From Hue to Phong Nha: Vietnam’s new tourist train

A look inside the VIP carriage of the Hue-Phong Nha tourist train

State-run Vietnam Railways is putting the finishing touches on carriages designed to reflect the route's 'Journey Through Wonders and World Heritage' theme.

It plans to launch its new Hue-Phong Nha tourist train on September 1, following a tourism development forum held on Friday by authorities in Quang Tri Province and Hue City.

The rail service, themed 'Hue Imperial City - Phong Nha: Journey Through Wonders and World Heritage,' is intended to showcase the cultural and natural heritage of central Vietnam.

The eight-car train will accommodate up to 304 passengers. 

It includes five coaches fitted with 360-degree rotating seats, each seating 56 passengers, along with a 24-seat VIP carriage, a community carriage, and a service and entertainment carriage.

The interiors are inspired by the cultural identity and World Heritage Sites of Hue and Quang Tri, giving the service a distinct look from Vietnam’s existing passenger trains.

Elegant interiors aboard the Hue-Phong Nha tourist train

The service and entertainment carriage includes a movie screening area.

The community carriage aboard the Hue-Phong Nha tourist train.

The train’s carriages feature modern interiors equipped with digital storytelling and communication technology.

Onboard amenities include dining areas serving signature dishes from Hue and Quang Tri, live cultural performances, entertainment services, and spaces that can also host events.

The roughly 190km route will run between Hue and Tho Loc Stations, stopping at Dong Ha, My Trach, and Dong Hoi Stations along the way.

Each stop showcases various aspects of Vietnam through different themes, highlighting Hue’s imperial heritage, My Trach’s historical figures and legacy, Dong Ha’s identity as a place of peace, Dong Hoi’s coastal attractions, and Tho Loc as the gateway to the UNESCO-listed Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park.

Stations along the route will feature photo spots and stalls selling OCOP (One Commune One Product) goods, while flower-lined stretches of railway are also planned to enhance the scenery and passenger experience.

The outbound HQ2 service departs Hue at 7:15 am and arrives in Tho Loc at 11:55 am, while the return HQ1 service leaves Tho Loc at 1:15 pm, and reaches Hue at 5:25 pm.