New look, new experience for “Central Heritage Connection” train

More than just a means of transportation, the train has evolved into a "mobile tourism experience" where passengers can immerse themselves in a unique cultural, natural, and artistic space.

A fresh new look

In late March 2026, the Vietnam Railways Corporation officially unveiled the train’s new design.

With this redesign, the train is painted in the signature purple color of Hue, harmoniously combined with the modern light-grey tones representing the coastal city of Da Nang. A luxurious bronze-gold logo reinforces its positioning as a high-quality service.

The train consists of 12 carriages, all upgraded with newly installed seats that can rotate 180 degrees, allowing passengers to face the direction of travel and enjoy maximum comfort while taking in the scenery.

Decorative elements such as yin-yang roof tiles and Hoi An lanterns are recreated through intricate inlay art, giving the train a distinctive identity. The entire system is equipped with LED lighting, LCD screens, and modern passenger amenities.

Notably, a community carriage offers culinary services, live performances, and opportunities to experience local culture.

A standout feature of this upgrade is the VIP carriage with 32 seats. Here, passengers can sit at curved tables along the windows, enjoy light meals, sip coffee, listen to live music, and fully admire the majestic beauty of Hai Van Pass.

With a travel time of approximately 3 hours, passengers can admire the magnificent and beautiful natural landscapes where the north meets the south, with the Truong Son mountain range on one side and the vast sea on the other.

This railway, connecting Hue and Da Nang through Hai Van Pass, is widely regarded as Vietnam’s most scenic rail route and among the most memorable in the world.

Delighting passengers

Following this comprehensive upgrade, the train has continued to leave a strong impression on both domestic and international visitors, particularly from Japan, South Korea, the United Kingdom, Russia, and China.

Kenji Yamamoto, a tourist from Japan, shared “I have taken many tourist trains in Japan, but the journey across Hai Van Pass is truly impressive. As the train hugs the mountainside, with the sea on one side and forests on the other, it feels like traveling through a living ink painting”.

Similarly, Mr. Park Ji-hoon from South Korea expressed surprise at the onboard community space, where Hue royal court music performances are staged. “The traditional music, combined with the train passing through Lang Co Bay, creates a very special experience” he noted.

Echoing these sentiments, British visitor Emily Carter said “I love the slow pace of this train. It is completely different from high-speed trains in Europe. You have time to enjoy nature, take photos, and truly relax. I especially like how the train slows down at scenic spots for photography. The food onboard is also excellent, particularly the delicate and refined Hue cuisine. I believe this product can attract a large number of international visitors”.

According to the Vietnam Railways Corporation, upgrading the heritage train is not only about improving service quality but also part of a long-term strategy to reposition the railway sector within the tourism ecosystem.

The railway industry has proactively partnered with over 140 travel companies to develop all-inclusive packages combining train services, accommodation, and sightseeing, thereby forming a complete tourism value chain and enhancing the competitiveness of Vietnam’s tourism industry.