Viet Nam Railways has, for the first time, introduced a 34-seat VIP carriage and a new-generation 56-seat first-class coach on this route.

Passengers experiencing the “Hoa Phuong Do” luxury train.

The VIP coach is designed in the Indochine architectural style, infused with cultural elements unique to Hai Phong, and features a mini bar and live music performances.

The first-class carriage offers 180-degree rotatable seats. "I had to book a week in advance to secure a seat in the VIP cabin," said Le Nguyen Hai Son (25, from Thanh Xuan, Ha Noi). "Enjoying the scenery by train offers a sense of relaxation that’s hard to match with other transport options."

Service quality on the luxury train has also been significantly enhanced. “The staff are well-trained and enthusiastic. I’m very satisfied with this journey,” Son added.

Nguyen Khanh Linh (from Ba Dinh, Ha Noi) shared: “The coach is beautifully renovated with many check-in spots. The restrooms are clean, and the seats are very comfortable. Though the ticket price is a bit high, it’s absolutely worth the experience.”

According to Hoang Gia Khanh, General Director of Viet Nam Railways: “The Hoa Phuong Do luxury train is not just a standalone product, it serves as a pilot model. If successful, it will be replicated on other routes and in other localities. The railway industry will soon introduce more new products to better serve travel and tourism demands, including projects shaped by public feedback.”

The success of the Hoa Phuong Do train has opened a promising new direction for the rail sector: developing premium experiential travel. This is not merely a matter of upgrading trains, but part of a broader strategy to attract high-end travelers willing to pay for superior services.

One example is SJourney, a luxury train set to launch in December 2024. Designed to international standards, the eight-day, seven-night journey from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City will cost up to 220 million VND (approximately 8,600 USD) per passenger.

The experience is centered on personalisation and exclusivity, with only 10 sleeper cars, 30 cabins, and a maximum of 60 guests per trip.

Earlier, in March 2024, the Central Heritage Connection train running between Da Nang and Hue also garnered positive reception from travelers.

Clearly, strong integration with 5-star resorts and hotels at destination points is key to creating high-end, all-inclusive packages.

This approach appeals not only to domestic tourists but also to international travelers interested in train-based tourism. According to Pham Van Thuy, Deputy Director of the Vietnam National Tourism Administration, these trains do more than connect geographic locations, they link cultural experiences, helping to promote regional values to both local and foreign visitors in a unique and compelling way.

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