Vietnam forum

Train Ticket Reservation

Tukee

backpacker
Posts: 12

I found this 3rd party reservation site while still away from Vietnam: http://www.vietnam-trains.com/.

I 'm quite paranoid about this because I have once made an accommodation booking years ago to Hosteling International in Mexico City, but when I arrived at the hostel, they say they were not aware of the arrangement and my name was not in the guest listing. I was ripped-off by just about $2 only.

Anybody tried this before or is it legit? Here, they were asking for my credit card number and the payment for the whole fare.

Thanks

#1 Posted: 14/1/2012 - 06:29
daawgon

som tam seller
Posts: 552

I wouldn't risk it. If you need tickets anytime around Tet, there will be no seats anyway. At other times, you can get tickets from a local travel agent or hotel very easily at the last minute.

What kind of ticket are you buying? Vietnamese trains are somewhat complicated, and an inexperienced traveler should be aware of the options available. Long distance with certain types of fares can be really very bad (been there, done that already!)

#2 Posted: 14/1/2012 - 08:17
Tukee

backpacker
Posts: 12

I reckon the same thing, leaning on your side but then I have to wait from the mouths of those with actual experience with this reservation site.

What keeps me is that they need me to pay immediately the whole fare without checking the train company if there are still available seats. What if they come back with negative result?

I'm taking the soft seats for Hue quoted at US$50. There is an extra charge totalling to US62.50 (20% peak seasonal adjustment + credit card charge of US$2.50).

#3 Posted: 14/1/2012 - 15:02
caseyprich

som tam seller
Posts: 672
Located in:
Private message

Posted from within Vietnam.

I used http://www.trainticketdeliver.com/ and had a great experience - so far, I've got the ticket in my hand that was delivered to my hotel yesterday. I actually got bumped out of my original reservation because the central government decided more cheap tickets had to be reserved for locals around Tet (can't blame them). However, this company upgraded me to the next class free of charge. Highly recommended, don't remember the cost of my ticket off the top of my head (paid for it a month ago) but I calculated it out as very reasonable with a small service fee.

#4 Posted: 14/1/2012 - 22:58