Authorities in Quang Tri Province, Hue City and the Vietnam Railways Corporation have signed a memorandum of understanding to develop a new rail tourism product connecting Hue and Phong Nha, with services scheduled to begin on September 1, 2026.
The agreement was signed on July 31 during a tourism development conference jointly organised by the Quang Tri Province People's Committee, the Hue City People's Committee and the Vietnam Railways Corporation.
The Hue-Phong Nha Tourist Train, funded by the Vietnam Railways Corporation, will consist of eight carriages with capacity for 304 passengers.
Both the exterior and interior of the train have been designed to showcase the distinctive cultural heritage, tourism attractions and UNESCO-recognised sites of Hue City and Quang Tri Province, while giving the service a unique identity compared with existing passenger trains.
The carriages will feature modern interiors and digital technology to provide onboard commentary and information about destinations along the route.
The train is also expected to offer spaces highlighting regional cuisine from the two localities, together with cultural performances, passenger entertainment and facilities capable of hosting events during the journey.
The service will operate along a route of approximately 190 kilometres, stopping at Hue Station, Dong Ha Station, My Trach Station, Dong Hoi Station and Tho Loc Station.
Each station is planned to reflect a distinct tourism theme. Hue Station will focus on cultural heritage, Dong Ha Station on peace tourism, My Trach Station on historical memories and notable figures, Dong Hoi Station on coastal tourism, and Tho Loc Station will serve as the gateway to the Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Stations are also expected to include check-in areas and outlets promoting and selling OCOP (One Commune One Product) goods. Along the railway, authorities plan to gradually develop a "Railway-Flower Route" landscape to enhance the travel experience.
Under the proposed timetable, HQ2 will depart Hue Station at 7.15 am and arrive at Tho Loc Station at 11.55 am. The return service, HQ1, will leave Tho Loc Station at 1.15 pm and reach Hue Station at 5.25 pm.
Authorities said the project is intended not only to provide passenger transport but also to create a distinctive tourism product centred on visitor experience. The initiative is expected to support the development of a rail tourism ecosystem, promote greener transport and contribute to the sustainable growth of both Vietnam's tourism industry and railway sector.
Tourism businesses in Quang Tri Province and Hue City are expected to develop travel packages and visitor programmes linked to the new rail service.
Hoang Xuan Tan, vice-chairman of the Quang Tri Province People's Committee, said the railway would help expand tourism opportunities in both localities, create an additional gateway for visitors, and strengthen links with Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park and other destinations across central Vietnam.