Vietnam’s National Assembly has approved plans to build a new high-speed railway network that will connect 20 cities across the country, covering over 957 miles of the country. With a budget of $67 billion, the high-speed train will be capable of reaching speeds of up to 217mph and is expected to reduce journey times by 25 hours. Construction is set to begin in 2027, with the train service projected to start operating by 2035, passing through 20 provinces and cities in Vietnam. There will be a total of 23 passenger stations and five freight stations along the route.
The approval of the high-speed railway project in Vietnam is seen as a response to the country’s growing transport needs, with Deputy Minister of Transport Nguyen Danh Huy stating that the project aims to address the increasing demand for efficient transportation. The project was previously rejected in 2010 due to its high cost of $56 billion, which was deemed excessive at the time, along with concerns about high fares for Vietnamese citizens. The upcoming construction is expected to face challenges such as relocating 120,000 residents and impacting forests and rice fields.
In addition to the high-speed railway project, another new luxury train service has been launched in Vietnam by hospitality giant Anantara. The Vietage by Anantara operates along the Vietnamese coast, offering a five-hour journey between Da Nang and Quy Nhon. The train features six private booths, each accommodating two passengers. Vietnam has also been named the 14th best value holiday destination in the world, with the best time to visit being between November and April.
The announcement of the new high-speed train in Vietnam brings excitement for travelers looking for efficient and convenient transportation options in the country. The development of the railway network is expected to enhance connectivity between various cities and provinces, offering a faster and more reliable mode of transportation for both domestic and international travelers. With the project set to commence in 2027 and trains operating by 2035, the high-speed railway is poised to become a significant infrastructure project in Vietnam.
Sun Travel’s journalists have shared their top train journeys from around the world, highlighting memorable experiences aboard picturesque trains in various destinations. From scenic routes in Switzerland and Japan to iconic journeys in Europe and Asia, train travel offers a unique and immersive way to explore different landscapes and cultures. With new train routes being announced across Europe, including affordable options for multi-country travel, train enthusiasts have a growing list of exciting journeys to look forward to in the near future.
