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| Train passing through Bach Ho Bridge, Hue City. Photo: VNR |
Effectively exploiting the railway to serve tourists
Recently, information from a meeting between the provincial authorities and the Vietnam Railways Corporation has garnered much attention, especially regarding the preparation for organizing daily train services between Hue and Da Nang.
Thua Thien Hue is a land of heritage and festivals, attracting numerous domestic and international tourists. Therefore, the organization of a daily tourist train service between Da Nang and Hue will facilitate the movement of tourists while connecting the heritage areas of Central Vietnam.
While train travel is not a new concept, it has become a trend in recent years, especially among young tourists. With many conveniences like online ticket booking, quick access to information about itinerary, ticket checking, train timelines, ticket prices, and promotional programs on the Vietnam Railways website, travelers find it easier to choose to go by train.
According to railway industry statistics, in the first 10 months of 2023, approximately 74,000 passengers traveled by train from Hue to Da Nang, and around 79,000 traveled in the opposite direction. The average daily passenger movement between the two cities is about 500. Currently, Vietnam Railways operates four pairs of Thong Nhat trains and one pair of high-quality trains that pick up and drop passengers in Hue and Da Nang.
After receiving the idea from Thua Thien Hue province for organizing daily train services between Hue and Da Nang to meet the local residents' travel needs and contribute to reducing pressure for road transport, Vietnam Railways promptly worked on plans to soon realize this project.
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| Traveling by train brings many interesting experiences |
Mr. Dang Sy Manh, Chairman of the Board of Members of Vietnam Railway Corporation, stated that the corporation is currently working on effectively operating trains in the region. Along with that, improving vehicle and service quality, carrying out flexible ticket pricing, and exploiting experiential travel products by train, have achieved certain levels of success and support from the public. The railway industry is ready to accompany other provinces in connecting heritage tourism.
The Hue - Da Nang section consists of 12 stations over a length of 102 km, including 3 stations in remote hill areas away from residential areas and 9 stations that can pick passengers up, namely Hue, Huong Thuy, Truoi, Cau Hai, Thua Luu, Lang Co, Kim Lien, Thanh Khe, and Da Nang. Although the train travel time between Hue and Da Nang is approximately 3.5 to 4 hours, longer than the 2-hour road journey, the advantage of railway transport is its convenient access to the city centers, making it convenient for passengers, especially tourists.
Mr. Nguyen Hai Nam, having traveled by train from Hue to Da Nang, affirmed, "the Hue - Da Nang railway is the most beautiful railway in Vietnam. Traveling by train allows you to admire the majestic natural scenery when passing through Hai Van Pass, enjoy the beautiful mountains, rivers, and the sky at Lang Co Bay. In the summer, flowers on both sides of the track bloom, creating a colorful and vibrant scene like a painting."
Cultivating habits and impressions for tourists
In recent years, Hue tourism industry has signed many cooperation agreements with the railway industry to increase domestic and international tourist arrivals. Simultaneously, promotion and marketing efforts for Hue's destinations in domestic and international markets are being coordinated.
Currently, traveling by train is becoming more popular, and, as a result, trains serving tourists have been upgraded to be more modern and luxurious, equipped with comfortable beds, air conditioning, and attentive train staff. Maintaining and improving these core elements is crucial for creating a lasting impression on tourists.
In reality, the Hue - Da Nang railway faces fierce competition from other means of transportation, especially due to the issue of illegal taxis, vans skipping stations, … leading to the Vietnam railways corporation suspends this route for several years. Therefore, to revive this route, Vietnam Railways greatly needs support from the provincial authorities of Thua Thien Hue and Da Nang, especially in the initial stages to instil the habit of traveling by train among people.
The collaboration between the railway and tourism industries needs to be more frequent and closely knitted. This involves researching ways to support and reduce costs for businesses in Hue when choosing the railway for passenger transport.
Truong Thanh Minh, Director of the Center for Tourism Promotion, believes that tourists and tour organizing businesses are shifting their perspective, viewing the railway not only as a means of transportation but as an attractive tourism product. Building suitable tourism packages is an opportunity when this specialized railway line is restored.
According to representatives of travel businesses, the railway sector needs to enhance services and facilities for passengers, as well as improve dining services and upgrade sleeping carriages with reasonable prices, to attract tourists.