Vietnam expands heritage tourism with new rail routes and community experiences

Vietnam is expanding its heritage tourism offerings through new transportation and community-based initiatives in the central region. A new tourist train service, titled “Hue Imperial City - Phong Nha: World Heritage Journey,” has officially launched. Spanning approximately 190 km, the route connects Hue to Quang Tri and Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park, passing through historical sites such as the Quang Tri Ancient Citadel and the Hien Luong - Ben Hai River boundary.

The train is designed as an experiential journey rather than mere transport, featuring eight specialized carriages. These include sightseeing cars with rotating seats, a 24-seat VIP section, a community carriage for folk art and local cuisine, and a multi-purpose entertainment carriage offering services such as massage chairs and film viewing.

In addition to rail developments, local communities are diversifying their livelihoods through tourism. In the Tam Giang Lagoon area, Ngu My Thanh fishing village has transitioned from traditional fishing to community-based tourism. Visitors can experience local river life, such as rowing through mangrove forests, combined with fresh seafood dining. Meanwhile, the riverside parks along the Huong River in Hue continue to serve as popular green spaces for both domestic and international tourists.