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With the Lunar New Year of the Horse 2026 fast approaching, the demand for travel is increasing. To meet this enormous pressure, Vietnam Railways has proactively increased the number of train services.
According to transportation experts, passenger traffic in 2026 will show a clear differentiation across different periods. Responding to this reality, Vietnam Railways has implemented an early train schedule plan, with a particular focus on adding regional trains in both the North and South. In the North, trains connecting the capital with central provinces and the Northwest highlands, such as Hanoi – Vinh, Hanoi – Da Nang, and Hanoi – Lao Cai, have seen significantly higher frequencies. This increase in train services is not only concentrated on peak days leading up to Tet (Lunar New Year) but is also spread throughout the post-Tet period, when people flock to major cities to begin a new work year.
The railway sector is focusing on adding more routes between Hanoi and Vinh, and Hanoi and Lao Cai, to alleviate passenger pressure during the Lunar New Year holiday of 2026.
A fact that any travel enthusiast should note is that train tickets for the 2026 Lunar New Year (Year of the Horse) have been on sale for a long time on all digital platforms. From official websites and mobile apps to e-wallets and banking systems, accessing tickets has never been easier. However, "buying early" doesn't necessarily mean "buying cheaply." Typically, herd mentality leads people to flock to sleeper or soft-seat tickets on long cross-Vietnam routes, causing these segments to sell out within hours of going on sale. Meanwhile, additional trains, especially those departing at later times or on days outside of peak hours, often have significantly lower prices and more available tickets.
Carefully verifying personal information on e-tickets is a mandatory procedure to ensure passenger rights and avoid errors during the peak Tet holiday season.
Experience from previous Tet holiday seasons shows that flexibility in scheduling is crucial. If you're not too constrained by time, consider choosing trains that run late at night or early in the morning, or traveling one or two days earlier than planned. Travel experts emphasize that closely monitoring the daily supplementary train schedules on official information channels will help passengers identify price gaps. Sometimes, a newly announced supplementary train service will offer significantly better prices than regular trains, which are already inflated due to market demand.
In addition, the Southern railway sector has announced important adjustments for the Lunar New Year (Year of the Horse). Short and medium-distance routes departing from Saigon Station to Nha Trang, Tam Ky, or Da Nang have been significantly increased. For passengers planning a trip to the central coast or returning to their hometowns in neighboring provinces, this is the "golden time" to book tickets. Choosing trains instead of private vehicles or buses not only provides safety and a relaxing experience but also helps avoid traffic congestion on national highways during the end of the year.
The flexibility in choosing additional trains running at late hours allows passengers to save significantly on costs compared to traditional sleeper tickets.
However, for a truly smooth journey, careful verification of information is crucial. Errors in personal information on e-tickets can lead to unnecessary problems at security checkpoints or exorbitant refund fees. Passengers need to ensure that the name, citizen identification number, and travel date and time on the ticket completely match their identification documents. In addition, being wary of ticket scalpers or fake websites that mimic the official railway website is also a way to protect your money.
It's clear that the trend of traveling by train during Tet (Lunar New Year) 2026 is becoming increasingly popular. Many passengers, especially young people, are choosing trains as a way to slow down and admire the beauty of Vietnam as it transforms into spring through the train windows. This requires the railway industry not only to increase the number of trips but also to improve the quality of service.
