Hue - Da Nang Heritage Train Experience: A 3-Hour Journey to Explore the Ancient Capital

The heritage train, named “Central Heritage Connection”, launched on March 26, 2024, is an initiative by Vietnam Railways in collaboration with Thua Thien Hue province and Da Nang City. With only 2 trips per day (HĐ1/2 and HĐ3/4), the train departs from Hue Station and Da Nang Station, taking travelers through famous landmarks such as Hai Van Pass, Lang Co Bay, and Tien Sa Port. This is an ideal opportunity to discover the majestic beauty of Central Vietnam, combined with unique cultural experiences right on board.

Schedule and Ticket Prices

• Train schedule:
  • HĐ1: Hue Station (7:45 AM) - Da Nang Station (10:35 AM).
  • HĐ3: Hue Station (2:25 PM) - Da Nang Station (5:40 PM).
  • HĐ2: Da Nang Station (7:50 AM) - Hue Station (11:05 AM).
  • HĐ4: Da Nang Station (3:00 PM) - Hue Station (5:45 PM).
• Ticket prices: Ranging from 135,000 VND to 210,000 VND/ticket depending on weekdays or weekends. 
• Ticket booking: Book online via the Vietnam Railways website (dsvn.vn), the Hue-S app, or e-wallets like Momo and Zalo Pay. To ensure good seats, it is recommended to book 1-2 weeks in advance, especially during peak season (March to August).

Ticket Discount Policy:

• Students: 20% discount upon presenting a student ID card or verification letter from their school.
• Seniors (60 years old and above): 15% discount.
• People with disabilities, social policy beneficiaries, wounded veterans: Up to 30% discount according to the regulations of Vietnam Railways.

The heritage train travels across Hai Van Pass, known as “The World’s Most Majestic Pass”, featuring winding bends between grandiose mountains and the deep blue ocean. Next is Lang Co Bay, ranked among the top 30 most beautiful bays in the world, with fine white sand and crystal-clear waters. The train stops for 10 minutes at Lang Co Station, allowing passengers to step off, check in, and take souvenir photos with fairytale-like landscapes. In addition, the route passes Tien Sa Port and Lap An Lagoon, offering spectacular views right from the train windows.

The highlight of the train is the community carriage, where unique cultural and culinary activities take place:

• Hue Folk Singing performances: Visitors can enjoy traditional melodies such as Nam Binh, Phu Luc, and Co Ban performed by professional artists. This chamber music combined with natural scenery creates a profound, authentic Hue experience.
• Hue Cuisine: Savor specialties such as Banh beo, Banh bot loc, Banh ram it, and Hue fermented pork roll (nem Hue), prepared from fresh ingredients with rich royal culinary flavors. Light snacks and refreshing beverages are also served at reasonable prices.
• Ao dai fashion show and cultural activities: Guests can admire Hue Ao dai performances or participate in activities such as lantern making, paper lotus folding, and playing folk games, creating a vibrant interactive space.

The carriage is decorated in royal style, featuring air-conditioned soft seats, large glass windows, and free Wi-Fi, ensuring comfort and convenience for passengers.

To make your journey on the heritage train to Hue more complete and memorable, keep in mind a few tips for a comfortable experience while fully enjoying the ancient and romantic charm of this special train.

• Ideal time: March to August is the best time to experience the train journey, when the weather is dry and the sky is clear, perfect for sightseeing around Hai Van Pass and Lang Co Bay. September to November suits those who love the romantic atmosphere of Hue in autumn.
• Luggage preparation: Bring a light jacket or shawl as the train's air conditioning can be quite cold. Don't forget a camera or phone to take check-in photos at Lang Co Station and along beautiful scenic routes. Bring motion sickness or digestive medication if needed.
• Arrive early at the station: Arrive at the station at least 20 minutes before departure time to complete check-in procedures. Both Hue Station and Da Nang Station are located in city centers, convenient for onward travel.
• Combine with sightseeing: After arriving in Hue, you can visit the Imperial Citadel, Tu Duc Tomb, Thien Mu Pagoda, or enjoy Hue Folk Singing on the Perfume River (ticket price around 85,000 VND/person). In Da Nang, don't miss Ba Na Hills, Hoi An, or My Khe Beach.

The Hue – Da Nang heritage train not only offers a 3-hour journey admiring the natural beauty of Central Vietnam, but is also an exciting highlight in the 2–3 day Hue tours by Sovaba Travel. Travelers can easily combine the train experience with diverse sightseeing itineraries: in Hue, the Imperial Citadel, Thien Mu Pagoda, Tu Duc Tomb; while towards Da Nang – Hoi An, there are Ba Na Hills, Son Tra Peninsula, and the lantern-lit Hoi An Ancient Town. This is not just a trip from one city to another, but an emotional journey where nature, culture, and history harmonize, creating an unforgettable experience for every traveler.