On July 31, Quang Tri Provincial People's Committee coordinated with Hue City People's Committee and Vietnam Railways Corporation to organize a seminar on developing railway tourism products of Hue Ancient Capital - Phong Nha with the theme "Journey of Wonders - World Heritage".
At the program, the People's Committee of Quang Tri province, the People's Committee of Hue city and Vietnam Railways Corporation signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation in developing railway tourism products on the Hue - Phong Nha ancient capital route.
The Hue Ancient Capital - Phong Nha tourist train invested by Vietnam Railways Corporation is expected to be put into operation from September 1, 2026.
The train is designed with 8 carriages, with an expected capacity of 304 passengers. The exterior and interior spaces of the carriages are designed to highlight the unique values of culture, tourism and world heritage of Hue city and Quang Tri province, while creating a unique identity mark compared to the trains currently operating.
The train cars are designed in a modern direction, applying technology in presentation, introduction and communication activities about destinations.
On the train, it is expected to arrange a space to introduce typical cuisine of the two localities, organize exchanges, art performances and provide entertainment services. The train is also capable of serving programs and events organized during the journey.
The train runs on a route of about 190km, passing through Hue, Dong Ha, My Trach, Dong Hoi and Tho Loc stations.
Each station is oriented to be built into a unique highlight. In which, Hue station is associated with a cultural heritage destination; Dong Ha station is a peaceful destination; My Trach station is associated with memories and celebrities; Dong Hoi station is a sea tourism gateway; Tho Loc station is a gateway connecting the World Natural Heritage Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park.
At the stations, check-in models, introduction points and OCOP product sales are expected to be arranged. Along the journey, units will gradually build the "Train Road - Flower Road" model, creating more landscape and experience space for passengers.
According to the operating plan, train HQ2 Hue - Tho Loc direction departs from Hue station at 7:15 am and arrives at Tho Loc station at 11:55 am. In the opposite direction, train HQ1 departs from Tho Loc station at 1:15 pm and arrives at Hue station at 5:25 pm.
The development of the passenger train pair is not only aimed at meeting transportation needs but also towards building a comprehensive, differentiated tourism product, taking the tourist's experience as the center. The product is also expected to contribute to the formation of a railway tourism ecosystem, promoting green transportation, towards the sustainable development goals of the tourism industry and the railway industry.
Tourism businesses in Quang Tri province and Hue city will build many product packages, services and sightseeing programs associated with the Hue Ancient Capital - Phong Nha train.
Mr. Hoang Xuan Tan, Vice Chairman of Quang Tri Provincial People's Committee, said that the development of the pair of railway trains contributes to expanding the tourism development space of the two localities, creating more gateways to welcome tourists for Quang Tri province and Hue city; strengthening connectivity with the Phong Nha - Ke Bang area and destinations in the Central region.
