Hanoi (VNA) – The first episode ofa documentary programme on a north-south journey throughout Vietnam by trainwas aired on the evening of July 16.
The 52-episode programme was produced by theVietnam Railways Corporation (VNR) and Vietnam Television’s VTV24 news centre.
It tells the stories of people, whoexperience the journey, alongside invited guests, who are writers, poets andcultural researchers.
A train is crossing Hai Van mountain pass (Photo: vtv.vn)
Along the north-south railway, built in thelate 19th century and one of the most ancient routes of its kind inthe world, the cultural features of each destination are depicted.
To help viewers plan their own journey, theTV programme also gives information on local weather, tours and populardestinations.
Foreign tourists inside a train cabin (Photo: vtv.vn)
Its episodes are scheduled to be broadcast onVTV1 every Monday starting at 8:05 p.m and VTV3 every Tuesday starting at 6:50a.m.
The UK-based Telegraph newspaper recentlyincluded Vietnam’s North-South railway line on its list of the top ten besttrain journeys in Asia for international visitors in 2018.
On the website www.telegraph.co.uk, a touris recommended on the express train Thong Nhat (Reunification) connecting Hanoiand HCM City, and running through many Vietnam’s famous tourist destinationssuch as Hue, Da Nang and Nha Trang. The train takes passengers on a 1,600-kmjourney along peaceful landscapes of ancient pagodas, paddy fields and farmerswearing conical hats, as well as beautiful coastline and mountains.
Vietnam’s railway line boasts a deep-rootedhistory, with the first railway section spanning 70 km from Saigon to theMekong Delta city of My Tho was built by the French in 1881, marking the birthof the country’s railway system. -VNA
The Vietnam Railways Corporation (VNR) is set to put six new passenger trains into operation on the North-South route on January 10, 2018, in an effort to improve service quality.
Six trains with "five-star" quality was put into opeation on Thong Nhat (North-South) route on January 10. They are expected to meet demand for quality services and conveniences.
The Vietnam Railways Corporation (VNR) has launched 30 new high-quality carriages on the Thong Nhat (North-South) route and plans to officially put them into operation on the Hanoi-Da Nang route starting July 9.
Deputy Prime Minister Mai Van Chinh has instructed the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MoCST) to coordinate with other ministries, agencies and localities to effectively implement policies and directives from the Party, Government, and Prime Minister on tourism development.
Da Nang's appeal stems from its numerous outstanding tourist attractions, particularly My Khe Beach, Sun World Ba Na Hills resort, and the ancient town of Hoi An. Additionally, Da Nang tourism is renowned for its affordability, especially attractive to young travellers and couples, according to Chosun Ilbo.
With new direct flights from major Indian cities like Hyderabad and Bengaluru, Vietnam is becoming an increasingly compelling destination for Indian tourists seeking a quick, emotionally rich four-day escape that blends luxury, culture, and natural wonder.
By source market, China continued to lead with 3.1 million visitors, equivalent to 25.5% of all foreign arrivals. The Republic of Korea followed with 2.5 million, or 20.7%. Other major markets included Taiwan (China) with 737,000, the US with 522,000, and Japan with 380,000.
Khanh Hoa has welcomed 16 international cruises so far this year, with more than 19,000 tourists disembarking to explore the province’s scenic landscapes and renowned cultural, religious, and artistic landmarks, as well as to enjoy local cuisine and sightseeing tours.
According to local plans, fireworks shows will be held at multiple locations, with Ha Long Bay as the focal point. More than mere entertainment, these displays are part of a strategic cultural tourism product aimed at strengthening the region’s brand.
Chatbot and virtual assistants support itinerary consultation and tour bookings, and provide around-the-clock response across multiple platforms while AI advertising applications have been used to optimise budgets and target the right customers. AI has been also employed to analyse customer data, enabling the delivery of personalised tour recommendations.
Many Vietnamese regions possess favourable conditions, including natural landscapes, climate, and rich cultural identities, to host sport events that integrate with cultural and tourism experiences.
Dubbed the “land of ancient towers”, Khanh Hoa boasts a rich Cham legacy through architectural masterpieces like the Po Nagar, Hoa Lai, Po Klong Garai, and Po Rome towers.
Vietnam’s e-visa system is now seen as one of the most efficient, convenient, and transparent in the region. Fully online registration, no paperwork or interviews, and fast and flexible processing time have improved foreigners’ entry experience, creating a competitive advantage over countries clinging to complicated and costly visa procedures.
Sunset Town unfolded like a living fairytale. Every street and hidden corner recalls iconic European landmarks – from Venice’s San Marco Bell Tower and Paris’s Arc de Triomphe to Almafi-style squares and cobblestone paths reminiscent of southern Italy.
Its natural advantages have made Mui Ne a magnet for enthusiasts of kitesurfing, windsurfing, surfing, and stand-up paddle boarding (SUP). These activities not only diversify the local tourism offerings but also contribute to the area’s long-term development strategy focused on sustainability.
In July alone, the city welcomed 695,930 international arrivals, surging 75.3% year-on-year. For the seven-month period, international visitors totalled 4.5 million, up 48% year-on-year.
Welcoming the crew on the morning of July 30, Dang Dong Ha, Deputy Director of the provincial Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, emphasised that the film offers a valuable opportunity to promote Quang Tri’s tourism potential, particularly to Indian visitors, but also to a broader global audience.
With a proactive and creative approach, Hanoi is positioning itself as one of Southeast Asia’s most compelling destinations where tradition meets innovation, and every visit offers a blend of the familiar and the new.
Fostering linkage among regional localities and restructuring the tourism sector towards professionalism are among measures to boost the “smokeless industry” of the Mekong Delta.
A scene of the TV programme (Photo: vtv.vn) 
A train is crossing Hai Van mountain pass (Photo: vtv.vn) 
Foreign tourists inside a train cabin (Photo: vtv.vn) 
