Vietnams Reunification Express Train responsibletravel.com

Although you’ll be hard-pushed to find a train with Reunification Express emblazoned on its flanks, this is the name that’s commonly given to trains using the track that joins Vietnam’s northern and southern powerhouses, Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Started under the French in 1899, it took four decades to complete this 1,700km track, which runs via the central Vietnamese cities of Hue and Da Nang, as well as the beach resort of Nha Trang.
Although out of service during Vietnam’s war years, a symbolic restoration project in the mid-1970s meant the country was reunited by rail once again. This was great news for Vietnamese wishing to work further afield or visit family members in different regions. And it’s great news for travellers, too, especially if you’re interested in a rail holiday exploring along the coast.