Trains: An attractive option for travel in 2026

VHO - The tourism industry is witnessing a significant shift in how travelers choose their itineraries. No longer simply seeking a destination, more and more people are interested in the experiences throughout their trip. In this context, rail tourism is emerging as a noteworthy trend, predicted to continue its rapid growth in 2026.

In 2025, rail travel will be among the top 7 global trends.

According to Euronews' 2025 travel trends report (a pan-European news television network headquartered in Lyon, France), rail travel is among the seven prominent global trends, alongside other forms of travel such as film tourism, responsible tourism, and astronomical tourism. The return of trains is linked to the demand for slower living, enjoying scenery, and seeking deeper experiences instead of fast travel.

Beyond simply serving transportation needs, the space on board now integrates many amenities that provide an enjoyable experience: from admiring the scenery through the window and relaxing in the cabin to enjoying delicious food and entertainment services. The journey thus becomes an important part of the trip.

Globally, according to a report by ResearchAndMarkets, the rail travel market is projected to reach US$493.4 billion by 2034, with a compound annual growth rate of 7.4%. The Asia- Pacific region is leading with a market share of 72.4% by 2025, while Europe is accelerating the development of high-speed networks connecting capitals. Night trains, luxury sleeper trains, and tours that don't require air travel are becoming increasingly popular, demonstrating the strong appeal of this mode of transportation.

According to ResearchAndMarkets, 2026 will be a particularly accelerated year for the railway industry as governments and businesses invest heavily in the sector.

Rail tourism is gradually emerging as a promising product in Vietnam.

In Vietnam, rail tourism is gradually taking shape as a product with great potential. In 2024, Vietnam Railways Corporation launched many new products such as the SE21/22 train on the Saigon - Da Nang route, the "Central Vietnam Heritage Connection Journey", the "Da Lat Night Journey", the luxury Sjourney train, and the La Reine train on the Da Lat - Trai Mat route…

Notably, the Reunification Express train was ranked 3rd in the top 9 most worthwhile railway routes to experience in the world in 2025 (as suggested by CEO Björn Bender of Rail Europe, a leading European train service provider). The journey, spanning over 1,730km across the country, offers travelers the opportunity to explore diverse landscapes from mountains and plains to coastal areas, while also experiencing the local life and cuisine along the route.

Alongside this, many innovative products have emerged. "Connecting Heritage in Central Vietnam" was honored among the top 9 impressive tourism products of Hue in 2024. In Hanoi, "The Hanoi Train - Hanoi's 5 Gates" and the "Metro 2A Green Journey" tour open up a new approach, transforming trains and metros into spaces for cultural storytelling, connecting memories with modern life.

The interior of the high-quality cruise ship "Hoa Phuong Do" (Red Phoenix Flower).

Another notable milestone is the launch of the high-quality "Red Phoenix Flower" tourist train. For the first time in over a century, Vietnam's railway industry has introduced a premium tourist train with a design deeply rooted in Indochinese culture and reflecting the unique character of the port city. Equipped with modern amenities such as swivel seats, Wi-Fi, and LED screens, the train not only upgrades service quality but also creates a rich and engaging travel experience, making it an attractive option for journeys.

According to the leaders of the Vietnam National Tourism Administration, the railway industry is gradually undergoing a transformation, turning travel time limitations into experiential advantages. Trains are no longer just a means of transportation but have become a space for tourists to appreciate the depth of culture and history.

This direction is clearly demonstrated through the strategy of "every journey is an experience, every station is a destination." The railway industry is coordinating with localities and businesses to develop products linked to regional heritage and culture, while simultaneously upgrading services on trains and at stations.

Along with products, infrastructure is also receiving significant investment. The Hanoi-Quang Ninh high-speed railway project, approximately 120km long with a design speed of 350km/h, is expected to be completed in 2028 and will shorten travel time to 30-45 minutes. This line is expected to become a new connecting axis between the capital and major tourist centers, promoting regional connectivity and expanding development opportunities.

Furthermore, the plan to develop high-end cruise ships between Hanoi and Lao Cai based on cultural themes such as brocade, Dong Ho paintings, and mouth organs also shows a clear direction: incorporating unique cultural identities into each journey, transforming the trip into a complete cultural experience.

According to experts, for rail tourism to truly become an attractive segment, close coordination between the railway and tourism industries is needed in designing a synchronized product, from services to experiences. In that case, trains would not only be a means of connection but also a highlight of the journey.

 

Source: https://baovanhoa.vn/du-lich/tau-hoa-lua-chon-hap-dan-cho-cac-chuyen-di-nam-2026-213208.html