Most routes on Vietnam Railways open 60 to 30 days before departure. Longer routes, such as Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City, will open closer to 60 days in advance, while shorter routes, such as Hue to Danang, may open closer to 30 days before departure. This can vary by the type of seat/berth you wish to book. Private train operators are open more than 60 days in advance.
If you plan on traveling to Vietnam around the Tet holidays, which will take place during the last week of January and the first week of February, ticket sales may open as early as the first week of November, and we recommend booking as soon as possible.