New Tourist Train “To the Wonders of World Heritage”: From Hue to Phong Nha‑Ke Bang National Park

Opening the Route

On September 2, Vietnam’s national railway corporation inaugurated a tourist service called “Journey to the Wonders – World Heritage Sites.” The train shuttles between the former imperial capital Hue and the UNESCO‑listed Phong Nha‑Ke Bang National Park.

What the Trip Looks Like

The service relies on two sets – HQ1 and HQ2 – that run every day. HQ2 departs Hue in the morning, while HQ1 heads back from Tho Loa around noon. The ride from Hue to Tho Loa takes roughly four and a half hours; the return leg is just under four. Because the timetable is fixed, you can plan the whole day without needing a flexible ticket.

Price and Discounts

A basic ticket starts at 360 000 VND, about 1 150 RUB. When the project launched, tickets were sold at a 50 % discount for a week – from August 29 through September 5 inclusive. After that, prices returned to the regular level. You can buy tickets on the railway corporation’s official website or on the project’s dedicated page.

What to See Along the Way

Hue – the Imperial Capital

The first stop is Hue’s historic centre, home to ancient imperial palaces and temples. It’s often called Vietnam’s “pearl” because of the dense cluster of architectural monuments that showcase the Nguyen dynasty era.

Quangchi Citadel

Next up is the old citadel in Quangchi Province. Built in the 17th century, this fortified complex was a key defensive point in the region’s history.

Vinh Moc Tunnels

The route also offers a chance to visit the Vinh Moc tunnels – an underground network used during the Vietnam War. The tunnels still carry the atmosphere of that period and give a glimpse into life under conflict.

Phong Nha‑Ke Bang National Park

The final destination is Phong Nha‑Ke Bang, famous for its karst caves and scenic landscapes. The park is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and its subterranean systems rank among the most impressive in Asia.

How the Project Came About

The idea of linking these places by rail was discussed from the spring of this year. On July 31, representatives of Quangchi provincial committees, the city of Hue and the Vietnam Railway Corporation signed a memorandum of cooperation. The document commits the parties to promote the route as a flagship tourist product of Central Vietnam while also improving the efficiency of the North‑South main line.

Practical Tips

• Booking: tickets go on sale in advance, so it’s best to secure them online, especially if you aim to travel during a discount period.
• Travel time: you can squeeze several sights into one day, but for a deeper look you’ll want to allocate separate days.
• Weather: Central Vietnam has a tropical climate; in the rainy season be ready for wet conditions.
• Tourist services: information desks are often present at stations, offering maps and excursion recommendations.

Why Give It a Try

The journey blends the comfort of rail travel with the chance to see several iconic sites in one go. Instead of juggling separate flights or road trips, you get a ready‑made itinerary crafted by railway and tourism specialists. Plus, the daily schedule lets you pick a departure date without long waits.

What’s Next

The launch of “Journey to the Wonders” is only the first chapter of similar initiatives. In the coming years new routes are expected to connect other historic and natural zones of Vietnam, making the country even more appealing to fans of combined tours.

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The article is based on information from trn‑news.ru, published on August 17 2023.

Based on materials from: trn-news.ru.