Vietnam's classic steam train is returning to the tracks

According to CNN, Vietnam is about to launch two classic steam locomotives - symbols of the Vietnam Railway industry since the 1960s. Old memories on a steam train

Train enthusiasts and history buffs in Vietnam will soon have a new experience in the Southeast Asian country as the country prepares to launch two vintage steam locomotives - icons of the Vietnam Railways industry since the 1960s.

The Revolution Express will travel along the coastal mountains bordering the Hai Van Pass in central Vietnam. Photo: Wafaifo & Revolution Express

A steam locomotive is a locomotive that generates traction through a steam engine. These locomotives generate energy by burning materials such as coal/coke, wood, or oil - to create steam in a boiler. The Revolution Express steam train will bring visitors a completely new and different travel experience in the Central region, with the restoration of two steam locomotives manufactured in the 1960s. Indochina Railway Tourism Service Joint Stock Company said it has reached a cooperation agreement with Wafaifo Optimizers Company - the project management unit - to officially manage the Revolution Express steam train. According to a representative of Wafaifo Optimizers Company, the Revolution Express is the last steam train operating in Vietnam in the past, dating back to when the country was a French colony. Once the two Revolution Express steam locomotives are restored, the Hai Van Pass route between Da Nang and Hue will offer visitors a chance to experience the stunning scenery of Vietnam. The steam locomotive will be restored using original parts and possibly further fabrication by Vietnamese railway engineers who specialize in steam locomotives. "The trains are now almost ready to welcome tourists, with the first trips expected to take place in late 2024 or early 2025. Tickets are not yet on sale, but booking information is expected to be available in the coming months," a representative of Wafaifo Optimizers said in a press release. Wafaifo stressed that the trains will travel between the central city of Da Nang, a popular destination for coastal beach resorts, and the ancient capital of Hue, home to many historic palaces and royal tombs. Train interior highlights Each train will have two classically styled passenger cars, a kitchen car and a luggage car. The renderings show luxurious interiors reminiscent of the train’s historic past with mahogany tables and chairs, decorated with luxurious gold.

Rendering showing the interior of a dining car on the Revolution Express, giving it a historic feel. Photo: Wafaifo & Revolution Express

Large windows on all sides will also give visitors a panoramic view of the landscapes they have passed, namely the Hai Van coastal mountain range with its undulating green hills overlooking the vast ocean or Lang Co Bay with the experience of the life of the fishing community and seafood. In addition, the interior decoration of the train car is also reminiscent of Vietnam's history. According to the news, staff dressed in "ancient costumes" and a band will welcome guests about to disembark before the journey begins. Each station along the route will have a suitable themed restaurant, namely a restaurant in Hue with a royal theme, evoking memories of royal history or an independent restaurant in Lang Co. "We are proud to be able to restore the memories of a time with a steam railway carriage and introduce important stages in Vietnamese history from the imperial period to the colonial period and finally the struggle for independence," said Mr. Michael Gebbie, representative of Indochina Railway Tourism Service Joint Stock Company. According to Mr. Michael Gebbie, the tourist experience will include themed meals at three stations along the journey: Kim Lien ( Da Nang ), Lang Co and Hue (Thua Thien Hue province). At each station, there will be a separate menu and entertainment schedule to welcome passengers from Revolution Express. In the new design, the locomotives will mount and control two classic-style passenger cars, each with a capacity of up to 57 passengers, along with a uniquely designed kitchen car and a separate luggage car. When officially put into operation, Revolution Express is expected to depart daily between Da Nang and Hue, providing passengers with a new experience when admiring the majestic scenery through Hai Van Pass. Thus, after the two original steam trains are restored, visitors will have the opportunity to bring a new travel experience on the Hai Van Pass route connecting Da Nang - Hue./.

Hong Nhung

Source: https://toquoc.vn/chuyen-tau-lua-chay-bang-hoi-nuoc-co-dien-cua-viet-nam-sap-tro-lai-duong-ray-20240527164417328.htm