Tough Trains

Vietnam: The Reunification Express (1x3)

Air date: Sep 30, 2014

Starting his journey in the north of Vietnam, Zay Harding discovers that the railway has played a vital role in the recent history of the country. On his way to Hanoi, he meets Mr. Trinh, an ex-train driver who experienced the US bombing firsthand during the Vietnam War: major repairs were needed after each bombing and, nearly 40 years later, Vietnam's railways are still in need of serious upgrades. Jumping off the main north-south railway, or 'Reunification Express' train in Hue, Zay helps a construction team repair one of the tunnels en-route. After visiting the demilitarized zone (DMZ) and the national cemetery commemorating the people who gave their lives to reunify the country, Zay continues his journey south on this line all the way to Ho Chi Minh City, where he meets a General who was leading the final attack on the Presidential Palace, in what was then Saigon.