There are some far-flung destinations where we have to question whether the journey is worth it, but there are very few in Asia that are not worth the trip.
Southeast Asia in general has long been a staple for backpackers and travelers on a budget to take in breathtaking wonders, beautiful beaches and fascinating cultural experiences without breaking the bank.
Of course, the airfare might stretch your budget, but once here, you may never want to leave.
One of those incredible Southeast Asian countries is Vietnam, which has become hugely popular over the years.
Travelers are taking to the skies for hours on end to reach this budget traveler’s paradise, and now there is a brand new way to experience 2 of Vietnam’s most stunning beach cities.
A new train is launching on March 26, connecting travelers from Hue and Da Nang.
The New ‘Central Heritage Connection’
When we think of dreamy vacations involving trains, Europe tends to come to mind.
Somehow, Asia can be overlooked as a destination worth exploring by trail.
And even as exciting as this announcement is for Vietnam tourists, they are not the only new train to add to your travel wishlist as Japan has launched a new bullet train route enticing tourists to explore lesser-known gems.
While Vietnam is apples and oranges compared to Japan’s futuristic bullet trains, Vietnam is better traversed low and slow like the delicious traditional pho you have to eat in your Vietnam travels.
The new train connecting the coastal cities of Hue and Da Nang will be named Central Heritage Connection and each city will open in accordance with Liberation Day on March 26 (Hue) and March 29 (Da Nang).
Twice per day, riders can board the train from either city – one in the morning and one in the afternoon. Ticket prices are expected to be VNĐ150,000, which is essentially $6 at today’s exchange rate.
There will also be a monthly rate for those staying long-term.
Named One Of The Most Beautiful Routes In The World
A road trip might be another overlooked epic way to experience Asia as Hai Van Pass was named by Travel and Leisure as one of the ‘Most Beautiful’ routes in the world.
This elevated mountainous passage between Hue and Da Nang is breathtaking but also considered a bit sketchy to drive through, making the new train ride all the more enticing.
Tourists can experience one of the most beautiful stretches of landscape on the planet without worrying about keeping their hands at ’10 and 2′.
Trains will have 7 carts for seating and be quite an experience as one of the carts will be dedicated to showcasing the region’s culture through live music, cuisine and a tour guide on board.
Free wi-fi is currently being equipped at the Hue station, so travelers can upload all the cool photos taken along the way…or to better use Google Translate. We’ve all been there!
There is no official word on the duration of the train ride, but it’s expected to be a big hit and boost tourism across both cities.
Why Visit Hue?
Hue was the capital at one point in time, but historic remnants of its past glory still shine through today making it one of the most cultural cities in Vietnam.
Along with an eye-popping cityscape brimming with centuries-old palaces and UNESCO-protected sites are the gorgeous beaches nearby.
Of course, tourists will surely have the chance to view the stunning coastline from elevated viewpoints on the train ride, but beach days are a must once touching the ground again.
Some of the more popular beaches are:
- Lang Co
- Canh Duong
- Ham Rong
- Vinh Thanh
- Thuan An
Why Visit Da Nang?
Vietnam is super affordable across the board, whether you visit Hue, Da Nang, or any other incredible destination.
But Da Nang is renowned for its beautiful beaches from those who have visited and has become increasingly popular for solo travelers.
The city is a sight to behold, with its unique architecture, such as the unmissable Dragon Bridge and Golden Bridge, and stunning blue waters in and around it.
Despite offering tranquil beaches, the city itself is full of life and may surprise visitors with its electric nightlife scene, which rivals other party-centric escapes.
Travelers can have the time of their life spending hours at the beach, perusing local shops and eateries and ending the night at a trendy bar or club without overspending.
According to TripAdvisor, some of the best beaches in Da Nang are:
- My Khe
- Non Nuoc
- Phuoc My
- Tien Sa
- Red Beach
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