Vietravel, Vietnam‘s leading tour operator, has proposed the introduction of a luxury train service aimed at boosting local tourism recovery.
In collaboration with the Vietnam Railways Corporation, the five-star train would feature opulent bedrooms, modern amenities such as gyms and entertainment facilities, and a dining car offering regional specialties prepared by local chefs.
Decorated with local artwork, the train seeks to provide passengers with a unique 5-star experience, contributing to the growing trend of train travel in Vietnam.
Last year saw a 15% increase in domestic tourists using train services and a 20% rise in international visitors opting for train travel, according to Vietnam National Authority of Tourism statistics.
The railway system in Vietnam is managed by the state-owned Vietnam Railways and consists of a 2,600-kilometer network.
The primary route, the North-South Railway, spans 1,726 kilometers between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. The majority of the national railway network uses a meter gauge, with some standard and mixed gauge lines in the north.
The first railways in Vietnam were established in the 1880s, with significant construction occurring during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, including the Yunnan–Vietnam, and North–South railways.
However, during World War II and the Vietnam War, the rail network faced bombing attacks, leading to damage and abandonment of many branch lines. Despite this, the main lines were quickly restored and returned to service after the conflicts ended.