Nguyen Hai Ninh told the Daily after a new briefing in HCMC on Sunday that the finishing works and final preparations were being carried out ahead of the inaugural test-run between Ho Chi Minh City-Nha Trang, which will be during the next three weeks to make sure that everything goes off smoothly.

Ninh also said the most urgent works that were currently being attended to were the final installation of new equipment, as well as finishing touches to the external and internal paint so that the luxury travel train can start its first passenger service on schedule between Ho Chi Minh City and the central coastal tourism city in Khanh Hoa Province on December 16 2006.

The train will depart HCMC at 6:15 am before stopping at Thap Cham Station en route to Nha Trang for its 1:33 pm arrival. The return trip is scheduled to depart from Nha Trang at 2:55pm via Thap Cham to arrive in Ho Chi Minh City at 11:18 pm.

Return tickets cost VND900,000 for a 5-starClub seat, VND660,000 for a Deluxe seat, and VND440,000 for a Standard seat. Passengers can reserve tickets at www.5starexpress.com.vn.

The 5-Star Express has 10 carriages; 6 will be used for passengers while other coaches will be used for a restaurant and bar; a health care center; conferences and exhibitions; foot, hand and head massages; movie projection, and other such recreational activities to help entertain passengers during the trip.

Source: Vietnamnet Bridge – November 2006