Hue-Danang tourist train to set off later this month

A tourist train between the central province of Thua Thien-Hue and neighboring Danang city is on track to open on March 26 in a bid to boost tourism between the two localities.

The information was announced at a Thursday working session between the authorities of Thua Thien-Hue and Vietnam Railways (VNR) officials to discuss preparations for the launch of the route, named "Central Heritage Connection", with two return trips per day.

The trains will have seven coaches, including central region-themed coach arts, food, and shops. The route will be operated by the Hanoi Railway Transport Joint Stock Company in collaboration with local tourism companies.

The service promises to offer stunning views of the Hai Van Pass, which was named among the 10 most beautiful drives in the world by renowned U.S. magazine Travel Leisure.

Tickets will cost VND150,000 ($60.7) per trip and VND900,000 ($36.4) for a monthly pass, with discounts for policy beneficiaries.

Tran Anh Tuan, deputy general director of VNR, said his unit is currently renovating the train and upgrading the lounges at Hue and Danang stations to meet the needs of domestic and foreign tourists.

Hoang Hai Minh, Vice Chairman of Thua Thien-Hue People's Committee, requested relevant units to coordinate with the railway industry to ensure the route runs on schedule.

Thua Thien-Hue province had collected opinions from more than 400 passengers and people in Hue and Danang to source ideas for the service and develop tourism in the two provinces.

Hue, capital of Thua-Thien Hue, is home to the Imperial Citadel, a UNESCO heritage site, and close to the tourism city of Danang and the ancient town of Hoi An, another UNESCO heritage site in Quang Nam province. Danang is well-known for Asia's most beautiful beaches.