Rail journeys– tag –

On October 4, 2026, steam rose from a locomotive on the railway line crossing Hai Van Pass, which separates Hue and Da Nang. The two engines that ran were French-style Mikado locomotives that have been in service since the 1960s; the Vietnam Railways (VNR) Hue Line Operations Branch coupled freight and passenger cars together for a technical test run. The purpose was to assess bridge load capacity and...

A heritage train connecting Hue and Phong Nha in about four and a half hours launched in September 2026. With 360-degree swivel seats, an onboard theater, and an ao dai experience, it adds a new option for touring central Vietnam's world heritage sites. We also cover how Japanese travelers can make the most of it.

An explainer on Vietnam Railways’ heritage-train strategy, including the “Five Citadel Gates” service running Hanoi–Bac Ninh. We look at routes, fares, and how to book, plus how it differs from Japan’s sightseeing trains, all from a traveler’s perspective.