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From August 10th, Vietnam Railways officially launched a high-quality passenger train service on the Hanoi - Dong Hoi route, offering a promising travel option for tourists and locals alike. More than just a means of transportation, this is also a premium travel experience, expected to revitalize the tourism potential of this sunny and windy central region of Vietnam.
The train, numbered QB1 (outbound) and QB2 (inbound), offers tickets ranging from 600,000 VND to 1,100,000 VND, depending on whether it's a seat or a sleeper berth. To show appreciation to the first passengers, the railway industry is offering a 10% discount for the first 10 days of operation. With a total of 13 passenger carriages, 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 8:05 PM on even days, arriving at Dong Hoi Station at 6:10 AM the following morning. Conversely, for the Dong Hoi – Hanoi route, train QB2 departs at 3:20 PM on odd days, arriving at Hanoi Station at 4:15 AM the following morning. This schedule is well-designed, allowing passengers to relax overnight 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 premium train will only stop at a few major stations to ensure the fastest travel time, approximately 10 hours.
Mr. Mai The Manh, Deputy General Director of Vietnam Railway Transport Joint Stock Company, shared with the media that in recent years, especially in the first few months of the year, the number of train passengers has increased significantly. This is a positive sign showing that railways still maintain an important role in the national transportation system. He also added that in the coming time, the railway industry will continue to upgrade approximately 160 carriages to improve service quality and better serve the people and tourists.
The QB1/QB2 train is one of the clearest examples of this innovation effort. Every detail on the train is designed for maximum comfort. Passengers can connect to the internet for free with a high-speed Wi-Fi system covering the entire train. The air conditioning system is divided into zones, allowing passengers to adjust the temperature to their liking. The seats are equipped with a 360-degree swivel feature, offering maximum flexibility, allowing passengers to easily converse or admire the scenery outside the window without having to change positions.
For passengers who choose sleeping berths, each berth has its own personal entertainment TV, providing private moments of relaxation throughout the journey. The onboard sanitation system has also been upgraded, using vacuum technology similar to that on airplanes, ensuring a clean, odor-free, and hygienic environment. Furthermore, to enhance safety, the train is equipped with an electronically controlled braking system capable of preventing wheel lock-up in emergency situations, along with an axle temperature gauge, helping to monitor and ensure safe operation.
The train consists of 6 soft sleeper carriages and 5 soft seating carriages. Each soft sleeper carriage has 28 berths, offering comfortable and private resting space. The average ticket price for a seat is 620,000 VND and for a sleeper carriage is 1,135,000 VND for a one-way trip from Hanoi to Dong Hoi. The launch of the JQB1/JQB2 train is not simply the opening of a new route, but also a significant step in connecting rail transport with sustainable tourism.
The launch of this luxury train is expected to become a solid bridge between Hanoi and Quang Tri province, facilitating tourists' exploration of the region's glorious historical sites and famous landmarks. It contributes to diversifying tourism products, attracting visitors, and promoting socio-economic development in Central Vietnam. More than just a trip, it's an invitation to a comfortable and memorable journey of discovery along the heritage route.
