29 Apr 2024
One Way

Pumpkin Express

3.5
84 customer reviews
  • Reviews

About Pumpkin Express

Company Information

Sapa is a town that is on almost every visitor’s itinerary when they first arrive in Vietnam. To reach the popular hillside town you'll most likely be travelling from Hanoi, if this is the case then Pumpkin Express is a great option.

Pumpkin Express carriages are joined onto the SP1 and SP2 Vietnam Railways trains connecting Hanoi with Lao Cai and the individual cabins are designed to be replicas of hotel rooms, complete with air-conditioning and TVs, so you're sure to travel in style.

Routes served by Pumpkin Express Train

Trains depart Hanoi for Lao Cai on a daily basis at 21.30, scheduled to arrive at 05.35 the next morning. The return journey leaves Lao Cai at 20.35, dropping you in Hanoi at around 04.45, with the trip in either direction lasting approximately eight hours. The price is also the same regardless of which way you're headed, VND835,000 for a space in a four-berth cabin and VND1,655,000 per person for a more private two-berth compartment.

Pros

The standard within the carriages of all the private operators remains pretty similar so Pumpkin Express is a good option as prices tend to be lower than those found with other companies along this route. Although, it is worth pointing out that prices are still higher than if you purchased a ticket in the standard Vietnam Railways carriages, this may be an option for budget travellers.

Another advantage with choosing Pumpkin Express for your trip to Sapa is that the cabins have TVs inside them, something that isn't always the case with private operators and certainly not in the carriages managed by Vietnam Railways.

Cons

Unfortunately, the scheduled arrival time in Hanoi isn't great. Arriving before 05.00 means that you can have some difficulty in reaching your hotel and once you're there it's unlikely that you'll be able to check-in straight away. If you haven't booked any accommodation before you arrive in Hanoi then you'll probably need to kill some time before you start looking for a suitable place to stay. Neither scenario will be particularly appealing after a long overnight train journey.

Keep in mind

It's worth bearing in mind that if you reserve a spot in a two-berth compartment you will have to pay the total price for the room, as it cannot be reserved individually.

Unfortunately, this may put this option out of the budget of many solo travellers who will have to make do with a space in a four-berth compartment instead. Although, this is a great way to meet fellow travellers and to share stories and tips about where you've been and where you're headed next.

Travellers reviews

Travellers who used Pumpkin Express to reach Sapa had the same complaints as those using other private operators along the route.

The biggest issue is the need to change at Lao Cai to then travel a further hour to Sapa itself. Unfortunately, if you choose to travel to Sapa via train then this is unavoidable as the town doesn't have a train station. If you would rather not change at Lao Cai then consider making the journey from Hanoi directly to Sapa by bus, although it may be less comfortable than the train, it's actually quicker and cheaper.

If you do want to travel by train and would rather pay slightly more for a space in a private carriage rather than the standard Vietnam Railways cabins then you'll be pleased to read the good reviews that Pumpkin Express receives. It has been praised by passengers who think it represents good value for money when compared to other private operators along the route. Pumpkin Express is also considered to offer one of the more comfortable carriages for passengers keen on getting a good nights sleep before they set out to explore the stunning Sapa countryside over the next few days.

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Pumpkin Express Company Reviews

3.5
84 customer reviews
5
18%
4
31%
3
31%
2
20%
1
0%
D
3
Train #SP1 1st Class Sleeper, Pumpkin Express, Sep 3, 2020
The price for what is provided is pretty high, so the value for this train trip is very low. The ticket guy for Pumpkin Express was easy to find and even at the station earlier than expected. He was also very helpful in getting me the drinks and snacks for my cabin and providing clear guidance on when and where to wait and board. Overall, it was an okay experience, but I couldn't sleep at all on the train despite having the entire VIP cabin to myself and there were only a few snacks and a couple drinks provided. I was impressed with the fact that I could actually charge my phone and they had a few different working lights in the room. The trains are very old, but they were cleaner than I expected. However, I also traveled only one month after the pandemic lockdown was lifted in Vietnam, so there were very few tourists traveling in general; that's probably why things were in decent condition (even the bathroom was pretty clean for a train). I was disappointed that there was no onboard wifi; luckily I had my own SIM with mobile data plan which worked on some parts of the trip. I took a private, 8-pax bus back from Sapa to Hanoi instead of the train, for which I paid only $25. It was much more comfortable, scenic, and quicker than the train. I likely would not take the train ever again unless the conditions were MUCH better (i.e., they need a complete overhaul).
I
2
Train #SP1 VIP Sleeper 4x, Pumpkin Express, Mar 13, 2020
Very dirty, cockroaches in cabin. Bathroom filthy. Staff not very friendly. Beds hard and air conditioning doesn't work properly. Room was very hot, no air. Left half an hour late.
K
2
Train #SP2 VIP Sleeper 4x, Pumpkin Express, Dec 24, 2019
予約の際にトラブルがあった。 満席と言われ、勝手に次の便に振り替えられ、返金不可とされたので、他の会社の列車にするか全額返金を求めたところ、ちょうどキャンセルが出たとのことで、元どおり乗れた。 当日は6割ぐらいしか埋まっておらず、満席とは？となった。
A
5
Train #SP1 1st Class Sleeper, Pumpkin Express, Nov 2, 2019
Carriage was comfortable with free refreshments. Staff were friendly and helpful.
A
2
Train #SP2 VIP Sleeper 4x, Pumpkin Express, Aug 24, 2019
A parte de las cucarachas, la temperatura que cambia de frio a calor y que te quieran cobrar por el café aguado, todo bien. El lavabo lo único que se salva.
G
3
Train #SP1 VIP Sleeper 4x, Pumpkin Express, Aug 12, 2019
Good travel and the ac is very soft an the bed is a thay bed.
S
4
Train #SP2 VIP Sleeper 4x, Pumpkin Express, Aug 4, 2019
Couchettes assez confortables.toilettes propres. Ligne qui secoue un peu, mais bien dormi.
E
2
Train #SP1 VIP Sleeper 4x, Pumpkin Express, Jul 19, 2019
They changed our cabin without saying nothing to us. Plus the people from the train where very rude and only spoke in vietnamese to the couple who travelled in our cabin. These people in our cabin where extremly disgusting eating on the bed and throwing all the garbage to the floor. There might be some rules when you have to share so small espace with more people.
E
5
Train #SP1 1st Class Sleeper, Pumpkin Express, May 8, 2019
The pumpkin express from Hanoi to Sapa was great. We got a private sleeper cabin and slept pretty much the whole way on very comfortable beds with air con. We even had snacks, WiFi and plug sockets which we weren’t expecting! Would definitely use again.. plus saved money and time. Make sure you organise a pick up from the station when you arrive in Sapa, as it can be a bit hectic with a lot of people trying to over charge.
L
3
Train #SP1 1st Class Sleeper, Pumpkin Express, Apr 22, 2019
Bed sheets dirty, covered in blood! Slept with a towel as a blanket. Plus side, you get X2 bottles of water, cola and beer (1st class) very noisy and difficult to sleep but noise and movement settled down around 1am.
F
4
Train #SP1 VIP Sleeper 4x, Pumpkin Express, Mar 27, 2019
Train a l'heure, eau et snack offerts, conforme a ce que j'attendais !
L
4
Train #SP2 VIP Sleeper 4x, Pumpkin Express, Mar 23, 2019
Très confortable mais moins bien que le SP3 (matelas moins épais )
A
4
Train #SP1 1st Class Sleeper, Pumpkin Express, Mar 2, 2019
We booked a double room. The rooms was clean and cute. It’s not exactly easy to sleep. It’s pretty loud and the train rocks quite a bit. Navigating the train station in Hanoi was a bit difficult. Several attendants at the train station directed us to different tracks and trains. We made it on the train about 10 minutes before it left. The train left exactly at 2135 and we arrived on time at the station before Sapa. There is a snack cart and coffee and tea offered in the morning. We experienced the same lack of toilet paper as everyone else. So bring your own just in case.
M
3
Train #SP2 VIP Sleeper 4x, Pumpkin Express, Feb 25, 2019
Cabine de quatre personnes, confortable et propre. Trajet bruyant a cause des passagers de la cabine.
M
4
Train #SP1 1st Class Sleeper, Pumpkin Express, Feb 25, 2019
Cabine de deux personnes, confortable et propre. Trajet bruyant mais belle experience.
I
3
Train #SP1 1st Class Sleeper, Pumpkin Express, Feb 14, 2019
I think this is very over sold. The carriages were very poor, not clean, the staff were not very interested. We were told in the evening that a coffee in the morning would be free, when it arrived we asked for 20, 000 Dong each, the cup wasn't even half full and it was terrible. The toilets we a shambles. It was very very poor!
E
4
Train #SP1 1st Class Sleeper, Pumpkin Express, Nov 20, 2018
Overall our trip was very very good. Easy picking up tickets, attendants pointed us to correct train car, etc. Cabin was clean, with clean sheets. We saw that there was WiFi but never got the password. Train bathroom was questionable but not the absolute worst. No toilet paper when we first arrived, but it was refilled the next morning. There were 2 sinks separate from toilet so you can brush teeth, etc.! We got a 2-person private cabin, so the mattresses were doubled up, firm, which I liked. Train is rocky and loud so bring ear plugs! Would do it again!
R
2
Train #SP1 VIP Sleeper 4x, Pumpkin Express, Nov 11, 2018
- Very dirty bathrooms, really unacceptable for this rate - airco in face while trying to get some sleep on hard and too short bed (if your height is >1.80m) - offering coffee is great, but not if the train arrives within 1 minute after receiving it
L
2
Train #SP2 1st Class Sleeper, Pumpkin Express, Oct 5, 2018
We had Insects in our room. The matresses were hard. The Service Lady did not speak any English. The VIP sleeper was totally overpriced. We paid 10 times as much as for a Bus. Next time we will take the Bus both ways the quality is so much better!
P
2
Train #SP1 1st Class Sleeper, Pumpkin Express, Aug 26, 2018
La cabine était jolie et propre et le plateau d’accueil agréable. Par contre, toilettes très sales !! Et surtout impossible de dormir tant le train nous secoue. Dommage
E
4
Train #SP2 VIP Sleeper 4x, Pumpkin Express, Aug 20, 2018
Comme à l'aller. Mêmes prestations. Eau, bananes et barres chocolatées. En revanche, les toilettes, c'est pas possible. Il faut faire quelques choses !
E
4
Train #SP1 VIP Sleeper 4x, Pumpkin Express, Aug 18, 2018
En cabine VIP pour 4. Les banquettes doivent faire 185cm de long car je rentre juste juste en position allongée. Confortable. Un oreiller et une couette fournie. Une bouteille d'eau, une barre chocolatée et une banane pour chaque passager de la cabine. Les toilettes, très très vite sales.
A
2
Train #SP2 1st Class Sleeper, Pumpkin Express, Aug 16, 2018
The train wagon was worse than asia express and we pay just the same. Also there were some bugs in the cabin that we need to kill.
T
5
Train #SP2 VIP Sleeper 4x, Pumpkin Express, Aug 13, 2018
The cabin was very clean and the bed was comfortable and they provided snacks and water, the train trip was a bit bumpy but that was expected.
A
3
Train #SP1 VIP Sleeper 4x, Pumpkin Express, Jul 23, 2018
The cabines were ok, but the toilet was really very dirty.
C
2
Train #SP2 1st Class Sleeper, Pumpkin Express, Jul 19, 2018
Incredibly loud, the speaker in the cabin kept cracking, the ‘VIP’ experience was less than comfortable and not worth the price. Very disappointed!
D
3
Train #SP2 VIP Sleeper 4x, Pumpkin Express, Jul 19, 2018
The airco was to cold to sleep en not comfortabele , Coffe and thee should be free available .
D
2
Train #SP1 VIP Sleeper 4x, Pumpkin Express, Jul 16, 2018
They gave us the wrong tickets . First they don’t want to help us and asked us to step in the wrong cabin. It’s because we keep ask for the wright tickets that they helped us . We had to take the train later .
B
3
Train #SP1 VIP Sleeper 4x, Pumpkin Express, Jul 12, 2018
Family of 4, boys at 12 and 19 years. Thanks to details on tripadvisor we found the right building. The guy at the ticketoffice was late so that caused a little stress to all of us wantint to exchange our voucher to tickets. The sleeper was better than excpected, water, bananas and biscuits was included. Noisy, bring earplugs,bunks where ok. Take it as an adventure.
L
3
Train #SP2 1st Class Sleeper, Pumpkin Express, Jul 3, 2018
We booked a 1st class from Lao Cai to Hanoi with only 2 beds but was given a 4 beds. The air con was not cold at all so we make noise to the train station master. At the end they changed us back to another 4 beds. We are very disappointed as we paid so much for 1st class but get 2nd class bed.
M
4
Train #SP1 1st Class Sleeper, Pumpkin Express, Apr 25, 2018
Comfortable beds and enough space for both of our luggage. Quite noisy people around us which made it hard to fall asleep.
E
2
Train #SP1 VIP Sleeper 4x, Pumpkin Express, Apr 17, 2018
The gate 6 is very difficult to find. Thé suspension wagonfle is dead
S
4
Train #SP1 1st Class Sleeper, Pumpkin Express, Apr 16, 2018
Ticketing very efficient and journey was on time. But mattress far too firm for me
F
3
Train #SP1 VIP Sleeper 4x, Pumpkin Express, Apr 6, 2018
The bed was REALLY hard. We couldn’t opt for a hard or softbed, because there wouldnt be any hard beds- but this was basically a wooden plank. However, train was perfectly in time and even provided water and snacks and there was electricity on board.
E
3
Train #SP2 VIP Sleeper 4x, Pumpkin Express, Apr 6, 2018
Départ et arrivée à l’hEure. Couchette propre. En revanche, matelas beaucoup plus durs qu’à l’aller.
E
3
Train #SP1 VIP Sleeper 4x, Pumpkin Express, Apr 3, 2018
Train à l’heure. Cabine conforme à la description. Propre. Dommage que la personne qui contrôle les billets ne soit pas aimable, que des personnes fument dans les wagons à côté et que les toilettes communes soient très vite sales!
F
3
Train #SP2 VIP Sleeper 4x, Pumpkin Express, Apr 3, 2018
The beds are pretty short for a tall European. Our neighbours was snoring beyond healthy and acceptable standards. Toilet, sheets were clean. We got complimentary banana, water and cookies. Staff to help while boarding was organised.
G
5
Train #SP1 1st Class Sleeper, Pumpkin Express, Mar 30, 2018
1st class rocks!!
W
5
Train #SP1 1st Class Sleeper, Pumpkin Express, Mar 17, 2018
Room was good. We booked a private room for 2. The top bunks were folded up. The lamp was broken. The mattresses were super firm but at least we had electrical outlets. The facilities were good for what it was. This was so much better than Oriental Express. We booked a private room with OE. OE had not electrical outlets and the bunks where bolted down so we couldnt fold them up.
C
3
Train #SP1 VIP Sleeper 4x, Pumpkin Express, Mar 9, 2018
This is for pumpkin train - The train beds are comfortable and toilet was fairly clean. Just the unstable wooden noise from the dividers when the train moves. We also had a bad experience when boarding the train as we do not have the tickets (we pre booked and only have the voucher which we tot is sufficient) and are confused with which platform and train to board. There was a guy approaching us offering help to find us the train. And when he got us the tickets he brought us to the cabin and he immediately asked us for tips, indicated how much he wants which was very intimidating. He wouldn't leave until you give him the amount he wants. Just be careful when you board the train and get your tickets.
J
5
Train #SP1 VIP Sleeper 4x, Pumpkin Express, Jan 9, 2018
Train car was clean, comfy beds, warm blankets
T
5
Train #SP1 VIP Sleeper 4x, Pumpkin Express, Dec 29, 2017
Comfortable and easy
A
3
Train #SP1 VIP Sleeper 4x, Pumpkin Express, Oct 14, 2017
Nice sleeper but bad customer Service. Due to heavy floodings there were delays and cancellations but there was no chance to get an info if our train was affected too. No one answered our E-Mail.
L
3
Train #SP1 VIP Sleeper 4x, Pumpkin Express, Oct 9, 2017
火车睡铺整体是不错，但火车的一切都需付费，这点不够透明化
M
3
Train #SP1 VIP Sleeper 4x, Pumpkin Express, Oct 2, 2017
Directions to the station were very detailed. And we were able to find the counter to change tickets very easily. Train ride was not so good. Air conditioning was not working on the train so did not sleep well at all.
F
4
Train #SP1 VIP Sleeper 4x, Pumpkin Express, Aug 6, 2017
Le gate no 6 est un peu dur a trouver (traverszr la gare zt les rails) donc venez un peu en avance. Pr contre tout lz reste au top. Les horaires = mieux que la sncf. Parfait en un mot. (voyage en famille avec 3 enfants)
M
4
Train #SP1 VIP Sleeper 4x, Pumpkin Express, Aug 5, 2017
Le voyage s'est très bien déroulé, nous sommes bien arrivés à Lao à l'heure en partant de Hanoi. Le petit bémol: trouver le bon endroit pour prendre le train et retrouver la personne qui détient les tickets pour voyager (réservation sur internet ne suffit pas - il faut l'échanger avec un ticket sur place)
B
4
Train #SP1 VIP Sleeper 4x, Pumpkin Express, Aug 5, 2017
Very nice except 1 toilet not working
H
4
Train #SP1 VIP Sleeper 4x, Pumpkin Express, Aug 5, 2017
Confort rudimentaire mais correct. Couchettes propres. (Pumking)
A
2
Train #SP1 VIP Sleeper 4x, Pumpkin Express, Jul 31, 2017
The ride with Pumpkin to Lao Cai ws not worth the premium price.