Train HCM to Phan Thiet

[andrew va thuy 0]

My wife, son & I are returning to VN next month after 2 years for our anniversary. We have never been to Phan Thiet. We have heard conflicting reports about train & bus service. Has anyone been there recently ? Is there now a direct train to Phan Thiet or how far is the station from the town. The idea of taking a train appeals to me - getting up standing & maybe even a restroom & taking a pictures out the window, Our neice ( 10 ) who also lives in VN will be accompanying us. Thanks

[Melrose Plant 1]

I don't know about that specific route, but I have ridden a passenger train in Vietnam. They are absolutely terrible! Most of the locomotives I swear are Russian cast-offs from the 50s. Then there's that silly narrow gauge track. If you get an old one, you're going to be doing about 15 mph, 20 tops. But it's much more fun than a bus. I'd take the train.

[toddandhien 2]

Here's a link to a schedule for the train. http://www.travelvietnamhotels.com/Travel_..._Express_Train/

Don't think you can take it to Phan Thiết. But, given that it is only 200 km travel, have you considered just hiring a car and driver to take you? You can make the trip in less than 4 hours, stop any time you like and take all the pictures you want. Unless you have a strong desire to experience Vietnam's train service (not Amtrak) you would probably be better served to hire a private car and not spend much more money.

Hiền's brother is a taxi driver in HCM and regularly takes folks to Vũng Tàu or Vĩnh Long. If any interest, PM me and I can ask Phuong how many VND for the excursion. Real pleasant guy, would be a good driver for you, too, if you were inclined to do that.