Vietnam > Night train to Ho Chi Minh City

Today we leave Hoi An. Since we don’t depart until ten o’clock, we take a morning walk to the town center to buy some bread rolls for the journey at the bakery. Across from the bakery, we order a nice cup of coffee on the terrace.

Vietnam - In the train compartment

Exactly at ten o’clock, we leave by bus for Da Nang. From Da Nang, we will later take the overnight train to Ho Chi Minh City. Before that, we visit the Cham Museum in Da Nang. The region around Da Nang was part of the Champa Kingdom, a Hindu kingdom, for centuries. The museum houses a large collection of Cham sculptures. One hall is dedicated to the My Son temple complex, which was heavily damaged by American bombings during the Vietnam War. After doing some shopping at the Da Nang market, we drive on to the train station. It is quarter past twelve. Our train departs in one hour. To her shock, Ria realizes she left her jacket on the bus. Luckily, the bus driver had already noticed, and her jacket is delivered to her by someone on a scooter. The train departs precisely at quarter past one. The sleeper compartments are for four people — simple but fine.

Vietnam - Sleeping berth in the train

The scenery is beautiful. From the tracks, you can see more of the farmland and simple houses. Along the highway, there is mainly ribbon development with many houses selling goods. Drinks are also provided, and someone regularly comes by trying to sell something. I also go on my own little walk, making a fun stroll through eight train compartments to the dining car for a beer. Around mealtime, the meal is served. Perry had advised us beforehand to use the bread rolls from the bakery for this moment. I order some extra spring rolls. Together with the sandwiches, it makes a great meal. Meanwhile, it gradually gets dark outside. In the evening, I visit the other compartments with members of our group. Just before the train stops in Nha Trang, we turn off the lights in our compartment. The sound of the rails and the rocking of the train quickly lull me to sleep.