Vietnam Sparks A New Era of Tourism With 400 Chinese Travelers On Revolutionary Charter Train

Published on November 25, 2024

Image generated with Ai

Vietnam Railways Corporation (VNR) recently received 400 Chinese tourists arriving in Vietnam via the Lao Cai International Border Gate. This marked the inaugural charter train journey under a collaborative initiative between VNR and the Lao Cai Department of Tourism.

Vietnam Railways Corporation (VNR) recently hosted a group of 400 Chinese tourists entering Vietnam via the Lao Cai International Border Gate. This marked the first charter train journey launched under a collaborative effort between VNR and the Lao Cai Department of Tourism.

This event represents the largest group of Chinese travelers to visit Vietnam since the conclusion of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The group journeyed from Lao Cai to Hanoi Station and then embarked on a 13-day rail tour covering several renowned destinations, including Thua Thien-Hue Province, Da Nang, Nha Trang in Khanh Hoa Province, Phan Thiet in Binh Thuan Province, and Ho Chi Minh City, before returning to China.

The railway industry has plans to coordinate with travel agencies to operate 16 additional charter trains, expected to bring approximately 7,000 Chinese tourists to Vietnam.

A representative from the Railway Transport Joint Stock Company highlighted that China remains one of Vietnam’s most significant tourism markets, with nearly 3 million visitors annually, second only to South Korea. The railway sector is working closely with travel agencies to unlock this potential by providing diverse transportation options, particularly through specialized charter trains.

VNR is collaborating with Chinese rail operators to run charter trains on a 1,435mm gauge from China to Vietnam through the Dong Dang International Railway Station, connecting to destinations such as Ha Long Station. Alternatively, some trains terminate at Gia Lam Station, where passengers switch to Vietnamese trains running on a 1,000mm gauge to continue their journey.

Chinese visitors also have the option to enter Vietnam by road and then board direct trains on routes like Lao Cai – Hanoi – Hai Phong. From Hai Phong, they can travel to Ha Long by road and either return to China by train or extend their trip to explore provinces in southern Vietnam.

Currently, most Chinese tourists prefer chartered trains for their travel needs, allowing them to sightsee during the day and sleep onboard at night, optimizing time and reducing accommodation expenses. A representative noted plans to partner with travel agencies to enrich the onboard experience by featuring local delicacies, organizing group activities, and providing in-carriage entertainment, aiming to attract more passengers.