Indochina Rail Tourist Service and Wafaifo Optimisers have partnered to launch the Revolution Express steam train, a remarkable new tourist attraction in central Vietnam. This enterprise, set to begin operations in late 2024 or early 2025, revives two classic 1960s steam locomotives that have been painstakingly repaired utilising original parts and the skills of Vietnam's last remaining steam engineers.
The Revolution Express will operate a daily round-trip between Danang and Hue, passing through the spectacular Hai Van coastal mountain range and stopping in Lang Co, a scenic location with a beautiful lagoon and beach landscape.
Passengers will enjoy the romance of antique rail travel in retro-styled cars, which include a custom-made kitchen carriage and a baggage carriage. Each carriage can carry up to 57 passengers, who will be served light food and drinks by workers dressed in historical costumes, adding to the nostalgic atmosphere. The tour will provide stunning vistas of one of Southeast Asia's most picturesque coasts and mountain passes.
Indochina Rail Chairman Michael Gebbie and Wafaifo Optimisers' Managing Director Pieter van der Hoeven, along with Commercial Director Mikkel Krantz, signed the Revolution Express partnership agreement on May 20 in Danang. This cooperation seeks to provide visitors with an authentic historical experience that focuses on Vietnam's journey from imperial rule to independence.
The train voyage offers themed eating experiences at three railway stations: Kim Lien (Danang), Lang Co, and Hue. Each stop will have its own food and entertainment schedule designed to coincide with the arrival of the Revolution Express.
The Station Restaurant in Hue, housed in a restored rail maintenance building, will represent the imperial grandeur of the city's dynastic past. Lang Co's restaurant will commemorate Vietnam's independence by serving a variety of local specialities such as homemade ice cream and freshly squeezed sugar cane juice. A prospective third restaurant in Danang is designed to reflect the colonial period.
In addition to catering to Revolution Express passengers, the stations and their amenities are intended to entice other travellers along the attractive coastline route between Danang, Lang Co, and Hue. A brass band dressed in military costume will meet guests at each stop, adding to the festive atmosphere.
The Revolution Express, Vietnam's only private rail operator, is poised to become a landmark in historical tourism, providing an unrivalled experience through history and environment. Wafaifo Optimisers will be in charge of marketing, booking, and catering for the train and stations. They also plan to establish an urban resort in Hoi An in the third quarter of this year, adding to the region's attraction.
More information on the Revolution Express timetable and booking will be published in the coming months. The proposed schedule for the Revolution Express is as follows:
- 0900: Depart Kim Lien Station, Danang
- 1015: Arrive at Lang Co Station
- 1130: Depart Lang Co for Hue Station
- 1300: Arrive at Hue Station
- 1400: Depart Hue Station
- 1530: Arrive at Lang Co Station
- 1630: Depart Lang Co Station
- 1745: Arrive at Kim Lien Station, Danang
This ambitious effort promises to provide a one-of-a-kind and memorable travel experience, combining historical richness and natural beauty and is expected to become a highlight of Vietnam's tourism portfolio.
You May Also Like
A Walk-Through Australia's Culture - Explore Beautiful Arcades and Lanes of Melbourne
