The Hue–Phong Nha tourist train has begun daily operations through Quang Tri, combining rail travel with access to cultural, historical and natural attractions across central Vietnam.

Hue–Phong Nha tourist train arriving at the platform during the launch
The inaugural Hue–Phong Nha tourist train arrives at the platform during the launch on August 28. Photo: chinhphu.vn / Lê Hoàng

The “Hue Ancient Capital – Phong Nha: World Heritage Journey” was inaugurated at Dong Hoi Station on August 28 in cooperation with Vietnam National Railway Group and the authorities of Quang Tri Province and Hue City. The service covers roughly 190 km and operates between Hue and Tho Loc, with stops including Dong Ha, My Trach and Dong Hoi.

Along the 190-km heritage route, passengers can reach the Complex of Hue Monuments, Quang Tri Ancient Citadel, the Vinh Moc Tunnels, the Hien Luong–Ben Hai historical area, Dong Hoi and Phong Nha–Ke Bang National Park. The railway connects UNESCO-recognised heritage destinations with historical and cultural attractions in Quang Tri and Hue.

Vietnam National Railway Group described the service as part of its development of tourism-oriented rail products. It follows the “Central Heritage Connection Journey” between Hue and Da Nang and is the first strategic tourism product introduced since the railway organisation moved to its new operating model.

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Hue–Phong Nha tourist train adds onboard experiences

The eight-carriage train has five passenger coaches fitted with seats that rotate 180 degrees, allowing travellers to change direction while taking in the landscape. The VIP carriage has electrically adjustable seating, a bar and private space, with snacks and drinks included.

The onboard experience extends to two other cars. A community carriage hosts folk performances and local food presentations alongside reading and relaxation activities, while also selling products certified through Vietnam’s OCOP programme. Passengers can hear traditional performances including Le Thuy folk songs and Hue traditional music.

A multifunctional entertainment carriage, described as a first for Vietnam’s rail network, includes a 15-seat cinema with a 100-inch 4K screen, massage chairs and traditional costume rental for photographs. Tailoring services for men’s and women’s suits are also offered onboard.

The inaugural service carried 306 passengers.

Hoang Xuan Tan, Vice Chairman of the Quang Tri Provincial People’s Committee, said the train puts cooperation between the participating organisations into practice while expanding links between Quang Tri and Hue. He noted that Hue has a UNESCO-recognised heritage system, while Quang Tri has historical relics, the DMZ area and Phong Nha–Ke Bang National Park.

According to Tan, the service provides another connection between cultural, historical and natural tourism in the two localities and contributes to the “World Heritage Journey – Multi-service Experience” tourism product. He also said the train could help broaden the tourism market, attract international visitors and reduce seasonality.

The two localities have a combined market of about 3.2 million people. Around 18 million tourists are expected to visit Hue and Quang Tri in 2026, with the total potentially reaching 20 million in subsequent years.

Nguyen Chinh Nam, Deputy General Director of Vietnam National Railway Group, said the objective is to make the rail journey part of the tourism experience itself, with trains 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.

HQ1/HQ2 daily trains and ticket discounts

The HQ1/HQ2 daily trains run in both directions. HQ2 leaves Hue Station at 7:15 am and is scheduled to arrive at Tho Loc at 11:55 am. HQ1 makes the return journey, departing Tho Loc at 1:15 pm and reaching Hue at 5:25 pm.

One-way fares for the complete journey range from VND380,000 (US$14.6) to VND760,000 ($29.2), depending on the seating category.

A launch promotion runs from August 29 through September 5, 2026, with ticket discounts of up to 50% across ticket classes on HQ1 and HQ2. Souvenir gifts are also offered during the opening week.

From September 6 until the end of 2026, one-way fares receive a 15% reduction, while passengers purchasing return tickets can obtain an additional 10% discount.

Further incentives are available for travellers holding Hue–Phong Nha heritage train tickets. In Quang Tri, discounts range from 10–25% for attractions and tourism products, 15–60% for accommodation, 5–10% for dining and 10–15% for sightseeing programmes. Hue also provides reduced admission at some locations within the Complex of Hue Monuments and offers from participating service providers. The available programmes are updated through QR codes on tickets and through the railway’s electronic ticketing system.

Tourism links between Quang Tri and Hue

The service moved from the signing of the cooperation agreement to commercial operation in slightly more than three months. Quang Tri authorities have asked Vietnam National Railway Group to continue improving service quality and to work with tourism agencies and businesses in Hue and Quang Tri on combined products and promotion for domestic and international markets.

What changes for passengers

Before the train was launched, Vietnamese government information noted that visitors to Hue, Quang Tri and Phong Nha generally explored these destinations separately, with relatively few tourism products linking the entire corridor. The Hue–Phong Nha service was developed around the existing North–South railway to connect cultural, historical and natural attractions along that route. For passengers, this adds a scheduled rail connection across destinations that had previously been more commonly treated as separate parts of a trip.

The railway service was also introduced as Vietnam’s rail sector marks the 145th anniversary of the country’s railways and the 80th anniversary of Vietnam Railways Traditional Day.

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