Tourists experience the train excursion “Cultural Journey to the Land of Martial Arts.” (Photo: Thanh Thang/VOV)

Binh Dinh has a rich culture. In addition to Cham temple architecture and historical relics of the Sa Huynh culture, which dates back thousands of years BC, the province boasts many intangible cultural heritages, including martial arts, Tuong (classical opera), Bai Choi singing (singing while playing cards), folk games, festivals, crafts, and cuisine, adding up to a great tourism potential.

The “Cultural Journey to the Land of Martial Arts” train, which runs from Quy Nhon station in Quy Nhon city to Dieu Tri station in Tuy Phuoc district, is a mobile museum of local culture.

Guides tell the passengers about local history, traditions, and culture, turning dry book information into a lively and memorable experience. The train stops at historical sites along the route, such as Banh It tower and Luat Le bridge, two landmarks that symbolize the Champa culture and this area’s long history.

“Passengers receive informative commentary about culture and history throughout the journey, not just at the stops. This makes the train journey different from traveling by car or plane,” Nguyen Thi Kim Chung, Deputy Director of Binh Dinh province’s Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism, said.

Passengers visit Luat Le Bridge. (Photo: Thanh Thang/VOV)

Specialties made from local ingredients – nem cha (fermented pork rolls), tre (fermented pork), and ramie leaf rice cakes – and local One Commune One Product items are part of the culture train experience. Passengers also learn about brocade weaving, pottery, and other handicrafts of Binh Dinh. They are all impressed by the excursion.

“This is the first time I’ve visited Binh Dinh and experienced its culture. It’s very interesting. I really like this culture train model.”

“The food is delicious, and the atmosphere is exciting. I really enjoy this novel approach to experiencing culture.”

“My first impression is nice. I have never seen the train like this before. For me, it is fantastic. It is a great way to discover the nature, the culture, the people. I tried some rice cakes. It is very nice and tasty.”

Following a trial period, Binh Dinh province will assess the feasibility of expanding this train model to develop cultural tourism in an innovative and memorable way.