground world of vast chambers, sculpted stalactites and ancient rock formations. Later, return to the train for dinner and a peaceful evening in your cabin, or enjoy a special countryside dining experience if arranged, before continuing overnight toward Hue.

Hue, Vietnam’s former imperial capital, remains a place where royal history, poetic landscapes and refined local culture stay deeply present, centred on the Imperial Citadel, once the political and ceremonial heart of the Nguyen Dynasty. Begin with a nostalgic rickshaw ride through the city’s quiet streets before visiting the Citadel, with its grand gates, ancient walls, palace remains and sacred spaces. Continue to Luc Bo Cultural Space, formerly linked to the Six Ministries of the royal court and now a place where Hue’s traditional crafts are preserved through displays and hands-on activities such as conical hat making or local cake preparation. After a refined lunch featuring Hue’s distinctive cuisine, return to the train as the scenery of rivers, pagodas and soft mountain silhouettes slowly fades into the evening journey.

Arrive in Hoi An in the morning, after breakfast on board, set off by jeep through the peaceful countryside surrounding Hoi An, where small village roads, rice fields and rural scenes unfold. Visit Au Lac Wood Art for a hands-on introduction to traditional woodblock painting, guided by local artisans who share the process behind this meaningful craft. Continue with a lantern-making experience, creating your own silk lantern, before enjoying a home-hosted lunch prepared with fresh local ingredients. In the afternoon, explore Hoi An Ancient Town, where merchant houses, assembly halls, the lively market, art galleries and the Japanese Covered Bridge recall the town’s golden age as a Southeast Asian trading port. Later, return to the train, freshen up in your cabin, and enjoy dinner on board as the journey continues south.

Phu Yen is a quiet coastal province where open landscapes, simple traditions and seaside charm create a gentler pace of travel. Wake up in Phu Yen and begin with Mang Lang Church, a graceful Gothic-inspired landmark that has stood for more than a century, its twin towers and weathered façade reflecting the meeting of local faith and European influence. Continue to Phu Tan Mat Weaving Village, where generations of artisans continue the traditional craft of rush-mat weaving, turning sun-dried grass and colourful threads into everyday objects shaped by patience and skill. Lunch is served at a local coastal restaurant, offering fresh regional flavours in a relaxed setting. In the afternoon, return to the train for time to rest in your cabin as the countryside, distant hills and village roads pass quietly outside the window.

Phan Thiet is home to Ta Cu Mountain, a peaceful spiritual site, and the Poshanu Cham Towers, ancient brick structures reflecting the artistic and spiritual legacy of the former Champa Kingdom, as well as a coastal identity deeply tied to the production of fish sauce. Arrive in Phan Thiet and begin the day at Ta Cu Mountain, surrounded by forested slopes and wide views of the landscape below. Visit Linh Son Truong Tho Pagoda, known for its calm atmosphere and mountain setting, before continuing to the Fish Sauce Museum for an insightful look at one of Vietnam’s most iconic flavours, its long history, production process and cultural importance. After lunch at an oceanfront restaurant, continue to the Poshanu Cham Towers, set on a hilltop overlooking the coast. As evening arrives, return to the train for the final night of the journey, with a farewell dinner marking the close of the rail experience.

Ho Chi Minh City marks the final stop of the SJourney, closing an elegant railway experience through Vietnam’s landscapes, heritage sites and regional cultures. Arrive in the morning and enjoy a final breakfast on board as the train completes its southbound journey. Around 10:00, complete check-out procedures and bid farewell to the onboard team.