Hanoi to launch double-decker night train for heritage tour

THE HANOI TIMES — Hanoi is set to introduce a unique double-decker night train named The Hanoi Train or Five Gates Train, offering travelers a captivating journey through the city's cultural heritage. 

The train, scheduled to debut on August 19, features 10 double-decker carriages designed with 5 themed compartments inspired by Hanoi’s historic gates: Quan Chuong, Cau Den, Dong Mac, Cau Giay, and Cho Dua. 

Each carriage combines vintage decoration with contemporary amenities, adorned with wooden interiors, soft lighting, and decorative motifs reflecting Hanoi’s timeless charm. Large windows will allow passengers to enjoy panoramic views of the cityscape.

Operating 3 daily trips from Hanoi Railway Station, the train will travel through Long Bien, Gia Lam, and Co Loa stations before returning. Departure times are set at 8:00 AM, 2:00 PM, and 8:30 PM, catering to both daytime explorers and those seeking a magical night tour.

The evening ride, in particular, offers a unique view of Hanoi’s illuminated streets, complemented by onboard entertainment such as traditional folk performances like xam, cheo, and chau van, alongside culinary delights including pho cuon (fresh spring rolls), banh com (young sticky rice), and lotus tea. A bar and glass-roofed observation areas enhance the experience, allowing passengers to soak in the city’s ambiance.

The route connects key cultural landmarks, including Hanoi Station, a French colonial relic built in 1902, and Long Bien Station, adjacent to the iconic 120-year-old Long Bien Bridge. Besides, Gia Lam Station and the nearby Gia Lam Train Factory, slated to become a railway museum, highlight Hanoi’s industrial heritage, while Co Loa Station links to Co Loa Ancient Citadel, tying the journey to Vietnam’s early history.

At each stop, passengers can engage in cultural activities, from art performances to local craft displays, such as Van Phuc silk and Dong Ho folk paintings, promoting Hanoi’s OCOP (One Commune, One Product) goods and traditional villages.

This initiative, a collaboration between Hanoi’s Tourism Department and the  Vietnam Railways Corporation, aims to transform railway travel into a cultural narrative. Tran Trung Hieu, Deputy Director of the Hanoi Tourism Department, emphasized the potential to reimagine stations and trains as storytelling spaces, blending exhibitions, performances, and local experiences. "It isn’t just transport, but a moving museum," he said.

The Hanoi Train is part of a broader push to enhance Hanoi’s night tourism, with 20 new products planned by year-end. Hanoi’s railway authorities are also exploring the transformation of stations like Long Bien, Gia Lam, and Co Loa into cultural and exhibition hubs, enriching the city’s tourism landscape.

With bookings for Vietnam’s National Day holiday surging, The Hanoi Train is poised to become a highlight for both domestic and international visitors, blending history, art, and the vibrant spirit of Hanoi after dark.