Vietnam’s North-South Thong Nhat Train, which crosses mountains, plains and seas, was named first by Lonely Planet as one of the world’s most beautiful train routes.
In June, the world-famous travel magazine Lonely Planet announced the 24 most wonderful train journeys in the world to experience in 2025 in its Amazing Train Journeys edition. Thong Nhat Train – Vietnam’s North-South railway route topped the list.
The journeys were selected based on the following criteria: breathtaking scenery; cultural and historical values; unique experiences; connectivity and discovery; the ability to inspire sustainable tourism.
The magazine introduced Thong Nhat Train as one of the most popular railway routes in Southeast Asia. The train, which runs for more than 1,700 km, connects the two major cities of Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, departing daily and lasting about two days, passing through provinces and cities from North to South. Traveling by train along the S-shaped land is considered an impressive experience. The train weaves through ancient cities and glides along spectacular coastal roads.
In January, the Reunification Train also ranked 3rd in the 9 world railway routes worth experiencing in 2025, suggested by CEO Björn Bender of Rail Europe, Europe’s leading train service provider.
In its introduction to 24 train routes, Lonely Planet describes these slow-travel itineraries as offering a completely new perspective on each destination, from passing through peaceful countryside to connecting major cities. Traveling by train always has many surprises such as meeting travelers from all over the world in the same compartment, having a meal or resting while the wheels roll smoothly on the steel rails. The scenery outside the window, the lands the train passes through, bring a sense of adventure.
The train journeys on the list also include train routes that pass through many famous tourist destinations from Asia to America such as the California Zephyr (USA), Lake Titicaca (Peru), the express train from Beijing to Lhasa (China), the TranzAlpine (New Zealand), the Bergensbanen (Norway).
Lonely Planet is a travel publishing brand founded in 1973 in Australia, providing travel guides, articles, books and digital content for those who love to explore and experience.
Source: Lonely Planet
