Train to Mui Ne
Most tourist traveling to Mui Ne from Ho Chi Minh City, Saigon, usually take a tour bus instead of the train because of the perceived comfort and the fact that the train don’t go into Mui Ne but stops at Phan Thiet.
Comfort is relative so let’s not argue about this.
The Phan Thiet train station is only about 6 km away from Mui Ne. Plus there will always be many taxi and motorbike riders waiting at the train station. So getting into Mui Ne from Phan Thiet is easy. And here’s 3 more reasons to try the train to Mui Ne:
1. It’s cheaper at 78,000vnd versus 90,000vnd. Ok, not a big difference but the other 2 reasons below should help.
2. The train comes with toilets. This means you can eat all you want without worrying about upset stomachs. On a bus, you’ll have to wait for the rest stops.
3. Interaction with the locals. There are more Vietnamese on a train to Mui Ne than the tour bus. With no TV onboard the train and nothing else to do, you will be able to get their full attention for a good 6 hours.
You can buy your bread and Saigon beer before boarding the train here. Alternatively, there’s a cafe onboard the train.
Train to Mui Ne
The designated seating system is organized by the coach number follow by the seat number. The coach number can be found at the entrance and exit point of the train (circled in yellow). The seat number is at the back of the seat.
Train to Mui Ne
Interior of the train.
Train to Mui Ne
Train to Mui Ne
Train to Mui Ne
This is the cafe area. It’s the best spot to start a conversation with the locals.
Train to Mui Ne
Train to Mui Ne
The toilet onboard. There’s also another version with the seated type.
Train to Mui Ne
Made friend with this cute Vietnamese boy on my train ride to Mui Ne. Don’t think I’ll be chatting with the lady below though.
Train to Mui Ne
Train to Mui Ne
This is how the train station at Phan Thiet looks like.
Train to Mui Ne
If you had enjoyed this tip on a train ride to Mui Ne, do share with your friends. Also, this link will lead you to a selection of places to stay in Mui Ne Phan Thiet with discount prices.
Hey Ben,
The April 2010 issue of Nat. Geo. Traveler has an article on Mui Ne, below is the link. http://traveler.nationalgeographic.com/2010/04/feature/se-asia-beaches-text/2
Thank you Eric for sharing.
Checked out the article already. Good read.
Thank you for the article and photos – will definitely travel by train now instead of the bus.
U are welcome J. Just note that the train will only bring u to Phan Thiet which is another 15km from Mui Ne.
I did this train trip last year, and while the destination was wonderful, the early start was not my favorite memory, nor was the constant noise from the undisciplined brats not controlled by the even more undisciplined parents near me.
I’m thinking of taking my girlfriend by train this weekend, and whilst I’m looking forward to her delight, I’m really dreading the feeling of being in a human cattle truck.
Stephen, I did not show it on this post but there’s actually a VIP booth. A little more spacious and less crowded. Hope this helps.
hi Ben!
I took the train by evening. It was a great and very immersive experience middle of vietnamese people. a local was pleased to invite me to have a coffee onboard..
trip was cosy and train comfort was similar with european standard.
just check before that the train go direct to Phan Thiet… as I was in a hurry I bought the ticket in a local agency in HCM .. of course they didn’t mention me the destination wasn’t exactly Phan Thiet but M??ng Mán… i was a littl upset when i stepped out of the train by night…it was kind of no man’s land… unfortunately they was my new “friend” and a taxi waiting… then it took me about 20′ just to reach Phan Thiet…
as the unexpected is part of the charm of travelling, i wasnt in a bad mood
Hi Ben,
This train is with aircon or without?