Hue Railway Station: Awakening Heritage on the Rails
On the morning of March 26, the Vietnam Railways Corporation, in collaboration with the Hue City People's Committee, held a ceremony to unveil the new branding for the
Vice Chairman of Hue City People's Committee Tran Huu Thuy Giang talks with tourists on the train. (Photo: hue.gov.vn)
The Gateway to Nostalgic Journeys
Mirroring its silhouette in the gentle An Cuu River, Hue Railway Station stands as one of Vietnam’s most ancient rail hubs. Inaugurated in 1906, the station bears the hallmark of classic French architecture. For over a century, it has served not only as a vital link on the North-South "backbone" railway but also as a silent witness to the historical ebbs and flows of the Ancient Capital. Throughout its history, the station has welcomed millions of travelers, acting as a bridge for cultural exchange and promoting the image of a friendly, hospitable land.
In recent years, Hue Railway Station has undergone continuous renovation, landscaping, and environmental upgrades, aimed at becoming an ideal intersection of transportation, culture, and tourism. The launch of the Hue - Da Nang tourist train has transformed the station into a viral "check-in" hotspot. With its lush green canopies and vintage architecture, every departing train evokes the nostalgic atmosphere of a classic cinematic masterpiece.
Visitors to Hue Railway Station also have the chance to immerse themselves in a unique local tradition: "Station Tea" (trà ga). As night falls, the platform becomes warm and inviting with small tea stalls, flickering oil lamps, and intimate conversations with locals. The distant echo of the train whistle amidst the stillness creates an unforgettable, poetic memory of the "Land of the Gods." This is also the starting point for the journey to conquer Hai Van Pass—one of Vietnam’s most majestic coastal railway routes.
Delegates performed the ceremony of pressing the button to officially launch the "Central Vietnam Heritage Connection Journey" train with its new look. (Photo: hue.gov.vn)
Checking in on the "Central Heritage Connection" Train
The "Central Heritage Connection" train returns with a striking new appearance that seamlessly blends modernity with heritage identity. The exterior features Hue’s signature purple hue, harmoniously paired with the youthful light grey of Da Nang. The refined gold-bronze logo adds a touch of luxury, creating a sophisticated and captivating aesthetic from the very first glance.
The train consists of 12 carriages featuring fully upgraded soft-seat systems. The seats can rotate 180 degrees, ensuring passengers always face the direction of travel for maximum comfort and convenience in admiring the scenic vistas along the route.
The onboard experience is elevated by several highlights. The VIP carriage (32 seats) boasts a nostalgic design inspired by Hue Royal Court interiors, offering an atmosphere of elegance and refinement. Window-side tables with soft, curved designs provide the perfect spot for passengers to enjoy coffee and live music while marveling at the grandeur of Hai Van Pass. The community carriage has also been refreshed with an open-plan layout, integrating cultural activities and showcasing local specialties. All carriages are equipped with LED lighting, high-quality audio systems, and LCD screens providing real-time travel information to meet all entertainment needs.
Mr. Tran Huu Thuy Giang, Vice Chairman of the Hue City People's Committee, stated that the city will continue to direct agencies to enhance service quality and strengthen partnerships with businesses to diversify experiential products at Hue Railway Station. Priority will be given to ensuring security, safety, and environmental sanitation to maintain the image of Hue as a civilized and welcoming tourist destination.
| In the first three months of 2026, Hue's tourism sector recorded record-breaking growth with over 1.9 million visitors (a 31.3% increase). Of this total, international arrivals reached over 843,000, while domestic tourists surpassed the 1.05 million mark. Notably, total tourism revenue is estimated at nearly 4,478.7 billion VND, a staggering 71.4% increase over the same period last year. In March 2026 alone, the city welcomed nearly 700,000 visitors, affirming the strong appeal of innovative products like the "Central Heritage Connection" train and setting a solid momentum for a booming year for local tourism. |