You are in Da Nang. You want to go to Hue to see the Citadel and eat Bun Bo. You open Google Maps, and it tells you to take a bus through the Hai Van Tunnel. It is fast. It takes 2 hours. It is efficient.
Do not do it.
Taking the bus through the tunnel is boring. You stare at a concrete wall for 15 minutes, and you miss one of the most spectacular coastlines on the planet.
There is a better way. It is called The heritage train.
Officially known as the “Heritage Connection” (Ket Noi Di San Mien Trung), this isn’t just public transport; it is a time machine. For about $7 USD, you get a front-row seat to jungle cliffs, hidden beaches, and the misty Hai Van Pass. But it is not all romance. The trains can be slow, the stations can be confusing, and if you sit on the wrong side, you will stare at a rock wall for 3 hours.
Whether you are a solo backpacker looking for the perfect Instagram shot or a family wanting a safe adventure, here is the unfiltered guide to mastering The heritage train experience without the headaches.
The Brutal Truth About The Heritage Train Speed
Let’s manage your expectations right now. The heritage train is not a Shinkansen bullet train. It is old-school Vietnamese rail. It clatters, it shakes, and it takes its sweet time.
The distance between Da Nang and Hue is only about 100km, but the train takes roughly 3 hours. Why? Because it has to crawl up the winding Hai Van Pass. It moves at a leisurely pace of 40-50km/h, sometimes slowing down to a crawl on the sharp curves.
If you are in a rush to get to a meeting, take a taxi through the tunnel. But if you want to understand why Top Gear called this coast “a deserted ribbon of perfection,” you take the train. The slowness is the feature, not the bug. It gives you time to actually look at Lang Co Bay. It forces you to slow down and appreciate the raw beauty of Central Vietnam.
Choosing the Best Seat on The Heritage Train to Avoid Disappointment
This is the most critical part of this guide. If you screw this up, you waste your money and your time. The views on The heritage train are not symmetrical. One side faces the ocean; the other side faces the mountain (cliff).
- From Da Nang to Hue: You must sit on the RIGHT side of the train (facing the direction of travel). If you sit on the left, you will spend 3 hours looking at trees, rocks, and the occasional goat. You will miss the ocean entirely.
- From Hue to Da Nang: You must sit on the LEFT side of the train.
Soft Seat vs. Hard Seat
- Soft Seats: Air-conditioned, comfortable, reclining. Best for families, couples, and anyone who values their spine.
- Hard Seats: Wooden benches. Cheap. No AC (usually windows open). Best for hardcore photographers who want to stick their lens out the window without glass reflection. However, be warned: it gets hot and loud.
The Heritage Train Schedule and Which One to Pick
There are many trains running daily (SE trains), but you want the specific “Heritage” trains designated as HD1, HD2, HD3, and HD4. These are special. They are geared towards tourists. They have cleaner carriages, decorated interiors, and sometimes live cultural performances on board.
The Best Morning Option
Take the HD1 departing Hue early morning or the HD2 departing Da Nang around 7:50 AM. This gets you to the destination before lunch, giving you a full afternoon to explore. The morning light on the pass is soft and magical for photos.
The Sunset Option
Take the HD4 returning to Da Nang in the afternoon. Watching the sun dip below the mountains while you glide over Lang Co Bay is a core memory you won’t forget.
Pro Tip: Schedules change seasonally. Do not rely on old blog posts. Check the live availability and book ahead, especially on weekends.
Why The Heritage Train is Perfect for Families and Groups
If you are a solo traveler, you might consider renting a motorbike to ride over the pass. It is thrilling, but it is dangerous. Trucks, blind corners, and sudden rain make it risky.
If you are traveling with kids or elderly parents, The heritage train is the superior choice.
- Safety: It is the safest way to cross the pass. No motion sickness from winding roads (the train moves smoothly on rails).
- Freedom: You can walk around. There are toilets. You can eat.
- The Vibe: The HD trains often feature Hue folk music performances and local food tastings. It keeps the kids entertained.
The Perfect 1 Day Itinerary Using The Heritage Train
You don’t need to stay overnight to enjoy this. You can do an epic day trip. Here are two ways to do it, depending on your travel style.
Option A The DIY Explorer (For Solo/Couples)
This is for those who want total freedom and adventure.
- 07:50 AM: Board The heritage train (HD2) at Da Nang Station. Grab a window seat on the right.
- 10:30 AM: Arrive at Hue Station. Rent a motorbike right near the station or book a Grab.
- 11:00 AM: Visit the Imperial Citadel (Dai Noi). Walk through the history of the Nguyen Dynasty.
- 01:00 PM: Lunch time. Eat Bun Bo Hue at a local spot (try Bun Bo Me Keo).
- 03:00 PM: Visit Thien Mu Pagoda or Khai Dinh Tomb.
- 05:30 PM: Hop back on the train or take a bus back.
Option B The Comfort Seeker (For Families/Relaxed Travelers)
This is the “Best of Both Worlds” combo. You get the train view, but you skip the hassle of finding transport in Hue .
- Morning: Take The heritage train to Hue just for the experience of the view.
- Arrival: Have a private car or tour guide waiting for you at Hue Station.
- Daytime: Let the guide take you to the Citadel, the Tombs, and a nice garden house lunch in a comfortable AC van. No sweating, no map reading.
- Evening: The car drives you back to Da Nang through the tunnel (fast route) so you can sleep on the way back.
What to Eat on The Heritage Train
Forget boring airline food. The heritage train is a rolling food cart. As soon as the train leaves the station, staff will push carts selling snacks. You can find:
- Banh Mi (of course).
- Boiled corn and eggs.
- Vietnamese coffee (Ca Phe Sua Da).
- Local specialties like Banh Bot Loc (Tapioca dumplings).
Is it gourmet? No. Is it expensive? A little bit more than street price, but still cheap. But eating a hot corn on the cob while dangling your feet over a jungle cliff (figuratively) adds to the charm. Recommendation: Bring your own water and maybe a Banh Mi from Da Nang just in case they sell out.
Essential Packing List for The Heritage Train Ride
You are stuck on a train for 3 hours. Be prepared.
- Data Connection: The train has Wifi, but it never works. The signal cuts out in the tunnels and mountains. If you want to upload stories or check maps, get a local 5G SIM.
- Power Bank: Old trains might not have power outlets at every seat.
- Toilet Paper: The onboard toilets are… functional. But bringing your own tissues is a “street smart” move.
- Jacket: The AC in the Soft Seat carriages can be freezing cold.
Is The Heritage Train Better Than a Motorbike
This is the eternal debate.
- The Motorbike: Total freedom. You can stop anywhere for coffee. You feel the wind. But it is tiring, hot, and dangerous.
- The Heritage Train: Relaxing. Better for photos (higher vantage point). Safer. But you can’t stop.
My Verdict: If you are an experienced rider, ride the bike one way and ship it back on the train (yes, you can put your bike on the train!). If you are a beginner, a family, or just want to chill, take The heritage train. The view from the train track is actually higher and more uninterrupted than the road.
Final Verdict Is It Worth the Hype
The heritage train is not just a way to get from A to B. It is one of the most scenic rail routes in Southeast Asia. For the price of a few dollars, it offers a window into the raw beauty of Central Vietnam that you cannot see from a bus or a plane.
It connects two of Vietnam’s greatest cities—dynamic Da Nang and imperial Hue. Whether you are doing it for the TikTok video or for the slow travel vibe, it delivers.
Just remember: Book in advance, sit on the ocean side, and don’t expect it to be on time. This is Vietnam; enjoy the slow lane.
