Two decades may seem like a blink in the span of a human life, yet it has been sufficient to witness a generation observing profound transformations of the country. The narrative of travel, and more expansively, the evolution of passenger transport, has undergone significant changes. These shifts have dramatically diminished the geographical distance between the county's extremities and its localities, condensing travel time to mere hours. It's now possible to voyage from the Northern to Southern parts of the country with a singular flight. Additionally, the formerly bustling North-South Thong Nhat train service has evolved into a faster, more tranquil journey, transforming into an opportunity to savour and appreciate the scenic wonders, a stark contrast to its preceding hustle.

Railway is becoming more than just a mode of transportation, and it is also a fascinating place to go because of the industry's recent advancements in stop design and services. Photo: K.H

Slow and crowded trains in the past

As a student who came from Quang Binh and studied in a Hue university, you could never forget those tremendously slow train journeys, where the travel from Hue took nearly an entire day to reach Quang Binh. This was the state of train travel in the early 2000s. During holidays, festivals, or summer breaks, you would often have to wait in line at the station from as early as 4:00am or 5:00 am just to secure a ticket home. In those days, the primary modes of transportation were the North-South Thong Nhat trains and coaches, so the economy class carriages were always packed to the brim. Besides students studying away from home, there were migrant workers from southern localities who were also eager to return home, leading to scenes of passengers sprawled out on the train floor or hiding under seat compartments.

For those "lucky" enough to have a window seat, they could enjoy the peace and quiet of country landscapes, the lushness of large fields that extended to the horizon, and the contrast of arid regions broken every now and then by a few solitary dwellings. The ever-changing landscapes of plenty and emptiness offered a striking backdrop for the train's rough glass panes.

Two decades later, long lines are no longer necessary since the laborious process of getting tickets has been made simple by advances in information technology. The erstwhile rigid wooden benches have been replaced with soft-cushioned seats, significantly reducing the prevalence of overcrowding. Even more pleasing additions include the private carriages, otherwise known as sleeper cars, ornately adorned with vibrant wall-paper and equipped with regularly refreshed mattresses and blankets, aided by a comforting air conditioning system.

The singular commuter trains have progressively assumed the role of tourist-centric transportation as an increasing number of local and international passengers opt for the North-South railway as an integral part of their exploratory journey in the S-shaped country.

Profound changes

The North-South Thong Nhat train service has become an increasingly popular choice amongst tourists. Its appeal lies not merely in the enhanced facilities and ongoing investments. More notably, the encompassing journey through numerous local stations offers passengers a unique opportunity to leisurely observe – and even participate in – the daily life of the locals. They can discover regional specialties and enjoy the magical moments of dusk and dawn from the comfort of the train.

The shared experience facilitates memorable interactions and conversations with fellow travellers in the same carriage.

In recounting his journey traversing Viet Nam on the Thong Nhat SE2 train from the Saigon station, Mr. Michael from Son Tra District couldn't contain his excitement. Prior to buying a ticket, he had carefully researched his itinerary and explored ticket prices on the Vietnam Railways official website.

Enriched by online insights shared by foreign travellers about the train, he felt well-prepared for the journey ahead.

In Michael's view, the online ticket purchasing process was quick and convenient. The onboard facilities were to his satisfaction with a bed equipped with a thin mattress as well as neatly arranged blankets, sheets, and pillows.

Additionally, he highlighted that a small reading lamp and a charging socket were thoughtfully included at the head of the bed. He appreciated the food service and the dedicated dining area onboard. For Michael, the best part was gazing through the window peacefully at the passing countryside and towns and welcoming each day in tranquility.

A noteworthy advantage that veered Mr. Michael's decision towards the Thong Nhat train was the ticket price. With a fee of just over VND 1.1 million for the bedroom compartment on the direct South-North voyage, he could not only save on hotel costs, but also efficiently manage his overall trip expenses.

Reflecting on his travel expedition aboard the SE1 train earlier this year, Mr. Nguyen Hung Anh from Hai Chau District, Da Nang detailed his itinerary.

"I purchased a ticket from Da Nang to Hue, spent a few days exploring the local attractions, then continued my journey to other best places to visit in Viet Nam as Binh Dinh, Nha Trang, Ninh Thuan and Ho Chi Minh City. It had been a while since I undertook such an extensive train journey. The view of the country’s picturesque landscapes via the train window truly compelled me to choose the SE1 as my vehicle for this immersive cross-Vietnam tour. The train, unlike the past, has been amply equipped with exceptional amenities and maintains clean restrooms, ensuring a comfort-filled voyage.”

Reporting by KHANH HOA - Translating by HOAI TRANG