Central Vietnam's coastline is already one of Asia's great train rides. Now it has the accolades to match: Condé Nast Traveler readers have placed two Vietnamese rail journeys in the magazine's Top 20 most beautiful train trips in the world.
The Central Heritage Connection, which runs between the former imperial capital Huế and Đà Nẵng, came in at number 10. Further down the coast, The Vietage by Anantara — a premium carriage service linking Đà Nẵng, Quy Nhơn and Nha Trang — took 14th place. Both were recognised for service quality and the distinctive experience they offer, which is no small feat against competition from Switzerland, Japan and the Scottish Highlands.
The timing matters because more is on the way. Việt Nam Railways, Huế and Đà Nẵng have agreed to develop a steam-powered tourist train on the same stretch of line. Two French-built Mikado locomotives, in service since the 1960s and among the few remaining steam engines in Vietnam still capable of running, have been restored by Vietnamese and international specialists. Technical test runs across the Hải Vân Pass section — the dramatic clifftop crossing between Huế and Đà Nẵng — confirmed the locomotives, bridges and track can handle the job.
Planners are also studying a stop in the Hải Vân Pass area itself, so passengers could get off, take in the sea views and photograph one of the country's most famous stretches of railway rather than just watching it flash by the window.
For travellers, this is a genuinely good reason to reconsider how you move through central Vietnam. The Huế–Đà Nẵng line hugs the coast past Lang Co bay and over the pass, and it's far more memorable than the three-hour drive on the parallel highway. The Central Heritage Connection handles the route in daylight; The Vietage, by contrast, is a slow, upscale ride with dining service aimed at people who want the train to be the holiday, not just the transfer. The steam service, once launched, would add a heritage angle that suits the region's imperial-history credentials.
If you're building a central Vietnam itinerary, the logic is straightforward: fly into Đà Nẵng, use the trains to string together Huế's citadel and tombs, the beaches of Đà Nẵng and Hội An nearby, then continue south towards Quy Nhơn or Nha Trang on The Vietage if the budget allows. It turns a series of city hops into one continuous scenic route — and you can say you rode one of the world's best rail journeys before the steam trains make it even harder to get a seat.
Details on the steam service's launch date and fares have not yet been announced, but given the test runs are complete, it's one to watch for the coming seasons.
Original reporting: Vietnam News Life
