Discovering Hue From… Train
At around 7 a.m., beneath the soft glow of the early morning sun, Thu Suong, a visitor from Ha Tinh, arrived at Hue Railway Station to begin the “Connecting Central Heritage Journey” by train. Among the streams of passengers moving through the station, she clutched her ticket tightly, as though holding onto a long-awaited journey. Turning to her travel companion, she said with unwavering excitement, “This is definitely going to be an unforgettable experience”. Her words trailed off into laughter, while the sparkle in their eyes betrayed an excitement too strong to conceal.
The train whistle echoed through the crisp morning air of Hue, resonating across the city at daybreak. Slowly, train HD1 began to roll out of Hue Railway Station, carrying with it stories, hopes, and expectations as it journeyed toward the road ahead.
This trip to Hue this time lasted 3 days for Thu Suong, including her experience aboard the heritage train. Eager to make the most of every moment, the young traveler hoped to fully immerse herself in exploring the city. She purchased a same-day round-trip ticket, planning to spend only midday hours in Danang before boarding train HD4 back to Hue.
On board the train, she listened quietly to the rhythmic sound of the wheels rolling along the tracks. From time to time, she lifted her phone to capture the passing scenery, the everyday pace of life along the route, and the way fellow passengers gazed out through the windows. Vast rice fields, quiet villages, glimpses of low-roofed houses, and children standing by to watch the train passing by; all stirred memories of her university years in Hue, memories that still felt vividly close.
Particularly as the train reached Hai Van Pass, it slowed down, allowing passengers to fully take in what is often regarded as one of Vietnam’s most spectacular railway routes. On one side stretched majestic mountains and lush forests; on the other lay the vast expanse of blue sea and sky.
Sharing her experience, Thu Suong said: “It’s incredibly convenient that the train operates two round trips a day. Even travelers with limited time can still explore two heritage cities within just 24 hours”.
Eager to discover the unique experiences offered by the “Connecting Central Heritage Journey” train, Lauer, a German visitor, made his way to the community carriage to enjoy musical performances and instrumental pieces presented by onboard artists. Beyond the music, he was particularly fascinated by the opportunity to experience the culinary essence of Central Vietnam right on the train, where local artisans prepared Hue’s signature specialties before passengers’ eyes.
After enjoying a taste of Hue’s imperial cuisine, Lauer expressed his admiration: “It’s truly something special. The appeal of the food lies not only in its flavors but also in the unique experience of enjoying it on board the train. The combination of experiences offered on this journey creates a sense of completeness; it’s not just about seeing things, but about truly connecting with and experiencing their values”.
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| Foreign passengers are excited in experiencing the Connecting Central Heritage Journey train |
New Vitality for the Tourism Sector
Two years ago, when the “Connecting Central Heritage Journey” train was launched on March 26, 2024, questions remained over its effectiveness, with many wondering whether a train could transcend its conventional role as a mode of transportation and evolve into a true tourism product.
However, after more than 2 years, the answer has steadily revealed itself through the experiences gathered on every journey. According to railway industry data, in the two years from March 26, 2024 to March 26, 2026, the “Connecting Central Heritage Journey” welcomed over 440,000 passengers, completed over 2,800 trips with an impeccable safety record, and rolled out joint tourism stimulus programs with 140 tourism partners in Hue and Danang.
Mr. Dao Anh Tuan, General Director of the Railway Transport Joint Stock Company, said that the number of tourists experiencing the heritage train journey has recently shown a steady increase. In particular, international visitors account for approximately 50-55% of the train’s passengers.
Rail tourism is becoming an increasingly prominent global travel trend. According to a report by ResearchAndMarkets, the global rail tourism market is projected to generate a revenue of US$493.4 billion by 2034, with a compound annual growth rate of 7.4%.
Notably, 2026 is expected to mark a period of accelerated growth as governments and businesses worldwide ramp up investment in the sector. Sleeper train routes such as Paris-Berlin-Vienna and Amsterdam - Brussels - Bern - Milan are becoming increasingly popular among travelers. Meanwhile, the Asia-Pacific region is leading the global rail tourism market, accounting for a 72.4% market share in 2025.
In Vietnam, the “Red Flamboyant” train connecting Hanoi and Hai Phong has also received high praise from travelers, as it serves not merely as a means of transportation but as a moving destination itself; a journey that preserves memories and evokes emotions for passengers along the way.
For the Hue - Danang heritage train, 2 years after its launch, the service was given a fresh transformation under the philosophy: “Each carriage is a work of art” (March 26, 2026). The redesign goes beyond changes in paint colors or interior décor; it represents a new way of telling a cultural story.
Hue’s signature purple blends harmoniously with Danang’s modern and dynamic light-gray tones, while royal motifs and Hoi An lantern-inspired elements are incorporated into the train’s interior through intricate handcrafted details. The 32-seat VIP carriage embraces a nostalgic yet luxurious style, with a synchronized lighting and sound system designed to create a relaxing atmosphere. Meanwhile, the community carriage has been transformed into an open space where passengers can enjoy cuisine, experience cultural activities, and engage in interactive experiences throughout the journey.
Seemingly small upgrades, such as 180-degree rotating seats, window-side tables, and enhanced sightseeing spaces, have become meaningful emotional touchpoints. As the train passes through the Hai Van Pass, passengers do more than simply travel through the landscape; they become immersed in it through lived experiences and memorable moments captured along the way.
Mr. Luong Xuan Thuong, Director of Dong Hoi Railway Transport Branch under the Railway Transport Joint Stock Company, the unit that directly manage the Connecting Central Heritage Journey train, said that today’s travelers are no longer easily satisfied with superficial upgrades. What they seek are deeper experiences, where each journey delivers its own unique emotions. In that context, the train is no longer merely a mode of transportation but a mobile cultural space. “The positive response to the newly upgraded train has also been encouraging. During its first month of operation, from March 26 to April 26, 2026, the Connecting Central Heritage Journey train attracted over 23,000 passengers,” Mr. Thuong shared.
According to Mr. Thuong, the railway sector has placed growing emphasis on renewing its mindset and unlocking the potential of rail tourism. For the Connecting Central Heritage Journey train, in addition to upgrading both the exterior and interior design, all carriages have been equipped with modern lighting systems, LED displays, high-quality audio systems, and LCD screens providing travel information and onboard entertainment. Notably, onboard services, from cuisine to entertainment, have also been revamped. “We strive to create something different every day, including the artistic performances offered to passengers on board. In addition to Hue Singing performances, we also feature various forms of traditional folk music,” Mr. Thuong shared.
Currently, the railway sector is coordinating with Quang Tri Province to conduct surveys and research on launching a new train service connecting Quang Tri and Hue. The railway industry will also work closely with local authorities and tourism businesses to develop travel products linking distinctive destinations. Factors once considered limitations, such as longer travel times or relatively modest speeds, are expected to be gradually transformed through the integration of additional amenities and diverse onboard services, catering to travelers who appreciate slower, more immersive, and meaningful travel experiences.
The shift in mindset from transportation to experience-driven services is opening up a new direction not only for the railway sector but also for the tourism industry as a whole.