Ninh Binh's Department of Tourism welcomed the train at Ninh Binh Station under a programme themed 'Connecting Heritage Regions', organised in cooperation with Vietnam Railways.
Around 140 representatives from tourism authorities, Vietnam Railways, travel companies and the media joined the journey to experience the onboard services and assess connections between Ninh Binh Station and local attractions.
The train features upgraded passenger carriages and a dining car, combining transport, food and onboard experiences.
The service is being further developed with a view to operating regularly in both directions between Hanoi and Ninh Binh.
After arriving at Ninh Binh Station, participants visited several local attractions, including the Muong cultural space at Thung Ui, the Hoa Lu Ancient Capital and Tuyet Tinh Coc.
The province plans to incorporate more tours and itineraries into the rail tourism product.
Pham Duy Phong, deputy director of the provincial Department of Tourism, said Ninh Binh's location on the North-South railway and its direct connection with Hanoi offered favourable conditions for developing rail tourism.
The province is home to a range of major attractions, including the UNESCO-listed Trang An Landscape Complex, Hoa Lu Ancient Capital and Tam Coc-Bich Dong, as well as craft villages and ecotourism and cultural sites.
From Ninh Binh Station, visitors can continue to nearby attractions, allowing tour operators to develop day trips, weekend breaks and longer stays.
The service aims to link Hanoi's historical and cultural attractions with Ninh Binh's heritage, natural landscapes and local culture, while making the rail journey itself part of the tourism experience.
Tourism authorities, Vietnam Railways and travel companies will use feedback from the trial to assess journey times, onboard services and transport links from Ninh Binh Station to tourist sites.
The project is expected to help develop rail tourism by combining transport with culture, food and destination experiences.