As airfare prices continue to rise, travelling by train has become an increasing travel trend among people, especially the young.

Illustrative image (Photo: baodanang.vn)

According to surveys conducted by travel companies, trains are currently a popular means of transportation for many passengers due to many advantages such as simple procedures, easy sightseeing, cheap price and safety. Besides, the quality of train services has been significantly improved.

Notably, a train route connecting Da Nang and Hue City, named “Central Heritage Connection”, was officially put into operation in late March. As noticed, trains operating on the route are so clean and airy, whilst the staff are attentive and enthusiastic. Especially, the train featured many characteristics of Hue.

Ms. Nguyen Tran Thu Duyen, a tourist hailing from Ho Chi Minh City, said that "This is the first time my family and I have travelled by train. I am very surprised at the modern and clean train. Meanwhile, we can enjoy the beauty of clouds and sky when the train travels through Lang Co Bay, Hai Van Pass, Lang Van Beach or Cu De river mouth”.

Mr. Phan Van Hao, a tourist who experienced the high-quality train conneting Da Nang and Ho Chi Minh City, remarked that travelling by train does not take much time to wait for check-in and you can comfortably use your phone and laptop connect to a Wi-Fi network or 4G to take photos and record video along the way. In addition, train tickets are quite cheaper than airfares.

"Travelling by train is cheaper than flying, safer than driving, free from traffic jams, and allows passengers to enjoy the natural scenery outside the window", said Ms. Le Thi Hoai who recently travelled to Da Nang by train.

To date, the Viet Nam Railway Corporation has launched many 5-star, high-quality train routes connecting localities across the country such as Ha Noi - Hai Phong, Ha Noi - Lao Cai, Ha Noi - Da Nang, Da Nang - Hue - Dong Hoi, Ho Chi Minh City - Nha Trang, Ho Chi Minh City - Binh Thuan, and Ho Chi Minh City - Da Nang.

According to statistics, the number of people travelling by train in 2023 reached 10 million, up 15% against 2022. 1.5 million of them were international tourists, an increase of 20%.

In particular, the recent public holidays of April 30 and May 1 witnessed a strong growth in the number of passengers travelling by train.

A report released by the municipal Department of Tourism showed that during the five-day break for the holidays, the number of tourists coming to Da Nang by train reached more than 16,000, an increase of 60% over the same period in 2023.

Other destinations such as Hue, Nha Trang and Hai Phong also recorded a sharp increase in the number of train travellers. 

Mr. Le Van Chien, Director of the Da Nang Railway Transport Branch, expressed his joy at the launching of new tourist trains connecting Da Nang with Hue, Ho Chi Minh City and Ha Noi. He hoped that passengers can now experience and enjoy the high-class services on such trains.

Previously, Viet Nam's railway industry encountered many difficulties with decline in revenue and market share, especially during the COVID-19 period. However, there are signs that the railway has an opportunity to innovate and grow stronger.

The main reason for this growth, according to experts, is partly due to the recent hike in air ticket prices, causing many people to consider and choose other means of transportation such as trains.

Market surveys show that the hike in airfare prices has led to a 10-15% increase in tour prices, which opens up opportunities for train travel, with cheaper ticket prices and more savings for users.

A specific example is that the price of a round-trip flight ticket from Ha Noi to Da Nang during the holidays can be up to VND4.4 million/ticket, while a train ticket for the same route only costs about VND900,000/ticket.

Mr. Thai Van Truyen, Director of the Saigon Railway Transport JSC, said that the unit has added more trains between Ho Chi Minh City and such localities as Phan Thiet, Nha Trang, Quy Nhon, Quang Ngai, Da Nang and Da Lat in order to meet the increasing travel demand of passengers during the summer.

Meanwhile, the Viet Nam Railway Corporation is also committed to enhancing service quality and improving equipment to attract more customers. At the same time, train programmes combining sightseeing and cultural experiences are also deployed by the railway to satisfy the increasing need of tourists.

Reporting by THANH LAN - Translating by M.DUNG, T.TUNG