The tourist train "Phong Nha - Hue Ancient Capital: Journey to World Heritage" officially opened on the morning of August 28 at Dong Hoi Station, opening an additional railway tourism product connecting heritage destinations in Central Vietnam.
The event was organized by Vietnam National Railways Group, with the participation of Deputy Minister of Construction Nguyen Danh Huy. The train was put into commercial operation just over 3 months after the parties signed a cooperation agreement.
This is a product combining railway transport and experiential tourism, connecting Hue - Dong Ha - My Trach - Dong Hoi - Tho Loc with a length of about 190km. The journey takes visitors to access the unique cultural, historical and natural spaces of Hue, Quang Tri and the Phong Nha - Ke Bang area.
The train consists of 9 carriages, serving more than 300 passengers. Including 5 soft 180-degree rotating seats, 1 24-seat VIP carriage, 1 community carriage and 1 service - entertainment carriage.
The highlight is the service - entertainment car designed as a comprehensive experience space, including a check-in area, traditional costume rental, massage chairs and a 15-seat movie room with a 100-inch screen, 4K technology, surround sound. Passengers can also use vest tailoring service with an expected delivery time of 48 hours.
The community carriage bears a strong imprint of Central Vietnamese culture, recreating images of Hue royal court, Quang Tri Citadel and Phong Nha. This space combines art, reading, cuisine, introducing local specialties and music activities with Quang Tri and Hue influences.
VIP cars are equipped with electrically adjustable limousine sofas, bars and souvenir sales areas. 56-seat carriages use 180-degree rotating seats, making it convenient for passengers to admire the scenery and interact throughout the journey.
Passengers can scan the QR code at the seat to choose services on the train, book hotels, restaurants and transportation at the destination. The automatic tour guide system provides information about landmarks, relics and landscapes on the route. The train is also equipped with free Wi-Fi, robot service and 24/24 hour camera system.
According to Vietnam National Railways Group, the product is built on the basis of the success of the train "Journey connecting the Central Heritage" on the Hue - Da Nang route. The difference of the new journey lies not only in the amenities but also in the history, culture, landscape and people of the lands that the route passes through.
The train "Phong Nha - Hue Ancient Capital" is expected to contribute to expanding the visitor market, increasing connectivity between transportation and tourism, and forming the product "World Heritage Journey - Multi-service Experience".
The Railway industry is oriented to turn train journeys into part of a tourism experience, with the station being the destination and the train becoming a "mobile check-in point". Through this, the product contributes to promoting green tourism, green transportation and enhancing the attractiveness of central destinations.
