New Heritage Train Connects Phong Nha and Hue for 2026

Planning a trip to Central Vietnam? There’s an exciting new way to explore two UNESCO World Heritage destinations, and An Vui Travel is here to help you experience it.

A brand-new tourist train service called “Phong Nha – Hue Ancient Capital: World Heritage Journey” officially began operating from Dong Hoi Station in late August 2026, opening up a scenic 190 km rail route through some of Vietnam’s most treasured cultural and natural landmarks.

Rather than treating the 190 km between Hue and Phong Nha as just a transfer, the new service turns the ride itself into part of the holiday. Large windows and rotating seats let passengers watch Central Vietnam unfold — from Hue’s imperial atmosphere, through Quang Tri’s wartime landmarks, to the limestone peaks that signal you’re nearing Phong Nha. It’s especially well suited to multi-stop itineraries, families traveling with kids, and older travelers who prefer a relaxed pace over long bus rides.

The Route: Five Stations, Five Very Different Stops

Hue Station – Your starting point in the former imperial capital, home to royal palaces, imperial tombs, and the Perfume River — all part of Hue’s UNESCO-listed heritage.

Dong Ha Station – The access point for some of Quảng Trị’s most significant wartime sites, including Quang Tri Ancient Citadel, Hien Luong Bridge, and the Vinh Moc Tunnels.

My Trach Station – A quieter stretch through riverside villages, notable as the birthplace of General Vo Nguyen Giap.

Dong Hoi Station – The coastal gateway city, with Nhat Le Beach and Quang Binh Quan Gate nearby, along with plenty of hotels and restaurants.

Tho Loc Station – The final stop and the closest station to Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site. From here it’s a short road transfer into central Phong Nha.

The exterior design also nods to the region’s identity, blending Hue’s warm gold tones with Phong Nha’s blue and Quang Trị’s symbolism of peace, and digital audio guides help bring the route’s history and culture to life along the way.

Sources: 

https://en.vietnamplus.vn/heritage-values-maximised-on-central-train-journey-post339973.vnp

https://en.vietnamplus.vn/vietnam-moves-to-make-tourism-a-true-new-growth-driver-post351184.vnp 

Onboard Experience

This isn’t your average train ride. The eight-carriage train includes:

• Comfortable coaches with rotating seats
• A 24-seat VIP coach with complimentary snacks and drinks
• A community coach featuring folk performances, local cuisine, and OCOP specialty products
• A brand-new multi-purpose entertainment coach with movie screenings, massage chairs, and even áo dài rental with photo services

Sources: 

https://en.vietnamplus.vn/tourist-train-linking-phong-nha-and-hue-heritage-sites-launched-post350962.vnp

From Tho Loc Station to Central Phong Nha

Tho Loc Station sits roughly 20 km — about a 20–30 minute drive — from central Phong Nha, where most hotels, restaurants, and tour departure points are based. Options for the last leg include:

• Pre-arranged hotel/homestay pickup — simply share your train number and arrival time with your accommodation.
• Tour operator transfers — many cave-tour operators can arrange pickup if you let them know your train details in advance.
• Taxis — available but less plentiful directly at the station, so it’s safer to book ahead, particularly on weekends.

An Vui Travel can help coordinate your transfer as part of a full Phong Nha itinerary — just let us know your train schedule when booking.

Top Things to Do in Phong Nha

Once you’re in town, Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park offers some of the world’s most spectacular caving and outdoor experiences:

• Phong Nha Cave – Explored by boat along the Son River, famous for its underground river and ancient formations.
• Paradise Cave – A vast “underground palace” with a 1 km walkway, accessible for most fitness levels.
• Son Doong Cave – The largest cave on Earth, with its own microclimate, forest, and river — a bucket-list expedition for serious adventurers.
• Hang En Cave – Known for its giant entrance, sandy beach, and unforgettable overnight camping experience.
• Hang Va & Nuoc Nut Caves – Rare cone-shaped stalagmites and crystal-clear underground streams for trekking and swimming.
• Tu Lan Cave System – Over 10 caves near Tan Hoa Commune, with trekking and camping options from one-day trips to multi-day expeditions.
• Chay River & Dark Cave – Ziplining, kayaking, and a mud bath inside the cave.
• Mooc Spring – Emerald-green water ideal for swimming, kayaking, and SUP.
• Bong Lai Valley – A slower-paced area of rice fields and local farms, great for cycling and countryside dining.

At An Vui Travel, we’re already designing custom itineraries that combine this new heritage train experience with our signature Phong Nha cave tours, Hue imperial city excursions, and historical tours. Let us help you build the perfect Central Vietnam journey, comfortable, authentic, and unforgettable.

📞 Contact An Vui Travel today to experience Phong Nha – Hue heritage journey!

#AnVuiTravel #PhongNha #HueVietnam#CentralVietnam #HeritageTrain #VietnamHeritageJourney