We upgraded to the most expensive suite they had. The Queen Suite.
The room and the bed were OK, the noise however was terrible. It looked like permanent gunfire next to your head. Only during the 4 hours in the middle of the 8 hour trip it was OK. The rest was awful. Never again for us!!
Straight forward enough to navigate. The train journey wasn't the most smooth in terms of ride comfort. Beds were hard but did the job. I'm quite tall so didn't have to crap up too much which was nice. Air conditioning was a bit weak, ok if you were on top bunk but lower bunks felt a bit stuffy. Did the job.
Laman Express from Lao Cai to Hanoi was great. The bedding etc. even though not as luxurious as Tonkin or Chapa, was more than sufficient for the overnight train ride. The carriage was quiet and even though the train was
Confusing booking process. I booked online months ago, and was directed to 12go from the train company, so i thought this was the official booking site. Still unclear about that, as i didnt see 12go written anywhere at the train station.
Also, for a train ride completely within Vietnam the booking process took AUD, gave me a receipt in Singapore dollars and advised that any refund would be in Thai bhat. I had no confidence in the booking process because of this.
The ticket booked was a private sleeper cabin for 2 persons. We were given 4x tickets so we knew no one else would be in our cabin. The cabin was comfortable and snacks were provided.
Due to a medical event i tried to change my ticket and didnt ever hear back from 12go, and the train company couldnt help me either.
The train itself and Tonkin staff were super helpful. 12Gos support was a little confusing. Somethings could be clearer. The train station in Lao Cai is a little rundown. But Chapa Lounge facilities were great.
Organised, easy to find and board. Offered an upgrade as it was available. Journey was smooth, however the matrresses could do with a little more padding. Everything else was great.
Very clean trains, there is a sink and a toilet - which were also clean. I found the lower bed very comfortable - and they even provided snacks, water and wet wipes
