Vietnam's legendary steam trains are back on the rails. After more than six decades, two restored French-era Mikado steam locomotives have completed successful test runs on the historic Hai Van Pass route connecting Hue and Da Nang — marking the return of one of Southeast Asia's most iconic railway experiences.Picture source: tuoitre.vn
A Piece of Living History Returns
On the evening of October 4, the Thua Thien Hue Railway Operations Branch (Vietnam Railways – VNR) confirmed that technical test runs of two steam locomotives had been completed on the Hai Van Pass section between Hue and Da Nang.The locomotives — original French-built Mikado engines that operated in the 1960s — are the last steam locomotives in Vietnam still capable of running. Each has been painstakingly restored by technical experts to meet modern safety standards while preserving its historical integrity.
Detail
Information
Locomotive type
Mikado (French-built)
Era
Operated from the 1960s
Status
Restored, test runs completed
Route
Hue – Da Nang via Hai Van Pass
Significance
Last operational steam locomotives in Vietnam
Picture source: tuoitre.vnWhat Makes This Journey Special?
1. One of the World's Most Scenic Railway Routes
The Hue – Da Nang railway has long been ranked among the most beautiful train journeys in the world. Passengers travel through:
The majestic Hai Van Pass — known as "the finest mountain pass under heaven"
Lang Co Bay — one of the world's most beautiful bays
Tunnel No. 12 — a century-old railway tunnel carved through the mountains
Lush forests, rice paddies, and coastal villages
2. A Nostalgic Steam Experience
Unlike modern trains, the steam locomotive offers a fully immersive heritage experience:
The haunting whistle echoing through mountain valleys
White steam billowing from the smokestack
The rhythmic chug of iron wheels on century-old tracks
3. Planned Scenic Stop at Hai Van Pass
Authorities are studying a dedicated stop at Hai Van Pass to allow passengers to:
Step off and admire panoramic views
Take photos with the vintage locomotive
Experience the historic pass up close
Picture source: tuoitre.vn
Ticket Prices: Coming Soon
Important Notice: The steam train is currently in the technical testing phase. Vietnam Railways (VNR) has not yet announced commercial ticket prices or an official launch date.
Ticket Type
Passenger
Price (VND)
Adult
12+ years
Updating
Child
6–11 years
Updating
Infant
Under 6
Updating
Round-trip
Same-day return
Updating
Group
10+ passengers
Updating
Hue Smile Travel will update official ticket prices as soon as VNR releases information. Please leave your contact details to receive the earliest notification.
Looking Ahead: Hue's Heritage Railway Vision
In mid-September, the Hue City People's Committee met with VNR leadership to discuss developing steam train tourism on the Hue – Da Nang route. Both sides agreed to:
Continue researching and developing new railway tourism products
Leverage the region's landscapes, heritage, and travel experiences
Expand into wellness, medical, and resort tourism
Strengthen connections between Hue's tourism services
The "Central Heritage Connection" Train
The groundwork was laid by the "Central Heritage Connection" tourist train — a joint initiative by VNR and the Hue – Da Nang governments — which began operating on March 26, 2024. The service runs two daily train pairs (HD1/2 and HD3/4) between the two cities.
Book Your Heritage Train Journey with Hue Smile Travel
Hue Smile Travel is your trusted local partner for heritage railway experiences in Central Vietnam:
✅ Heritage train tickets – Hue ↔ Da Nang
✅ Perfume River dinner cruises – with Hue folk music and floating lanterns
✅ Electric boat tickets – for exploring riverside heritage sites
✅ Group bookings – for families, companies, and tour groups
👉Book your Hue – Da Nang Heritage Train Ticket with Hue Smile Travel and be the first to know when tickets go on sale!The Hue – Da Nang steam train isn't just a ticket — it's a journey back in time. With its restored 1960s locomotives, breathtaking scenery, and rich historical significance, this will undoubtedly become one of Central Vietnam's most sought-after travel experiences.Although tickets are not yet on sale, the momentum is building. Contact Hue Smile Travel today to secure your spot on the waiting list and be among the first to ride Vietnam's legendary steam train.
The Hue – Da Nang steam train isn't just a ticket — it's a journey back in time. With its restored 1960s locomotives, breathtaking scenery, and rich historical significance, this will undoubtedly become one of Central Vietnam's most sought-after travel experiences.Although tickets are not yet on sale, the momentum is building. Contact Hue Smile Travel today to secure your spot on the waiting list and be among the first to ride Vietnam's legendary steam train.
The Hue – Da Nang steam train isn't just a ticket — it's a journey back in time. With its restored 1960s locomotives, breathtaking scenery, and rich historical significance, this will undoubtedly become one of Central Vietnam's most sought-after travel experiences.Although tickets are not yet on sale, the momentum is building. Contact Hue Smile Travel today to secure your spot on the waiting list and be among the first to ride Vietnam's legendary steam train.
