A Train Ride from Da Nang to Quy Nhon, Vietnam

We have visited many big cities and stayed at numerous nice resorts during our travels and this time we wanted something a little different. Vacationing in Vietnam recently, we desired to experience life in a smaller city in this Asian country. We decided on a smaller city randomly. After researching the different modes of ground transportations to reach our next destination, we found the best way for us was taking the bus from Hoi An back to Da Nang where we would continue the next leg of our vacation.

From Da Nang, we took a train to Quy Nhon, a city about 500,000 residents and approximately 320 km south of Da Nang. Though the train was not the most modern type of trains, it was comfortable and relaxing. The train ride was smooth enough so that we were able to get some work done on our labtops. Throughout the ride, the train personnel pushed carts loaded up with refreshments and went around on the train so that passengers could purcahse snacks and drinks if they wished.

After a while, we took a walk to stretch our legs and went to the dining car where we purchased and enjoyed a cold beverage. A couple hours later, the kitchen prepared some hot food and passengers could even purchase hot meals on board! We passed by farms, rural buildings and green pastures and enjoyed the peaceful scenery outside. The train ride was about 5 1/2 hours and it was uneventful.

We arrived at the train station shortly after 6 p.m. Immediately, we noticed the difference of the small town feel - the prices of food were much cheaper and the people were friendlier. Luggage in tow, we walked along the streets and discovered a night market not far from the train station. Since it was close to Chinese New Year, a lot of street vendors were still opened. We went around to the different stalls looking at various things. Then we realized J. was without his suitcase. He traced his steps back to the stores but due to the language barrier, people didn't quite understand what he was looking for.

I went looking for him in a store and the people there tried to hold me back telling me to stay put. Eventually, using body language, we understood each other and the kind people at the stalls helped us to retrieve J.'s lost luggage left in one of the stores. This was our first experience of the kindness of people at Quy Nhon. They were very patient and considerate with us genuinely trying to help us to recover our lost item. Thank you, Quy Nhon, for your kindness and patience! RT, Quy Nhon, Vietnam, 2026