Delegates attending the meeting

Attending the meeting were leaders of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism; relevant departments, agencies and local authorities; the Provincial Tourism Association; the Provincial Transport Association; and Thai Nguyen Tea Association.

Recently, the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism has coordinated with provincial agencies and units and Vietnam National Railway Group to hold meetings and working sessions to agree on arrangements for the "Heritage Train" program in connection with the International Tea Festival - Thai Nguyen 2026. The Department has also explored the long-term operation of the Hanoi - Thai Nguyen tourist rail service for the 2026-2030 period. It has conducted surveys and product assessments involving travel businesses, reporters, journalists, key opinion leaders (KOLs) and travel bloggers to promote the Hanoi - Thai Nguyen tourist rail service and provide a basis for refining the "Heritage Train" program.

Under the plan agreed upon by the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Vietnam National Railway Group, Railway Transport Joint Stock Company and the Provincial Tourism Association, the launch of six heritage train trips is scheduled for October 30, 2026. Each train will have at least 280 seats for delegates and visitors, as well as a community carriage for musical performances and displays of local OCOP products.

Comrade Vu Thi Thu Huong, Deputy Director of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, reports at the meeting

In addition, the Department is coordinating with other departments, agencies and local authorities to provide professional training and improve the commentary skills of tour guides and on-site interpreters; and to involve cooperatives in showcasing the province's tea products, OCOP items and agricultural produce on the trains and at Luu Xa Station... The Provincial Tourism Association has developed tour programs and helped visitors take train trips, explore tea-growing areas, visit the province's tourist attractions, and participate in activities of the International Tea Festival - Thai Nguyen 2026. Communications and promotional efforts for the heritage train program have also been stepped up...

Representative of Dung Tan Trade and Tourism Center speaking at the meeting

However, organizing the train trips and decorating the trains still present several challenges because Vietnam National Railway Group does not yet have trainsets specially designed for the Hanoi - Thai Nguyen route, while funding for the "Heritage Train" program remains limited.

Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee Duong Van Luong speaks at the meeting

Speaking at the meeting, Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee Duong Van Luong requested the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism to take the lead and coordinate with Vietnam National Railway Group to agree on an implementation plan for the remaining tasks to ensure the successful operation of six train trips during the Festival and the Hanoi - Thai Nguyen tourist rail service for the 2026-2030 period, in accordance with the Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation between Thai Nguyen Provincial People's Committee and Vietnam National Railway Group; to develop a specific investment roadmap and timetable to ensure the quality of the train services; and to reach agreement with relevant departments, agencies, units and businesses on trade promotion for rail tourism products. The Provincial Tourism Association is stepping up promotion and attracting visitors to experience these services, thereby helping to promote the province's image and tourism products and enhance Thai Nguyen's appeal as a destination.