Vietnam’s steam train set to operate on Da Nang - Hue Route in 2026
DNO - Vietnam is set to revive its railway heritage with Revolution Express, a steam-powered tourist train scheduled to launch in 2026.
Operating on the Da Nang-Hue route, the service will feature restored 1960s steam locomotives, classic Indochinese-style carriages and curated cultural experiences.
Vietnam’s tourism landscape is entering a new phase as historic railway stations are gradually transformed into destinations rather than mere transit points.
A notable recent development is the official recognition of Hue Railway Station as a tourism site in the namesake city.
This move is part of a broader strategy to identify and brand distinctive destinations along the national rail corridor.
Earlier, in March 2024, the launch of the tourist train route “Central Vietnam Heritage Connection” linking Hue and nearby Da Nang, attracted wide attention, reinforcing the appeal of what many consider Vietnam’s most scenic rail route.
Da Nang is advancing a project to restore and operate a steam-powered tourist train known as Revolution Express on the Da Nang-Hue route.
In 2024, the Travel section of CNN described the initiative as a compelling experience for travelers interested in Vietnam’s history.
The project is being developed through cooperation between Indochina Rail Tourist Service Joint Stock Company and Wafaifo Optimisers, which is responsible for managing the steam train’s operations.
According to Wafaifo Optimisers, each train will include two passenger carriages designed in a classic style, along with a kitchen car and a baggage car.
The interiors feature rosewood furniture, gold-accented details and decorative elements inspired by Indochinese design, creating a refined and nostalgic atmosphere.
Large windows on all sides are intended to provide uninterrupted views of the surrounding landscape.
One of the highlights of the journey is the passage through Hai Van Pass, where forested mountains rise above the sea, offering panoramic coastal views.
The train also passes Lang Co, a coastal village known for its fishing community and abundant seafood, further enhancing the sense of place along the route.
Revolution Express will be powered by two original steam locomotives manufactured in the 1960s, based on the French Mikado design.
These engines are among the last steam locomotives to have operated in Vietnam and have now been restored to pull the heritage-style passenger cars.
Developers emphasize that the experience is not simply about transportation, but about travelling within a “moving classical space,” where the sound of the whistle and the release of steam evoke the rhythm of an earlier industrial era set against natural scenery.
Besides, the project plans themed dining and entertainment programs at three stations along the route: Kim Lien in Da Nang, Lang Co and Hue.
According to representatives of Indochina Railway Tourism Service Joint Stock Company, the steam train journey aims to revive the legacy of Vietnam’s railway system and transform each stop into a cultural and experiential destination.
Revolution Express is scheduled to officially enter operation in 2026, marking a significant milestone for railway tourism in Vietnam and offering travelers a distinctive way to explore history, heritage and landscape along one of the country’s most iconic rail routes.