Overnight Train Experience from Hanoi to SAPA - Private Cabin

The experience itself would of been amazing apart from just one problem. We arrived early and secured our seat in the VIP lounge, that filled quickly. Boarding was fast and relatively easy. The cabin was clean and beautifully presented, just like the photos. Beds were really comfortable and just fit my husband who is 6ft/183cm tall. Temperature was perfect and lighting really gave it a romantic ambience. Train departed on time and everything was going well until a very, very loud banging noise started. It sounded like something was hanging under the carriage, hitting it with enough force that you could feel it through the floor. This was not the usual railway noises you would expect. The supplied earplugs did absolutely nothing to dull the noise. We approached 2 attendants trying to find out what the noise was, they both didn't speak English and walked away quickly. We paid a significant amount of money for beds we didn't get to use and are thoroughly disappointed. We had realistic expectation of sleep quality, not that we would get none at all. When we disembarked we tried to see what might of caused the noise, the only thing we could see was large metal rail pins hanging on thick chain dangling under the carriage. Not sure if they were the cause but if they are this needs to be addressed. Once again, this experience would of been perfect if not for the unfortunate racket.

Coming to the train station was a bit confusing to find our VIP lounge which was very small not enough to support the people that were there . They did allow me to purchase a glass of wine and take it out . The train staff were efficient and friendly. Our rooms were very clean as well as the bathrooms. The staff were kinda loud most of the night .. definitely need ear buds ( which they provide ) . All in all a nice experience.