From August 10, Vietnam Railways officially put into operation a high-quality passenger train on the Hanoi - Dong Hoi route, bringing a promising travel option for tourists and residents. Not only a means of transportation, this is also a high-class tourist experience, expected to revive the tourism potential of the sunny and windy Central region.
Trains numbered QB1 (outbound) and QB2 (return) have ticket prices ranging from VND600,000 to VND1.1 million, depending on the type of seat or berth. To thank the first passengers, the railway industry is offering a 10% discount for the first 10 days of opening. With a total of 13 passenger cars, this train was designed and built using advanced Chinese technology, in cooperation with Jinxin Vietnam Railway Transport and Tourism Company.
Train QB1 departs from Hanoi station at 20:05 on even-numbered days, arriving at Dong Hoi station at 6:10 the next morning. Conversely, on the Dong Hoi - Hanoi route, train QB2 departs at 15:20 on odd-numbered days, arriving at Hanoi station at 4:15 the next morning. This schedule is reasonably arranged, allowing passengers to relax all night and wake up at their destination, ready for a full day of exploration. The Hanoi - Dong Hoi railway line is nearly 500km long, and this luxury train will only stop at a few major stations to ensure the fastest travel time, taking only about 10 hours.
Mr. Mai The Manh, Deputy General Director of the Railway Transport Joint Stock Company, shared with the media that in recent years, especially in the first months of the year, the number of train passengers has grown significantly. This is a positive signal showing that the railway still maintains an important role in the national transport system. He also added that in the coming time, the railway industry will continue to upgrade about 160 carriages to improve service quality, better serving people and tourists.
The QB1/QB2 trains are a clear example of this innovation. Every detail on the train is designed to provide maximum comfort. Passengers can connect to the internet for free with the high-speed wifi system that covers the entire train. The air conditioning system is divided into zones, allowing passengers to adjust the temperature as desired. The seats are equipped with a 360-degree swivel feature, providing maximum flexibility, allowing passengers to easily chat or enjoy the scenery outside the window without having to change positions.
For passengers choosing a sleeper, each bed has a personal entertainment TV, providing private moments of relaxation throughout the journey. The on-board sanitation system has also been upgraded, using vacuum technology similar to that on airplanes, ensuring a clean, odorless and civilized space. In addition, to enhance safety, the train is also equipped with an electronically controlled braking system, capable of preventing wheel locking in an emergency, along with an axle temperature gauge, helping to monitor and ensure operational safety.
The train consists of 6 soft sleeper cars and 5 soft seat cars. Each soft sleeper car has 28 beds, providing a comfortable and private resting space. The average ticket price for a seat is 620,000 VND and for a sleeper is 1,135,000 VND for a one-way trip from Hanoi to Dong Hoi. The birth of the JQB1/JQB2 train is not simply the opening of another route, but also an important step in connecting rail transport with sustainable tourism.
The operation of this luxury train is expected to become a solid bridge between the capital Hanoi and Quang Tri province, creating favorable conditions for tourists to explore the heroic historical relics and famous landscapes of this land. It contributes to diversifying tourism products, attracting tourists, and promoting the socio-economic development of the Central region. More than a trip, this is an invitation to a comfortable and emotional journey of discovery on the heritage road.
