In a move to enhance passenger experience, Vietnam Railways introduced an AI-powered service robot in VIP car A34 of the Hoa Phuong Do tourist train on 1/6. This initiative is part of the company's strategy to integrate technology into its services. "This product is part of our strategy to apply science and technology, providing passengers with enhanced convenience throughout their journey," said Tran Van Hanh, Director of Hai Phong Railway Transport Branch.

The robot is equipped with AI technology and a 3D obstacle avoidance system, allowing it to navigate the narrow aisles of the train car. It can welcome guests, provide directions, introduce products, and deliver food and drinks. Phuong Thao, a VIP car attendant, explained: "The robot stores the car's table layout. Based on the number of passengers, we select the tables to be served, and the robot automatically delivers food to them."

Each VIP car currently has one attendant. If the robot is utilized skillfully and efficiently, the attendant's work effectiveness will increase significantly. Vietnam Railways stated that the company will continue to monitor its actual operation to refine and upgrade the system before considering expanding it to other train cars.

The Hoa Phuong Do train features two VIP cars, designed in an Indochine style that blends Asian and European architecture. These cars are often referred to by tourists as "aristocratic" train cars. Each VIP car offers 16 single sofa chairs and 5 long sofa sets, totaling 20 seats, arranged in three separate spaces. This design creates an ambiance similar to a cafe or restaurant, with a highlight being a small corner featuring Hai Phong's emblem.

Passengers have expressed positive feedback regarding the VIP car experience. Tam Anh, 19, a student at the Diplomatic Academy, remarked that the VIP car feels like a business class cabin on an airplane. "Beautiful, luxurious, clean, every corner is photo-worthy. It's truly worth the experience," she said. Two South Korean tourists were also impressed by the VIP car's design, taking many photos as souvenirs.

The Hoa Phuong Do tourist train, comprising 20 new cars, was launched by Vietnam Railways on 10/5/2025, commemorating the 70th anniversary of Hai Phong's liberation. After over one year of operation, the train has completed 3,000 trips, serving 1,33 million passengers and generating revenue of approximately 155 billion VND.

Special class tickets for the 34-seat VIP car are 250,000 VND on weekdays and 300,000 VND on weekends. In addition to the two VIP cars, the train also has 18 standard cars with 56 seats each. These standard cars feature seats that can rotate 180 degrees, plastic carpet flooring, stone-patterned plastic wall panels, and ceilings adorned with LED decorative lights. Weekday tickets for these cars cost 150,000 VND, while weekend tickets are 180,000 VND.

The Hoa Phuong Do train operates 8 round trips daily between Hai Phong and Hanoi.

Le Tan