Vietnam’s new tourist train connecting Hue-Phong Nha to launch in late August

The train, branded as the “Hue Imperial City - Phong Nha: Journey Through Wonders and World Heritage,” will consist of eight carriages with a total capacity of 304 passengers.

It will feature five coaches equipped with 360-degree rotating soft seats, a 24-seat VIP carriage, a community carriage, and a service and entertainment carriage.

The train’s interiors draw inspiration from the cultural heritage and UNESCO-recognized sites of Hue and Quang Tri, setting it apart from existing passenger rail services in Vietnam.

The approximately 190-kilometer route will connect Hue and Tho Loc Stations, with stops at Dong Ha, My Trach, and Dong Hoi along the way.

Each station features a distinct theme reflecting local heritage and attractions, from Hue’s imperial legacy and My Trach’s historical significance to Dong Ha’s image as a land of peace, Dong Hoi’s coastal charm, and Tho Loc’s role as the gateway to the UNESCO-listed Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park.

Ticket prices for the full Hue-Tho Loc route, the rail gateway to Phong Nha, will range from VND380,000 to VND760,000 (US$14.5-$29), depending on seat class. Fares include value-added tax and passenger insurance.

For shorter journeys, fares on the Tho Loc-Dong Hoi route will range from VND161,000 to VND322,000 ($6.1-12.2), while tickets for the Tho Loc-My Trach and Tho Loc-Dong Ha routes will cost between VND264,000 and VND528,000 ($10-20), and VND369,000 and VND738,000 ($14-28), respectively.

Passengers traveling on trains HQ1 and HQ2 between August 29 and September 5 will receive a 50-percent fare discount.

The promotion cannot be combined with other offers, including group discounts, round-trip tickets, or concessions for eligible beneficiaries.

From September 6 through December 31, fares will remain 15 percent below standard rates.

Group travelers will receive discounts based on the number of passengers and booking time.

Groups of five to 10 people booking at least one day in advance will receive discounts of five to seven percent, while groups of 101 passengers or more booking at least 20 days before departure will qualify for a 15-percent discount.

Higher discounts will be available for tour groups booking through participating travel companies.

Groups of 101 passengers or more booking at least 20 days in advance can receive discounts of up to 25 percent.