Victoria Express train Hanoi to Sapa

We travelled to and from Sapa on the Victoria Express Train. We stayed in a 2-berth deluxe cabin. Although the fact that the cabins are very small, they are confortable. We asked for more two pillows and they brought to us. The train has two differents bathrooms in each carriage, both very clean. The problem was the terrible noise during all night long... Attention: book the whole cabin if you don't want to share it with strangers.

We recently travelled to Sapa on the Victoria Express Train. We stayed in a 2-berth deluxe cabin both ways and enjoyed supper in the dining car on the return journey. This is the premium service to Sapa and requires that you also stay in the Victoria Sapa Resort (see separate review). I was pleased we booked the double cabin, as the 4-berths looked pretty cramped if fully loaded. Of course, you can take the risk of booking the 4-berth and having the cabin to yourself, and in late-April this would have been a reasonable gamble. Our cabin was understandably compact but comfortable and intimate. The beds were firm and a good night’s sleep will elude most travellers. It’s important to note that while the carriages are allocated to the Victoria, they are still part of the same train that pulls the cheaper options, and it can be a bumpy ride at times. There are two bathrooms in each carriage – one slightly larger than the other. Both are well maintained and equipped – much better than I expected. Staff were excellent and the Victoria does look after you. In Hanoi we were guided (our guide) to a comfortable lounge across the road from the station where drinks and snacks were available. When the train was ready to leave we were ushered to the correct carriages. Our luggage was taken care of by staff. Make sure you use this service if you travel with the Victoria. Don’t go directly to the station. Supper in the dining carriage was great fun. There’s a compact but very pleasant range of hot and cold nibbles, with local beers, spirits, and good wine. You can opt for a pre-arranged dinner which we did not - the train departs quite late in the evening and we decided to eat beforehand. Some other guests obviously took up the option, but they looked far less relaxed than us! The Victoria Express train is the expensive option if travelling by train to Sapa, but is a great experience and a worthwhile indulgence.