The “Phong Nha – Hue: World Heritage Journey” tourist train has officially launched. The 190-kilometer route connects several destinations in Central Vietnam that are rich in history, culture, and scenic beauty.
On the morning of August 28, Vietnam National Railways, in coordination with the Quang Tri Provincial People’s Committee and the Hue City People’s Committee, held the launch ceremony for the “Phong Nha – Hue: World Heritage Journey” tourist train at Dong Hoi Station.
A 190-Kilometer Journey Through Heritage
The “Phong Nha – Hue: World Heritage Journey” tourist train covers approximately 190 kilometers. It directly connects two major tourism hubs: Hue and the Phong Nha – Quang Tri area.
Which destinations does the train connect?
The train offers more than transportation. Instead, it aims to become a tourism experience that takes visitors through areas known for their history, culture, and distinctive Central Vietnam landscapes.
Along the route, the stations provide gateways to several well-known destinations. These include the Complex of Hue Monuments, Quang Tri Ancient Citadel, Vinh Moc Tunnels, the Hien Luong – Ben Hai historical site, and Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park.
Experiences on board
By connecting destinations by rail, the new service is expected to create a regional travel journey. As a result, visitors can explore several heritage sites during the same trip.
The train has eight carriages, with different spaces for relaxation, experiences, and local cultural discovery. Five carriages feature reversible seats for regular passengers. Meanwhile, the VIP carriage has 24 seats. The community carriage supports cultural activities, local cuisine, and the promotion of OCOP products.
In addition, the train operates a multifunctional entertainment carriage. It offers services such as movie screenings, massage chairs, ao dai rental for photography, and veston tailoring. These services add more experiences for passengers throughout the journey.
Hue – Tho Loc train schedule
According to the operating schedule, the HQ1/HQ2 train pair runs daily on the Hue – Tho Loc route. HQ2 departs from Hue Station at 7:15 a.m. and is scheduled to arrive at Tho Loc Station at 11:55 a.m. In the opposite direction, HQ1 departs from Tho Loc Station at 1:15 p.m. and arrives at Hue Station at 5:25 p.m.
With these operating hours, visitors can combine the rail journey with sightseeing, local experiences, and stays in Hue, Quang Tri, and Phong Nha.
Travel Promotions for the New Route
To mark the launch, the railway sector has introduced several promotional policies to encourage visitors to experience the new service. During the launch week, from August 29 to September 5, 2026, passengers can receive discounts of up to 50% on all ticket classes of the HQ1/HQ2 train pair.
From September 6 through the end of 2026, the promotional campaign will continue. Passengers will receive a 15% discount on outbound tickets and an additional 10% discount when purchasing a return ticket. In addition, visitors can access promotions for sightseeing, accommodation, dining, and tours in Quang Tri and Hue.
The heritage train is expected to provide visitors with another travel option. At the same time, it can expand tourism connections between local destinations.
A single train journey can connect a wider range of tourism services, including transportation, tours, accommodation, dining, and local experiences. As a result, the route could encourage longer stays, increase visitor spending, and support tourism-related economic development.
In particular, bringing historical and cultural values, together with local products, into the journey can turn the railway into part of the travel experience. Therefore, the train can offer more than simply transporting visitors from one destination to another.
Reference: VnEconomy.vn
