A view of Ninh Bình Province's Tam Cốc Bính Động Complex. Photos courtesy of Ninh Bình Tourism Promotion Information Centre

NINH BÌNH — Tourists' travelling experiences in Ninh Bình are expected to be elevated as the province plans to start up a luxury train service in a couple of months.

The provincial People's Committee and the Việt Nam Railway Corporation Group launched a trial run for a six-star tourist train on the Hà Nội-Ninh Bình route on September 28.

The train brought its premium services to guests representing national tourism agency managers and travel enterprises from across the country. The participants provided feedback and assessed connectivity between Ninh Bình and the attractions along the train route. They also discussed plans to develop and operate rail-based tourism products linking Ninh Bình with key destinations.

Under the theme 'Connecting Heritage Regions', the launch of the new train is envisioned as a link between the two areas' history, culture and scenery. While Hà Nội embodies the characteristics of an urban landscape and the historic and cultural heritage of the capital, Ninh Bình stands out for its heritage sites, natural landscapes and indigenous culture.

Guests are introduced to the luxury train connecting Hà Nội and Ninh Binh on September 27.

Nguyễn Văn Minh, director of the Ninh Bình Tourism Promotion Information Centre, said the product is currently undergoing further research and refinement, with the aim of providing regular daily services for travellers in both directions.

By integrating transportation, services, culture, cuisine and an engaging onboard atmosphere, the 14-carriage train will create a seamless travel experience in which visitors’ journeys begin the moment they board.

From Ninh Bình Station, they can easily reach local tourist attractions for day trips, weekend tours or extended itineraries. Among the most recommended places are new tourist destination Thung Ui, the Hoa Lư Ancient Capital, the Tràng An Scenic Landscape Complex UNESCO World Heritage site and Bái Đính, the largest Buddhist temple complex in Southeast Asia.

In the first nine months of 2026, Ninh Bình is estimated to have welcomed over 21 million visitors, including 2.4 million international tourists.

Visitor numbers rose by approximately 25.5 per cent compared to the same period last year. These figures reaffirm the destination's appeal, and the six-star luxury train is expected to not only meet increasingly diverse traveller demands, but also attract more visitors to Ninh Bình. — VNS