Can you smoke on trains in Vietnam?

Smoking on Vietnamese Trains: A Unique Dichotomy

Vietnamese train travel presents an intriguing paradox for travelers accustomed to smoke-free environments. Despite the strict prohibition against smoking within passenger cars, a wisp of smoke often lingers between carriages, where open windows and doors provide less regulated spaces.

Officially, smoking is banned on all trains in Vietnam, enforced by both railway officials and fellow passengers. Designated smoking areas are absent, and violators face fines or even expulsion from the train. This regulation ensures a smoke-free environment for the vast majority of passengers, promoting comfort and health.

However, a curious loophole emerges between carriages. The open gaps between cars create semi-enclosed spaces with less stringent oversight. Here, smokers congregate, taking advantage of the airflow to dissipate their smoke while technically remaining outside of the passenger compartments.

This practice creates a distinct atmosphere for experienced travelers. The aroma of tobacco intermingles with the sounds of train wheels and the conversations of fellow passengers. It’s a strange yet oddly convivial space, where the boundaries of prohibition and indulgence blur.

Seasoned travelers have learned to adapt to this unique dichotomy. Those sensitive to smoke may choose seats far from the open areas between carriages. However, for those who wish to catch a glimpse of this singular tradition, a discreet smoke break between cars offers a brief respite from the smoke-free confines of the passenger compartments.

It’s important to note that smoking between carriages is not actively encouraged by railway authorities. Passengers should exercise discretion and respect the preferences of non-smokers. Additionally, smoking should never obstruct doorways or walkways, as it poses a potential fire hazard.

In conclusion, Vietnamese train travel offers a curious mix of prohibition and indulgence. While smoking is strictly forbidden within passenger cars, a discreet smoke break between carriages has become an accepted practice for some passengers. This unique dichotomy creates a memorable and often amusing experience for seasoned travelers.