Cinema, massage chairs, tailoring turn Vietnam’s new Hue–Phong Nha train into more than a ride

Vietnam National Railway Group, in coordination with Quang Tri Province and Hue City authorities, launched the “Hue Ancient Capital – Phong Nha: World Heritage Journey” tourist train at Dong Hoi Station in Quang Tri Province on Friday.

The 190-kilometer route connects Hue, Dong Ha, My Trach, Dong Hoi and Tho Loc stations, bringing visitors within reach of major destinations including Hue’s ancient capital, the Quang Tri Citadel, Vinh Moc Tunnels, the Hien Luong–Ben Hai demarcation area, Dong Hoi and Phong Nha–Ke Bang National Park.

The train is the railway corporation’s first strategic tourism product since it shifted to a new operating model.

Hoang Xuan Tan, vice-chairman of the Quang Tri People’s Committee, said the train is not only a distinctive tourism product but also a link between two major tourism hubs in central Vietnam, giving the two localities access to a combined market of 3.2 million people.

About 18 million tourists are expected to visit Hue and Quang Tri in 2026, with the figure potentially rising to 20 million in the following years.

The new service provides another travel option while creating a new experience for domestic and international visitors.

The eight-carriage train includes five carriages fitted with seats that can rotate 180 degrees, allowing passengers to change their viewing direction and enjoy the scenery through the windows.

The VIP carriage has 24 seats, electrically adjustable chairs, a bar and a private area, with complimentary snacks and drinks.

One of the train’s highlights is a multifunctional entertainment carriage featuring a 15-seat cinema with a 100-inch 4K screen, massage chairs, traditional costume rental services for photo shoots, and premium tailoring of men’s and women’s suits.

The community carriage is designed as a space for art and relaxation, where passengers can read, enjoy local food and specialties, watch folk performances and shop for products certified under Vietnam’s OCOP (One Commune, One Product) program.

Visitors can sample local specialties while listening to traditional performances, including Le Thuy folk songs and Hue traditional music.

Train travel becomes part of tourism experience

Nguyen Chinh Nam, deputy general director of the Vietnam National Railway Group, said the goal is to turn train travel itself into an experience, with the train serving as a “mobile check-in spot” and railway stations becoming part of the destinations themselves.

“Railways do not belong only to the railway industry; they are part of the culture, history and heritage of the people, communities, country and humanity,” Nam said.

With daily services, the train is expected to promote green tourism and green transportation while providing fresh momentum for socioeconomic development in the localities along the route.

Schedule, fares, promotions

Hue–Tho Loc: Train HQ2 departs Hue Station at 7:15 am and is scheduled to arrive at Tho Loc Station at 11:55 am.

Tho Loc–Hue: Train HQ1 departs Tho Loc Station at 1:15 pm and is scheduled to arrive at Hue Station at 5:25 pm.

The trains operate daily. One-way fares for the entire journey range from VND380,000 (US$14.6) to VND760,000 ($29.2), depending on the seat category.

From August 29 through September 5, passengers can receive discounts of up to 50 percent on all ticket classes on HQ1 and HQ2, along with souvenir gifts during the launch week.

From September 6 through the end of 2026, one-way tickets will be discounted by 15 percent, with an additional 10 percent discount for passengers buying a return ticket.