Foreign tourists captivated by Hanoi–Dong Hoi train journey

Yoly, a traveler from Spain, and her friends shared their excitement and satisfaction when they boarded train JQB1 from Hanoi at 8:15 pm on Sunday for the 500km journey.

She said she had read that the railway route through central Vietnam is considered one of the six most beautiful in the world.

Her group was therefore eager to enjoy a memorable and pleasant overnight ride aboard the deluxe train.

Yoly added that during their nine-day tour of Vietnam, they had visited Hanoi, Sa Pa in Lao Cai, and Ha Long Bay in Quang Ninh, with Dong Hoi as their next appealing destination.

For Nguyen Thi Thanh Tra from Hanoi, it was her first trip to Dong Hoi by train and she was eager for a safe and enjoyable journey.

“As I stepped onto the train, the space was clean and modern, with TVs at each bed, soft lighting, and soothing music,” she said.

The Hanoi–Dong Hoi railway, operated for the first time by Jinxin Vietnam Railway Transport and Tourism Co., Ltd, follows the success of the Saigon–Nha Trang service.

Its 13 high-standard carriages, designed and manufactured in Vietnam using advanced technology, mark a first for the country’s rail industry.

The route runs two trips daily, with the north–south service departing Hanoi at 8:15 pm and arriving in Dong Hoi at 6:10 am, while the return train leaves Dong Hoi at 3:20 pm and reaches Hanoi at 4:15 am.

The train offers a range of modern amenities to meet passengers’ needs, including 360-degree rotating seats, Wi-Fi, zoned air conditioning, berth TVs, and airplane-style vacuum toilets.

The service includes six sleeper carriages, each with 28 berths, and five seat carriages.

Average fares are VND620,000 (US$23.6) for a seat and VND1,135,000 ($43.3) for a berth.