A tourist train called the "Central Heritage Connection" has been running between Thua Thien Hue province and Da Nang city since March 26. It’s the most beautiful railway route in Vietnam, passing through the superb landscapes of Hai Van Pass and Lang Co Bay.
The Thua Thien Hue - Da Nang trail journey lasts about three hours. (Photo: VOV)
The three-hour trip from Thua Thien Hue to Da Nang includes stops for passengers to get off the train to do some sightseeing and take photos. Trains depart from Hue station at 7:45 a.m and 2:25 p.m. daily and depart from Da Nang station at 7:50 a.m and 3:00 p.m. daily. Both stations have a VIP waiting room for passengers.
Each train has five air-conditioned cars with comfortable seating and one dining car that serves typical dishes of Hue and Da Nang. The Vietnam Railways Corporation has decorated the cars in the style of an ancient royal palace, and Hue folk music is frequently performed live on the train.
Through the train windows passengers can watch the majestic Truong Son mountain range by on one side and the immense sea on the other. The beautiful landscapes, the delicious culinary specialties, and interactions with the performing artists make the journey unforgettable.
A tourist named Hoang Hoa Binh said: “On the train I felt relaxed and chatted comfortably with the other passengers. At Lang Co bay, everyone took photos and videos. Going through Hai Van pass, one of the most famous passes in Vietnam, was very exciting.”
Tourists take photos of the beautiful landscapes through the train windows. (Photo: VOV)
The train stops at Lang Co station in Thua Thien Hue province so tourists can get off and take photos of Lang Co bay, one of the most beautiful bays in the world.
Ho Thi Cam Hien said: "It was very exciting. I’m familiar with this route, but being on the train gave me a fresh view of Lang Co bay and Hai Van pass. After the trip, I’ll make a short video and description of the tour to post on Facebook and TikTok for my friends and others.”
When they reach either station, the passengers can rent bicycles to visit attractions in the city. Thua Thien Hue has discounted tickets for many of tourist attractions.
Nguyen Van Phuc, Director of the Thua Thien Hue provincial Department of Tourism said: “The trains let visitors experience the culture and natural landscapes of the central region. The tourism sector of Thua Thien Hue and Da Nang will help tourism businesses diversify their products through the ‘Central Heritage Connection’ train tour.”
Hue folk music is performed on the train. (Photo: VOV)
The Vietnam Railway Corporation has been coordinating with localities to develop luxury train tours connecting more localities.
Dang Si Manh, Chairman of the Board of Members of the Vietnam Railway Corporation, said: “We plan to combine train travel and experiential tourism. The railway has a lot of tourism potential. Railway stations are architectural works and heritage sites. We want to share their values with the wider community. The stations and the journey are tourism products. On the train, travelers can enjoy local cuisine and art performances and admire the natural landscape. They can hold events - even wedding parties - on the train.”
Le Hieu