Journey Back In Time On Revolution Express Steam Trains In Vietnam

Something exciting is happening in Vietnam right now as the Revolution Express is heading back to the rails. Vintage steam trains that first ran in the 1960s are undergoing full renovation to bring them back in all their splendor, to take passengers on an exciting train journey. Read on to find out more about the steam trains and when you can expect to climb onboard.

The Revolution Express returns in Vietnam

In recent years, with climate change and travelers wishing to reduce their carbon footprint, train travel has come back in a big way. In this story, steam trains in Vietnam dating from the 1960s are being fully refurbished and heading back to the rails. Revolution Express is set to take its passengers on a journey through history and beautiful scenery in Vietnam.

Soon, train enthusiasts and history lovers visiting Vietnam will have a new exciting adventure as the country is set to unveil two vintage, 1960s steam locomotives set to take them on a journey. These two steam trains were the last working in Vietnam from when the country was still a French colony.

According to Wafaifo Optimisers, a hospitality brand managing the project, the trains have slowly and lovingly been restored to their original condition, using original parts by the last remaining steam engineers on the nation’s railway system.

According to the Revolution Express website, the steam trains are almost ready to take people on a historic ride, with the first outings expected to come in late 2024, or early 2025. So far, no tickets are on sale to travelers and there is little pricing detail, but the information should be out in the next couple of months.

Steam train route in central Vietnam

According to Wafaifo, the Revolution Express steam trains will travel between Da Nang – a beach resort city on the coast – and the former royal capital Hue, with its palaces and royal tombs. The trains will journey along coastal mountains adjacent to the Hai Van Pass.

Each steam train will feature two retro-styled carriages for passenger seating, a kitchen car and a baggage carriage. As can be seen from the artistic renderings of the interior, the luxurious furnishings will reflect the trains’ colonial French past. Each will boast mahogany tables and chairs with decorative tiling and gold accents.

Meanwhile, the large windows will offer passengers panoramic views of the passing landscape. On the journey, it will travel past the Hai Van coastal mountain range, known for its lush green hills standing over the sea. It will head to the village of Lang Co, renowned for its fishing community and fresh seafood.

Period costumes and a themed restaurant

Besides the original décor, the trains’ staff will dress in “period costume” while guests disembarking from the trains will be greeted by a brass band in army green railway uniform. Along the route, each station will offer an appropriately themed restaurant. In Hue, a restaurant will feature an imperial theme relating to its royal history, while Lang Co will offer an independence-themed eatery.

CNN quotes Michael Gebbie, chairman of the Indochina Rail Tourist Service, saying:

We are proud to bring these old dames of rail back to life and to showcase important periods in Vietnamese history from imperial through colonial rule and finally the struggle to independence.

The Revolution Express website describes the journey as follows:

Join us on a 2 hour journey of a life-time aboard our magnificently renovated war-era steam trains as we explore the stunning landscapes and history of central Vietnam.

Vietnam declared its independence from France on September 2, 1945, but neither France nor the United States recognized it. Following this, the US aided France with military equipment to fight the Vietnamese rebels. In 1954, Vietnam signed the Geneva Accords which split the country into two halves, the Communist-led North and the US-led South which led to the Vietnam War. The war ended in 1975 after almost two decades with the fall of Saigon (now Ho Chi Minh City).