Built in the early 20th century and completed in 1906 together with Hue - Da Nang railway line, Hue Railway Station is one of the oldest stations in Vietnam. Over 120 years and multiple restorations, the structure has retained its ancient appearance, becoming one of the typical examples of French architecture in the Ancient Capital.
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| Hue Railway Station is officially recognized as a “Tourist Destination” and the “Connecting Heritage Journey” train. Photo: NQ |
Now, within the grounds of Hue Railway Station, there is a coffee shop that uses a locomotive as its highlight. The model combining a coffee shop and a claypot rice restaurant creates a cinematic-style space where guests can enjoy drinks while watching trains pass by. From here, visitors can enjoy food and beverages and observe train operations at close range while still ensuring safety.
The Hoa Xa coffee model is considered a link in the “Each station is a destination” strategy of the railway sector. The model has appeared at several major stations, such as Long Bien Railway Station, Hai Duong Railway Station, and Dieu Tri Railway Station. It is regarded as a form of experiential tourism/urban check-in, utilizing old station spaces to create a nostalgic atmosphere in the city center, helping visitors learn about railway heritage and experience local culture in a new way.
Experiential tourism is no longer unfamiliar; it is a form of tourism in which people focus on experiencing a specific destination to the fullest. It is based on the trend that modern tourists are gradually shifting from simply visiting places to experiencing daily life there. The goal is to gain a deeper understanding of the culture, people, and history of a destination by connecting with it rather than just visiting.
Meanwhile, urban check-in tourism is becoming a trend, focusing on exploring and taking photos at distinctive architectural works, symbolic landmarks, and modern public spaces. Check-in points located in a civilized, welcoming, and safe environment create an attraction for visitors to choose. Visitors who come once will wish to return on their journey of exploration and experience, thereby helping localities promote socio-economic development.
From the same French colonial period as the railway station, Hue also possesses other colonial-era structures, such as Quoc Hoc Hue High School, the water plant, the Long Tho lime factory, the “Electricity” building, and the Morin Hotel… Over time, the degree of fading memory may differ, but all are worthy cultural symbols and destinations for experiential tourism/urban check-in models such as the Hoa Xa coffee shop and claypot rice restaurant to emerge. It can be said that this is part of tourism and the cultural identity of Hue today.