Hue – Da Nang steam train to be restored to serve tourism
The Indochina Rail Tourist Service Company plans to restore the operation of steam trains travelling between the central city of Da Nang and Hue to serve tourists.
A steam locomotive in Vietnam. The old trains are set to resume their route between Da Nang and Hue (Photo courtesy Transport Newspaper)
DaNang (VNS/VNA) -🐈 The Indochina Rail Tourist Service Company plansto restore the operation of steam trains travelling between the central city ofDa Nang and Hue to serve tourists.
The company said therestoration of the defunct steam train line has been prepared with aninvestment of 81 billion VND (3.6 million USD). As planned, threesteam locomotives and 10 carriages have been repaired and decorated, whilelogistics services, stations, bridges and coal and water supplying systems willbe restored at the stations of Kim Lien in Da Nang and Lang Co in Thua Thien-Hueprovince. According to the Huetourist company, it has operated a carriage since 2016 for tourists travellingfrom Hue to Da Nang before exploring Hoi An and My Son Sanctuary in Quang Namby coach. Steam trains stoppedoperating in Vietnam from the 1990s, replaced by diesel-driven locomotives. Diesel-operatednorth-south trains take two hours and 30 minutes to complete the 100km sectionfrom Hue to Da Nang. Da Nang plans to moveits railway station from the city’s centre to suburban Lien Chieu district in2022. — VNS/VNA
The central coastal province of Thua Thien-Hue earned 2.66 trillion VND (114.38 million USD) from tourism in the first seven months of the year, a year-on-year surge of over 32 percent.
Luxury cruiser Celebrity Constellation docked in Chan May port in the central province of Thua Thien-Hue on January 28, bringing the first cruise tourists from the US, Canada, UK and France to the locality in 2019.
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 steam locomotive in Vietnam. The old trains are set to resume their route between Da Nang and Hue (Photo courtesy Transport Newspaper) 
