Revived 1960s Steam Trains in Vietnam: A Nostalgic Journey
All aboard for a trip down memory lane in Vietnam! Experience the charm of yesteryear as Vietnam introduces restored 1960s steam locomotives, attracting train enthusiasts and history lovers to this Southeast Asian gem.
Train enthusiasts and history buffs will soon have a new Southeast Asian destination to explore. Vietnam is getting ready to reveal two restored vintage steam locomotives from the 1960s.
These two Revolution Express locomotives are the only remaining steam trains in Vietnam. They have a rich history, dating back to the time when Vietnam was under French rule. The project is being overseen by hospitality brand Wafaifo Optimisers.
The trains have been undergoing restoration in recent years, with original parts being used and skilled steam engineers from the national railway system leading the effort.
According to a news release from Wafaifo Optimisers, the trains are almost ready to welcome tourists and visitors. The first trips are expected to start by late 2024 or early 2025. While tickets are not available for purchase yet and pricing details are still pending, booking information will be provided in the coming months.
The Revolution Express will travel along coastal mountains adjacent to the Hai Van Pass in central Vietnam.
The Revolution Express will travel along coastal mountains adjacent to the Hai Van Pass in central Vietnam.
Wafaifo & Revolution Express
According to Wafaifo, the trains will run between Da Nang, a popular beach destination, and Hue, a historical city known for its palaces and royal tombs.
Each train will consist of two retro-styled carriages for passenger seating, a kitchen car, and a baggage carriage. Inside, passengers can enjoy luxurious furnishings reminiscent of the trains' colonial French heritage, including mahogany tables and chairs, gold accents, and decorative tiling.
The large windows on all sides will offer stunning views of the passing landscape as the train travels along the Hai Van coastal mountain range. This famous route is known for its picturesque rolling green hills that overlook the vast sea. Passengers will also have the opportunity to admire the charming village of Lang Co, renowned for its fishing community and delicious seafood.
Luxury train experience in Vietnam.
Luxury train experience in Vietnam.
Courtesy Anantara
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The train's decor is inspired by Vietnam's rich history, with staff dressed in period costumes and a brass band in army regalia welcoming guests as they disembark.
Each train station along the route will have a restaurant with a unique theme. For example, in Hue, there will be an imperial-themed restaurant that reflects its royal history. In Lang Co, there will be a restaurant with an independence theme.
Michael Gebbie, the chairman of Indochina Rail Tourist Service, expressed his pride in reviving these historic train stations. He mentioned that the restaurants will showcase different periods of Vietnamese history, from imperial times to colonial rule, and finally the fight for independence.
A rendering shows the interior of a dining car in the Revolution Express, furnished to reflect the train's French colonial history.
A rendering shows the interior of a dining car in the Revolution Express, furnished to reflect the train's French colonial history.
Wafaifo & Revolution Express
Vietnam declared independence from France on September 2, 1945, but France and the United States did not acknowledge this. Instead, the US helped France by providing military equipment to combat the Vietnamese rebels.
In 1954, Vietnam signed the Geneva Accords, dividing the country into the Communist-led north and US-supported south, sparking the start of the Vietnam War, a brutal conflict that lasted almost twenty years.
The war came to a close in 1975 when Saigon (now known as Ho Chi Minh City) fell, resulting in over 1.3 million military fatalities from all participating nations and a total of 1 million civilian deaths.
Today, there are many tourist attractions in Vietnam that honor the country's history. These include war memorials and ancient citadels like Hue, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. These sites help preserve Vietnam's rich history, including the legacy of the emperors from the past.
Editor's P/S:
The impending unveiling of two restored vintage steam locomotives in Vietnam is an exciting development that will undoubtedly captivate train enthusiasts and history buffs alike. These Revolution Express locomotives, dating back to the French colonial era, hold immense historical significance and promise to offer a unique and immersive travel experience. The painstaking restoration process, led by skilled steam engineers, ensures that these locomotives retain their original charm while meeting modern safety standards.
The announcement of the first trips in late 2024 or early 2025 has generated much anticipation. The trains' journey along the scenic coastal mountains adjacent to the Hai Van Pass will provide breathtaking views, while the luxurious furnishings and period-themed stations will transport passengers back in time. The Revolution Express promises to offer not only a nostalgic rail adventure but also a glimpse into Vietnam's rich history and heritage, making it an unforgettable destination for travelers seeking a unique and memorable experience.
