Hop Aboard the 'La Reine' in Vietnam

Vietnam's New Queen Tourist Train

Vietnam Railways Corporation has marked a significant milestone by launching the “La Reine” (Queen) tourist train at Da Lat Station in the Central Highlands province of Lam Dong. The inauguration on December 24 coincided with the 10th Da Lat Flower Festival, enhancing the celebration with a new travel experience on the Da Lat–Trai Mat route.

A Tribute to Historical Elegance

Inspired by the grandeur of Queen Nam Phuong’s Palace—the last queen of Vietnam’s Nguyen Dynasty—the “La Reine” tourist train is an architectural masterpiece. Its design blends the sophistication of Indochinese and French styles, reflecting the historical and cultural richness of Da Lat. The train offers technical upgrades for enhanced comfort, providing passengers with a seamless fusion of luxury and tradition.

Each has 12 seats, and VIP compartments cater to families seeking private travel spaces. These bespoke features ensure that passengers experience the utmost comfort while enjoying the scenic beauty of the Central Highlands. The train’s luxurious design and attention to detail set it apart as a premium travel option in Vietnam.

Meeting Growing Tourism Demand

The “La Reine” train’s launch comes in response to increasing demand for high-quality transport services on the Da Lat – Trai Mat route. In 2024, the route saw significant growth, with 3,050 trips conducted, marking a 69% increase from the previous year. The train carried 276,567 passengers, a remarkable 75% rise compared to 2023.

Dao Anh Tuan, General Director of Vietnam Railways Corporation, emphasized the company’s commitment to providing exceptional travel experiences.

“The high-quality Da Lat – Trai Mat tourist train represents our efforts to meet the growing expectations of travellers,” he stated.

Celebrating the Da Lat Flower Festival

The launch of the “La Reine” train is perfectly timed with the 10th Da Lat Flower Festival, a month-long celebration from December 5 to December 31. This year’s festival includes 45 programs featuring 10 main events, including a New Year’s music show, an international seminar on green tourism and cultural industries, and the famous flower parade with floats and fashion displays.

A unique “wine-tea-coffee street” has also been set up, offering visitors a chance to indulge in the region’s finest beverages while soaking in the festive atmosphere. Nguyen Thai Hoc, acting secretary of the Lam Dong Provincial Party Committee, praised the “La Reine” train as a symbol of innovation and hospitality during the festive season, enriching visitors' cultural and tourism experience.

Enhancing Central Highlands Tourism

The “La Reine” train is expected to boost tourism in the Central Highlands by offering an elevated travel option that complements the region’s natural and cultural attractions. The Da Lat – Trai Mat route, known for its landscapes and cool climate, is a popular destination for domestic and international tourists.

The train’s integration with the Flower Festival activities highlights Vietnam’s strategic approach to linking tourism with cultural events. This synergy attracts visitors and encourages sustainable tourism practices by promoting local heritage and environmentally friendly travel options.

The Future of Luxury Rail Travel in Vietnam

The launch of the “La Reine” tourist train marks a new chapter in Vietnam’s rail tourism. By combining modern amenities with historical elegance, Vietnam Railways is setting a benchmark for luxury travel in the region. Plans to expand similar services to other scenic routes across the country are already being considered to replicate the success of the Da Lat – Trai Mat line.

This initiative supports Vietnam's larger objectives of diversifying its tourism options and improving visitors' experiences. With the increasing demand for unique, high-quality travel choices, Vietnam Railways is in a strong position to spearhead the transformation of rail tourism in Southeast Asia.