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This year's New Year's holiday lasts four days, from January 1st to January 4th, creating ideal conditions for families and groups of young people to plan short trips. This year, travelers are prioritizing train travel not only for its safety and convenience, but also because the journey on modern train carriages offers a slower-paced experience, allowing travelers to take in the majestic beauty of Vietnam through the windows.
Recognizing the increasing travel demand, Vietnam's railway industry has proactively implemented measures to significantly enhance its transport capacity. According to the Vietnam Railway Transport Joint Stock Company, the company plans to add approximately 20,000 seats and numerous additional trains to meet passenger demand. Alongside the North-South backbone, key tourist routes connecting major cultural and resort centers are receiving substantial investment in service quality, transforming each trip into a unique cultural experience rather than simply transportation.
Hanoi - Hai Phong route
The Hanoi-Hai Phong railway line has long been familiar, but in recent years, it has become a real craze among young people and families who love food. With a travel time of just over 2 hours, it's the perfect choice for a day trip or a relaxing 2-day, 1-night itinerary. A special highlight of this route is the appearance of the high-quality train named Hoa Phuong Do (Red Phoenix) - considered a "noble" space in the heart of the railway, offering premium service suitable for couples and families seeking privacy and luxury.
Stepping off the train at Hai Phong station – an ancient architectural masterpiece bearing the distinct mark of French influence – visitors will immediately embark on a journey to discover a "food paradise." From flavorful bowls of crab noodle soup and crispy crab spring rolls to refreshing Thai sweet soups in the Cat Bi market area or the city center, everything creates an irresistible allure.
If you have more time during your 4-day holiday, you can extend your trip by taking a speedboat to the lush green Cat Ba Island or visiting the Bach Dang Giang historical site to enrich your cultural and nature experience.
Hue - Da Nang Heritage Route
If we had to vote for the most impressive railway route in Vietnam, the "Connecting Central Heritage Region" line between Hue and Da Nang would undoubtedly take first place. Spanning approximately 102 km, this journey takes travelers through the spectacular curves of the Hai Van Pass – where mountains meet the sea and clouds swirl around the peaks.
Departing from the ancient capital city in the morning, travelers can leisurely enjoy tea, listen to music, and admire the azure Lang Co Bay unfolding like a watercolor painting, before arriving in the vibrant city of Da Nang by midday without worrying about motion sickness or long traffic jams.
The railway industry plans to add approximately 20,000 seats and several extra trains to serve the peak period of the 2026 New Year holiday.
The uniqueness of this train route lies in the way the train company has cleverly integrated cultural and artistic elements right into the carriages. Passengers not only watch the scenery pass by but also have the opportunity to enjoy regional specialties and spectacular art performances. In particular, the 10-minute stop at Lang Co station is a "golden moment" for photography enthusiasts to capture million-view photos of one of the world's most beautiful bays. This is an ideal journey for families to educate their children about the beauty of the country's heritage and nature in the most visual way.
The Phan Thiet and Nha Trang route
For residents of Ho Chi Minh City and surrounding provinces, the two sea-facing ferry routes to Phan Thiet and Nha Trang are always top priorities for the New Year's holiday. The Ho Chi Minh City - Phan Thiet route offers maximum convenience for families with elderly people and young children.
Traveling by train helps tourists avoid traffic congestion on highways heading towards Mui Ne during holidays.
After just a short nap or a few hours of conversation on the train, travelers can touch the white sands of Mui Ne. Traveling by rail helps passengers avoid the fatigue of crowded highways during holidays, allowing them to fully dedicate their energy to enjoying the sunset over the sand dunes or savoring fresh seafood at the fishing village.
Meanwhile, the Ho Chi Minh City - Nha Trang route is a top choice for those who want to combine relaxation with a train journey. With comfortable sleeping berths and modern soft seats, passengers can begin their vacation the moment they step onto the train. The biggest advantage of this route is that Nha Trang station is located right in the city center, making it incredibly easy and cost-effective to travel to resorts or Tran Phu beach. This is the optimal option to enjoy the Central Vietnamese sea air while ensuring the health of the whole family after stressful working days.
Da Lat - Trai Mat route
For romantic souls and those who appreciate nostalgic beauty, the short tourist train route from Da Lat station to Trai Mat is an indispensable part of any holiday. Although only about 7 km long, this journey holds invaluable historical value with its exquisitely restored carriages, inspired by the style of Empress Nam Phuong. The train whistle echoing through the pine forests and flower valleys creates a cinematic atmosphere, attracting many young people to check in and experience the feeling of traveling back in time.
The vintage train carriages at Da Lat station have been meticulously restored, taking visitors on a journey "back in time" amidst the pine forest.
Trai Mat is not only a destination with fresh air but also boasts famous spiritual and cultural landmarks such as Linh Phuoc Pagoda (Mien Chai Pagoda) with its unique mosaic architecture. After visiting the vibrant flower gardens, tourists can stop at charming little cafes along the railway tracks to experience the slow pace of life in Da Lat. For families, this is a wonderful opportunity for young children to discover the historical values of Vietnam's railway industry in a peaceful and romantic setting.
With thorough preparation from the railway industry and a diverse range of routes, the upcoming 4-day holiday promises to be a boom time for train tourism. Choosing to travel by rail not only optimizes time and budget but also contributes to promoting sustainable, safe, and experiential tourism.
