The North-South railway line passing through the provinces and cities of Central Viet Nam such as Quang Binh, Hue, Da Nang, Quang Nam, Binh Thuan, Ninh Thuan, Binh Dinh and Khanh Hoa brings great potential for diversifying tourism products.
The Thong Nhat train in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Liberation of the South and National Reunification, brought tourists to Da Nang Railway Station at noon on April 30. Photo: XUAN SON
Positive results
The initiative to develop tourist railway routes in the Central region has shown promising initial results from various localities. Today, trains serve not just as a means of transportation but also play a significant role in promoting tourism.
In July 2024, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the Viet Nam National Administration of Tourism and the Viet Nam Railways Corporation. This agreement not only demonstrates a commitment to collaboration between the two industries but also creates new opportunities for promoting sustainable tourism development.
A train route connecting Da Nang and Hue City, named “Central Heritage Connection”, was officially put into operation in March 2024. Passengers on the train route are taken through the majestic Hai Van Pass – one of the most beautiful railway routes in the world.
According to Vice Chairman of the Da Nang People’s Committee Tran Chi Cuong, the “Central Heritage Connection” journey by train is a practical and attractive product, contributing to diversifying tourism products. At the same time, it is a safe, comfortable, and friendly travel option for tourists, helping to reduce pressure on road traffic, and attract international tourists on the heritage tourism journey of the three localities of Hue – Da Nang – Quang Nam.
Tourists experience the journey “Central Heritage Connection” on the Hue – Da Nang train. Photo: XUAN SON
Meanwhile, in January 2025, tourists from the luxury tourist train SJourney got off at the Tra Kieu Station in Duy Xuyen District, Quang Nam Province, to explore various unique and renowned green tourism products. These include such attractions as Hoi An Ancient Town, Cam Phu – Go Noi Village in Dien Ban Town, Thanh Ha Pottery Village, and Cam Thanh Coconut Village.
According to Mr. Nguyen Thanh Hong, the Director of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Quang Nam Province, a collaboration agreement has been established between the People’s Committee of Quang Nam Province and the Quang Nam Railway Corporation for the 2024-2030 period. As a result of this cooperation, a Joint Plan has been developed to promote and enhance tourism in Quang Nam and its railways from 2024 to 2026. This plan aims to diversify tourism products, create rail-based tourism products, and increase the number of visitors arriving in Quang Nam via Tra Kieu and Tam Ky stations. Additionally, the plan seeks to expand the “Central Heritage Connection” route, connecting various tourist destinations while fostering partnerships between railways and tourism service providers in the province.
In a similar vein, the operation of two luxury tourist trains on the Da Nang – Quy Nhon and Nha Trang – Quy Nhon routes with 5-star international amenities has greatly contributed to attracting tourists to Binh Dinh Province. According to a report by the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Binh Dinh Province, the average number of tourists travelling by train to Dieu Tri and Quy Nhon stations is nearly 600 per day.
More investments in new rail tourism products
According to an assessment by the Viet Nam National Administration of Tourism, the rail tourism in the country, including in the Central region, faces several limitations despite its potential and initial successes. The railway infrastructure is not yet modern, and train speeds are slow, failing to meet tourists’ demands for fast travel. Onboard services are unappealing, so there is a need to enhance the quality of carriages, food, and entertainment options. Additionally, the connection between railway stations and tourist attractions is inadequate, and there is no effective transit system in place.
The first group of passengers from the luxury tourist train SJourney arrived at Tra Kieu station (Duy Xuyen district, Quang Nam province) in January 2025. Photo: XUAN SON
Mr. Ha Van Sieu, Vice Chairman of Viet Nam National Authority of Tourism suggested that Viet Nam can learn from the experiences of many countries in terms of railway tourism. The good examples include the long-standing railway lines serving tourism maintained in many European countries; the “floating” train line running through the Pa Sak Jolasid dam during the rainy season in Thailand; the Panorama Train in Indonesia that offers passengers stunning views of the landscape from Jakarta to Yogyakarta through large glass windows, rotating seats, automatic curtains and many high-end amenities; and the China – Laos train line.
In the context of the upcoming merger between Quang Nam Province and Da Nang, the potential for developing railway tourism in the newly formed Da Nang city is significant.
According to Mr. Nguyen Thanh Hong, the Director of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Quang Nam Province, there are plans for a railway station system connected to the railway lines passing through the area in accordance with the national railway planning. This includes the existing North-South railway line, the North-South high-speed railway line, and the Da Nang – Tay Nguyen railway line.
Additionally, there will be an exploration of investments for two urban railway lines that will connect to the urban railway network in Da Nang. These lines will link Chu Lai International Airport and Hoi An City.
Given these opportunities, Mr. Hong proposed appealing for investment in the development of more typical green and sustainable products of each locality such as culture – art, cuisine, and OCOP products into the railway ecosystem to enhance the experience for travellers. He suggested creating specialised products for entire train cars and groups based on specific requirements, as well as expanding and connecting local areas to establish unique railway tourism products and product chains that would attract tourists. Furthermore, he encouraged travel companies to design new tourism offerings that are associated with railway experiences.
“Rail tourism has significant potential for development in our country, thanks to a railway network that stretches from north to south. This network traverses diverse terrains, including plains, mountains, and coastal areas. As a safe and efficient mode of transportation, rail tourism offers travellers unique and memorable experiences”, Mr. Ha Van Sieu, Vice Chairman of Viet Nam National Authority of Tourism)
Reporting by XUAN SON – Translating by M.DUNG
Source: Da Nang Today – baodanang.vn – May 22, 2025
