Hanoi heritage train brings tourists a new travel experience
The train is expected to popularize local culture and history, as well as attract more tourists to Hanoi by a unique way of traveling.
THE HANOI TIMES — The two-story heritage train named “The Hanoi Train” offers visitors a new way to explore the Vietnamese capital’s landmarks and travel east to Tu Son in the northern province of Bac Ninh.
"Through a 40-minute trip, I enjoyed traditional music and dance performances such as quan ho (love duet folk singing), ca tru (ceremonial singing), and cheo (traditional opera). I was also served Hanoi’s culinary delights such as young sticky rice, jasmine-scented lotus tea and seasonal snacks," Pham Thi Thuy, a resident from Hung Yen Province, told The Hanoi Times.
Pham Thi Thuy, a resident from the northern province of Hung Yen, experiences Hanoi heritage train. Photo courtesy of Thuy
Thuy also experienced traditional crafts, such as making Dong Ho paintings, a folk painting genre famous for its colors from natural materials; and Phu The conjugal cakes, a symbol of eternal love and family happiness.
“No need to travel far or plan extensively, just one refreshing train ride is enough to see how beautiful the capital truly is. I think thanks to drawing inspiration from the ancient Thang Long Citadel, the train demonstrates Hanoi's dedication to bring the railway back to urban life in a close and lively way, largely promoting tourism,” said Thuy.
Dicky Lai, an overseas Vietnamese and Sales Director of Hanoi-based 3T Technology, checks in on The Hanoi Train. Photo courtesy of Lai
Operating on September 6, the train has offered a scenic journey to view Hanoi’s landscapes and daily life through its windows, bringing tourists a novel travel experience.
The train consists of five luxurious double-decker seating carriages, which are named after Hanoi’s iconic gates: O Quan Chuong, O Cau Den, O Dong Mac, O Cau Giay, and O Cho Dua - each evoking thousand-year nostalgic memories of old Hanoi; and two carriages reserved for check-in.
The Hanoi Train is designed as a mobile work of art, evoking layers of Hanoi memories in a contemporary space, according to Dicky Lai, an overseas Vietnamese and Sales Director of Hanoi-based 3T Technology and Service Joint Stock Company.
Missy Hien, Dicky Lai's wife, learns to play an instrument for the ca tru performance on the train. Photo courtesy of Lai
“The image of Long Bien Bridge is stylized through the door frames and seat backs; the Red River appears on the ceiling and floor of the train; familiar elements such as bulletin boards, tiles, and ancient French shutters are all cleverly included,” Dicky Lai shared with The Hanoi Times.
As the latest product of the Hanoi's tourism sector in collaboration with the Vietnam Railway Corporation (VNR), the train was first introduced with trial runs on August 19 to mark the country’s August Revolution and the National Day.
The first tourists wearing outfits patterned national flag experience The Hanoi Train on August 19. Photos: The Vietnam Railway Corporation
Tran Trung Hieu, Deputy Director of Hanoi Department of Tourism, said that this is the first time a tourist train has been created to showcase Hanoi’s culture along the railway, combining nostalgia with modern comfort and offering a new travel experience.
“The Hanoi Train is the city's creative and unique tourism product. It is a new symbol in the journey to discover the thousand-year-old capital and the cultural center of Vietnam,” Hieu told The Hanoi Times.
He underscored that the Hanoi - Bac Ninh route has special significance, helping connect the two cities and evoke a cultural trip to find the nation's roots.
Inside the carriages, a vibrant cultural space showcases the soul of Hanoi with traditional arts.
Departing daily from Hanoi Station, the train takes passengers through Long Bien, Gia Lam and Yen Vien to Tu Son Station in Bac Ninh Province before returning to Hanoi. Tourists can check in 30 minutes prior to the departure times at 8 AM and 1:30 PM. In the opposite direction, trains will depart from Tu Son at 10:30 AM and 4:20 PM.
Arriving at Tu Son Station, tourists can visit Do Temple, one of the most important historical and cultural relics of Vietnam. It worships eight Kings of the Ly Dynasty, associated with the golden age in the nation's history.
A boarding pass to The Hanoi Train.
Moreover, tourists can learn about the origins of the dynasty that left a profound mark on culture and politics of Dai Viet (ancient Vietnam). Many other local cultural activities in the city possessing seven heritages recognized by UNESCO are available to entertain them before returning to Hanoi.
Visitors can book their tickets through hotline 19002695. The ticket sale system will be expanded at the official counters of VNR at the Hanoi Station, website www.hanoitrain.vn, as well as through the network of domestic and foreign travel agents. Ticket prices range from VND550,000-VND750,000 (US$20.8-$28.4). Children and group bookings will have promotions and discounts.
Traditional singing is performed during the 40-minute train ride.
Hanoi’s culinary delights are given to passengers on The Hanoi Train.
