Vietnam rail

The Vietnamese railway network consists of six lines with 3260 kilometers of track, most of which originates from the colonial era and is being modernized very slowly. The longest line runs from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City, for 1730 kilometers of the Reunification Express taking 32 hours.

Soviet Vehicles usually originates from production, 25% percent of whom are older than 30 years, and again 25% are non-functional. It is estimated that Vietnam invests in the next few years, 400 million U.S. dollars in order to modernize its railways.

Tickets are sold in different classes, while foreigners pay higher prices than the Vietnamese. The trains go very slowly and are relatively safe and punctual. For longer rides a couchette or sleeper is recommended that should be booked well in advance. In Ho Chi Minh City they are planning to construct an underground with two lines, which will cost 800 million U.S. dollars.