Ha Noi awakens potential of railway tourism

The train began service on September 6, operating on the Ha Noi–Tu Son (Bac Ninh) route and offering visitors a unique travel experience.

Each day, two round trips depart from Ha Noi Station, passing through Gia Lam and Yen Vien before reaching Tu Son Station in Bac Ninh. The morning journey leaves at 8 a.m. and returns at 11 a.m., while the afternoon train departs at 13.30 p.m. and arrives back in Ha Noi at 17 p.m.

Ticket prices for adults range between VND550,000 (US$21) and VND750,000 (US$28.5) per person, depending on the class of carriage. Onboard, travelers can enjoy cultural performances, light refreshments, and a two-way shuttle bus service connecting Tu Son Station with Do Temple.

In Bac Ninh, passengers have the chance to visit Do Temple, listen to traditional Quan Ho folk songs, try their hand at making Dong Ho paintings, and learn how to wrap Phu The cakes.

The "Ha Noi 5 Gates" train draws inspiration from the image of Thang Long's ancient citadel. Each carriage is named after one of the historic city gates: O Cau Den, O Quan Chuong, O Cau Giay, O Cho Dua, and O Dong Mac, symbols of Ha Noi's thousand-year heritage and the cultural richness of the Red River Delta.

The train features five double-decker seat cars and two check-in carriages designed for photography. Each boasts elegant interiors with distinct themes and can accommodate between 40 and 60 passengers.

The interior design of the train is crafted with sophistication: vaulted ceilings reminiscent of Long Bien Bridge, patterned cement tiles, louvered windows, and Dong Ho folk paintings, all evoking the nostalgic beauty of old Ha Noi, yet within a modern travel experience.

The highlight of the trip is a lively cultural experience, featuring mini musical shows that blend traditional and contemporary styles, along with signature Ha Noi dishes such as pho, bun, xoi com (green rice sticky rice), banh cuon (steamed rice rolls), cha ca (grilled fish with dill), and rustic countryside treats.

After only three weeks of operation, each trip of the train has achieved over 97 percent occupancy, a telling figure that demonstrates its strong appeal and sustainable growth potential.

The capital city is not only awakening the potential of railway tourism, but also reshaping the city's image, blending heritage, culture, and modernity in a uniquely dynamic way.

Ha Noi welcomed 26.07 million visitors during January-September, an increase of 23.8 percent compared to the same period in 2024, the municipal Department of Tourism reported.

Of the above figure, 5.54 million were international visitors, while domestic visitors totaled 20.53 million./.