THE LEGENDARY RAILWAY: ONE OF THE WORLD’S MOST SCENIC TRAIN ROUTES

The scenic imperative: 4 hours you won't be able to look away from

The greatest advantage of the Huế – Đà Nẵng train ride is its ideal duration. Lasting only about three to four hours, the journey is short enough to prevent fatigue yet long enough to deliver a complete and varied experience. The scenic drama begins immediately as the train leaves Huế, crossing rice paddies before heading straight into the mountainous region.

The climax is the Hải Vân Pass itself. This section of track is engineered like a giant serpent winding along the mountainside, with spectacular, sweeping curves. You will witness an almost instantaneous change in landscape: one side presents steep, lush green cliffs, and the other drops dramatically down to the deep blue ocean. The train’s whistle echoing through the dark tunnels adds to the sense of adventure and exploration.

The panoramic reward: Lăng Cô Bay and the essential seating strategy

This train route offers one of Việt Nam’s greatest visual rewards: the panoramic view over Lăng Cô Bay. As the train moves slowly through this area, you will see a perfect crescent-shaped beach, jade-green waters, and small fishing villages nestled at the foot of the pass.

For photography enthusiasts, this is the Golden Moment. The critical expert tip is: When traveling from Huế toward Đà Nẵng, choose a seat on the right-hand side (East-facing) to secure the best, unobstructed views of the ocean, Hải Vân Pass, and Lăng Cô Bay. Conversely, if traveling from Đà Nẵng toward Huế, choose the left side. Selecting the correct seat is the absolute key to capturing these iconic landscapes.

We also advise choosing a train running in the early morning or mid-afternoon. Midday light is often too harsh, washing out the deep blues of the sea, while the softer light of early morning or late afternoon will honor the romantic beauty of Lăng Cô Bay.

Optimizing the short journey: From heritage to modernity

This train segment acts as an ideal cultural and tourism bridge. You can dedicate your morning to visiting the Huế Imperial Citadel, enjoy a bowl of Bún Bò Huế, and then board the train around midday. Arriving in Đà Nẵng in the afternoon, you can smoothly transfer to Hội An Ancient Town or begin exploring Đà Nẵng’s modern highlights like the Dragon Bridge.

This route transforms the simple travel between two cities into a highlight of your trip, allowing you to experience the dramatic essence of Việt Nam’s landscape without committing to the full 40-hour journey of The Reunification Express. It is truly the condensed experience of the best Việt Nam has to offer.

Conclusion: The train ride for photographers and the soul

The railway journey over Hải Vân Pass is a short yet incredibly powerful voyage, offering a perfect, dramatic contrast between mountain wilderness and deep ocean. It proves that the most rewarding travel experiences can sometimes be condensed into just a few hours. Board the train, choose the correct seat, and prepare yourself for one of the most spectacular railway segments you will ever encounter.

To ensure you secure tickets in the correct carriage and on the correct side for optimal viewing on the Huế – Đà Nẵng route, contact Vietnam Charm. We will manage the logistics of your tickets and your ground transport at the destination, allowing you to focus entirely on savoring the magnificent scenery.