Since being put into operation, the Da Nang - Thua Thien Hue tourist train service called ‘Connections with Central Regional Heritages’ has gradually attracted local people and tourists. This is considered a new tourism product that not only connects the traffic of the two localities but also brings interesting travel experience to tourists when coming to the two tourist cities that highlight ancient and modern characteristics.

Through rail, visitors will have more interesting experience on the beautiful pass connecting the two localities of the Da Nang and Thua Thien Hue. Passengers arre seen arriving at the Da Nang railway station. Photo: THU HA

The Hue - Da Nang tourist train was put into operation by the Viet Nam Railways Corporation, consisting of 5 air-conditioned soft seat carriages and a carriage with the Hue royal music space. At the Hue and Da Nang railway stations, trains departure at 7:45 a.m and 2:25 p.m. every day. The ticket price is set at VND 150,00/turn. On this trip, visitors can enjoy and experience rustic snacks and traditional Vietnamese cakes.

Ms. Marine, an American tourist, said that the trip from Thua Thien-Hue to Da Nang by rail was very interesting. The scenery on both sides of the road was very majestic, especially the passage through the renowned Hai Van Pass that many of her friends like admiring so much when travelling through Da Nang and Hue. In addition, the dishes were also carefully prepared, with bold traditional features.

General Secretary of the Da Nang Tourism Association Ho Thanh Tu assessed that the operation of the Hue - Da Nang tourist train service has given tourists the opportunity to experience the beautiful railways of the two central coastal localities and have many options to participate in tours connecting with the central region's heritage journey. This product is totally suitable for inbound visitors arriving in Da Nang, especially those from the Western European market who love to experience and explore. Besides, this product is also a good choice for groups of family members and friends who have time to go on an experience tour.

According to statistics from the Viet Nam Railways Corporation, from the opening day (March 26) to mid-April, the route from Da Nang to Hue (HD2/4) operated 41 train rides, transporting about a total 6,634 passengers. The vice versa service from Hue to Da Nang (HD1/3) carried a total of 6,776 passengers.

Ms. Huynh Thi Huong Lan, the Deputy Director in charge of the Da Nang Tourism Promotion Centre, said that the putting into operation of the railway ‘Connections with Central Regional Heritage has met the great needs of tourists, especially foreigners on a journey to experience tourism in the central region and enjoy the majestic beauty of the railway through the Hai Van Pass that has been listed among the 10 most beautiful drives in the world,

The train service also contributes to diversifying types of tourism, reducing pressure on air and road travel. With a safe and comfortable travel plan for passengers and expected to be a model product for rail travel in the near future;  it is a unique tourism product of the central region, increasing the connection between localities in the journey of heritage discovery.

In order to increase the promotion for the Hue - Da Nang tourist train service, the Viet Nam Railways Corporation plans to paint a new train carriages with a typical image of tourism in Da Nang and Thua Thien Hue.

Mr. Do Van Hoan, the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Ha Noi Railway Transport Joint Stock Company, acknowledged that after the period of operation, the number of passengers taking the train has shown many positive signs, especially many international passengers chose this as a means of transport.

So as to attract more passengers, the railway industry has mapped out orientations for cooperation with tourism businesses and issued specific cooperation policies suitable for each travel company, thereby promptly making positive changes, focusing on investing in equipment, facilities and increasing utilities for passengers.

In addition to the Da Nang - Hue route, in the near future, the railway industry aims to put into operation more short-distance train routes in a number of other localities to meet the travel needs of passengers. The city's tourism industry has been making efforts to create new products to attract visitors to Da Nang.

On March 29, the Da Nang Department of Tourism, the Viet Nam Railway Corporation and Sun Group Joint Stock Company signed a memorandum of cooperation on jointly developing the train tourism product ‘Wow Train’ associated with tourist experience, helping train passengers love the scenery of Viet Nam more and visit famous tourist destinations in this country.

"We hope that the participation of the Viet Nam Railway Corporation and the business community in building new products will contribute to the development of Da Nang tourism in the coming time.”, Ms. Huynh Thi Huong Lan expressed.

Reporting by THU HA - Translating by A.THU