The "Ancient Capital Hue - Phong Nha: Journey of Wonders - World Heritage" tourist train route was announced on 31/7 by the Quang Tri Provincial People's Committee, in collaboration with the Hue City People's Committee and Vietnam Railways Corporation. Services are expected to begin on 1/9.

The train comprises 8 carriages with a capacity for 304 passengers. This includes 5 carriages with 360-degree rotating soft seats (56 seats each), one VIP carriage with 24 seats, one community carriage, and one service-entertainment carriage. Ticket prices range from 420,000 VND to 760,000 VND, depending on the seat class, with promotional offers valid until 31/12.

The carriages feature modern designs and integrate technology for commentary and communication. They also offer spaces for showcasing local cuisine from both regions, live performances, entertainment services, and can host various events onboard.

A 56-seat soft-seat carriage. Photo: Vietnam Railways Corporation

The journey spans approximately 190 km, passing through Hue, Dong Ha, My Trach, Dong Hoi, and Tho Loc stations, taking four hours. Each station is envisioned as a unique tourist highlight: Hue as a cultural heritage destination, Dong Ha as a peace destination, My Trach associated with historical memory and notable figures, Dong Hoi as a gateway to coastal tourism, and Tho Loc as the entry point to the Phong Nha - Ke Bang World Natural Heritage site.

Check-in points and OCOP (One Commune One Product) stalls will be set up at each station. Along the route, a "train-flower road" will be created to enhance the passenger experience.

According to the schedule, train HQ2 will depart from Hue station at 7:15 am, arriving at Tho Loc station at 11:55 am. In the reverse direction, train HQ1 will leave Tho Loc station at 1:15 pm, reaching Hue station at 5:25 pm.

Community carriage. Photo: Vietnam Railways Corporation

Hoang Xuan Tan, Vice Chairman of the Quang Tri Provincial People's Committee, stated that the tourist train route meets travel demands and offers a continuous discovery experience, connecting Hue City with Quang Tri's historical, cultural, and natural attractions, as well as the Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park World Natural Heritage site.

The train route also contributes to establishing a railway tourism ecosystem, promoting green transportation, and supporting the sustainable development goals of both the tourism and railway sectors.

In 3/2024, Vietnam Railways Corporation launched two pairs of trains, HD1/2 and HD3/4, on the Hue - Da Nang route, named "Connecting Central Heritage". Each train consists of 5 air-conditioned soft-seat carriages and one community carriage for cultural, artistic, and local culinary programs.