Vietnam train travel - a journey connecting heritage regions

With over 100 years of history, Vietnam Railways has accompanied many ups and downs of Vietnam history. Entering a new stage of development, the mission of the railway industry is now not only a means of transportation, but also brings special experiences, helping visitors explore the natural beauty, culture and history of each land, becoming a journey to discover the beauty of the country's heritage. tailor-made Vietnam tours

Coming to Da Lat city, a place that tourists cannot miss in their journey to explore this land is Da Lat station - the starting point of the Da Lat - Trai Mat railway line with a length of 6.7km, the remaining part of the 84km Thap Cham - Da Lat line, connecting Ninh Thuan province with Lam Dong, put into operation in 1932, built by the French.

This is the only unique cog railway in Vietnam and one of the two most beautiful cog railways in the world (along with the Swiss railway).

With a train journey of about 1 hour (30 minutes on the way there and 30 minutes on the way back), the train speed is slow, during the day, visitors can comfortably relax and admire the poetic beauty of Da Lat, and at night, the beauty of the city of flowers is really magical and different.

The main building of Da Lat station is built with three stylized pyramidal roofs symbolizing the three peaks of Langbiang mountain, the middle peak has a large clock, the building was recognized as a special national monument by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism in 2001.

Mr. Dang Hieu Dan, who has many years of experience in teaching in the railway field, said: "Along with Da Lat station with its mountain-shaped architecture and the communal house roof of the Central Highlands people, Thap Tram - Da Lat railway has a sawtooth-shaped track to be able to cross the mountain ranges. This project has a unique design similar to the railway line in Switzerland crossing the Alps."

Different from the bustling and crowded Da Lat, when coming to Trai Mat, visitors can feel the gentle, peaceful atmosphere with pine hills rustling in the wind, the poetic scenery captivates people.

Before boarding the train, visitors can freely visit and check-in at Da Lat station - a unique ancient architectural work inspired by the legendary Langbiang mountain and the traditional Central Highlands communal house roof or check-in at ancient train cars in Indochina style.

On "Da Lat Night Journey", in addition to enjoying music, visitors can also enjoy a dinner party upon request.

A tourist from Ho Chi Minh City said: "The experience of the Da Lat - Trai Mat tourist train reminded me of a historical period. Listening to songs praising the poetic land of peach blossoms and enjoying unique cuisine gave me an interesting feeling."

Another tourist from Can Tho, said: "Da Lat Station is more than beautiful. I hope that services like this will continue to be experienced by many tourists to feel the beauty of the country."

Da Lat night journey is a tourism product that the railway industry has put into operation to continue to bring passengers new experiences, feel the beauty of Da Lat at night, contribute to diversifying services and developing local tourism.

Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of Da Lat City, Lam Dong Province said: "Da Lat Station is associated with a historical story, the train station system of Da Lat City is currently an attractive destination for domestic and foreign tourists. Therefore, this is the lever and premise contributing to the economic development of the city, in line with the policy of the Provincial Party Committee and the City Party Committee in developing high-quality tourism".

Train connecting central heritage

If "Da Lat Night Journey" allows visitors to visit Da Lat city by the only unique cog railway in Vietnam, the tourist train connecting Hue - Da Nang named "Connecting Central Heritage" helps visitors have more interesting experiences on the journey to visit and experience heritage destinations and tourist attractions in the central region.

The train "Connecting Central Heritage" was put into operation on March 26, 2024, on the occasion of the 40th anniversary of the liberation of Thua Thien Hue. This is a transport business product combined with the exploitation of tourism, history and culture services.

With a travel time of about 3 hours, the train will take visitors through Hai Van Pass - known as "The most majestic pass in Vietnam" to Da Nang - a city with many beautiful beaches.

Train number HD1 consists of 10 carriages, including 2 community carriages serving Hue cuisine and Hue folk songs. The two carriages are decorated by Vietnam Railways in the traditional style of ancient royal courts.

The train is equipped with soft, air-conditioned seats, placed next to the windows for visitors to enjoy the scenery along the railway line considered the most beautiful in Vietnam, connecting Hue - Da Nang.

On this train, Hue singing artists will perform Nam Binh, Phu Luc, Co Ban… to serve tourists. Next to this carriage is the culinary carriage, with a series of Hue cakes and fruits such as: Banh It, Cha Lua, Nem Hue… along with drinks for tourists to freely choose on this heritage journey.

Source: https://tailormadevietnamholidays.com/travel_news/vietnam-railways-opens-unique-tourism-products.htm

Attending cherry blossom festival in Halong

On March 22, the Cherry Blossom Festival was held in Ky Thuong Commune, Halong City (Quang Ninh Province). This is the first festival organized by the Halong City People's Committee, aiming to contribute to maintaining and promoting the nation's fine traditional cultural values, creating unique products to promote, promote and attract tourists to Halong City in general and Ky Thuong Commune in particular. Halong cruise tours

The festival will take place over 2 days, including outstanding activities such as: Planting cherry blossom trees; visiting cherry blossom displays and exhibitions, booths displaying and selling OCOP products and some booths displaying and selling products of typical households and businesses in the city; cultural and sports exchange activities taking place during the festival; experiencing Kimono costumes (Japan) and costumes of ethnic groups in Halong city; bamboo dancing exchange; crossbow shooting, stick pushing, stilt walking performance, and traditional costume embroidery.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Chairman of the People's Committee of Ky Thuong Commune, Halong City said: "The festival is organized to concretize the project of Halong - the city of flowers and festivals. To develop tourism in Ky Thuong Commune associated with exploiting the cherry blossom landscape, the People's Committee of Halong City has approved 2 detailed plans with a total expected area of  planting landscape forests and cherry blossom trees of about 30.8 hectares (at Dong Cut Hamlet Tourism Service Area, Khe Tre Village about 8.86 hectares and Khe Tre Hamlet Tourism Service Area, Khe Tre Village about 22 hectares). The future orientation is to create a flower forest in Ky Thuong Commune, aiming to exploit this area to become a large landscape park typical of the area associated with experiential activities, such as: sightseeing, adventure sports activities, camping activities, festivals, conferences, film studios, and nature museums.

Ky Thuong cherry blossom area is a new and promising eco-tourism project in Halong, accompanied by leading Japanese companies specializing in cherry blossom planting. About 100 cherry blossom trees have been planted and are growing well.

By organizing the cherry blossom festival, Halong city hopes that Ky Thuong will become an attractive destination, attracting tourists, enriching resources and unique tourism products; contributing to introducing to tourists from all over the world, besides Halong Bay - a heritage and natural wonder of the world, the city is also very attractive because of the pristine and majestic beauty of the mountainous area in the North of the city. Through the festival, it contributes to bringing the image and culture of the Dao ethnic group to many tourists, bringing the beauty of Japan to the majority of people in Halong city. At the same time, it strengthens the great solidarity of ethnic groups, creates a joyful and exciting atmosphere, enriching the spiritual life of the people.

Ky Thuong is located in the highest area of the highland communes of Halong city, with a population of nearly 900 people, of which over 98% are Dzao people. In addition to its biodiversity value, Ky Thuong commune is also considered a locality with natural tourism resources, with many high mountain ranges, many systems of rivers, lakes, streams, and vertical waterfalls, interspersed with vast green forests, creating a natural landscape of "beautiful mountains and rivers", with a cool climate all year round.

Source: https://halong-tour.com/travelnews/cherry-blossom-festival-in-halong-city.php

Hospital over 150 years old associated with Saigon history

Within the grounds of the Ho Chi Minh City Tropical Hospital, there exists a prison over a hundred years old, which used to detain many revolutionary soldiers during the American war. Saigon travel

Ho Chi Minh City Tropical Hospital has a long and tumultuous history. Established in 1862, this place is not only a medical facility but also a witness to many historical changes. Few people know that before becoming the center for treating infectious diseases in the City, this place used to be a mental hospital, called "Cho Quan Hospital".

Not only that, the hospital also preserves traces of a prison camp that is more than 150 years old, built by the French to detain political prisoners during the war time such as Tran Phu.

According to historical records, the prison was built in 1875 and was used as a place to detain and treat mental patients. Later, in order to serve the purpose of interrogating revolutionary information, the French brought prisoners to the mental hospital to both treat them temporarily and continue to interrogate them.

The prison is designed in a U shape. The horizontal row is 32m long and 12m wide. The two vertical rows are equal, each row is 14m long and 7.5m wide. The building has colonial architecture with a yin-yang roof; the walls are 4m high and 0.4m thick; the windows have two layers of iron mesh.

The prison area is divided into two separate areas for male and female prisoners. Each area is divided into individual and group cells, connected by long, deep corridors. Some areas cannot receive sunlight, causing the walls to be covered with moss, and a few shoots of plants to sprout from the cracks.

In the individual cells, each cell has an area of only about 2 square meters, small and damp; the collective detention area alone has an area of more than 30 square meters with a capacity of about 20 people. Each cell has a platform to lie on. During the French colonial period, this platform was made of wood, but when the American came, it was replaced with cement and tiled with terracotta. The cold platform that penetrates the skin still retains traces of shackles and chains under the colonial regime, making the space even more gloomy and ghostly.

The most notable point here is the cell where Tran Phu was detained. He was arrested by the French colonialists at 66 Champagne Street (now Ly Chinh Thang Street, District 3) and then detained and subjected to many tortures in many different prisons, causing his health to deteriorate. The French colonialists wanted to keep Tran Phu alive to exploit secrets, so on August 26, 1931, they took him to the prison camp in Cho Quan Hospital for treatment. However, due to his tuberculosis becoming severe, Tran Phu passed away in September 1931.

In the damp, dark prison, the chains tightened his body, the whips tore his flesh. The miserable meals, the long days within the four walls of confinement, seemed to be able to crush his will, although his body was tortured, his spirit remained indomitable.

Today, in this room there is still a portrait photo of him, and occasionally the caretakers place a vase of flowers here to remind future generations.

In contrast to the space inside, the outside of the prison has now become a small garden providing shade for patients being treated at the Tropical Hospital. And perhaps they do not know that behind those bricks, porches, and door frames are "witnesses" to a painful period of the nation.

In 1988, this prison complex was recognized as a national historical relic by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.

The upgrading and improvement of space, architecture and landscape at the relic site aims to promote the value of the relic with a space to preserve and display fine arts, meeting the needs of visiting, researching and learning about the history of the people of Ho Chi Minh City in particular and the whole country in general.

Source: https://saigontraveltour.com/sai-gon-travel-blog/explore-the-150-year-old-historical-prison-at-ho-chi-minh-city-tropical-hospital/

Direct flight Bangkok to Hai Phong to start in July

Last year, while many international tourist markets grew, Thai visitors to Vietnam unexpectedly decreased by 15% compared to 2023. The new Bangkok - Hai Phong route from July 2025 is expected to attract Thai visitors with the appeal of the heritage bay of Halong - Cat Ba archipelago. Halong charter cruises

Thailand has always been an important market for Vietnam's tourism industry, ranking 8th in terms of arrivals in 2019 with 509.8 thousand arrivals. After the Covid-19 pandemic, the Thai market recovered quickly, reaching 489.1 thousand arrivals in 2023, ranking 6th in terms of international arrivals to Vietnam. In 2024, while many markets grew strongly, Thai visitors to Vietnam only reached 418 thousand arrivals, down more than 15% compared to 2023.

"The number of Thai tourists to Vietnam is suffering from negative signs from tourism attraction policies from other countries. In 2024, the number of visitors decreased significantly, falling in the ranking of Vietnam's top tourist sources. Therefore, Vietnam needs to increase activities to stimulate this important source market to ensure recovery in the coming time," said Mr Thuy - Director of Travel Indochina.

A positive signal for Vietnam - Thailand tourism cooperation is that AirAsia will start operating a new route from Bangkok to Hai Phong from July 16, 2025, with a frequency of 4 flights per week. Thus, AirAsia will become the airline with the most routes from Vietnam to Thailand, including from destinations such as Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Da Nang, Nha Trang, Phu Quoc, Hai Phong to Bangkok (Don Mueang Airport) and Hanoi - Chiang Mai.

This route helps directly connect a major economic and tourism center of Vietnam with the capital of Thailand, promoting trade, culture and tourism between the two regions. From Bangkok, international tourists can easily access Halong Bay - the top famous destination in Vietnam. In the opposite direction, with AirAsia's large flight network, Vietnamese tourists can also connect to many destinations across Thailand such as Phuket, Krabi, Chiang Rai...

Thuy commented that the Cat Bi route creates more favorable conditions for Thai tourists and international tourists in general from Bangkok to Cat Ba, Ha Long. Instead of having to transfer at Noi Bai airport, the direct flight to Cat Bi airport with a good time frame, creates convenience for the travel itinerary in Ha Long, Cat Ba. Tourists have more time to visit natural heritage sites and stay, explore this area more.

"Cat Ba is a new and attractive destination for international visitors, recently invested heavily in infrastructure such as cable cars, shows, new accommodation areas, luxury cruises on the bay... and many other beautiful landscapes are the strengths of this tourist route. We are researching the construction of tourism products associated with heritage, connecting tourism products in the Hai Phong, Cat Ba and Ha Long areas. Extending the length of stay of international visitors, expanding new sightseeing and experience spots, attracting many types of tourism in this area", said Thuy.

Promote two-way customer exchange

Before the direct flight from Hai Phong to Bangkok, tourists joining Thailand tours from Quang Ninh and Hai Phong often had to spend time traveling to other airports, which was costly, time-consuming and laborious. The new flight will solve these problems, providing a better and more convenient travel experience.

BKT Tourist Thailand Company said that the Cat Bi - Bangkok direct flight brings significant benefits to the tourism industry: "Previously, passengers from Hai Phong, Quang Ninh... who wanted to go to Bangkok often had to travel to Noi Bai airport. The new flight route helps save a lot of travel time, making the journey faster and more convenient. This is a favorable condition for both independent travelers and travel companies in organizing package tours from Hai Phong, Quang Ninh to an attractive tourist destination like Bangkok.

According to BKT Bangkok Tourist, tourists from Hai Phong, Quang Ninh and neighboring provinces will be suitable for basic Thailand tours (visiting famous tourist attractions such as temples, palaces, shopping, exploring street food in Bangkok...) and tours combining Bangkok with neighboring destinations such as Pattaya, Huahin, Khauyai, Nakhon Nayok, Kanchanaburi, Ayutthaya...

BKT believes that the number of tourists from Thailand to the Northeast region of Vietnam and vice versa will rapidly increase, due to the convenience and reasonable price that the direct flight brings: "Thailand is still an attractive destination for Vietnamese tourists thanks to its unique culture, rich cuisine, reasonable costs and good tourism services. The new flight route will further increase this attractiveness. In addition, the new flight route will create opportunities for many travel companies to exploit this market, leading to competition in price and service quality. It is expected that BKT Bangkok Tourist will welcome an average of more than 1,000 visitors to Bangkok from Cat Bi Airport - Hai Phong each month".

Source: https://privatehalongtours.com/news/new-flight-route-brings-international-visitors-to-halong-bay.php

Opening luxury train on Hanoi - Hai Phong route

In May, tourists will have the opportunity to experience a luxury journey on the Hanoi - Hai Phong railway with the Hoa Phuong Do train. Private Vietnam tour

The "Hoa Phuong Do" train, consisting of 20 new, luxuriously designed carriages, is expected to be put into passenger service by the Railway Joint Stock Company in May.

The special highlight of the "Hoa Phuong Do" train is the two VIP cars designed in an aristocratic interior style, inspired by French architecture. The interior is covered with natural wood, creating a cozy and sophisticated feeling. The VIP car is arranged with 16 single sofas and 5 long sofas with a capacity of up to 20 seats, helping passengers enjoy a comfortable space.

According to the Director of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Hai Phong, this luxury train is expected to open before May 13 to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the Liberation of Hai Phong city.

Not only comfort, the VIP car also offers unique experiences with a luxurious bar, live musicians, and free WiFi so passengers can surf the web, check-in and share memorable moments.

In addition to the two VIP cars, the train also has 18 other cars, each with 56 seats that can rotate 180 degrees, creating flexibility for passengers when they want to admire the scenery along the journey. These cars are designed with a typical blue-red color scheme, combined with the "Red Flamboyant Flower" symbol, bearing the mark of the port city of Hai Phong.

The floors of the carriages are covered with anti-slip plastic carpets, the ceilings are equipped with modern LED lighting systems, creating a warm and sophisticated space. In particular, passengers can enjoy coffee on the spot, listen to melodious tunes from musicians performing right on the train, turning the two-hour trip into a classy entertainment experience.

Currently, the ticket prices for these trains have not been announced. However, it is expected that the prices will be adjusted to suit each ticket class, from economy seats to high-class VIP cars, ensuring to meet the diverse needs of tourists.

Not only providing a high-class railway travel experience, the Hoa Phuong Do train also perfectly combines with the famous food tour of Hai Phong. Right on the train, passengers will have the opportunity to enjoy the specialties of the port city, from crab noodles, spicy fish noodles to fresh seafood dishes.

Moreover, when getting off at Hai Phong station, tourists will continue their culinary journey with many attractive offers. Those who own tourist train tickets will also receive discounts at restaurants, eateries, and entertainment venues, making the trip more complete.

In particular, from May 9 to 14, the Hai Phong Food Festival 2025 will be held at Hai Phong Station, 75 Luong Khanh Thien Street, Ngo Quyen. With 40 booths displaying and introducing Hai Phong's typical delicacies as well as specialties from other localities in the city.

Source: https://privatevietnamtour.com/travel-news/travel-news/experience-the-luxury-train-hanoi-hai-phong.php

Halong Carnival creates more products for summer tourism 2025

Halong Carnival 2025 with the theme "Connecting Heritage, Pioneering Shining" will take place on May 1 in Quang Ninh, bringing a vibrant grand ball, DJ performances and brilliant high-altitude fireworks. Halong cruise tours

On March 13, the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Quang Ninh province informed that Ha Long Carnival 2025 will take place on May 1, 2025 at Sun Carnival Square and Vo Nguyen Giap Street (Bai Chay Ward, Ha Long City), with the theme "Connecting Heritage, Pioneering Shining".

The event promises to bring a vibrant atmosphere with the Ha Long Carnival , DJ performances and high-altitude fireworks display. In addition, visitors will have the opportunity to participate in many attractive sideline activities such as masquerade balls, flashmob performances, costume experiences, body painting or creating masks in their own style.

The most anticipated activity of the Ha Long Carnival is the brilliant fireworks display. Although it only lasts for 15 minutes, this is still the most popular experience of the festival.

The opening art program is expected to last 90 minutes and will be broadcast live at 8:10 p.m. on May 1 on channels of the Quang Ninh provincial media center , and simultaneously broadcast on a number of provincial and municipal television stations across the country. Halong Papaya Cruise

Ha Long Carnival is an annual event held since 2007, becoming a cultural and tourist highlight of Quang Ninh every summer. The festival not only contributes to promoting the beauty of local culture but also creates a driving force to promote tourism, attracting domestic and foreign tourists.

According to the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Quang Ninh province, in 2025, the locality plans to organize 24 international, national and provincial-level events, along with 146 local-level programs and events. The province aims to welcome 20 million visitors this year, including 4.5 million international visitors, with total tourism revenue estimated at VND 55,000 billion.

In the first two months of 2025 alone, Quang Ninh welcomed more than 3.7 million visitors, up 27% over the same period last year. The number of international visitors reached 740,000, contributing to total tourism revenue of more than VND 8,300 billion, up 8% over the same period in 2024.

Source: https://halong-tour.com/travelnews/halong-carnival-2025-a-night-of-lights-and-colors.php

Discover Lac Thuy, a poetic land in Hoa Binh

Hoa Binh, the gateway to the Northwest, 80-140 km from Hanoi, is an ideal destination for nature lovers and indigenous culture. This land not only has famous landscapes but also preserves unique cultural values that attract tourists to explore… Vietnam budget travel

In 2025, a new and attractive destination has appeared on the tourist map of young people who love to explore - Lac Thuy, a land possessing pristine natural landscapes combined with ancient and sacred spiritual destinations.

Located in the Southeast of Hoa Binh province, just over 80 km from the center of Hanoi, Lac Thuy not only has poetic natural scenery but is also a place where unique cultural and religious values converge. This land is a harmonious combination of Buddhism and Mother Goddess worship - two spiritual cultural streams that have a profound influence on the spiritual life of Vietnamese people.

The most prominent place here is the scenic complex of Tien Pagoda - Mau Dam Da, which is associated with the legends and sacred stories of Trinh Temple, Mau Au Co Temple, Tien Pagoda... Local people tell each other that if you make a pilgrimage here with sincerity, praying for wealth, fortune or love, all will be answered. This is also the reason why every early spring, tens of thousands of visitors from all over the country come to Tien Pagoda to pray for luck, peace and success in the new year.

Not only having spiritual value, the Tien Pagoda complex also owns more than 20 caves along Tung Xe and Huong Tich mountains with natural stalactites of various shapes, creating a mysterious and magical space. Ong Hoang Bay Cave, Co Chin Cave, Suoi Vang Suoi Bac Cave, Cau Be Cave, Ong Hoang Muoi Cave, Cung Tien Cave... are all destinations not to be missed, giving visitors the opportunity to admire the masterpieces bestowed by nature.

For those who love adventure and exploration, Lac Thuy is also an ideal destination with mountain climbing routes, steep stairs along the cliffs to reach mysterious caves. Coming here, visitors not only have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the majestic natural space but also have time to calm down, contemplate spiritual values and find peace of mind.

The journey to explore Lac Thuy will not be complete if visitors do not try to experience the unique cultural features of the Muong people - an ethnic group with a long-standing culture in Hoa Binh. The bustling bamboo dances, folk games such as stilt walking, swinging, throwing cones... are not only entertainment activities but also an opportunity for each person to understand and appreciate the traditional cultural identity of the nation.

Coming to Lac Thuy, visitors cannot miss the opportunity to enjoy famous specialties such as Muong pork, buffalo meat with lom leaves, hill chicken, Hoa Binh wine... The rustic but rich flavors will leave an unforgettable impression, making each trip more memorable than ever.

The special highlight of Lac Thuy in 2025 is the Huong Binh cable car - the first cable car line in Hoa Binh, connecting two scenic areas of Chua Tien - Dam Da (Hoa Binh) and Chua Huong (Hanoi).

This cable car route not only shortens travel time but also opens up an exciting experience: In just over 10 minutes, visitors can cross the white clouds, admire the green valleys and majestic mountain peaks. Without spending hours walking in the forest or climbing mountains, visitors can still easily set foot on sacred lands, fully enjoying the beauty of the Northwest nature from a completely new perspective.

The Huong Binh cable car route not only helps connect two large spiritual tourism complexes but also opens up a complete journey - from the wild, peaceful beauty of Lac Thuy to the magnificence of the Huong Pagoda complex, known as one of the most beautiful Buddhist landscapes in Vietnam.

With its wild natural beauty, the harmonious combination of spiritual culture and folk beliefs, along with the appearance of a modern cable car, Lac Thuy is the perfect choice that you are looking for and longing to conquer. Try to set foot in Lac Thuy once, try to experience the feeling of flying in the sky on the first cable car line of Hoa Binh, to fully feel the peaceful, majestic beauty and pure spirit that this land brings.

Source: https://cheapvietnamtour.com/blog/lac-thuy-new-tourist-destination-in-hoa-binh.php