For a long time, transport was focussed on getting us to places as quickly as possible, but that’s not really the case anymore. With a renewed emphasis on ‘slow travel’, journeys have gradually become part of our holidays, and a new opportunity to do that is about to launch in Vietnam.
Thanks to a partnership between Indochina Rail Tourist Service and hospitality consultancy Wafaifo Optimisers, two original steam trains from the 1960s have been restored to working condition, and the work’s been done by some of the last remaining Vietnamese steam engineers themselves.
Due to make their inaugural journeys in late 2024 (but more likely early 2025), the two trains will be ferrying 57 passengers between the central city of Da Nang (known for its dazzling beaches) and the former royal capital of Hue (home to palaces and royal tombs).
En route, passengers will get to sample themed dining at three different stations (Kim Lien (Da Nang), Lang Co and Hue), each with their own menu and entertainment.
Now for the trains themselves: there are two retro-style carriages for passengers seating, as well as a kitchen car and a luggage car, and each one features historical furnishings, mahogany tables, gold accents and decorative tiling. Oh, and the staff will be wearing what’s been described as ‘period costume’.
‘We are proud to bring these old dames of rail back to life and to showcase important periods in Vietnamese history from imperial through colonial rule and finally the struggle to independence,’ said Michael Gebbie, the chairman of Indochina Rail Tourist Service, according to CNN.
Tickets aren’t on sale yet, so we don’t quite know what the prices will look like, but stay tuned for more updates.
Did you see that these are officially the most popular countries on social media?
Plus: This beautiful country was just crowned 2025’s ‘destination of the year’.
Stay in the loop: sign up to our free Time Out Travel newsletter for all the latest travel news and best stuff happening across the world.