A train route connecting Da Nang and Hue City, named “Central Heritage Connection”, was officially put into operation on Tuesday.

Vice Chairman of the Da Nang People's Committee Tran Chi Cuong speaking at the launching ceremony

Speaking at the launching ceremony, Chairman of Thua Thien Hue Provincial People's Committee Nguyen Van Phuong said that the operation of the train route aimed to step by step diversify forms of transport, helping people and tourists have more options in travelling through central regional localities; as well as contributing to reducing road traffic overload in a safer and more friendly and sustainable manner.

“This is the driving force and closer connection between the two localities, thereby fully tapping their tourism potential, and creating favourable conditions for people's travel and local socio-economic development”, he added.

Chairman Phuong pledged to continue to direct relevant units to accompany and increase promotion of the train to tourism firms, people and tourists at both home and abroad.

He will also lay an emphasis on mobilising businesses to have preferential policies and support connecting other modes of transport for passengers to continue their journey; ensure train safety; and promoting tourism specialties on trains.

Chairman of Thua Thien Hue Provincial People's Committee Nguyen Van Phuong delivering his speech at the event. Photo: CHIEN THANG

For his part, Vice Chairman of the Da Nang People's Committee Tran Chi Cuong highly praised tireless efforts made by the Viet Nam Railway Corporation, authorities of Thua Thien Hue Province and Da Nang, and tourism businesses in launching the tourist train

He noted that the freshly-launched train route is not only a practical and attractive product that helps diversify tourism products, but is also a safe, comfortable, and tourist-friendly transportation option. It also helps to reduce pressure on road traffic and attract international tourists experiencing the heritage tourism journey of Da Nang, Thua Thien Hue, and Quang Nam, especially enjoying the majestic beauty of the railway through the Hai Van Pass.

On the Da Nang side, the city leader directed the Department of Tourism, the Tourism Association, and tourism firms to facilitate the smooth operation of the Hue - Da Nang tourist train, and make it become a key tourism product of the two localities in general and the railway industry in particular.

“We hope that the Viet Nam Railways Corporation will pay special attention to interior renovation, investing in equipment on carriages, and upgrading facilities of Hue and Da Nang railway stations in order to increase experience for tourists" Mr. Cuong said.

Vice Chairman of the Da Nang People's Committee Tran Chi Cuong (first, right) presenting souvenirs to Chairman of Thua Thien Hue Provincial People's Committee (first, left) and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Viet Nam Railway Corporation (centre). Photo: CHIEN THANG

According to Mr. Dang Sy Manh, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Viet Nam Railways Corporation, the launch of the train route was to mark the 49^th anniversary of the Liberation Day of Thua Thien Hue Province (March 26) and the Liberation Day of Da Nang (March 29).

He remarked the route is part of the efforts by Thua Thien - Hue and Da Nang to enhance their connectivity and promote tourism. It is a new product that combines transportation and tourism services, promising new and interesting experiences of history, culture, and heritage for passengers.

Leaders of Da Nang, Thua Thien Hue Province and the railway industry cutting the ribbon to launch the train route named “Central Heritage Connection”. Photo: CHIEN THANG

At the Da Nang Railway Station, the city’s tourism industry held a ceremony on Tuesday to welcome and give flowers and gifts to guests on the first train from Thua Thien Hue to Da Nang. Many tourists expressed their joy when experiencing new, unique services on the tourist train.

A total of 183 out of the 250 tickets for the first train from Thua Thien Hue to Da Nang had been sold out.

An arts performance to serve train passengers. Photo: CHIEN THANG

During the about three hours of this train journey, tourists can admire the magnificent natural beauty along Hai Van Pass, dubbed “Thien ha de nhat hung quan” (the world’s most marvelous wonder) and also among the 10 most beautiful drives in the world as selected by renowned US magazine Travel Leisure, with one side being Truong Son Mountain Range and the other the sea before reaching Da Nang, which boasts one of the six most beautiful beaches on the planet.

On the way back, from Da Nang to Hue, they can set foot in the former capital of Hue, home to various heritage sites.

Cuisine serves tourists on the Hue - Da Nang train. Photo: CHIEN THANG

In particular, riding either trips departing Hue for Da Nang and vice versa in the morning or the afternoon, tourists can enjoy the splendid sunrise or sunset scenes on Lang Co, one of the most beautiful bays in the world, and taste typical local delicacies, Manh noted.

The train used for this route consists of five modern seating carriages and another for community activities. It is expected to become an impressive “mobile” check-in place for travellers.

VIP waiting rooms are also arranged at the Da Nang and Hue stations to serve passengers.

The train will be equipped with wi-fi this April to ensure better experiences for passengers.

The first passengers on the Hue - Da Nang train are welcomed and given flowers and gifts at the Da Nang Railway Station

Viet Nam Railways Corporation operates two pairs of trains HD1/2 and HD3/4 running between Hue and Da Nang, named “Central Heritage Connection”.

Specifically, every day, passenger train HD1 departs at the Hue Railway Station at 7:45 am and arrives in Da Nang at 10:35 am, whilst train HD3 leaves Hue at 2:25 pm and reaches Da Nang at 5:40 pm.

Meanwhile, passenger train HD2 sets off at the Da Nang Railway Station at 7:50 am and gets in Hue at 11:05 am. Train HD4 starts out at 3:00 pm from Da Nang and turns up at the Hue Railway Station at 5:45 pm.

During the opening month, VNR applies preferential ticket prices of VND150,000/ticket. The monthly ticket price is set at VND900,000/ticket. Also, discounts from 10% -50% will be applied for passengers who are policy beneficiaries.

Reporting by T.HA, C.THANG - Translating by M.DUNG